Abstract:
A modular desking system for an open plan office environment provides a variety of highly stable and variously configurable component parts which can be modularly combined with one another to provide a wide variety of desking styles and sizes. The user may decide among many options for linking various desking system assemblies with one another to create a larger desking assembly well suited to various open-plan office spaces.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/493,184, entitled OFFICE DESKING SYSTEM and filed on Jun. 3, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to office furniture and, in particular, relates to a desking system for use in an open plan office environment. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many known office furniture systems are based on partition systems for use in subdividing an open floor plan office space into substantially private individual spaces such as offices, meeting rooms, and reception areas, for example. 
         [0006]    Recently, many office furniture systems have been designed in accordance with more spatially open aesthetics, and are based on desking systems and modular tables, for example, to promote interaction and collaboration between office workers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present disclosure provides a modular desking system for an open plan office environment. The desking system provides a variety of highly stable and variously configurable component parts which can be modularly combined with one another to provide a wide variety of desking styles and sizes. The user may decide among many options for linking various desking system assemblies with one another to create a larger desking assembly well suited to various open-plan office spaces. 
         [0008]    One embodiment of the desking system includes a height-adjustable table which includes leg assemblies having vertical columns disposed at a 45° angle with respect to horizontal feet of the table leg assemblies for increased structural stability. In another embodiment, a return bracket is provided which facilitates the mounting of a desk return to a table while accommodating various depths of work surfaces for both the table and the return. In another embodiment, a table assembly includes a modular table leg that may be configured as a freestanding leg assembly or as a back-to-back pedestal arrangement, each optionally including a vertical stanchion to accommodate a privacy panel assembly and/or shelves or modular storage components disposed above work surface height. Interchangeable modular leg assemblies for the tables are also provided. A beam-based seating system is disclosed, which includes a tapered post mounting feature for task chair assemblies that facilitates mounting of task chair assemblies to a common beam while preserving task chair functions such as rotation, backrest recline, and seat depth adjustment. 
         [0009]    In one form thereof, the present disclosure provides a table leg assembly, comprising: a foot member extending along a horizontal foot longitudinal axis; and a vertical column member secured to the foot member, the vertical column member having at least two walls each oriented at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal foot longitudinal axis. 
         [0010]    In another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a table assembly, comprising: a first table leg assembly; a first beam mounted to the first table leg assembly, the first beam defining a first longitudinal beam extent; a first work surface mounted atop the first beam; a second table leg assembly; a second beam mounted to the second table leg assembly, the second beam defining a second longitudinal beam extent oriented substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal beam extent; a second work surface mounted atop the second beam; and a bracket connecting the first beam and the second beam, the second beam adjustably connected to the bracket between a first position and a second position, such that when the second beam is connected to the bracket in the first position, the second beam is located a first distance from the first beam, and when the second beam is connected to the bracket in the second position, the second beam is located a second distance from the first beam, the first distance different than the second distance. 
         [0011]    In yet another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a back-to-back table assembly comprising: a leg assembly comprising: a first leg extending between a first lower end and an opposed first upper end; a second leg extending between a second lower end and an opposed second upper end, the second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a span therebetween; a support extending transversely between the first upper end and the second upper end to affix the first leg to the second leg; and a suspended vertical stanchion extending upwardly from the support, the suspended vertical stanchion disposed at a location along the support that is spaced from the first upper end and from the second upper end; a work surface supported by the leg assembly and extending along at least a portion of the support, the work surface defining a work surface height above the first and second lower ends of the first and second legs; and an elongate vertical panel supported by the suspended vertical stanchion, the elongate vertical panel disposed at or above the work surface. 
         [0012]    In yet another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a back-to-back table assembly including a first pedestal assembly including a first front end and an opposing first rear end, a second pedestal assembly including a second front end and an opposing second rear end, at least one elongate panel connecting the first pedestal assembly and the second pedestal assembly such that the first rear end of the first pedestal assembly is spaced from the second rear end of the second pedestal assembly with a first opening between the first rear end and the second rear end, a first work surface mounted atop the first pedestal assembly, the first work surface including a first rear edge, and a second work surface including a second rear edge, the second work surface mounted atop the second pedestal assembly with a second opening between the first rear edge of the first work surface and the second rear edge of the second work surface. 
         [0013]    In still another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a table assembly including a beam, a work surface mounted atop the beam, and a plurality of different leg assemblies each removably attachable to the beam. 
         [0014]    In yet another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a chair assembly including a leg assembly, a modular horizontal support rail mounted to the leg assembly, the modular horizontal support rail including at least one tapered chair mounting member, and a first chair assembly connected to the tapered chair mounting member, the first chair assembly including at least one of a rotation mechanism, a reclining mechanism, and a seat depth adjustment mechanism. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The above mentioned and other features and objects of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a table assembly including a table leg assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a work surface support assembly, and a work surface; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the table leg and work surface support assemblies of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a plan view of the leg assembly and the work surface support assembly of  FIG. 1 , with the work surface of  FIG. 1  shown in dashed lines; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a detailed, fragmentary view of a portion of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a free body diagram of the table leg assembly and the work surface of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 A- 5 A of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 5A  of a known table leg assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the leg assembly and the work surface support assembly of  FIG. 1 , further showing an electronic drive assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bracket in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8A  is a plan view of a table assembly including a table and a desk return illustrating a work surface support assembly of the desk return in a first position relative to the work surface support assembly of the table; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8B  is a plan view of a table assembly including a table and a desk return illustrating a work surface support assembly of the desk return in a second position relative to the work surface support assembly of the table; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the table assembly of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a back-to-back pedestal assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the back-to-back pedestal assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a vertical stanchion and end panel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the end panel including a work surface support assembly supporting a work surface shown in dashed lines; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the vertical stanchion of  FIG. 13  secured to the back-to-back pedestal assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a table assembly including a back-to-back arrangement of work surfaces in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of an interchangeable leg assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a modular bracket assembly made in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a rail connection bracket made in accordance with the present disclosure, shown in two pairs of rails and an auxiliary leg attached thereto; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a work surface assembly including U-shaped leg made in accordance with the present disclosure, the U-shaped leg including a vertical stanchion and a pair of modular bracket assemblies attached thereto; 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged, perspective view of a pair of adjacent shelf mounting brackets received within the vertical stanchion shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another work surface assembly made in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged, perspective view of a shelf mounting bracket received within the left vertical stanchion of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged, perspective view of a shelf mounting bracket received within the right vertical stanchion of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another modular work surface assembly made in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  is a plan view of the modular work surface assembly shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of yet another modular work surface assembly made in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0045]      FIG. 27  is a plan view of the modular work surface assembly shown in  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 28  is an exploded perspective view of a beam-based seating system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0047]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a modular rail support member including a tapered chair mounting member; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 30  is an assembled perspective view of the beam-based seating system of  FIG. 28 , illustrating a task chair in an upright position in solid lines and in a reclined position in dashed lines. 
