Abstract:
A pedestal system includes a cabinet having a bottom wall, a top wall, a pair of sidewalls, and a rear wall that cooperate to define a forwardly-opening aperture that slidably receives a plurality of drawer assemblies therein. The pedestal system further includes interchangeable face plates for covering the drawer assemblies, an attachment system for attaching a drawer lock/interlock assembly that locks the drawer assemblies in a closed position and prevents multiple drawer assemblies from being simultaneously opened, and a drawer divider for segmenting an interior space of each drawer assembly. The drawer lock/interlock system includes a cam assembly that allows a constant force to be applied to each drawer assembly while opening each drawer and activating the lock/interlock assembly. The pedestal system further includes an attachment system for attaching the pedestal system to a free-standing partition system.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/804,717, filed Mar. 19, 2004, entitled PEDESTAL SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a pedestal system, and in particular to a plurality of connector assemblies and accessories for a pedestal system. 
         [0003]    Storage devices such as filing cabinets for use within office settings are well known in the art. These storage devices typically include a cabinet defining an interior space and a plurality of drawers slidably mounted within the cabinet for conveniently storing office supplies and materials therein. Heretofore, these storage cabinets have typically required components and accessories that are uniquely designed for each particular storage cabinet, including uniquely designed coupling systems for coupling the storage cabinet to other office furniture, outer aesthetic cover plates for covering the exposed drawer ends associated therewith, as well as attachments for drawer lock/interlock assemblies. Moreover, these systems and assemblies of the known storage cabinets are typically complicated in design, thereby requiring specialized tools or skilled persons for assembly, and are typically expensive to manufacture. 
         [0004]    A storage system is needed that utilizes coupling systems, drawer cover assemblies, drawer lock/interlock assemblies, and the like, that are interchangeable within various storage cabinet configurations, may be assembled/disassembled without the use of specially designed tools and/or personnel, and are relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    One aspect of the present invention is to provide a drawer assembly that includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls opposed across the bottom wall from one another and extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and between the pair of sidewalls, and a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall between the pair of sidewalls and opposed across the bottom wall from the rear wall, wherein the front wall includes at least one laterally-extending flange located proximate an uppermost edge thereof. The drawer assembly also includes a face plate having at least one laterally-extending flange located substantially proximate an upper edge thereof, wherein at least a select one of a group consisting of at least one flange of the front wall and of the at least one flange of the face plate includes a pair of flanges defining a first gap therebetween, and wherein the remaining one of the group consisting of the at least one flange of the front wall and the at least one flange of the face plate includes an outwardly-extending first tab that is received into the gap, thereby coupling the face plate with the front wall. 
         [0006]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a drawer assembly that includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls opposed across the bottom wall from one another and extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and between the pair of sidewalls, and a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall between the pair of sidewalls and opposed across the bottom wall from the rear wall, wherein the front wall includes at least one laterally-extending flange located proximate an uppermost edge thereof, and at least one forwardly-extending tab located along a side edge of the front wall. The drawer assembly also includes a face plate having at least one laterally-extending flange located substantially proximate an uppermost edge thereof, and a rearwardly-exposed abutment surface, wherein the flange of the front and the flange of the face plate engage one another, and wherein the tab of front wall engages the abutment surface of the face plate, thereby coupling the face plate with the front wall. 
         [0007]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage cabinet that includes a housing member including a pair of sidewalls, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall cooperating to define an interior space and a forwardly-facing aperture providing access to the interior space, and at least one drawer assembly operably coupled to the housing member for rectilinear movement into and from the interior of the housing member. The at least one drawer assembly includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls opposed across the bottom wall of the at least one drawer assembly from one another and extending upwardly from the bottom wall of the at least one drawer assembly, a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall of the at least one drawer assembly and between the pair of sidewalls of the at least one drawer assembly, and a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall of the at least one drawer assembly between the pair of sidewalls of the at least one drawer assembly and opposed across the bottom wall of the at least one drawer assembly from the rear wall of the at least one drawer assembly, wherein the front wall includes at least one laterally-extending flange located proximate an uppermost edge thereof. The at least one drawer assembly further includes a face plate having at least one laterally-extending flange located substantially proximate an upper edge thereof. At least a select one of a group consisting of the at least one flange of the front wall of the least one drawer assembly and of the least one flange of the face plate includes a pair of flanges defining a first gap therebetween, and wherein the remaining one of the group consisting of the at least one flange of the front wall of the at least one drawer assembly and the at least one flange of the faceplate includes an outwardly-extending first tab that is received into the gap, thereby coupling the face plate with the front wall of the at least one door assembly. 
         [0008]    Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage cabinet that includes a housing member including a pair of sidewalls, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall that cooperate to define an interior space and a forwardly-facing aperture providing access to the interior space, and at least one drawer assembly operably coupled to the housing member for rectilinear movement into and from the interior of the housing member. The at least one drawer assembly includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls opposed across the bottom wall of the at least one drawer assembly from one another and extending upwardly from the bottom wall of the at least one drawer assembly and between the pair of sidewalls of the at least one drawer assembly, and a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall of the least one drawer assembly and between the pair of sidewalls of the least one drawer assembly, and opposed across the bottom wall of the at least one drawer assembly from the rear wall of the at least one drawer assembly, wherein the front wall includes at least one laterally-extending flange located proximate an uppermost edge thereof, and at least one forwardly-extending tab located along a side edge of the front wall. The at least one drawer assembly further includes a face plate having at least one laterally-extending flange located substantially proximate an upper edge thereof, and a rearwardly-exposed abutment surface. The flange of the front wall of the at least one drawer assembly and the flange of the faceplate engage one another, and the tab of the front wall of the at least one drawer assembly engages the abutment surface of the faceplate, thereby coupling the face plate with the front wall of the at least one drawer assembly. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a coupling system for coupling a furniture component to a free-standing partition assembly, wherein the partition assembly includes a connector member having a plurality of longitudinally-extending and aligned slots located in an outwardly exposed face thereof. The coupling assembly includes a first bracket adapted to couple to a furniture component and having a plurality of first engagement members spaced along a length thereof and adapted to engage a plurality of first slots of a connector member of a partition assembly, and a second bracket adapted to couple to a furniture component and having a plurality of second engagement members located along a length thereof and adapted to engage a plurality of second slots of a connector member longitudinally aligned with a plurality of first slots, and wherein the second bracket is longitudinally shiftable with respect to the first bracket prior to coupling the second bracket with a furniture component. 
