Patent Publication Number: US-6662732-B2

Title: Modular desk

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/226,068, filed Aug. 17, 2000, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/240,526, filed Oct. 13, 2000, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to desks and worksurfaces, and in particular, to a modular desk having removable accessories and a worksurface comprising a flexible membrane, and to methods for uses thereof. 
     Desks of the type typically used in offices and the like are typically configured with a homogenous worksurface member made of a rigid material having a non-resilient surface. Such worksurface members provide the user with an appropriate surface for writing and the like and are capable of supporting various pieces of office equipment such as telephones and personal computers, which typically are randomly located thereon and which occupy otherwise usable space. Typically, if configured with storage, the desks will have one or more shelves or laterally moveable drawers arranged vertically in series below the worksurface. Such drawers typically are rigid so as to support a cantilevered load as they are moved laterally outward away from a support structure. Alternatively, the user may be provided with separate storage in the form of file cabinets or pedestals, also typically arranged for access below the worksurface of the desk. Likewise, waste receptacles are typically free-standing devices placed beneath a worksurface, or adjacent to a desk. 
     Conventional storage accessed beneath the worksurface can often be limited in height and is typically accessed by pulling the drawer laterally outward, which can interfere with the user&#39;s mobility and requires a larger footprint for the overall workspace. 
     Moreover, conventional worksurfaces, which are typically non-resilient, can be unforgiving when used to store various relatively fragile articles such as eyeglasses, ceramic mugs and the like, thereby leading to the inadvertent breakage of such items. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly stated, in one aspect, one embodiment of the invention is directed to a modular desk comprising a frame having an upper surface and defining a periphery of a worksurface area. The frame defines at least one opening formed within the worksurface area. A storage accessory is removeably received in the at least one opening, wherein it engages the frame. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the frame divides the worksurface area into opposite side regions and a middle region positioned therebetween, with each of the opposite side regions having an opening formed therein. Preferably, a worksurface member is supported by the frame in the middle region. Also in a preferred embodiment, a cover is disposed over the storage accessory. The cover preferably has a worksurface. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a worksurface member is disposed over the openings formed in the opposite side regions. Preferably, the worksurface member has a first and second side, each of which is configured with varying indicia or colors, such that the worksuface member can be flipped to present a different aesthetic. 
     Preferably, the frame has a plurality of openings. A plurality of storage accessories is removeably received in the openings. In one embodiment, the various storage accessories are provided in different colors. 
     In another aspect, one embodiment of the frame includes a plurality of sockets formed therein, and preferably formed around a periphery of the worksurface area. A second storage accessory comprises a stanchion comprising an insert portion received in at least one of the sockets. 
     In yet another aspect, one embodiment of the worksurface member comprises an exposed, flexible portion defining at least a portion of a worksurface area defined by a worksurface member. Preferably, the worksurface member further comprises a non-flexible surface forming at least a portion of the worksurface area. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible portion comprises a stretched membrane that is removeably disposed on said worksurface member. 
     In another aspect, a method for reconfiguring a worksurface is provided. The method comprises removing a first accessory from the opening in the worksurface member and inserting a second accessory in the opening. In another aspect, a method for storing an article on a worksurface is provided. The method comprises disposing an article on a flexible portion of said worksurface member, and flexing said membrane in response thereto. 
     In yet another aspect, the accessory comprises a mat of compressed fibers. The mat is preferably tackable and can be made in a variety of different colors. 
     The present invention provides significant advantages over other desks and worksurfaces. For example, the storage accessories can be accessed from the top of the worksurface, rather from beneath the worksurface or by laterally moving the storage unit. In such a configuration, the storage accessory can be made relatively deep so as to accommodate oversize objects. In addition, such access and orientation lends itself to the storage of various randomly stacked or deposited items, such as waste products. Alternatively, the storage accessory can serve to hold various food articles and beverage items. Since the storage accessories are preferably removeable, they can be easily, vertically removed, emptied and cleaned without the use of expensive and complicated slide mechanisms and the like. 