       
    
    
       [0049]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     1. Work Surface Support Assembly with Stabilizing Legs 
       [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , table assembly  20  includes height adjustable leg assemblies  22 , work surface  24 , and work surface support assembly  26 . Work surface  24  includes top surface  38  and opposing bottom surface  40  and is supported on leg assemblies  22  and work surface support assembly  26  such that work surface  24  provides a stable work surface for an office resident. Work surface support assembly  26  secures work surface  24  to leg assemblies  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Work surface support assembly  26  includes horizontal rails  42  ( FIGS. 1  and  2 ) each having a generally J-shaped cross-section, end brackets  44  ( FIG. 6 ), and bracket support member or bracket box member  46  ( FIG. 6 ) including bottom wall  43 , sidewalls  47  and end caps  49 . At least one of sidewalls  47  defines opening  48 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3B , leg assemblies  22  are coupled to opposing ends of work surface  24  to support and stabilize work surface  24 . Leg assemblies  22  each include vertical column  28  having upper telescoping member  30  slidably mounted within lower telescoping member  32  (as will be discussed in more detail below), and horizontal foot  34  having floor mounts  36  ( FIG. 1 ) which may be adjustable to act as levelling glides. Vertical column  28  and horizontal foot  34  together define a generally inverted T-shaped assembly. Floor mounts  36  optionally include a high-friction material disposed at the bottom surface thereof, as commonly used with existing table leg assemblies to provide a non-slip interface between leg assemblies  22  and a floor surface. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , an exemplary use of work surface support assembly  26  to secure work surface  24  to leg assemblies  22  will now be described. Bracket support member  46  is secured to a top end of upper telescoping member  30  of vertical column  28 , such as by welding. Next, end bracket  44  is positioned abutting or adjacent to bracket connecting end cap  49  of bracket support member  46 , such that respective fastener apertures of bracket support member  46  and end bracket  44  are aligned as shown in  FIG. 6 . Fasteners  50  are then received in the aligned fastener apertures to secure end bracket  44  to bracket support member  46 . 
         [0053]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , first ends of respective horizontal rails  42  are then positioned abutting or adjacent to respective sidewalls  47  of bracket support member  46  of a first leg assembly  22  and opposing second ends of horizontal rails  42  are positioned abutting or adjacent to respective sidewalls  47  of a second leg assembly  22 , such that respective fastener apertures of horizontal rails  42  and corresponding apertures in the various adjacent sidewalls  47  are aligned. Fasteners are then received in the aligned fastener apertures to secure the first and second ends of horizontal rails  42  to respective bracket support members  46  of the first and second leg assemblies  22 . In an exemplary embodiment, opposing ends of horizontal rails  42  directly abut respective interior portions of end brackets  44  as shown in  FIG. 1  to form a stable mounting platform therebetween. 
         [0054]    With the support foundation thus assembled, work surface  24  having a desired width can be positioned atop work surface support assembly  26  and leg assemblies  22 . A plurality of fasteners can be used to secure work surface  24  to work surface support assembly  26  in a conventional manner. 
         [0055]    Horizontal rails  42  ( FIG. 2 ) can be provided in varying lengths to adjust a distance between leg assemblies  22 . By varying such distance between leg assemblies  22 , a stable support foundation can be provided for various different work surface sizes to create finished table assemblies adapted to fit various different spaces. To this end, multiple pairs of horizontal rails  42  can be provided as a kit including various different lengths to allow for leg assemblies  22  to be used in various different table sizes. 
         [0056]    As best shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , vertical column members  28  have a quadrilateral (e.g., square as illustrated) cross-sectional shape including four walls  52 . In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, foot members  34  are generally elongate structures extending along horizontal foot longitudinal axis A F  ( FIG. 3B ). Vertical column members  28  are secured to respective foot members  34  with each of walls  52  of vertical column members  28  oriented 45° from foot longitudinal axis A F  as shown in  FIG. 3B . Vertical column members  28  are secured to work surface  24  via bracket support member  46  in the same orientation, i.e., with each of walls  52  of vertical column members  28  oriented 45° from foot longitudinal axis A F , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3A . By orienting vertical columns  28  in this manner, leg assemblies  22  are stronger and provide greater stability to work surface  24  when a typical load is applied to work surface  24 , as described in detail below. 
         [0057]    For purposes of the present disclosure, vertical column member  28  oriented at 45 degrees with respect to foot longitudinal axis A F  is described in detail. However, it is contemplated that the benefits of angling the surfaces of table legs made in accordance with the present disclosure can be realized with other leg geometries and arrangements. In one embodiment, vertical column member may have any non-circular cross-sectional profile including at least two walls oriented at an acute angle with respect to longitudinal axis A F . Such non-circular cross-sectional profile may be a polygonal shape, such as a triangle, quadrilateral (as illustrated), pentagon, hexagon, heptagon or octagon, for example. Such non-circular cross section may form an open geometry, such as an L-shaped or C-shaped elongate structure with at least two surfaces arrangeable at an acute angle with respect to longitudinal axis A F . In another example, the non-circular cross-section may form a closed geometry including two or more surfaces arrangeable at an acute angle with respect to longitudinal axis A F , and other surfaces with are arcuate. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5B , forces exerted on a generally rectangular work surface are typically applied perpendicular to two of the work surfaces edges (and, therefore, parallel to the other two edges). For example, when a user of a rectangular work surface pushes on the edges of the table (i.e., by grasping the edge of the table while sliding a chair inwardly or outwardly), the forces applied to the table are typically perpendicular to the edge nearest the user (and parallel to the side edges). Similarly, a user will typically slide objects across a table either directly toward or directly away from the nearest edge of the table, creating shear force vectors that are perpendicular to the nearest edge. Alternatively, the user may slide objects side-to-side, creating shear force vectors that are parallel to the nearest edge. For purposes of the present disclosure, these edge-perpendicular and edge-parallel forces are referred to as inward/outward forces, i.e., the forces created by pushing or pulling on an edge of a rectangular work surface. 
         [0059]    In the context of table assembly  20 , such inward/outward forces are applied transverse to the longitudinal extent of work surface support assembly  26 . This is because such longitudinal extent runs along the direction of horizontal rails  42  between the spaced-apart leg assemblies  22 , and a work surface is then mounted such that the long edge of the work surface is substantially parallel to such longitudinal extent (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3A  with respect to work surface  24 ). Thus, an inward/outward forces applied to the work surface as described above is exemplified by applied force F A  shown in  FIG. 4 . Force F A  creates equal and opposite moments acting on opposing ends of vertical column member  28  of leg assembly  22 . More particularly, application of inward/outward force F A  to work surface  24  induces moment M A  between vertical column member  28  of leg assembly  22  and foot member  34 . Moment M A  is equal to the height H of vertical column member  28  multiplied by force F A  applied to the work surface. Dynamic forces and moments are negligible and can be ignored in the present example because vertical column member  28  is secured to foot member  34  and work surface  24  in a fixed manner, i.e., vertical column member  28  cannot appreciably slide or bend relative to foot member  34  or work surface  24  by application of force in normal use. 