         [0010]    Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture system that includes a free-standing partition assembly that includes a connector member having a plurality of longitudinally-extending and aligned slots located in an outwardly exposed face thereof, a furniture component, and a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a first bracket coupled to the furniture component and having a plurality of first engagement members spaced along the length thereof, wherein the first engagement members are engaged within a portion of a plurality of slots of the connector member, and a second bracket coupled to the furniture component and having a plurality of second engagement members spaced along the length thereof and engaged within a portion of the plurality of slots of the connector member, wherein the second bracket is longitudinally shiftable with respect to the first bracket prior to the second bracket being coupled with the furniture component. 
         [0011]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a connection plate for supporting a furniture component from a worksurface that includes a body portion adapted to couple to a furniture component, and at least one engagement member extending forwardly of the body portion and adapted to slidably engage a first bracket extending below and coupled to a worksurface. The connector plate further includes a forward portion extending forward of the body portion and adapted to couple with a second bracket extending below and coupled to the worksurface. 
         [0012]    Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture assembly that includes a worksurface, a first bracket affixed to an underside of the worksurface, and a second bracket affixed to an underside of the worksurface. The furniture assembly also includes a furniture component including a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from and opposed across the bottom wall from one another, a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and between the sidewalls, and a rim extending inwardly from and along upper edges of the sidewalls and the rear wall. The furniture system further includes a connection plate that includes a body portion coupled with the flange of the furniture component, at least one engagement member extending forward of the body portion and slidably engaging the first bracket, and a forward portion extending forward of the body portion and coupled with the second bracket, thereby supporting the furniture component from the worksurface. 
         [0013]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a divider for segmenting an interior space of a drawer assembly, the drawer assembly including a bottom wall having a plurality of apertures spaced along a length thereof, a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from and opposed across the bottom wall from one another, wherein each sidewall includes a plurality of notches spaced along the length thereof, and aligned with the apertures of the bottom wall. The divider including a substantially planar body portion having a top edge, a bottom edge and pair of side edges, a first tab member extending downwardly from the bottom edge of the body portion, wherein the first tab member is adapted to engage an aperture in a bottom wall of the drawer assembly, and a pair of second tab members extending outwardly from the side edges of the body portion, wherein the second tab members are adapted to engage notches in a pair of sidewalls of a drawer assembly, thereby positively locating the divider within a drawer assembly. 
         [0014]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a drawer assembly that includes a bottom wall having a plurality of apertures spaced along a length thereof, a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from and opposed across the bottom wall from one another, wherein each sidewall has a plurality of apertures spaced along the length thereof, a back wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and between the sidewalls, and a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and between the sidewalls. The drawer assembly further includes a drawer divider including a substantially planar body portion having a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges, a first tab member extending downwardly from the bottom edge of the body portion, wherein the first tab member engages one of the apertures in the bottom wall, and a pair of second apertures extending outwardly from the side edges of the body portion, wherein the second tab members engage notches in the sidewalls, thereby positively locating the divider along the length of the bottom and sidewalls. 
         [0015]    Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an attachment assembly for coupling a lock/interlock drawer assembly within an interior of a furniture component, wherein the furniture component includes a bottom wall, a top wall, a pair of sidewalls, and a rear wall that cooperate to define the interior space and a forwardly-facing opening adapted to receive at least one drawer assembly therein, such that the at least one drawer assembly is moveable between an open position, wherein the drawer assembly extends at least partially outwardly from the interior of the furniture component, and a closed position, wherein the drawer assembly is retracted into the interior of the furniture component. The attachment assembly comprises a guide member having a longitudinally-extending channel, a first end and a second end, and at least one drawer locking assembly slidably received within the channel of the guide member and adapted to engage the at least one drawer assembly disposed within a furniture component. Each drawer lock assembly is operable between a locked position, wherein at least one drawer assembly is prevented from being moved from a closed position, to an unlocked position, wherein at least one drawer assembly may be moved from a closed position to an open position. The attachment assembly further includes a top connector having a downwardly-exposed recess receiving the first end of the guide member therein, and at least one tab member adapted to engage an aperture within the furniture component, thereby coupling the first end of the guide member to a furniture component, and a bottom connector member having an upwardly-exposed recess receiving the second end of the guide member therein, and at least one tab member adapted to engage an aperture within the furniture component, thereby coupling the second end of the guide member to a furniture component. 
         [0016]    Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture system that includes a furniture component including a bottom wall, a top wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that cooperate to define an interior space and a forwardly-facing opening, and at least one drawer assembly mounted within the interior space of the furniture component such that the drawer assembly is moveable between an open position, wherein the drawer assembly extends at least partially outwardly from the interior of the furniture component, and a closed position, wherein the drawer assembly is retracted into the interior of the furniture component. The furniture system also includes a guide member having a longitudinally-extending channel, a first end and a second end, and at least one drawer locking assembly slidably received within the channel of the guide member and adapted to engage the at least one drawer assembly disposed within the furniture component. Each drawer lock assembly is operable between a locked position, wherein the at least one drawer assembly is prevented from being moved from the closed position to the open position, and an unlocked position, wherein the at least one drawer assembly is moveable from the closed position to the open position. The furniture system further includes a top connector member having a downwardly-exposed recess receiving the first end of the guide member therein, and at least one tab member engaging an aperture within one of the sidewalls, thereby coupling the first end of the guide member to the furniture component, and a bottom connector having an upwardly-exposed recess receiving the second end of the guide member therein, and at least one tab member engaging an aperture within the furniture component, thereby coupling a second end of the guide member to the furniture component. 
