Abstract:
A modular counterline system disclosed which uses separate sections which can be offset, one from the other, to provide flexibility for initial design requirements as well as for changing the layout as the user&#39;s needs change. The system also accommodates the convenient capability to allow wires and the like to be added into a raceway or passageway without threading through ports. The system also uses opposed side frames between sections for partially defining the passageway.

Description:
This is a Continuation application of application Ser. No. 08/261,089 filed on Jun. 15, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,703, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/796,788 filed on Nov. 25, 1991 now abandoned. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a modular counterline or desking system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are a host of businesses that provide service to a customer who deals across the counter with a service representative. The most well recognized counterline type systems are those used in banks, ticket counters, car rental counters, only to mention a few. These businesses have recognized that an effective counter system can assist them in providing service to the customer as well as contributing to the overall image of the company. 
     Banks, in particular, have recognized the need to be flexible with respect to their counterline to reflect changes in demographics of the area in which they serve as well as the times. In the past, most counterlines have been considered permanent, or at least did not readily accommodate changes in layout and configuration and, in most cases, were difficult to modify to the overall look and/or feel of the system. In many cases, the cost to change a system outweighed the perceived benefits and, therefore, the same image was maintained. 
     There remains a need to provide a flexible counterline system which can accommodate changes in configuration and can be broken down into individual modules, should changes and/or changes in location be necessary. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A counterline system, according to the present invention, comprises a series of individual modules which are adapted to be horizontally shiftable from an aligned position to a forwardly offset overlapping position to a rearwardly offset overlapping position. Each module includes a channel passageway across the module and side channel passageways extending to the front and extending at least partially along the sides of the module whereby wiring may be placed in the channel passageways to interconnect one module to adjacent modules. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the counterline includes a counter top and a counter front wherein at least one of the counter top and the counter front are movable to an open position exposing the channel passageway and any wires or lines therein. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, the channel passageway, in the open position of at least one of the counter top and counter front, allows wires and lines to be laid in place in the channel passageways without threading through ports in the counterline. 
     A counterline module, according to the present invention, comprises opposed side frames interconnected at a front edge by at least one channel member. The side frames include a side passage adapted to be closed along a side portion by either a cover secured to said side frame, or an aligned side frame or a combination of an aligned side frame and a cover. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the counterline module has at least two side passages in each side frame open adjacent the front of the side frame to cooperate with the channel member. One of the side passages is at the approximate height of the channel member and the other passage being lower than the channel member whereby the wire can pass to the adjacent module at different heights. 
     According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the counterline module includes a vertically open space between the end of the channel and the front end of the side passages for accommodating wires passing from the channel to one of the passages. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a number of counterline modules interconnected to form a counterline; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing various components of the counterline and counterline modules; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a counterline having the front covers pivotal about their lower edge to allow access to the channels of the counterline modules; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing counterline tops movable to an open position, exposing the channels of the individual modules; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one counterline module without the decorative covers applied thereto; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing securement of the various finished surfaces to a counterline module frame; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing how counterline modules may be interconnected; 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of a particular counterline module; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of the counterline module of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 shows a particular structure for securement of a counterline front to a hinged support network secured to the front of the counterline module frame; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view showing the pivotted counter front of FIG. 10 secured to a counterline module frame; and 
     FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing two secured side frames of two modules and the various passageways for allowing wires to pass between counterline modules. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The modular counterline  2 , shown in FIG. 1, is made up of separate modules  4  which are structurally interconnected. Each module includes a top  8  and a front panel  6 . Various side panels or partial side panel covers can be used, depending upon the exact configuration of the counterline and the number of modules which are offset to provide a stepped type counterline. Each module  4  need not have a continuous top portion and the top portion may merely be a recess  11 , as indicated in FIG. 1, for receiving the movable cart  10 . The individual modules may be offset to provide a stepped type counterline as well as to accommodate variations in height for different types of service. For example, in FIG. 1, a desk module  5  is shown near one end of the counterline which would be suitable for taking information from customers who would be sitting on chairs on the opposite side of the desk. In contrast, the other modules shown would be more appropriate for dealing with customers who are standing. 