         [0060]    Thus, given that vertical column member  28  is not significantly moved or accelerated by application of force F A , interaction between vertical column member  28  and work surface  24  must induce an equal, opposite moment M R  to counteract moment M A  ( FIG. 4 ). The moment force M R  induced in vertical column member  28  to counteract the moment force M A  is equal to width W 1  ( FIG. 5A ) of vertical column member  28  multiplied by the reactionary force exerted by vertical column member  28  on the undersurface of the tabletop, e.g., exemplified by force F R  in  FIG. 4 . As described below, maximizing width W 1  minimizes reaction force F R , thereby stabilizing work surface  24 . For a given cross-sectional size of leg assembly  22 , such maximization is assured by a rotational configuration in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , for example, an exemplary vertical column member  28  may have a 70 mm by 70 mm square cross section. Thus, each wall  52  of vertical column member  28  ( FIG. 5A ) is 70 mm wide, and each wall  64  of existing leg assembly  60  ( FIG. 5B ) is also 70 mm wide. However, as shown in  FIG. 5A , vertical column member  28  is secured to foot member  34  in accordance with the present disclosure, such that each of walls  52  of vertical column members  28  is oriented at a 45° angle with respect to foot longitudinal axis A F . Therefore, width W 1  of vertical column member  28  can be calculated using Pythagorean&#39;s Theorem as equal to (70 2 +70 2 ) 1/2 , or approximately 98.99 mm. 
         [0062]    By comparison to  FIG. 5B , existing leg assembly  60  is shown secured to foot member  62  such that walls  64  are each either perpendicular or parallel to longitudinal axis A F . Thus, width W 2  is simply equal to the length of wall  64 , or 70 mm. 
         [0063]    By securing vertical column member  28  to foot member  34  in accordance with the present disclosure (i.e., with each of walls  52  of vertical column member  28  oriented 45° from foot longitudinal axis A F  as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 5A ), width W 1  of vertical column member  28  is effectively increased by approximately 28.99 mm as compared to existing leg assembly  60  of  FIG. 5B , representing an effective increase in length of over 41%. This effective increase in length enhances the operational stability of work surface  24  without increasing the size, weight or shape of vertical column member  28 . 
         [0064]    More specifically, moment M R  exerted by vertical column member  28  is equal and opposite to moment M A  induced by application of force F A , as discussed above. Further, the top end of vertical column  28  is also attached at 45 degrees with respect to bracket support member  46  ( FIG. 6 ) and therefore is ultimately attached at 45 degrees with respect to the edges of work surface  24  ( FIG. 1 ). Thus, moment M R  is equal to the product of either width W 1  or width W 2  of vertical column member  28  and the reactionary force F R , depending on whether the present vertical column member  28  or the existing leg assembly  60  is employed. Thus, it can be seen that the increase in effective width W 1  as compared to effective width W 2  yields a proportionate decrease in reaction force F R  for a given applied force F A . As a result, an inward/outward load applied to work surface  24  gives rise to less stress is exerted on vertical column member  28  and work surface  24  at the junction therebetween, such that leg assembly  22  of the present disclosure is stronger and provides greater stability to work surface  24  as compared to existing leg assemblies, e.g., existing leg assembly  60 . 
         [0065]    Turning again to  FIG. 6 , electronic drive assembly  70  may optionally be used in conjunction with leg assembly  22 . In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, electronic drive assembly  70  is received in bracket support member  46 . Electronic drive assembly  70  includes wire  71 , which passes through opening  48  of bracket support member  46  and connects to an electrical power source to provide power to an electric motor (not shown) disposed within electronic drive assembly  70 . Drive shaft  72  is connected to the electric motor disposed in electronic drive assembly  70  and extends from electronic drive assembly  70  into a bore (not shown) in a top wall of upper telescoping member  30  of leg assembly  22 . In alternative embodiments, a gear set (not shown) is included with the electric motor disposed in electronic drive assembly  70  and drive shaft  72 . 
         [0066]    A remote control device is provided at a user edge of work surface  24  to allow an office resident to remotely control adjustment of leg assemblies  22 . For example, actuation of the electronic remote control device actuates the electric motor disposed in electronic drive assembly  70  which rotates drive shaft  72  which is rotatably connected to a screw drive assembly within vertical column member  28  to control raising and lowering of leg assemblies  22  in a known manner. In one embodiment, a level control feature is included in each leg assembly  22  to monitor the number of rotations of each screw drive assembly within respective vertical column members  28  to ensure each leg assembly  22  is at the same vertical position, thereby ensuring that work surface  24  remains level. Exemplary electronic drive mechanisms that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure are available from OMT-Veyhl USA Corporation of Holland, Mich. 
       2. Work Surface Support Assembly with Modular Work Surfaces 
       [0067]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , a table assembly  94  may be provided in accordance with the present disclosure that is capable of supporting multiple work surfaces. The work surfaces are modularly configurable in a plurality of configurations using return bracket  80 , which allows for a variety of spatial arrangements of leg assemblies  100 ,  110 . 
         [0068]    Turning now to  FIG. 7 , return bracket  80  is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Return bracket  80  includes top wall  82  and opposing side walls  84  extending perpendicularly from respective side edges of top wall  82 . Return bracket  80  also includes front portion  86  including opposing L-shaped arms  88  protruding inwardly toward one another such that an end edge of a first arm  88  is spaced from an end edge of a second arm  88  with opening  90  between end edges of arms  88 . Arms  88  each include a respective aperture  89  at a position adjacent the respective end edges of arms  88 . Return bracket  80  includes slots  91  formed in the periphery of return bracket  80 , as shown, and disposed at a position where arms  88  and respective side walls  84  meet. Return bracket  80  also includes a plurality of spaced discrete connection points  92  disposed along top wall  82  and side walls  84 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , connection points  92  are illustrated as spaced, discrete apertures. In alternate embodiments, connection points  92  can comprise a plurality of spaced discrete projecting pins, hooks, or other types of similar mechanical interfaces. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 8A-9  illustrate table assembly  94  including table or first work surface  96 , defining width W 1  and depth D 1  and supported on table leg assembly  100  and table beam  102 . Table assembly also includes desk return or second work surface  98 , which is supported by desk return leg assembly  110  and desk return beam  112  and defines width W 2  and depth D 1 . Width W 2  of second work surface  98  is different from width W 1  of first work surface  96 , but depth D 1  is the same for both of work surfaces  96 ,  98 . Table beam  102  includes horizontal rails  104 , which have a generally J-shaped cross section similar to horizontal rails  42  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The opposing ends of rails  104  are secured to a pair of spaced apart table leg assemblies  100  in a similar manner as described above with respect to rails  42  and leg assemblies  22 . Table leg assembly  100  and table beam  102  support first work surface  96  in a similar manner as described above in connection with work surface support assembly  26  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Horizontal rails  104  each include locking lip  106 , as best shown in  FIG. 10  and described in further detail below. 