         [0017]    Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a furniture system that includes a furniture component including a bottom wall, a top wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that cooperate to define an interior space and a forwardly-facing opening, and at least one drawer assembly mounted within the interior space of the furniture component such that the drawer assembly is moveable between an open position wherein the drawer assembly extends at least partially outwardly from the interior of the furniture component, and a closed position, wherein the drawer assembly is retracted into the interior of the furniture component. The furniture system also includes a guide member having a longitudinally-extending channel, a first end and a second end, and at least one drawer locking assembly slidably received within the channel of the guide member and adapted to engage the at least one drawer assembly disposed within the furniture component. Each drawer lock assembly is operable between a locked position, wherein the at least one drawer assembly is prevented from being moved from the closed position to the open position, to an unlocked position, wherein the at least one drawer assembly is moveable from the closed position to the open position. The furniture system further includes a top connector member having a downwardly-exposed recess receiving the first end of the guide member therein, and at least one tab member engaging an aperture within one of the sidewalls, thereby coupling the first end of the guide member to the furniture component, and a bottom connector member having an upwardly-exposed recess receiving the second end of the guide member therein, and at least one tab member engaging an aperture within the furniture component, thereby coupling the second end of the guide member to the furniture component. 
         [0018]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a drawer lock/interlock assembly for a furniture component including an interior space and a forwardly-facing opening adapted to slidably receive at least two drawer assemblies therein, each drawer assembly being slidable between an open position, wherein the drawer assembly extends at least partially outwardly from the interior of the furniture component, and a closed position, wherein the drawer assembly is retracted into the interior of the furniture component, and further wherein each drawer assembly includes a pin member fixedly attached thereto. The drawer lock/interlock assembly includes a guide member having a longitudinally-extending channel, and a cam member slidably coupled to the guide member and having an arcuately-shaped cam surface adapted to abut a pin member of the drawer assembly when the drawer assembly is moved from a closed position to an open position, wherein the cam surface is shaped such that a force exerted on a drawer assembly to move a drawer assembly from a closed position to an open position remains constant. 
         [0019]    The present inventive pedestal system includes assemblies and subsystems that may be utilized within a wide variety of storage systems, are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and may be assembled/disassembled without the use of specialized tools and/or skilled personnel. Moreover, the pedestal system disclosed herein is efficient in assembly/disassembly as well as in use, is capable of a long-operating life, and is particularly well adapted for the proposed use. 
         [0020]    These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a furniture system embodying the present invention and including partition panels, pedestal systems and worksurfaces; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a pedestal system, wherein a drawer assembly of the pedestal system is exploded from within a housing, and wherein a drawer divider subdivides the drawer assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded rear perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector assembly; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3B  is an exploded front perspective view of the first embodiment of the connector assembly; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the connector assembly shown connecting a pedestal system to a partition panel; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a plurality of tabs of a first bracket and a second bracket of the first embodiment of the connector assembly shown in an unlocked position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective rear view of the plurality of tabs of the first and second brackets of the first embodiment of the connector assembly shown in a locked position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is an exploded rear perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector assembly; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the connector assembly shown connecting a pedestal system to a partition panel; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a pedestal system and a hanger bracket for supporting the pedestal system from a worksurface with a portion of the worksurface shown in dashed line to reveal lower beams associated therewith; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the hanger bracket; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the hanger bracket; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the pedestal system and the hanger bracket and a first step of assembly thereof; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the pedestal system and the hanger bracket and a second step of assembly thereof; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of the pedestal system and the hanger bracket and a third step of assembly thereof; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11D  is a side view of the pedestal system being assembled with the worksurface, wherein rear support arms of the hanger bracket is slidably received within a first support bracket; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11E  is a side view of the pedestal system being assembled with the worksurface, wherein a forward portion of the hanger bracket is coupled with a second support beam; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12  is an exploded rear perspective view of the drawer assembly; 
           [0039]      FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of a face plate assembled with a front wall of the drawer assembly; 
           [0040]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the drawer divider supported within the drawer assembly; 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  is a front cross-sectional view of the drawer divider located within the drawer assembly; 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  is a front view of a hanger member of the drawer divider; 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the hanger member; 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of a lock/interlock assembly supported within the housing; 
           [0045]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the lock/interlock assembly; 
           [0046]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a cam lifter of the lock/interlock assembly; 
           [0047]      FIG. 21  is a top view of the cam lifter; 
           [0048]      FIG. 22  is a side view of a stop member of the lock/interlock assembly; 
           [0049]      FIG. 23  is a top view of the stop member; 
           [0050]      FIG. 24  is an enlarged front perspective view of a top connector of the lock/interlock assembly mounted within the housing; 
           [0051]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the top connector mounted within the housing; 
           [0052]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged front perspective view of a bottom connector of the lock/interlock assembly mounted within the housing; 
           [0053]      FIG. 27  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the bottom connector mounted within the housing; 
           [0054]      FIG. 28  is a top cross-sectional view of the lock actuator mounted within the housing; 
           [0055]      FIG. 29  is a front cross-sectional view of the actuator mounted within the housing; 
           [0056]      FIG. 30  is an end cross-sectional view of the lock actuator mounted within the housing; and 
           [0057]      FIG. 31  is a top cross-sectional perspective view of the lock actuator connected to the lock/interlock assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0058]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0059]    The reference numeral  10  generally designates a furniture system ( FIG. 1 ) that includes a plurality of partition panels  12  and a plurality of worksurfaces  14  supported by a plurality of pedestal systems  16 . As illustrated, the pedestal systems  16  are configured so as to be coupled with the partition panels  12  and/or the associated worksurfaces  14 . 