     Further details of the modular counterline system are shown in FIG.  2 . Each of the modules  4  shown include opposed side frames  20  which are mechanically connected adjacent the front edge of the panels by connecting channels  22 . The connecting channels not only provide mechanical interconnection of the opposed side frames  20 , the channels also accommodate and support the passage of wires across the front edge of the counterline. Side passages  24  are provided in each of the side frames  20  and when two side frames are brought into abutment, as generally shown in FIG. 2, there is an open space  40  through which wiring may be laid. This is of particular advantage to accommodate the horizontal shifting of the modules to produce a stepped counterline. In this case, passages  24  provide the necessary passageway for allowing cables and wires and the like to pass from the channels  22  to the channels  22  of adjacent modules which may be horizontally offset. In addition, because of the various channels  24  provided in the side frames  20 , changes in height of connecting channels  22  of adjacent frames is also accommodated. As can be seen, when the panels are aligned as shown in FIG. 2, the wiring harness  30  may be inserted within these channels. Preferably, the wiring harness has a number of duplex receptacles  32  which will be available for powering of any equipment on top of the modular tops  8 . Secured to the front of the opposed side frames  20  of each module are the module front panels  6 . In addition, a baseboard members  26  are secured to the lower portion of each module. 
     The modular front panels  6  can be releasably secured to the front of the side frames or can be permanently secured. In some banking installations these panels might be bulletproof and be secured to the counterline in a manner not releasable from the front of the counterline. In other counters these may merely serve a decorative purpose and be releasably secured in any convenient manner. 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrate two different arrangements for allowing access to the connecting channels  22 . In FIG. 3, the bottom edge of the modular front panel  6  is hingedly secured to the side frames and can pivot outwardly to expose the channels therebehind. In this way, an electrician or other personnel seeking to rewire the counterline or bring in additional lines can have full access to the channels. In FIG. 3, each end of the modular counterline has been provided with a decorative end cover  36  which closes the channel and basically provides a finished end surface. 
     In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the modular tops  8  can each independently slide rearwardly to expose the channels  22 . This, again, allows the electrician or installer access to these channels and simplifies wiring and/or modification of the powering of the counterline. Furthermore, the movable modular tops  8  shown in FIG. 4, or the hinged front panels  6  of FIG. 3, can allow the user access to the channels and access to the power receptacles  32 . In this way, a cord can pass through a port provided in the modular top  8  and be connected to one of the duplex receptacles  32 . 
     Details of one module  4  are shown in FIG.  5 . Each side frame  20  includes a base rail  42  preferably made of steel. This base member engages the adjusting feet  59  used to level the particular side frame. To the inside face of the side frame  20 , a structural substrate  46  is engaged by a flange  45  atop the base rail  42 . This structural substrate is preferably of wood and includes a number of securing ports  47  spaced in the structural substrate  46  and used to engage adjacent side frames. To the exterior surface of the structural support  46  are a number of spacing and reinforcing rails  44 . These rails align with the ports  47  provided in the structural substrate  46  and will allow passage of a mechanical securing member, such as a bolt, through the structural support and through the spacing and reinforcing rail  44 . 
     In FIG. 5, two separate rails are shown intermediate the height of the structural substrate  46 , with these rails being generally horizontal. The rails stop short of the connecting channels  22  at the front edge and allow wires to be located between these rails for interlinking with an adjacent vertical channel which can be at a different height. The clear vertical space in front of the rails accommodate any vertical transitions of the wires between modules. This linking and use of the space between the rails is required when the modules are horizontally offset to provide the stepped counterline configuration. 