         [0070]    Desk return beam  112  also includes horizontal rails  114 , which have a generally J-shaped cross section similar to horizontal rails  42  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Rails  114  are secured to desk return leg assembly  110  at one end thereof, and to table beam  102  at the other end thereof as described below. Second work surface  98  is supported by desk return leg assembly  110  and desk return beam  112  in a similar manner as described above in connection with work surface support assembly  26  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0071]    Horizontal rails  114  each include rear edge  113 , spaced discrete connection points  116  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ), and locking lip  117 . Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , connection points  116  are illustrated as spaced discrete apertures. In alternate embodiments, connection points  116  can comprise a plurality of spaced discrete projecting pins, hooks, or other types of similar mechanical interfaces. Connection points  116  of horizontal rails  114  are discretely spaced to correspond with the discretely spaced connection points  92  of return bracket  80 , as best shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A-10 , an exemplary use of return bracket  80  to modularly secure desk return beam  112  to table beam  102  will now be described. As best shown in  FIG. 10 , front portion  86  of return bracket  80  is positioned adjacent to horizontal rail  104  of table beam  102  such that locking lip  106  of horizontal rail  104  is received within slots  91  of return bracket  80 . In this coupled configuration, apertures  89  ( FIG. 7 ) of arms  88  of return bracket  80  align with corresponding apertures (not shown) formed in horizontal rail  104 . Fasteners (not shown) can then be received through apertures  89  and the aligned apertures of horizontal rail  104  to secure return bracket  80  to horizontal rail  104  of table beam  102 . 
         [0073]    With bracket  80  secured to table beam  102 , desk return beam  112  can be selectively attached to return bracket  80 . The distance between desk return beam  112  and the adjacent ends of horizontal rail  104  of table beam  102  can be adjusted, i.e., a distance of rear edge  113  of horizontal rails  114  can be placed relatively closer or farther away from the nearest horizontal rail  104  of table beam  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, this distance adjustment is accomplished by selectively aligning connection points  92  of return bracket  80  with connection points  116  of horizontal rails  114 . 
         [0074]    For example, referring to  FIG. 9 , a first selected set of connection points  116  of horizontal rails  114  can be aligned with a first selected set of connection points  92  of return bracket  80 . With connection points  92 ,  116  of horizontal rails  114  so aligned, rear edge  113  of horizontal rails  114  are spaced from the nearest horizontal rail  104  of table beam  102  by distance d 1  as shown in  FIG. 8A . Fasteners (not shown) can then be received within the aligned set of connection points  92  and  116  to attach to attach horizontal rails  114  of desk return beam  112  to return bracket  80  in a first position as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 9 . This first position can be considered one in which table beam  112  is relatively closer to table beam  102 , because first distance d 1  ( FIG. 8A ) is less than other distances definable by the illustrated arrangement (e.g., distance d 2  shown in  FIG. 8B  and described below). In this configuration, a first work surface  96  having a relatively smaller depth D 1  ( FIG. 8A ) may be mounted atop table beam  102  and table leg assemblies  100 , while remaining centered over table beam  102  and having the desired spatial arrangement with respect to desk return beam  112  (as described in further detail below). In one exemplary embodiment, depth D 1  of work surface  96  is 45 inches. 
         [0075]    A wider first work surface  96 A having a depth D 2  greater than depth D 1  may be used in conjunction with table beam  102 . In one exemplary embodiment, depth D 2  is 60 inches. When work surface  96 A is used, a similarly wide work surface  98 A (arranged as a desk return) can be supported by table beam  102  and desk return beam  112  by adjusting the connection position between desk return beam  112  and return bracket  80 . In an exemplary embodiment, this adjustment is performed by changing the distance between rear edges  113  of desk return beam  112  and table beam  102 . For example, referring to  FIG. 8B , horizontal rails  114  can be moved horizontally outwardly, i.e., generally along arrow A, such that connection points  116  ( FIG. 9 ) of horizontal rails  114  move away from the above-described set of connection points  92  and toward the next adjacent set of connection points  92  of return bracket  80 . In  FIG. 8B , connection points  116  of horizontal rails  114  are positioned at a third set of connection points  92  of return bracket  80 , i.e., the third most-distant set of connection points  92  from horizontal rail  104  of table beam  102 , as compared to the positioning in  FIG. 8A  at a first, least-distant set of connection points  92 . 
         [0076]    With connection points  116  of horizontal rails  114  positioned in alignment with the third set of connection points  92  of return bracket  80 , fasteners (not shown) can be received within respective aligned connection points  92 ,  116  to attach horizontal rails  114  of desk return beam  112  to return bracket  80  in the new position. As noted above, in this new position rear edge  113  of desk return beam  112  is located a second distance d 2  ( FIG. 8B ) from horizontal rail  104  of table beam  102  greater than first distance ( FIG. 8A , and described above). In this configuration, first work surface  96  having increased depth D 2  (described above and shown in  FIG. 8B ) can be centered atop table beam  102  and table leg assemblies  100  as shown in  FIG. 8B , while still accommodating second work surface  98  having width W 2 , which is the same as width W 2  of narrower work surface  98 . More particularly, the larger depth D 2  of first work surface  96 A overhangs a greater portion of the overall horizontal span of return beam  112 , thereby leaving less of such span available to support second work surface  98 A. However, the distance between desk return leg assembly  110  and a respective table leg assembly  100  is increased by the above-described adjustment, which compensates for the larger depth D 2  of work surface  96 A and allows second work surface  98 A to retain the same width W 2  used in narrower work surface  98 . 
         [0077]    The depth D 2  of second work surface  98 A does not depend on the distance of desk return beam  112  from table beam  102 , such that second work surface  98 A can have any desired depth such as one of depths D 1  and D 2 , for example. In order to maintain flush outer edges between work surfaces  96 A,  98 A, return beam  112  may be moved along direction B prior to attachment of return bracket  80  to the adjacent horizontal rail  104  (as described in detail above). 
         [0078]    In this manner, a single return bracket  80  cooperates with the work surface support assemblies  26  of table assemblies  20  to allow table assemblies  20  to be selectively configured with work surfaces  96 ,  98  having varying depths, thereby providing a reconfigurable, modular construction which allows the depth of the work surfaces  96 ,  98  to be selected as desired. 
       3. Back-to-Back Work Surface Assemblies 
       [0079]    Turning now to  FIG. 15 , back-to-back table assembly  130  is illustrated. In one embodiment, back-to-back table assembly  130  includes back-to-back pedestal assembly  132  (as illustrated in  FIG. 11 ) including first pedestal assembly  134  and second pedestal assembly  136 . In other embodiment, back-to-back table assembly  130  may include a modular table leg or a freestanding leg assembly (as described in detail below). 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , first pedestal assembly  134  includes front end  138 , opposing rear end  140 , top surface  143 , and drawer assembly  142  including a series of drawers slidably received within front end  138  of first pedestal assembly  134 . Similarly, second pedestal assembly  136  includes front end  144 , opposing rear end  146 , top surface  149 , and drawer assembly  148  including a series of drawers slidably received within front end  144  of second pedestal assembly  136 . 