     Since the storage accessory does not necessarily have to be rigid, due to its support structure and orientation, it can be made of flexible materials, such as woven fabrics or netting, which are typically less expensive than conventional drawers. In addition, the modular desk, with its openings, allows for the workspace to be reconfigured to suit the user&#39;s individual needs. In this way, a variety of storage accessories can be made available to accommodate the various goods being stored therein. In addition, the storage accessories can be made of different colors to suit the individual aesthetic needs of the user, as well as to allow the user to organize the workspace, for example by providing a certain color that corresponds to a particular type of accessory or article stored therein. In addition, with the accessories preferably supported at the side regions of the worksurface area, the accessories do not interfere with the user&#39;s knees and legs as they are positioned by the user beneath the desk. 
     The worksurface member, with its sockets and stanchion supported accessories, also provides an ideal storage vehicle above the worksurface. In particular, the storage accessory can be elevated above the worksurface to clear more space for the user on the worksurface. At the same time, the various storage accessories allow the user to easily access necessary and important office equipment such as a telephone or computer. 
     The flexible portion of the worksurface also provides several advantages. In particular, the flexible portion provides an ideal location to store various fragile articles, such as eye glasses. The flexible portion cushions the landing of such objects, when tossed thereon, and also flexes in response to heavier objects inadvertently falling on such objects that are located on the flexible portion, so as to protect them from damage. 
     The construction of the compressed fiber accessories also provides several advantages. In particular, the accessories can be made different colors without the need to attach a separate fabric covering, or outer fascia layer. Moreover, the accessories can be made with less expense than conventional molded plastic articles, and are lighter and easier to ship. At the same time, the compressed fiber provides an ideal tackable surface allowing the user to post various important papers and the like thereon. 
     The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular desk workspace. 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of a worksurface frame. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the worksurface frame taken along line  3 — 3  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the worksurface frame taken along line  3 A— 3 A of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the worksurface frame taken along tine  3 B— 3 B of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the worksurface frame taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of the worksurface frame. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the worksurface frame. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of an accessory frame. 
     FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the accessory frame taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible membrane accessory. 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of a stanchion. 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a storage tub. 
     FIG. 12 is a front view of the storage tub. 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of the storage tub. 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a storage basket assembly. 
     FIG. 15 is a front view of a document stand. 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of the document stand. 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the document stand taken along line  17 — 17  of FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a screen. 
     FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the screen. 
     FIG. 20 is a shelf. 
     FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a placard. 
     FIG. 22 is an end view of a lip member for the document stand shown in FIGS. 15-17. 
     FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a cover. 
     FIG. 24 is a plan view of a side worksurface member. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The terms “front”, “side”, “back”, “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “upwardly” and “downwardly” as used herein are intended to indicate the various directions and portions of the desk as normally understood when viewed from the perspective of a user facing the desk. Likewise, the term “lateral” refers to the direction running the length of the desk from one side to the other, while the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction running from the front to the back thereof. 
     Referring to the drawings and as best shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a modular desk  10  includes a worksurface frame  20  and a plurality of support legs  12 , shown in the Figures as four support legs. The support legs are preferably made of metal, e.g., steel, although other materials such as plastic, fiberglass, and wood would also work. The frame, which is preferably molded, preferably is made of structural foam comprised of 40% glass-filled polypropylene, although it should be understand that other materials including molded plastics, wood or metal would also work. The frame  20  is preferably substantially rectangular and includes four downwardly opening sockets  22  located at the comers thereof. An end of one of the support legs  12  is inserted into each socket  22 . Each socket  22  is preferably configured as a star shape, or with four radially extending key holes or slots  24 . The end of the leg is inserted into the socket  22  with an interference fit, with the end of the leg engaging the star-shaped socket such that the ribs are plastically deformed and assumes the shape of the leg. This interference fit eliminates the need for other fasteners, such as mechanical fasteners and the like. It should be understood that the frame can be formed in other shapes, including a round, oval, triangular, and diamond shape, and can be supported by one or more support legs, including for example a single pedestal leg. Likewise, the socket can be formed in any number of shapes, including a round, rectangular or triangular opening, with the leg having an end portion shaped to be received therein. The leg can be secured in the socket with a friction fit or with other fasteners, including for example adhesive and/or mechanical fasteners. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the frame includes a laterally extending front and back primary frame member  26 ,  38  and a pair of longitudinally extending side primary frame members  30  joined at the ends thereof respectively. The front, back and side frame members define a periphery  32  of a worksurface area of the desk. 