         [0060]    Each pedestal system  16  ( FIG. 2 ) includes a housing  17  having a bottom wall  18 , a pair of sidewalls  20  extending upwardly from and opposed across the bottom wall  18  from one another, and a rear wall  22  extending upwardly from the bottom wall  18  and between the sidewalls  20 . The bottom wall  18 , sidewalls  20  and rear wall  22  cooperate with one another to define an interior space  24  and a forwardly-facing front opening  26  providing access to the interior space  24 . A lip  28  extends about an uppermost periphery of the sidewalls  20  and rear wall  22  and includes a pair of flanges  30  extending inwardly from each sidewall  20 , a flange  32  extending forwardly from the rear wall  22 , a rear structural member  34  extending between the sidewalls  20  proximate the flange  32  of the rear wall  22 , and a front structural member  36  extending between the sidewalls  20  and located forwardly of the rear structural member  34 . Each pedestal system  16  further includes a plurality of drawer assemblies  38  slidable supported within the housing  17  by drawer supports  40  located on opposite sides of each drawer assembly  38 . The drawer supports  40  allow each drawer assembly  38  to be moved from between a storage position A ( FIG. 1 ), wherein the drawer assembly  38  is retracted into the interior space  24  of the housing  17 , and an open position B, wherein the drawer assembly  38  is at least partially extended from within the interior space  24  of the housing  17 , thereby allowing access to an interior space thereof. Specifically, each drawer assembly  38  is slidably supported by a pair of drawer supports  40  each including a track member  41  affixed to an interior surface  21  of the associated sidewall  20 , at least one first slide member  42  slidably coupled with the track member  41 , and a second slide member  43  affixed to the associated drawer assembly  38  and slidably coupled with the first slide member  42 , in a manner as known in the art. The second slide member  43  is coupled with the first slide member  42  in a manner that allows separation therebetween, thereby allowing the associated drawer assembly  38  to be completely removed from within the interior space  24  of the housing  17 , as is further known in the art. 
         [0061]    The partition assembly  12  includes a plurality of partition panels  46  supported between a plurality of support posts  48 . Each support post  48  includes a cover member  50  covering a post member  52  ( FIG. 4 ) therein. Each post member  52  includes a forward surface  54  and a rearward surface  56  each including a plurality of longitudinally-extending and aligned slots  58 . Each cover member  50  includes longitudinally-extending channels  60  that align with and provide access to the slots  58  when the cover member  50  is assembled about the associated post member  52 . 
         [0062]    In a first embodiment, the housing  17  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) of each pedestal system  16  is coupled with a post member  52  of the partition assembly  12  by a coupling assembly  62 . The coupling assembly  62  includes an L-shaped first mounting bracket  64  having an elongated, planar body portion  66  and a coupling flange  68  extending orthogonally and rearwardly from the body portion  66 . The body portion  66  includes a plurality of apertures  67  extending therethrough. The coupling flange  68  includes a plurality of rearwardly-extending T-shaped tabs  70  extending along the length of the first mounting bracket  64 . The coupling assembly  62  further includes a second mounting bracket  72  having a planar body portion  74 , a coupling flange  76  extending rearwardly from and orthogonally to the body portion  74 , a top flange  78  located near an end of the body portion  74  and extending laterally across and orthogonally thereto, and a bottom flange  79  located near an end of the body portion  74  opposite the flange  78 , and extending across and orthogonal to the body portion  74 . The body portion  74  includes a plurality of apertures  80  extending therethrough. The coupling flange  76  includes a plurality of rearwardly-extending, T-shaped tabs  82  extending along the length thereof. 
         [0063]    In assembly, the first mounting bracket  64  is secured to a rear surface  23  of the rear wall  22  by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as machine screws  84  that are received within the apertures  67  of the first mounting bracket  64  and are self-tapped into the rear wall  22  of the housing  17 , such that the body portion  66  of the first mounting bracket  64  abuts the rear surface  23  of the rear wall  22  and is securely fastened thereto. The second mounting bracket  72  is then aligned with the first mounting bracket  64  such that the body portion  74  of the second mounting bracket  72  abuts the body portion  66  of the first mounting bracket  64  and the flange  78  of the second mounting bracket  72  is closely aligned with an end  86  of the first mounting bracket  64 . The second mounting bracket  72  is then used as a template for marking the location of the apertures  80  of the second mounting bracket  72  onto the body portion  66  of the first mounting bracket  64 . The second mounting bracket  72  is then removed and holes  87  are drilled through the body portion  66  of the first mounting bracket  64  and the rear wall  22  of the housing  17  at the locations as marked and corresponding to the apertures  80  of the second mounting bracket  72 . The second mounting bracket  72  ( FIG. 5A ) is then assembled with the post member  52  by inserting the tabs  82  of the second mounting bracket  72  into the slots  58  of the post member  52 . The first mounting bracket  64 , along with the associated housing  17 , is then positioned such that the tabs  70  of the first mounting bracket  64  engage the slots  58  of the post member  52 , and the rear wall  22  of the housing  17  is located proximate the associated partition panel  46 . The flange  78  of the second mounting bracket  72  is then grasped, either by hand or by use of a tool, and moved upwardly in a direction as indicated and represented by directional arrow  88  ( FIG. 5B ), such that the tabs  82  of the second mounting bracket  72  and the tab  70  of the first mounting bracket  64  engage the slots  58  of the post member  52 , thereby securely coupling the pedestal system  16  to the partition assembly  12 . A plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws  88  are then used to secure the second mounting bracket  72  in place by accessing the apertures  87  of the rear wall  82  and first mounting bracket  64  and the apertures  80  of the second mounting bracket  72  through the interior space  24  of the housing  17 . 