         [0081]    In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 11 , elongated panel  150  connects first pedestal assembly  134  and second pedestal assembly  136 , with rear end  140  of first pedestal assembly  134  spaced from rear end  146  of second pedestal assembly  136  with opening  154  between rear end  140  of first pedestal assembly  134  and rear end  146  of second pedestal assembly  136 . In other embodiments, a second elongated panel  152  ( FIG. 12 ) is also used to connect the opposite sides of first pedestal assembly  134  and second pedestal assembly  136 . In still further embodiments, the pedestal assemblies  134  and  136  may themselves lack vertical side walls, such that panels  150  and  152  themselves form common side walls of pedestals  134  and  136 . In such embodiments, drawer slides (not shown) for the individual drawers of drawer assemblies  142  and  148  may be mounted to the interiorly-facing surfaces of panels  150  and  152 . 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 15 , with back-to-back pedestal assembly  132  assembled as described above and illustrated in  FIG. 11 , first work surface  156  having rear end  157  is mounted atop top surface  143  of first pedestal assembly  134 . Second work surface  158  having rear end  159  is mounted atop top surface  149  of second pedestal assembly  136  in a similar fashion. 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , first and second work surfaces  156 ,  158  are mounted such that opening  160  is formed between rear end  157  of first work surface  156  and rear end  159  of second work surface  158 . In another embodiment, the pedestal assemblies  134  and  136  may themselves lack horizontal top surfaces  143  and  149 , such that work surfaces  156  and  158  themselves form the top walls of pedestals  134  and  136 . In such embodiments, with reference to  FIG. 15 , the end edges of work surfaces  156  and  158  may be vertically flush with the vertical outer surface of end panel  150 . 
         [0084]    Optionally, referring to  FIGS. 13 and 15 , back-to-back table assembly  130  can include an end panel having a vertical stanchion  170  to accommodate a privacy panel assembly including privacy screens  172  and/or shelf assemblies (not shown) or modular storage components (not shown). Referring to  FIG. 13 , vertical stanchion  170  includes first support members or receiving brackets  174  each having a horizontal wall extending outwardly from a surface of stanchion  170  and a vertical wall attached to the surface of stanchion  170 . Mutually opposed flanges  182  are attached to, and extend outwardly from, the opposed surfaces of vertical stanchion  170  upon which receiving brackets  174  are mounted. Flanges  182  are disposed near the bottom end of vertical stanchion  170 . Flanges  182  include spaced apertures  184  extending the length of flanges  182 . A single end panel  150  or a pair of end panels can be secured to vertical stanchion  170  via flanges  182  by securing fasteners through apertures  184  of flanges  182  and into corresponding apertures (not shown) disposed in end panels  150 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , with end panel  150  secured to vertical stanchion  170 , vertical stanchion  170  and end panel  150  can be integrated into back-to-back table assembly  130  to provide a closed end for the table assembly. 
         [0085]    In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , back-to-back table assembly  250  includes one or more U-shaped support legs  260  each composed of a pair of upright (e.g., vertically oriented), spaced-apart legs  262  fixed (e.g., by welding) to respective ends of a transverse support  264 . In an exemplary embodiment, transverse support  264  is horizontal and generally perpendicular to vertical legs  262 , though transverse support may be angled with respect to the floor or other support surface upon which table assembly  250  rests. Optionally, sliders  266  may be received within a tubular cavity formed in legs  262 . Sliders  266  may be extended from or retracted within legs  262  to raise or lower the vertical height of transverse support  264  (and therefore provide height adjustability to a work surface mounted thereon). 
         [0086]    Suspended vertical stanchion  270  rises vertically away from the upper surface of transverse support  264  as illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 21 . Similar to vertical stanchion  170  described herein, suspended vertical stanchions  270  disposed on each of the U-shaped support legs  260  cooperate to define a dividing line between the back-to-back work surfaces (e.g., work surface  252  shown in  FIG. 19 ) forming a part of assembly  250 . In the illustrated embodiment, this dividing line may be created by privacy screens  272  mounted to one or both opposing surfaces of vertical stanchions  270 . For clarity, only one of privacy screens  272  is illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , it being understood that a second privacy screen can be mounted to stanchions  270  and to the first privacy screen  272 , such as by screen attachment brackets  274 . Privacy screen  272  has a lower edge which either abuts or is adjacent to the upper surface of the work surface (e.g., work surface  252 ), and extends upwardly by any desired distance to an upper edge above the work surface. Thus, privacy screen  272  has a vertical height entirely above the work surface, where it is needed to provide a privacy function between the back-to-back work surfaces on either side of stanchions  270 . However, privacy screen does not extend downwardly below the work surface, thereby keeping the underside of table assembly  250  completely open and uninterrupted. 
         [0087]    As also noted below, suspended vertical stanchions  270  may provide support for other office devices, such as shelf  194  which may in turn support cabinets, or provide a secondary, elevated work surface above work surface  252 . The size, thickness and material of U-shaped support legs  260  may be chosen to be adequate to any intended supported weight of shelf  194  and its contents while not requiring suspended vertical stanchions  270  to extend all the way to the underlying floor, thereby creating a large open space underneath table assembly  250 . This large open space contributes to the overall “open floor plan” concept facilitated by table assembly  250 , and allows for various modular options in placing additional cabinets (e.g., pedestal assemblies  134  and/or  136  shown in  FIG. 12 ) or other office furniture under the work surfaces of assembly  250 . 
       4. Modular Mounting Brackets and Structures 
       [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , modular mounting bracket assembly  186  includes L-bracket  188  and C-bracket  190  affixed to L-bracket  188 , such as by welding. L-bracket  188  defines a longitudinal extent extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of its L-shaped cross section, and C-bracket  190  defines a longitudinal extent extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of its C-shaped cross section. The longitudinal extents of L-bracket  188  and C-bracket  190  are substantially perpendicular to one another with C-bracket  190  disposed at about the middle of the longitudinal extent if L-bracket  188 , such that mounting bracket assembly  186  defines a generally T-shaped overall arrangement. As described in greater detail below, brackets  188 ,  190  each define a plurality of mounting holes  189 ,  191 , respectively, which are sized and positioned to allow bracket assembly  186  to be used for a variety of modular desking system mounting options. 
         [0089]    In one embodiment, shown with respect to the right side of end panel  150  in  FIGS. 13 and 16 , support bracket assembly  186  may be attached to end panel  150  at a top portion thereof to support work surface  192  ( FIG. 13 ) when back-to-back pedestal assembly  132  ( FIG. 11 ) is not used. More particularly, mounting holes  189  of L-bracket  188  are used to fasten support bracket assembly  186  to end panel  150 , while mounting holes  191  of C-bracket  190  are used to fasten support bracket assembly  186  to work surface  192  (as shown in  FIG. 13  in dashed lines). 