     A rear vertical member  48  is secured to the base  42  and also engages the structural substrate  46 . At the upper edge of the side frame  20  is a U-shaped channel  52  engaging the upper edge of the structural substrate and secured thereto. A plate  54  extends above the U-shaped channel and supports in a horizontal manner the track  56  which will slidingly engage a modular top  8 . As can be seen in the Figure, the structural substrate  46  has been notched at the front top edge to receive the connecting channels  22  secured to a structural support member by bracket  60 , having flanges  62  secured to the structural substrate  46 . Brackets  60  interconnect the channels to the substrate  46 . Each substrate  46  has been provided with securing ports  57  which are used to allow fastening of the finished side panels to the side frames. 
     Various methods for securing of components to the module  4  are shown in FIG. 5. A power outlet mounting plate  80  having downwardly extending flanges  82  is provided and can be moved along and is supported by the upper edges  23  of the upper connecting channel  22 . Secured to this power outlet mounting plate is a power outlet  32  having the various receptacles centered therein. This power outlet  32  is connected to the wiring harness  30 . 
     Front bracket  70  includes a face portion  72  for securing the front cover  6  in FIG.  1 . Securing arms  74  of the front bracket  70  extend rearwardly and are secured to the structural substrate  46  by means of the securing port  47  and appropriate mechanical fasteners. The slots  76  in the front bracket  70  accommodate the desired positioning of the front panel the required distance in front of the opposed frames  20 . 
     As can be seen from FIG. 5, the side frames  20  and the connecting channels  22  are designed to be structurally strong and accommodate the transmission of wiring harnesses between adjacent modules. The units have inherent strength and little attention has been given to the cosmetics of the panels. The look of the system is enhanced by securing of finished panels and finished surfaces to the side frames and connecting panels. Details of this are shown in FIG.  6 . In this case, the front panel  6  is secured to the front brackets  70  by suitable fasteners passing through the front brackets  70  and entering the front panel  6 . The interior side panels include top brackets  12   a  which are received in the upper securing ports  57  of the structural substrate  46 . Two similar brackets are provided adjacent the bottom of the panel and will engage the lower ports  57 . The placement of the brackets  12   a  and the lower brackets are such that the top brackets  12   a  are inserted into the ports and the panel is slid upwardly to a position allowing the lower brackets to be received in the lower ports  57  and the panel can then drop into proper location and be locked by the brackets to the opposed side frames. Exterior side panels  14  are preferably secured to the structural substrate  46  by mechanical fasteners passing through port  47  and engaging the exterior panels  14 . The modular top  8  includes a ball bearing type roller arrangement engaging the track  56  and accommodating limited movement of the top in the direction of arrow  9 . This will allow the channels  22  to be accessible. 
     FIG. 7 shows two modules  4   a  and  4   b  being brought into engagement for securing together. The modules are secured by mechanical fasteners passing through a number of aligned ports  47  provided in the spacing and reinforcing rails  44 . As can be seen, the securing ports  47  are spaced at particular intervals in the length of the spacing and reinforcing rails  47  which correspond with fixed increments of offset that the modular panels are designed to be used at. Thus, the modules can be directly connected, as shown in FIG. 7, or could be offset in increments corresponding to the spacing of the securing ports  47  provided in each of the spacing and reinforcing rails  44 . The mechanical securing will be accomplished by fasteners passing through the structural substrate  46  of module  4   b  and into the structural substrate  46  of module  4   a . The mechanical fastener is preferably a flush type connection with the mechanical securing being interior to the two modules. A very strong mechanical connection can be made due to the fastener passing through not only the spacing and reinforcing rails  46  which abut, but also through the structural substrates  46 . It is apparent that when the side frames are directly opposed and aligned, there would be no cover members, as the interior between these two frames is used as the passageway. If there is an offset between the two modules, a partial cover would be used to cover the portion of the side frame of each module exposed beyond the other module. 