         [0064]    In a second embodiment, a coupling assembly  90  is utilized to couple the housing  17  of the associated pedestal system  16  to the partition assembly  12 . The coupling assembly  90  includes a first mounting bracket  92 , a second mounting bracket  94 , and a wedge  96 . The first mounting bracket  92  is L-shaped and includes a planar body portion  98  and a coupling flange  100  extending rearwardly from and orthogonally to the body portion  98 . The body portion  98  includes a plurality of apertures  99  extending therethrough. The first mounting bracket  92  further includes a plurality of T-shaped tabs  102  spaced along the length of and extending rearwardly from the coupling flange  100 . The second mounting bracket  94  is L-shaped and includes a body portion  104  having a pair of laterally-extending slots  106 , and a coupling flange  108  extending rearwardly from and orthogonally to the body portion  104 . The coupling flange  108  includes a pair of rearwardly-facing, rectangularly-shaped, spaced-apart tabs  110 . The tabs  110  are each provided with a width that is only slightly less than the length of each slot  58  of the post member  52 . The wedge member  96  is U-shaped and includes a centrally disposed slot  112 . 
         [0065]    In assembly, the first mounting bracket  22  is affixed to the rear wall  22  of the housing  17  by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws  114  that are received within the apertures  99  of the first mounting bracket  92  and are self-tapped into the rear wall  22  of the housing  17 , such that the body portion  98  of the first mounting bracket  92  abuts and is securely fastened to the rear surface  23  of the rear wall  22 . A pair of screws  116  are extended through the slots  106  and secured into a weld nut  118  such that the second mounting bracket  94  is still allowed to float along a length of the screws  116 . The second mounting bracket  94  is then assembled with the associated post member  52  by inserting the tabs  110  of the second mounting bracket  94  into the slots  58  of the post member  52 , and is held in place until the first mounting bracket  92  and the housing  17  are moved into position. The first mounting bracket  92  and the housing  17  are moved into position such that the tabs  102  of the first mounting bracket  92  are received within the slots  58  of the post member  52  and the second mounting bracket  94  is trapped between the first mounting bracket  92  and the post member  52 . In order to properly position the first mounting bracket  92  and the housing  17  with respect to the post member  52 , the housing  17  and the first mounting bracket  92  must be elevated with respect to the post member, moved rearwardly until the tabs  102  of the first mounting bracket  92  are received within the slots  58  of the post member  52 , and lowered with respect to the post member  52 , such that the tabs  102  of the first mounting bracket  92  engage the slots  58  of the post member  52 . It should be noted that the second mounting bracket  94  is allowed to float along a length of the screws  116  at this point during the assembly. The second mounting bracket  94  is then secured into position by inserting the wedge member  96  between the body portion  98  of the first mounting bracket  92  and the body portion  104  of the second mounting bracket  94 , and such that the weld nut  118  is received into the slot  112  of the wedge member  96 , thereby preventing the second mounting bracket  94  from sliding along a length of the screws  116  and forcing the tabs  110  of the second mounting bracket  94  to remain engaged into the slots  58  of the post member  52 , thereby preventing dislodgement of the tabs  102  of the first mounting bracket  92  from within the slots  58  of the post member  52 . 
         [0066]    In a third embodiment, the pedestal system  16  ( FIG. 8 ) may be hangingly supported from an associated worksurface  14 . The worksurface  14  includes a top surface  120 , a bottom surface  122 , ends  124 , a front edge  126 , and a rear edge  128 . The worksurface  14  ( FIG. 1 ) may be supported at either end  124  by an end wall  130  extending between the floor and the associated end  124  to which the end wall  130  is secured, a pedestal system  16 , or may be secured to the partition assembly  12  along the rear edge  128  of the worksurface  14  in a manner as is known in the art. In the illustrated example, a first support bracket  132  is affixed to the bottom surface  122  of the worksurface  14  and extends longitudinally therealong proximate the rear edge  128 . The first support bracket  132  ( FIG. 11D ) includes a plurality of slots  134  extending along the length thereof. A second support bracket  140  extends longitudinally along and is affixed to the bottom surface  122  of the worksurface  14 . The second support bracket  140  includes a plurality of apertures  142  spaced along the length thereof. 
         [0067]    A connection plate  144  is positioned between the worksurface  14  and the pedestal system  16  and supports the pedestal system  16  from the worksurface  14 . The connection plate  144  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) includes a planar body portion  146  having a pair of support arms  148  extending laterally outwardly and rearwardly therefrom. Each support arm  148  includes an aperture  150  extending therethrough. The connection plate  144  also includes a planar engagement member  152  extending upwardly and rearwardly from the body portion  146 , thereby forming a gap  154  between the engagement member  152  and the support arms  148  of the body portion  146 . The engagement member  152  extends laterally across the body portion  146  and includes a pair of rearwardly-extending tab members  156  each including an upwardly-turned tip  158 . The connection plate  144  further includes a planar forward portion  160  extending forwardly from the body portion  146  and that includes a pair of laterally outwardly extending tabs  162 , and a plurality of apertures  164  extending therethrough. The forward portion  160  is upwardly offset from the body portion  146 . The support arms  148  of the body portion  146  and the tabs  162  of the forward portion  160  are configured so as to provide an offset or relief  166  therebetween. 