         [0090]    In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 21 , support bracket assembly  186  can be mounted to the vertically oriented, inwardly-facing surface of U-shaped support legs  260  in similar fashion. Yet another alternative, shown in  FIG. 16 , is to mount bracket assembly  186  to U-shaped leg assembly  206  or square-shaped leg assembly  208 . Moreover,  FIG. 16  illustrates that support bracket assembly  186  can be mounted to any vertical surface to provide a mounting platform for a work surface, such as a workspace divider (which may be provided in the form of panel  150 ), one of pedestal assemblies  134 ,  136  or another cabinet, or any other suitable office space feature. In addition, support bracket assembly  186  may be mounted directly to wall W within the office space environment. Unlike some other known mounting structures, support bracket assembly  186  can be mounted to any location on such a vertical surface without the use of a track-based mounting system. 
         [0091]    To fasten support bracket assembly  186  to U-shaped support leg  260  (or to end panel  150 ), a plurality of mounting holes  188 ′ are formed at the top of the “T-shaped” arrangement such that the longitudinal axes of mounting holes  188 ′ extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of C-bracket  190 . Thus, when holes  188 ′ are used to fasten bracket assembly  186  to U-shaped support leg  260  (or to end panel  150 ), C-bracket  190  extends away from the mounting surface while L-bracket  188  extends along the mounting surface. When so assembled, the “T-shaped” arrangement lays on its side such that the longitudinal axes of L-bracket  188  and C-bracket  190  are both in a horizontal plane. 
         [0092]    To fasten work surface  252  (or work surface  192 , or another work surface) to bracket assembly  186 , horizontal rails  42  ( FIG. 21 , also discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 ) are first attached to holes  191  formed in the sides of C-bracket  190 . In an exemplary embodiment, holes  191  are positioned such that the top surfaces of horizontal rails  42  are flush with the top surface of L-bracket  188  upon assembly. Thus, the underside of work surface  252  ( FIG. 19 ) rests on the I-shaped arrangement of top support surfaces formed by L-bracket  188  and horizontal rails  42 . Holes  189  can then be used to affix work surface  252  to bracket assembly  186  at each end thereof using fasteners. 
         [0093]    U-shaped support legs  260  and/or end panel  150  can similarly include bracket assemblies  186  on two opposing sides to mount a second work surface  252 ,  192  thereon, or to extend one of work surfaces  252 ,  192  beyond support legs  260  or end panel  150 . In one exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , for example, this arrangement allows extended work surface  252  to span support leg  260 . In this way, multiple legs  260  may be arranged in spaced apart relationship such that work surface  252 , or a plurality of work surfaces  252  can be arranged to extend along any desired work surface span. Further, the use of bracket assemblies  186  on both sides of support legs  260  preclude the need for a pair of abutting or adjacent leg assemblies, contributing to a cleaner, more uniform appearance and reduced overall system cost. 
         [0094]    In other embodiments, end panel  150  may selectively exclude bracket assembly  186 , such as is shown on the upper left side of end panel  150  of  FIG. 13 . In areas where bracket assembly  186  is excluded, back-to-back pedestal assembly  132  ( FIGS. 12 and 14 ) including first pedestal assembly  134  and second pedestal assembly  136  can be used in conjunction with vertical stanchion  170 . In one such configuration, shown in  FIG. 14 , elongated panel  150  supports vertical stanchion  170  and back-to-back pedestal assembly  132 . 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , privacy screens  172  are formed from elongate panels that can be used to provide a degree of privacy between work surfaces  156 ,  158  and can be mounted to vertical stanchion  170  by attaching respective privacy screens  172  to respective receiving brackets  174  ( FIG. 13 ) of vertical stanchion  170 . Receiving brackets  174  could be part of privacy screen mounting arrangements made in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/353,669, filed Jan. 19, 2012, entitled “TABLE AND PRIVACY SCREEN ASSEMBLY”, and commonly assigned with the present application, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0096]    Similarly, privacy screens  272  ( FIGS. 19 and 21 ) may be formed as elongate panels and provided as part of back-to-back table assembly  250 . Screens  272  are modularly attachable to suspended vertical stanchions  270 , such as by direct mounting or by bracket arrangements similar to brackets  174  described above. Screens  272  may also be attached to one another via mating brackets  274  disposed at corresponding locations on the inwardly-facing surface of each of a pair of adjacent screens  272 , it being understood a second screen adjacent to privacy screen  272  may be provided in the arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 21 . 
         [0097]    As noted above, transaction counter or shelf  194  can be mounted above and supported by vertical stanchions  170  or suspended vertical stanchions  270 . The upwardly facing support surface receiving shelf  194  is provided by shelf receiving bracket  180 , as best seen in  FIGS. 19-23 . Shelf receiving bracket  180  is received within an open bore formed in vertical stanchions  170 ,  270  so that vertical stanchions  170 ,  270  provide a stable foundation of support for a shelving assembly (not shown) and/or modular storage components (not shown) can be mounted on shelf  194  above the primary work surfaces (e.g., work surfaces  156 ,  158 ,  192  and/or  252 ) and privacy screens  172 ,  272 . 
         [0098]    The orientation of shelf receiving bracket  180  is reversible to allow for its modular use at a left-most location ( FIG. 22 ), right-most location ( FIG. 23 ), or center location ( FIG. 20 ), such that a plurality of shelf receiving brackets  180  can be used to support shelf  194  along its entire extent, regardless of the overall length of the work table assembly. Shelf receiving bracket  180  includes a mounting plate  181 A with a coupling protrusion  181 B extending downwardly therefrom in an offset location, as detailed below. Mounting plate  181 A has a plurality of holes  183  formed therethrough sized to receive fasteners for affixing shelf  194  to shelf receiving bracket  180 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , mounting plate  181 A is offset with respect to coupling protrusion  181 B. 
         [0099]    In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the Figures, vertical stanchion  270  is made from a rectangular tube. Coupling protrusion  181 B is received in the rectangular tube such that protrusion  181 B substantially occupies the inner space of the rectangular tube across the short dimension of the rectangle, but occupies half or slightly less than half of such inner space across the long dimension of the rectangle. Meanwhile, the offset arrangement of mounting plate  181 A upon coupling protrusion  181 B allows mounting plate to be arranged flush with the outside surface of vertical stanchion  270  while also covering a substantial portion (i.e., more than half) of the opening at the top of the rectangular tube. For example,  FIG. 21  illustrates a left-most configuration of bracket  180  in which coupling protrusion  181 B is biased to the left side of stanchion  270  and mounting plate  181 A substantially covers the opening formed in the top of stanchion  270  while remaining flush with the outside (i.e., left) face of stanchion  270 . Conversely,  FIG. 23  illustrates a right-most configuration of bracket  180  in which bracket  180  has been rotated by 180 degrees with respect to the left-most configuration, thereby maintaining the edge of bracket mounting plate  181 A flush with the outside (i.e., right) face of the opposite stanchion  270 . This arrangement allows the same bracket  180  to be used at both sides, while still maintaining a flush edge at the right and left vertical stanchions  270  and providing a stable base of support for the ends of shelf  194 . The ends of shelf  194  can be secured to stanchions  270  using fasteners to connect an upwardly facing mounting surface of mounting plate  181 A to a downwardly facing mounting surface of shelf  194  via holes  183 , and using further fasteners  185  to connect protrusions  181 B to the stanchions  270  as illustrated. 