     A “worksurface” preferably comprises a planar, and preferably horizontal, surface or surfaces accessible to a user for supporting objects thereon, such as papers and the like, or a series of such planer surfaces vertically and/or horizontally displaced relative to each other. A “work surface area” is the total area circumscribed by the outer periphery of a worksurface, or a plurality of worksurfaces, and includes the area or areas within such total area that is occupied by voids or openings formed therein. 
     The front and back frame members each have a longitudinally extending curved portion  34  that extends outwardly, forwardly and backwardly from the frame members. The upper surface  36  of the primary frame members is exposed to the user and preferably forms a portion of the worksurface and define a portion of the worksurface area. The frame  20  further includes a pair of longitudinally extending interior primary frame members  38  that are formed substantially parallel to the side frame members  30  and connect the front and back frame members  26 ,  28 . The upper surfaces of the interior primary frame members  38  also preferably form a portion of the worksurface and define a portion of the worksurface area. 
     Interior secondary frame members  40  extend laterally and longitudinally between the front and back primary frame members  26 ,  28  and between the side primary frame members  30  and the interior primary frame members substantially at the midpoints thereof. The secondary frame members  40  have an upper surface  42  spaced apart from and disposed below the upper surface  36  of the primary frame members, which form a portion of the worksurface. In addition, a plurality of stiffeners  44  extend between the longitudinally extending primary and secondary interior frame members  30 ,  38 ,  40  and between the secondary interior frame member  40  and the front and back frame members  26 ,  28 . The stiffeners  44  also preferably have an upper surface  42  spaced from and disposed below the worksurface. 
     The primary frame members  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  38  define a middle region and opposite side regions of the work surface area, all of which extend longitudinally between the front and back edge of the worksurface. The primary frame members  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  38  further define a middle  48  and two side openings  46  therebetween in the middle and side regions respectively, with the openings extending longitudinally between the front and back frame members  26 ,  28 . The secondary frame members  40  further divide the side openings  46  and thereby define a pair of longitudinally spaced side openings  50  in each of the side regions between the side frame members  30  and the primary interior frame members  38 . The secondary frame members  40  further divide the middle opening into a quadrant of four openings  52 , with the stiffeners further dividing each of the openings  52  into a subquadrant of four more openings  54 , so as to form a total of sixteen openings  54  between the front and back frame members  26   28  and the primary interior frame members  38  in the middle region of the worksurface area. 
     As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the primary frame members  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  38  includes a recessed rim spaced below the upper surface  36  of the frame member. The rim  56  forms a ledge, or shoulder around the inner periphery of the openings  46 ,  48 . In addition, the rim  62 , which runs longitudinally along the side frame members  30  and the opposing side of the primary interior frame members  38 , preferably includes an upwardly extending lip portion  64 . The rim  62  is spaced slightly below the rim  56  with the top of the lip portion  58  being in substantially the same plane as the rim  56 . 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a worksurface member  58  is disposed in the recess formed by the rim  56  on the front, back and primary interior frame members, and covers the middle opening  48  defined thereby. The worksurface member  58  is supported by the upper surface  42  of the secondary interior frame members  40  running between the front and back frame members and between the primary interior frame members, by the upper surface  42  of the stiffeners  44  and by the rim  56  formed around the periphery of the primary frame members  26 ,  28 ,  38  in the middle region. The worksurface member has an upper surface  60  that is preferably flush with the upper surface  36  of the primary frame members  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  38 , that forms in part the worksurface and the defines in part the worksurface area. The worksurface member  58  preferably is retained within the recess with adhesive and/or fasteners, including for example mechanical fasteners and/or Velcro, although it should be understood that the worksurface member could be removeably, loosely disposed in the recess without any such additional mounting. It also should be understood that the stiffeners  44  and one or more of the secondary frame members  40  could be omitted to form larger openings, or to expose the single opening  50 . 