     A single finished module is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, although this would be an unusual occurrence, as the modules are designed to interconnect to form a counter or work surface. The normal practice for a module would be to be connected to an adjacent module and, at most, would have one of these side frames with a finished panel secured thereto completely covering side frame. It can be appreciated that in an offset arrangement, partial covers might be used. In any event, it can be seen that quite a different configuration or look of the module can be accomplished by using a different front module panel  6   a . In this case, a recessed type panel is used giving a completely different look relative to the earlier flush faced panels of FIG.  1 . These panels need not be a wood finish, they could be a cloth finish or a metallic finish, or any desired finish which is appropriate for the image of the company. Thus, it can be seen that although the panels are replaced to present a new look, the structural support framework remains and thus, the costs for producing a new counterline will be reduced. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an arrangement for accommodating the forward hinging of the front panel  6   a . In this case, a special bracket arrangement  90  is shown having a side frame engaging portion  92  and a panel engaging portion  94 . The panel engaging portion  94  is pivotally secured at  96  to the frame engaging portion  92 . The frame engaging portion  92  includes securing arms  98  extending rearwardly for engaging the side frames  20  and a bolt  100  is adapted to engage a nut type member  102  slidably received within the structural substrate of the particular side frame. The panel engaging portion  94  includes a front face  104  for supporting the front panel  6  which has been provided with brackets  6   a  on the interior surface for receipt within slots  106  provided in the front face  104 . The brackets pass through the slots and the panel is then slid downwardly to a locked and finished position. The linkage  108  serves to limit the extent to which the front panel  6  may be pivotted outwardly about the pivot point  96 . The device is shown in FIG. 11 secured to side frames and is movable from the closed position, shown in solid lines, to the dotted position where access to the connecting channels  22  is possible. It can also be seen that the top module  8  can move rearwardly to expose the vertical channels. Although both a movable front face and a movable top is shown in FIG. 11, in most cases only one of these arrangements for providing access to the channels  22  would be used. It can also be appreciated that the channels  22  can be positioned somewhat lower than the position shown in FIG. 11 in the case where only the front panel moves outwardly to expose the channels. A little additional clearance would simplify inserting of wires or the like in the top channel  22 . 
     A sectional view through two adjacent secured opposed side frames  20  is shown in FIG.  12 . In this case, the finished height of the modular top  8  is different. The side frames each include finished interior side panels  12  which cover the structural substrate  46  of each side frame. The side frames are secured together by a mechanical fastener  16  passing between the two structural substrates  46  and through two opposed spacing and side rails  44 . There is a portion of the one larger side frame which would be exposed above the finished top  8   a  of FIG.  12 . In this case, a short trim panel  18  is secured to the side frame and typically will be secured by a fastener  19  passing through the structural substrate  46 . The tops  8  and  8   a  each include a bracket  110  supporting a roller arrangement  112  which has limited movement within the track  56  of each of the opposed side frames  20 . 
     FIG. 12 also illustrate the clear passageways  24  which are open at the front of the space and reinforcing rails  44  to allow passage of wires and the like rearwardly or forwardly in the space between rails to accommodate offsets in adjacent modules  4 . 
     The opposed side frames  20  have been described with respect to a particular construction which is of a composite nature including a wooden member engaging various steel members positioned at various points. It is within the scope of the invention merely to provide a steel type framework while still utilizing the passageways between the spacing and reinforcing rails  44 . Although the structural substrate is shown as one continuous sheet, this can be replaced by spaced vertical members, for example, and possibly made from different materials. Therefore, the structural substrate could be a structural framework. 
     The modular frame is also shown as connected adjacent the top edge by the connecting channels  22 . A structural brace can be provided between opposing side frames defining a module to further increase the structural stability of the system. Such a brace could be adjacent the lower edge of the side frames. 
     It can be appreciated that with the modular system described, the counterline can be customized to accommodate the particular requirements of the user. The front panels can easily be changed and various types of finishes can be provided for significantly changing the feel and look of the system. Special requirements, such as bulletproof partitions, etc. can also be accommodated with this system. 
     The counter tops have been shown as being flat, however, in fact, they can include raised portions which also move with the counter top. The counter top can also be customized and various levels can be provided thereon. 
     Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.