         [0100]    In addition,  FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate how a pair of brackets  180  can be used with a single center stanchion  270  in the middle of a long span of work surface  252  and shelf  194  (shown in  FIG. 21 , it being understood that shelf  194  can have any desired length). In this case, a pair of adjacent protrusions  181 B received within the rectangular opening at the top of stanchion  270  cooperate to substantially fill the opening. The off-center mounting plates  181 A therefore extend past the left and right surfaces of stanchion  270 , thereby proving a large-area, stable surface of support for the middle of a shelf. Moreover, there is no need for the edges of mounting plates  181 A to be flush with either edge of stanchion  270  because shelf  194  extends past both such edges. 
         [0101]    Turning now to  FIG. 16 , interchangeable leg assembly  200  is illustrated including beam  202  having horizontal rails  204  having a J-shaped cross sectional shape, as described above with respect to table beam  102  and horizontal rails  104 . Beam  202  can be secured to leg assemblies  210 ,  212  in a similar manner as described above in connection with, e.g., leg assemblies  22  and work surface support assembly  26  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . More particularly, leg assemblies  210 ,  212  each include bracket support member  46  which are selectively mountable to beam  202  to provide a stable support assembly for a work surface. However, leg assembly  210  includes a T-shaped base including foot member  62 , while and X-shaped base leg assembly  212  includes an X-shaped base including foot member  62 A. Leg assemblies  210 ,  212  are readily interchangeable with beam  202 . 
         [0102]    Alternatively, interchangeable leg assemblies  200  can include U-shaped leg assembly  206  or square-shaped leg assembly  208 , each of which includes mounting bracket assembly  186  as described above. U-shaped support legs  260  including suspended vertical stanchion  270  may also be used in the interchangeable leg assembly  200  in a similar fashion. As noted above with respect to U-shaped support legs  260 , mounting bracket assembly  186  can be selectively attached via holes  188 ′ ( FIG. 17 ) to any of leg assemblies  206 ,  208 ,  260 , or to any other leg assembly having a suitably oriented vertical wall. 
         [0103]    Thus, any combination of leg assemblies  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  260  may be selected and attached to beam  202  via bracket support member  46  or bracket assembly  186 . Once a desired combination of leg assemblies  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212  and a desired length and spatial arrangement of beam  202  has been selected and assembled, one or more work surfaces can be mounted atop and supported by beam  202  and the selected leg assemblies. 
         [0104]    Turning back to  FIG. 21 , bridging bracket  280  is illustrated in the context of back-to-back table assembly  250 . In an exemplary embodiment bridging bracket  280 , shown in greater detail in  FIG. 18 , is a C-shaped or U-shaped channel having a longitudinal extent running substantially perpendicular to the C- or U-shaped cross-sectional profile. In an exemplary embodiment, bridging bracket  280  has the same cross-sectional profile as C-bracket  190  of bracket assembly  186 , shown in  FIG. 17  and described in detail above. 
         [0105]    Bridging bracket  280  includes mutually opposed sidewalls  282  having a plurality of holes  284  formed therein and a joining wall  286  spanning sidewalls  282  and having a plurality of holes  288  formed therein. As best seen in  FIG. 19 , holes  284  in sidewalls  282  can be used to affix respective pairs of horizontal rails  42  to bridging bracket  280 . When so assembled, beams  42  ad bridging bracket  280  cooperate to create beam  254 , which is similar in overall structure and function to, e.g., beam  102  ( FIG. 9 ) but has an extra-long, effectively uninterrupted span. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, beam  254  creates a 120-inch span between the left and right U-shaped support legs  260 . Moreover, such span may be accomplished without any impeding structures underneath the work surfaces mounted atop beam  254 , thereby contributing the open-floor plan modular functionality of table assembly  250 . However, in some instances, such as where beam  254  supports heavy loads or has an even longer span, leg  290  may be attached to bridging bracket as shown in  FIG. 18 . Similar to legs  262  of U-shaped support legs  260  ( FIG. 21 ), leg  290  may include an outer leg member  292  with an inner slider  294  received therewithin, such that slider  294  can be extended or retracted to accommodate differing overall heights of beam  254  (and therefore of the work surfaces mounted thereon). 
         [0106]    With beam  254  assembled and installed as shown in  FIG. 21 , a work surface (e.g., one of work surfaces  192 ,  252  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 19  respectively) may be affixed to bridging bracket  280  via holes  288  formed in joining wall  286 . 
       5. Modular Desking Hubs 
       [0107]    Turning now to  FIGS. 24-27 , modular desking hubs are shown, around which various of above-mentioned structures may be modularly arranged to provide a wide variety of work surface arrangements as desired or required for a particular application and/or work space. As described in detail below, such desking hubs may also be interconnected with one another in any arrangement to provide a highly configurable desking system for any size work space. 
         [0108]      FIG. 24  illustrates 4-way desking hub  300  including suspended central stanchion  302  and four legs  304  extending outwardly therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, each of legs  304  are equally angularly spaced from one another, i.e., each of legs  304  is oriented to define angle Θ equal to 90 degrees with respect to the adjacent legs  304  ( FIG. 25 ). However, other angular arrangements can be utilized, with non-equal angles between adjacent pairs of legs. In an exemplary embodiment, legs  304  may be similar in structure in arrangement to legs  262  of U-shaped support legs  260 , shown in  FIG. 21  and described in detail above. For example, legs  304  may include sliders  306  for height adjustment, similar in structure and function to sliders  266 . 
         [0109]    Each of legs  304  has attachment bracket  308  attached thereto, which may be U-shaped or C-shaped channels similar in size and overall structure to C-bracket  190  of bracket assembly  186  ( FIG. 17 ). Similar to C-bracket  190 , attachment bracket  308  may have holes  310  formed in sidewalls  314  thereof. Holes can be used to mount horizontal rails  42 , for example. However, in the illustrated embodiment, angular bracket  312  is attached to one of sidewalls  314  and angular bracket  312 A is attached to the opposing sidewall  314 . Angular mounts  312 ,  312 A are mirror images of one another about the longitudinal axis of symmetry of attachment bracket  308 . 
         [0110]    Angular mounts  312 ,  312 A each include sidewalls  316  adapted to receive horizontal rails in a similar fashion to the sidewalls of C-bracket  190  of bracket assembly  186  (such as by including appropriately sized and spaced apertures in sidewalls  316 ). Thus, as shown in  FIG. 25 , pairs of horizontal rails  42  (also shown in  FIG. 2  and described in detail above) may extend away from each of angular mounts  312 ,  312 A to form a support for a work surface in similar fashion as described above. Moreover, each adjacent pair of angular brackets  312 ,  312 A is arranged and assembled to provide a 90-degree angle between their respective sidewalls  316 , such that neighboring pairs of angular brackets  312 ,  312 A, i.e., those pairs mounted on different legs  304  but facing one another, define parallel sidewalls  316 . These parallel but spaced-apart neighboring pairs of angular brackets  312 ,  312 A allow two pairs of parallel horizontal rails  42  to be mounted to sidewalls  316 , which in turn form support beams for work surfaces as described in detail above. 