     It should also be understood that a side worksurface member  901 , shown in FIG. 24, also can be disposed in the recess formed by the side, front, back and primary interior frame members that define the side openings  46  or  50  to thereby cover such openings  46  or  50  and further form in part the worksurface. The side worksurface member is preferably made of light weight industrial insulating board with an upper and lower HPL surface layer applied thereto. Preferably, the side worksurface member has a first and second side that are configured with different colors or other indicia, such as various patterns, including for example, geometric patterns and patterns of different colors, dots, alphanumeric characters, checkerboard, stars, etc. The worksurface member  58  can likewise be configured with different colors or indicia on opposite sides thereof. In operation, one or more of the worksurface members  58 ,  901  can be flipped over so as to provide the desk with a different appearance. 
     Preferably, however, the middle region of the worksurface area is covered with a worksurface member, while the side regions are provided with openings to receive the various storage accessories, described below, such that the user is provided with more clearance under the desk in the middle region so as to facilitate the movement of the user&#39;s legs beneath the desk. The worksurface member  58  is preferably made of a ½ inch thick particle board with a HPL writing surface attached thereto, although it should be understood that other materials, including for example, plastic, metal, fiberglass, epoxy or wood, could be used. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a variety of various storage accessories can be supported by the worksurface frame, both below and above the worksurface. It should be understood that the term “storage” means a space or place for storage, and is intended to broadly include flat surfaces for supporting various objects, and also surfaces such as tackable surfaces, marker boards, flip pads, chalkboards and the like, which store respectively various alphanumeric figures, notes and other items. 
     A first storage accessory is shown in FIGS.  1  and  11 - 13  as a storage tub  70 . The storage tub  70  has a front and back rim  72  and side rims  74  that extend around the periphery of the tub. The rims  72  are received in the recess formed by the rim  56  of the primary frame members and the upper surface  42  of the secondary frame members, and engage the rim  56  and the upper surface  42  of the secondary frame members. The side rim  74 , which extends down further than rim  72 , rests on rim  62  and engages the lip portion  64 . The body  78  of the tub which forms a basin, extends into one of the openings  50  formed by the primary and secondary frame members  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  38 ,  40 . The tub rims  72 ,  74  form a recess and act as handles that can be grasped by the user. The rims include a downwardly extending edge portion, or lip, that has a greater length along the sides of the tub, as explained above. The lip  76  is shaped to overlap with the upwardly extending lip  64  of the primary frame members. The tub is preferably molded from hard plastic, and more preferably from ABS plastic or other like polymers, and includes a pattern of stiffener ribs  80  formed on a bottom surface thereof, although it should be understood that the tube can be made out of other materials including various metals, epoxies, fiberglass, and wood. The tub can further be insulated to provide storage for and maintain the temperature of various food articles or beverages. The tub can also be provided with a drain plug. When vertically mounted in the worksurface frame, the tub is open at the top to provide access to the user to the items stored in the tub, which are disposed therein through the top thereof through the opening  50  in the worksurface area. 