         [0068]    In assembly, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-11E , the connection plate  144  is placed in a substantially vertical position with respect to the pedestal assembly  16  and is lowered and rotated in position such that the flanges  30  of each sidewall  20  are received within the reliefs  166  of the connection plate  144  ( FIG. 11A ). The connection plate  144  is then vertically and horizontally rotated such that the flanges  30  of the sidewalls  20  are positioned between the support arms  148  and the tabs  162  of the connection plate  144  ( FIG. 11B ). The connection plate  144  is then slid rearwardly until the rear structural member  34  is located within the gap  154  of the connection plate  144  and between the support arms  148  and the engagement member  152  ( FIG. 11C ). It should be noted that the support arms  148  and the engagement member  152  are configured such that a gap  154  remains between the engagement member  152  and the rear structural member  34  of the pedestal system  16 . The connection plate  144  is then secured to the pedestal system  16  by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws  168  that extend through apertures  35  of the rear structural member  34  and into the apertures  150  of the connection plate  144 . The pedestal system  16  and the connection plate  144  are positioned beneath the worksurface  114  such that the support flange  138  of the first support bracket  132  is received into the gap  154  between the engagement member  152  and the support arms  148  of the connection plate  144  ( FIG. 11D ). The pedestal system  16  is then rotated upwardly until the forward portion  160  of the connection plate  144  is proximate the second support bracket  140 , and mechanical fasteners such as screws  170  are inserted into the apertures  164  of the connection plate  144  and are received within the apertures  142  of the second mounting bracket  140 , thereby securely fastening the connection plate  144  to the bottom surface  122  of the worksurface  14  and supporting the pedestal system  16  from the worksurface  14  ( FIG. 11E ). Alternatively, a third mounting bracket  171  ( FIGS. 11D and 11E ) is secured to the bottom  122  of the worksurface  14  proximate the front edge  126 . A plurality of screws  173  are then used to secure the pedestal system  16  to the worksurface  14  by extending the screw  173  through the front structural member  36  and into the third mounting bracket  171 . 
         [0069]    Each drawer assembly  38  ( FIG. 12 ) includes a bottom wall  172  integrally formed with a pair of sidewalls  174  that extend orthogonally upwardly from and are opposed across the bottom wall  172  from one another, a rear wall  176  that extends orthogonally upwardly from the bottom wall  172  and between the sidewalls  174 , a front wall  178  that extends orthogonally upwardly from the bottom wall  172  and between the sidewalls  174 , and a face plate  180  that is operably coupled with the front wall  178 . The bottom wall  172  includes a plurality of centrally-located, laterally-extending and longitudinally-aligned slots  182  extending therethrough. Each sidewall  174  includes an integrally formed and longitudinally-extending rail  184  located along an upper edge thereof. Each rail  184  includes a plurality of apertures  186  spaced along the length thereof. A drawer actuator pin  189  is fixedly connected to and extends outwardly from one of the sidewalls  174 . The rear wall  176  includes a rail  188  extending along the length thereof and located proximate an uppermost edge thereof. The rear wall  176  further includes a bottom flange  190  and a pair of side flanges  192  that are affixed to the bottom wall  172  and the sidewalls  174  by spot welding, thereby affixing the rear wall  176  with the bottom wall  172  and sidewalls  174 , respectively. 
         [0070]    The front wall  178  is rectangularly-box shaped and includes a rear surface  194 , and a pair of side surfaces  196 , a top surface  198  and a bottom surface  200  each extending forwardly from and orthogonally to the rear surface  194 . The front wall  178  is formed of a single piece of shaped sheet metal, however, other materials suitable for such application may be substituted therefore. The side surfaces  196  and the bottom surface  200  of the front wall  178  are secured to the sidewalls  174  and the bottom wall  172  of the drawer assembly  38 , respectively, by way of spot welding, and the like. The front wall  178  further includes a pair of upwardly-disposed hook members  202  extending forwardly from and integrally formed with the side surfaces  196 . In the illustrated example, the hook members  202  are located proximate the bottom surface  200  of the front wall  178 . The front wall  178  further includes a plurality of laterally and upwardly-extending tabs  204  integrally formed with the top surface  198 . The tabs  204  are laterally spaced across the front wall  178  so as to define gaps  206  therebetween. Each gap  206  is partially defined by a recess  208  extending rearwardly from the tabs  204  and into the top surface  198 . The tabs  204  cooperate to form a flange  210  extending laterally across an upper edge of the front wall  178 . The top surface  198  of the front wall  178  further includes a laterally-extending slot  212  for receiving the actuator arm  214  of a lock mechanism therethrough, as discussed below. 
         [0071]    The face plate  180  includes an aesthetic front surface  218 , a stepped top surface  220 , stepped side surfaces  222  and a bottom surface  224 . The front surface  218  is provided with an aesthetic cover of paint, fabric, or other finish as desired by the end user. The top surface  220  includes a first section  226  extending rearwardly from and orthogonally to the front surface  218 , a step section  228  extending downwardly from and orthogonal to the first section  226 , and a second section  230  extending rearwardly from and orthogonally to the step section  228 . A laterally-extending flange  232  is integrally formed with the second section  230  and extends downwardly from and orthogonally to the second section  230 . The flange  232  includes a pair of downwardly-extending and spaced-apart tabs  234  each having tapered sidewalls  236 . The tabs  234  are located so as to align with the gaps  206  and the recesses  208  of the front wall  178 , as described below. Each side surfaces  222  includes a first section  238  extending rearwardly from and orthogonally to the front surface  218 , a step section  240  extending inwardly from and orthogonally to the first section  238 , a second section  242  extending rearwardly from and orthogonally to the first step section  240 , and a second step section  244  extending inwardly from and orthogonally to the second section  242 . An L-shaped tab member  246  is integrally formed with and extends inwardly from an orthogonal to the second step section  244 . The tab member  246  includes a first portion  248  that is substantially planar with the second step section  244  and that includes an abutment wall  250  along the lower edge thereof, and a second portion  252  extending orthogonally to and rearwardly from the first portion  248  and having a plurality of apertures  254  spaced therealong. A flange  256  extends longitudinally along, upwardly from and orthogonally to the bottom surface  224 . 