         [0111]    For example, as shown in  FIG. 25 , work surfaces  320 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326  are all supported by two pairs of mutually parallel (in plan view) horizontal rails  42 . Thus, desking hub  300  provides for four work surfaces outwardly extending from central stanchion  302  (or eight work surfaces, if each adjacent pair of horizontal rails supports a separate work surface in the manner described above). Other structures discussed herein may in turn be attached to the other end of respective pairs of rails  42 , such as U-shaped support leg  260  as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
         [0112]    Turning to  FIG. 26 , a 3-way desking hub  350  is illustrated. 3-way desking hub  350  is similar to 4-way desking hub  300 , except that 3-way desking hub  350  includes only three legs  354  extending from suspended central stanchion  352 . Similar to 4-way desking hub, each of legs  354  has a attachment bracket  308  attached thereto;  FIG. 26  illustrated only one of such brackets  308  attached to legs  354 , it being understood that the other legs  354  have brackets  308  similarly attached (as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 27 ). 
         [0113]    Angular brackets  362 ,  362 A are attached to opposing sidewalls  316  in similar fashion to angular brackets  312 ,  312 A. However, angular brackets  362 ,  362 A have a different geometrical arrangement, defining a larger angle with respect to the longitudinal extent of legs  354 . As illustrated in  FIG. 27 , adjacent pairs of legs  354  define angle α therebetween, as do adjacent pairs of angular brackets  362 ,  362 A attached to one of attachment brackets  308 . Thus, adjacent but spaced apart pairs of angular brackets  362 ,  362 A can have parallel pairs of horizontal rails  42  extending therefrom, creating a stable base of support for a work surface as shown in  FIG. 27 . In an exemplary embodiment all three legs  354  are equally angularly spaced from one another, such that angle α is 120 degrees. However, angle α can potentially vary between adjacent pairs of legs  354 . 
         [0114]    Similar to 4-way desking hub  300 , 3-way desking hub  350  is amenable to many different modular work surface configurations. For example, as shown in  FIG. 27 , each set of four parallel horizontal rails  42  may be joined at its far end to a U-shaped support leg  260  via bracket assembly  186 , as described in detail above. This may support a hexagonal work surface  370 . Any of U-shaped support legs  260 , such as the top support leg  260  as shown in  FIG. 27 , may in turn include a second pair of bracket assemblies  186  to extend another set of horizontal rails  42  away from 3-way desking hub  350 , which may in turn attach to another, spaced away support leg  260  via yet another pair of bracket assemblies  186 . This arrangement allows for a rectangular work surface  372  to be supported on the resulting beams. 
         [0115]    Of course, any of the support legs  260  used in the modular arrangements of  FIGS. 25 and 27  may include suspended vertical stanchion  270 , as shown in  FIG. 21  and discussed in detail above. As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 26 , each of desking hubs  300 ,  350  includes brackets  174  (also shown in  FIG. 13  and described above) to aid in mounting privacy screens  172 ,  272  to extend between one of desking hubs  300 ,  350  and one of vertical stanchions  170 ,  270 , for example. 
       6. Modular Seating System 
       [0116]      FIGS. 28-30  illustrate beam-based seating system  220 . Beam-based seating system  220  includes leg assemblies  222  having foot members  224 , vertical columns  226  extending upwardly from foot members  224  and terminating in receiving rails  228 , a plurality of modular rail support members  230  connected together by modular rail connection members  232  such that a single modular rail connection member  232  is used to connect two modular rail support members  230  theretogether, and end caps  242  are used to close respective ends of modular rail support members  230 . With modular rail support members  230  connected in this manner, modular rail support members  230  can be positioned atop receiving rails  228  of leg assemblies  222 . Vertical columns  226  are oriented 45 degrees relative to respective foot members  224 , in similar fashion to the connection between vertical column member  28  to foot member  34  as shown in  FIG. 1  and described above. 
         [0117]    Each modular rail support member  230  includes tapered chair mounting member  234  extending upwardly from a top portion of a respective modular rail support member  230 . Tapered chair mounting members  234  are formed as tapered cylinders onto which the chair control assembly of a task chair may be press-fit, for example. In this manner, as illustrated in  FIG. 28 , a plurality of task chair assemblies  236  having respective receiving posts  244  extending from a bottom portion of respective task chairs  236  can be secured to respective tapered chair mounting members  234  of respective modular rail support members  230 . Each task chair  236  includes seat portion  238  and backrest portion  240 . 
         [0118]    Referring to  FIG. 29 , in one embodiment, tapered chair mounting member  234  comprises a tapered post mounting feature for seat assemblies. Taper interfaces are commonly used in connection with known task chairs of the type having a base including a plurality of support legs with caster wheels and a single pneumatic height adjustment cylinder. The upper portion of the cylinder may have a tapered interface for fitting within a hub of a chair control mechanism, for example. Known task chairs having the foregoing construction are available from Kimball Office of Jasper, Ind., and such known task chairs are often equipped with ergonomic adjustment and comfort features such as backrest recline mechanisms, seat depth adjustment mechanisms, etc. 
         [0119]    As described below, beam-based seating system  220  provides a seating system in which the foregoing types of ergonomic adjustment and comfort features of known task chairs are preserved. In this manner, tapered chair mounting members  234  facilitate mounting of task chair assemblies  236  to a common beam, i.e., a plurality of connected modular rail support members  230  as shown in  FIG. 28 , while preserving task chair adjustment functions. For example, referring to  FIG. 30 , each task chair assembly  236  may include a rotation mechanism which allows rotation of task chair  236  in a direction generally along arrow A, a reclining mechanism which allows movement of backrest portion  240  of task chair  236  in a direction generally along arrow B between an upright position shown in  FIG. 30  in solid lines and a reclined position shown in  FIG. 30  in dashed lines, and a seat depth adjustment mechanism allowing movement of seat portion  238  of task chair  236  in a direction generally along arrow C which allows for back and forth horizontal adjustment of seat portion  238 . 
         [0120]    It is contemplated that all the various structures of the foregoing disclosure can be utilized modularly with one another in any desired arrangement. For example, any of the support structures, such as walls, U-shaped legs, box-shaped legs, or leg assemblies with a longitudinal or X-shaped foot structure, can be used with any of the horizontal beam assemblies, such as varying lengths of beams utilizing horizontal rails  42 ,  104 ,  114 ,  204  in varying configurations, i.e., angled with a table support beam and desk return support beam, in series to create extra-long beams spans, etc. In these various combinations, a wide variety of work surface support configurations including those detailed above. 
         [0121]    While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary designs, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.