     A second storage accessory is shown in FIGS. 1 and 14 as a basket assembly  82 . The basket assembly preferably includes a support frame  90  and a basket  84 , which is received in one of the openings  50  formed by the primary and secondary frame members. The basket  84  has a peripheral edge portion  86  that is wrapped around the support frame and is fastened to an underside thereof with fasteners, including for example, staples, adhesive or Velcro. One embodiment of the frame  90 , shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, comprises an outwardly extending rim portion  92  that runs around the periphery of the frame. The rim portion  92  is received in the recess formed by the rim  56  of the primary frame members and engages the rim  56  and the upper surface  42  of the secondary frame members. The rim further includes a lip portion  94  formed on an underside thereof. The lip  94  forms a recess beneath the rim portion  92  so as to provide clearance for the various fasteners, e.g. staples, that secure the basket to the support frame. A vertical wall  88  extends downwardly from the rim to define an inner periphery of an opening  98 . The basket can be used to store a variety of objects such as books and personal articles, and further can be used as a waste receptacle. The basket is preferably made of a flexible, pliable material, such as netting, although it should be understood that other flexible materials such as fabric or plastic would also work. The support frame is preferably made of a relatively rigid material, such as structural foam polypropylene. 
     The rims  62 , which run longitudinally along the side frame members  30  and the opposing sides of the primary interior frame members  38 , are preferably laterally spaced so as to define runners that support an storage accessory, shown as a standard hanging file folder  175  in FIG.  3 B. The file folder  175  includes a pair of hooks  177  formed on each end thereof that engage and slide on the upwardly extending lip portion  64  of the rims  62 . As such, a plurality of file folders can be stored in the opening, and can be covered with a cover that provides a worksurface thereabove. 
     Referring to FIG. 9, a storage accessory is shown as comprising a resilient, flexible membrane worksurface accessory. The term resilient means capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture. The term flexible means pliant, or capable of being deflected or deformed. The worksurface accessory includes a resilient, flexible membrane  96  that is stretched across the opening  98  formed by the frame member  90  to form a resilient worksurface member. The membrane  96  is preferably made of a woven elastic material, and more preferably is made of LYCRA, although it should be understood that a rubber mat or other flexible, resilient material or fabric, preferably including elastic or elastomeric elements, threads or filaments, would also work. In this way, the membrane is preferably made of a “stretchable” material, meaning a material that can be extended in length, breadth or both, and which is capable of recovering or resuming its original size and shape after being deformed. 
     Preferably, an upper surface  100  of the flexible membrane defines a worksurface that is substantially flush with, or is positioned slightly below, and forms in part, the worksurface of the desk, which also preferably includes the worksurface  60  of the worksurface member  58  and the upper surface  36  of the primary frame members, all of which define in part the worksurface area. The peripheral edges  102  of the membrane are preferably wrapped around the support frame member  90  and attached to an underside thereof, as described above with respect to the basket. In this way, the entire periphery of the membrane  96  is preferably fixedly, non-movably and directly attached to a support structure, such as the support frame  90 , without any intervening springs or other devices capable of further deflection. It should be understood that other attachment devices, used to attach the periphery of the membrane to the support frame, such as adhesive and in-molding can also be used. 
     The flexible membrane provides an ideal location to dispose various fragile articles, such as eye glasses and the like. Indeed, the preferably stretched, flexible membrane will flex, or temporarily deform or deflect, when such items are tossed onto the membrane, otherwise referred to as a touch pad, so as to protect such articles from inadvertent damage. Preferably, the worksurface area of the membrane  96  preferably occupies or defines only a portion of the total worksurface area defined by the frame, and more preferably less than 50% of such an area. In a preferred embodiment, the worksurface of the flexible, resilient membrane is positioned immediately adjacent to a non-resilient or rigid worksurface, which can be comprised, for example, of the upper surface  36  of the primary frame members and/or the upper surface  60  of the worksurface member  58 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 23, a cover  102  can be disposed over any of the openings, or over the top of any of the afore-mentioned storage accessories disposed in one or more of the openings. The cover  102 , or worksurface member, has an upper surface  106  that defines a worksurface, and is preferably substantially flush with the upper surface  60  of worksurface member  58  and the upper surface  36  of the primary frame members. When disposed over the basket assembly  82  or the flexible worksurface accessory, the upper surface  106  may be slightly raised above the upper surfaces  36 ,  60 . Conversely, when the cover  102  is positioned over an opening without any accessory disposed therein, the upper surface  106  may be slightly lower than the upper surfaces  36 ,  60 . The cover preferably has a hole  104  formed therein such that a user can insert one or more fingers to grasp the cover for removal and replacement. The bottom of the cover, which is preferably molded, includes a pattern of stiffeners  137 . The cover is preferably made of ABS plastic, but can be made of other preferably non-resilient materials, including for example wood, fiberglass, epoxy or metal. When two covers  102  are placed over the openings  50  in one of the side regions, the mating edges of the covers are substantially abutted, with preferably only a small gap formed therebetween for tolerances. 