         [0072]    In assembly, the face plate  180  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) is aligned with the sidewalls  174  of the drawer assembly  38 , such that the second portion  252  of each tab member  246  is located inwardly of the side surfaces  196  of the front wall  178 , and further such that the abutment wall  250  of each tab member  246  is located upwardly from the hook members  202 . The face plate  180  is then moved inwardly toward the front wall  178  until the tabs  234  are vertically aligned with the gaps  206  and the recesses  208  of the front wall  178 . The face place  180  is then lowered with respect to the front wall  178  until the tabs  234  are received within the gaps  206  and the recesses  208  of the front wall  178 , the tabs  204  of the front wall  178  are located in front of the flange  232  of the face plate  180 , and the abutment walls  250  are received within the hook members  202 , thereby coupling the face plate  180  with the front wall  178 . A plurality of screws  253  are then placed through apertures  187  of the sidewalls  174  and are threadably received into apertures  254  of the face plate  180 , thereby securely fastening the face plate  180  to the front wall  178 . 
         [0073]    A drawer divider  260  ( FIGS. 2 and 14 ) is provided to subdivide the interior space  44  of each drawer assembly  38 . The drawer divider  260  includes a planar body portion  262  having a top edge  264 , a bottom edge  266  and side edges  268 . The bottom edge  266  includes a centrally-located and downwardly-extending tab  270 . A notch  274  extends inwardly from each side edge  268 , thereby defining a tab  276  on each side of the body portion  262 . Each tab  276  includes an aperture  272  extending therethrough. The drawer divider  260  further includes a pair of hook-shaped engagement or hanger members  278  ( FIGS. 15-17 ) each having a sleeve  280  defining a pocket  282  therein and a hook-shaped portion  284  extending outwardly from the sleeve  280 . A pair of inwardly-extending tabs  283  are located within the pocket  282  of the sleeve  280  and engage the apertures  277  of the tabs  276 . The hook-shaped portion  284  includes a flexibly resilient and outwardly-extending arm portion  286  having a knob  288  located at an end thereof. Each hanger member  278  includes a semi-circularly shaped tab  290  extending outwardly towards the arm portion  286 . 
         [0074]    In assembly, the drawer divider  260  is placed within the interior space  44  of the drawer assembly  38  such that the tab  270  is received within one of the slots  182  of the bottom wall  172 , and further such that the tabs  290  are received within corresponding apertures  186  of the sidewalls  174 , thereby positively locating the drawer divider  260  within the drawer assembly  38  and subdividing the interior space  44 . The simultaneous engagement of the bottom tab  270  and the side tabs  290  with the drawer assembly  38  prevents any tipping or rotation of the divider  260  with respect to the drawer assembly  38 . When assembled, the arm portions  286  of the hanger members  278  bias the knobs  288  into engagement with the rails  184  of the sidewalls  174  and the tabs  290  into engagement within the apertures  186  of the sidewalls  174 . 
         [0075]    The pedestal system  16  further includes a lock/interlock system  292  ( FIGS. 18 and 19 ) for locking the drawer assemblies  38  in a closed position, as well as for interlocking the actuation of the drawer assemblies  38  to one another. The lock/interlock system  292  includes a lock/interlock assembly  294  secured to the interior surface  21  of at least one of the sidewalls  20 . The lock/interlock  294  includes a guide member  296  having a longitudinally-extending C-shaped channel  298  having a finite operable length, a plurality of cam assemblies  300  slidably coupled with the channel  298 , a plurality of stop members  302  slidably coupled with the channel  298  and interspaced with the cam assemblies  300 , and a plurality of lift bars  304  slidably received within the channel  298  and interspaced with the cam assemblies  300  and the stop members  302 . 
         [0076]    Each cam assembly  300  ( FIGS. 20 and 21 ) includes a slide member  306 , and a cam member  308  pivotally coupled to the slide member  306  at a pivot point  310 . The slide member  306  includes a main body portion  312  having an arcuately-shaped leading edge  314 , and a T-shaped slide portion  316  that is slidably received within the channel  298 . The cam member  308  includes a first cam surface  317  and a second cam surface  318  divided by a pin receiving, arcuately-shaped pocket  320 , and wherein the distance between the second cam surface  318  and the pivot point  310  is greater than the distance between the first cam surface  317  and the pivot point  310 . It should be noted that the radius of the curve formed by the leading edge  314  remains constant with respect to the pivot point  310 . 
         [0077]    Each stop member  302  ( FIGS. 22 and 23 ) includes a first abutment surface  322  having a recess  323 , a second abutment surface  324  angled with respect to the first abutment surface  322 , and a bottom surface  326 . Each stop member  302  further includes a rearwardly-extending T-shaped slide portion  328  slidably received within the channel  298 . 
         [0078]    In operation, the first cam surface  317  of each cam assembly  300  abuts the second abutment surface  324  of the associated stop member  302  when the corresponding drawer assembly is in the closed position. A coil spring  330  is located within the channel  298  at an uppermost portion thereof, and functions to resiliently force the cam assemblies  300 , stop members  302  and lift bars  304  downwardly within the guide member  296 . When a drawer assembly  38  is slidably moved from the closed position to an open position, the pin member  189  associated with that drawer assembly  38  is received within the pocket  320  of the cam member  308  and abuts the leading edge  314  of the slide member  306 , thereby pivoting the cam member  308  in a direction as indicated by directional arrow  332 , such that the second cam surface  318  is rotated into engagement within the recess  323  of the first cam surface  16  of the associated stop member  302 , and the cam assembly  300  is moved upwardly within the channel  298  as the pin  189  guides along the leading edge  314  of the slide member  306 . The slide portion  316  of the slide member  306  abuts the lift bar or rod  304  located directly above, which in turn acts on any stop member  302  and cam assembly  300  located above that point. The cam assemblies  300 , stop members  302  and lift bars  304  located above the lift point are allowed to move upwardly closing the gap  334  as defined between a first stop member  336  slidably received within the channel  298 , and a second stop member  338  fixedly received within an end of the channel  298 . Subsequent opening of additional drawer assemblies  38  is prevented as the gap  334  is completely closed by the opening of the first drawer assembly  338  and the resulting movement of the associated lock/interlock assembly  294 , thereby prohibiting the movement of any additional cam assemblies  300 . 
         [0079]    An attachment assembly for mounting the lock/interlock system  292  within the interior space  24  of the housing  17  includes a top connector member  340  ( FIGS. 24 and 25 ) having a body portion  342 , a pair of rearwardly-disposed channels  344  for receiving the guide member  296  therein, a pair of downwardly-extending legs  346  that guide along the edge of the guide member  296 , a rearwardly-extending L-shaped first tab  348 , and a rearwardly-extending second tab  350  spaced apart from the first tab  348 . The top connector member  340  further includes a forwardly-extending guide arm  349  having an upwardly-extending prong  351  located at a distal end thereof. The attachment assembly further includes a rectangularly-shaped bottom connector member  352  ( FIGS. 26 and 27 ) having a pair of channels  354  extending therethrough for receiving the guide member  296  therein. The bottom connector member  352  also includes a pair of downwardly-opening, rearwardly-extending and laterally-spaced hooks  356 . 
         [0080]    In assembly, a hat-shaped upright  357  is attached to the interior surface  21  of one of the sidewalls  20  by way of welding, an adhesive or the like. The upright  357  includes a first laterally-extending, rectangularly-shaped aperture  360  located near an upper end thereof, and a pair of laterally spaced-apart square-shaped apertures  362  located near a lower end thereof. The bottom connector member  352  is coupled with the upright  357  by inserting the hooks  356  into the apertures  362 . The lower end of the guide member  296  of the lock/interlock system  292  is then placed within the channels  354  of the bottom connector member  352 . The top connector member  340  is then aligned with the top of the guide member  296  of the lock/interlock system  292 , and the guide member  296  is slightly rotated such that the first tab  348  of the top connector member  340  can be inserted into the aperture  360  of the upright  358 . Subsequent to the first tab  348  being slid into position within the aperture  360  of the upright  357 , the guide member  296  is rotated and pressed inwardly toward the upright  357 , such that the second tab  350  is closely received within the aperture  360 , thereby preventing disengagement of the first tab  348  from within the aperture  360  and securely coupling the lock/interlock system  292  within the interior space  24  of the housing  17 . 
         [0081]    The lock mechanism  216  ( FIG. 12 ) includes a key-actuated tumbler assembly  364  mounted within the face plate  180  and in operable communication with the actuator arm  214 . The actuator arm  214  is received within a slot  366  of a locking arm  368  that is slidably coupled within the front structural member  36  of the housing  17 . The locking arm  368  ( FIGS. 28-31 ) includes a body portion  370  having a forwardly-extending channel  376 , and an upwardly-extending, inverted V-shaped, flexibly resilient prong  378  having a free end  380 . In assembly, the locking arm  368  is slidably coupled with the C-shaped front structural member  36  by locating the channel  376  of the locking arm  368  about a first channel  382  of the front structural member  36  and pressing the locking arm  368  upwardly toward the front structural member  36 , thereby forcing the prong  378  past a second flange  384  of the front structural member  36 . 
         [0082]    The locking arm  368  further includes a rearwardly-extending, triangularly-shaped arm  386 , a spring receiver  388  extending outwardly from the arm  386 , and a coupling loop  390 . The spring receiver  388  receives a coil spring  392  thereabout that is biased between the arm  386  and the associated sidewall  20  of the housing  17 , thereby biasing the locking arm  368  toward an unlocked position. The coupling loop  390  includes a retention member  394  and a stop member  396  that cooperate to form a broken loop. In assembly, the guide arm  349  of the top connector member  340  is slidably received within the coupling loop  390  such that the retention member  394  extends above the guide arm  349  and the stop member  396  is located below the guide arm  349 . 
         [0083]    In operation, the tumbler assembly  364  is key-actuated between a locked position, and an unlocked position. In a locked position the actuator arm  214  rotates in a clockwise direction about the tumbler assembly  364  and forces the locking arm  368  to slide overcoming the biasing force as exerted thereon by the coil spring  392  and such that the stop member  396  of the locking arm  368  is located within the gap  334  of the lock/interlock system  292 , thereby preventing any of the components of the lock/interlock assembly  294  from sliding within the guide member  296  and effectively locking each and every drawer assembly  38  in the closed position within the housing  17 . In an unlocked position the tumbler assembly is key-actuated in a clockwise direction, such that the biasing force of the coil spring  392  biases the locking arm  368  in a direction away from the lock/interlock system  292 , thereby removing the stop member  396  from within the gap  334  an allowing the drawer assemblies  38  to be moved to the open position. 
         [0084]    The present inventive pedestal system includes assemblies and subsystems that may be utilized within a wide variety of storage systems, are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and may be assembled/disassembled without the use of specialized tools and/or skilled personnel. Moreover, the pedestal system disclosed herein are efficient in assembly/disassembly as well as in use, is capable of a long-operating life, and is particularly well adapted for the proposed use. 
         [0085]    In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.