     It should be understood that any of the aforementioned storage accessories, including the covers, can provide in different colors, which can function as indicia to indicate to the user the type or identify of the accessory, or to indicate the type of goods or articles stored therein or thereon. For example, a particular color can be assigned to a particular storage accessory to aid the user in organizing their workspace, or for identifying for others where a particular type of accessory or stored article is located. For example, the user can designate that waste products will be retained in a black basket, and/or that office supplies will be retained in a red tub. The user also can arrange the various storage accessories, with their various associated colors, to suit their aesthetic needs. 
     Moreover, since each of the covers and storage accessories are preferably completely removable, meaning that they can be entirely disconnected from the table, the workspace and desk can be easily reconfigured simply be removing one or more of the accessories and replacing it with one or more other accessories. For example, if a particular workspace will be used by a plurality of users, a first user can tote their personal articles in a storage accessory and dispose the accessory in the frame during the time period they are working at the desk. At the end of that time, the user can take their storage accessory with them. In addition, a workspace can be configured with a plurality of various storage accessories arranged or rearranged as desired by a particular user. 
     The various storage accessories are preferably disposed in openings formed in the preferably horizontal worksurface area on each side of the central worksurface member  58  in the side regions, as explained above, so as to provide maximum leg clearance beneath the worksurface member  58 . However, it should be understood that the middle opening  48 , or openings  52  could also provide space for various storage accessories to be received therein. In such an embodiment, which preferably omits the stiffeners, the worksurface member would be removed, and various storage accessories would be received in the openings, with the rim or edge of the accessory engaging the rim of the primary frame members and the upper surface of the secondary frame members. 
     The desk also provides for arranging various storage accessories above the worksurface. In particular, and referring to FIGS. 1-6, a plurality of sockets  108  are formed in the upper surface of each of the primary frame members and are accessible from the top of the frame. The sockets  108  are preferably tapered and are in-molded into the frame during the molding process. Various storage accessories include one or more stanchions  110 , shown in FIG. 10, which preferably have a tapered insert portion  112  attached to an end thereof. The insert portion  112  has a cylindrical interior bore that is shaped to receive the end of the stanchion leg, and an exterior tapered surface that is received in the socket  108  with a friction fit, with the stanchion extending upwardly from the worksurface. The stanchion leg is preferably formed from a rigid steel wire. The insert portion further includes a shoulder  144  formed as a circumferential lip around an upper portion of the insert portion. Of course, it should be understood that the end of the stanchion itself can function as an insert portion. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 21, a placard  114 , configured as a circular marker board, is shown as being attached to a vertically extending signpost stanchion. In particular, the stanchion  110 , shown in FIG. 10, is inserted into, or in-molded with, a molded polyester mat  139 , which forms one side or layer of the placard. Alternatively, the stanchion can be bonded to the mat. The mat preferably has a pattern of stiffener ribs  143  molded therein. The other side, or layer, of the placard is preferably a marker board  141 , which is bonded to the mat  139 . Other placard accessories such as nameplates, note pads and the like can be attached to the sign post stanchion. Similarly, various light fixtures can be fastened to the stanchion. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  15 - 17  and  22 , a document stand  120  is shown as including a U-shaped stanchion  122  having a pair of insert portions  112  disposed on each end thereof. The document stand includes a back support panel  124  angled slightly from the vertical plane, and a bottom support panel  126  extending laterally from the back panel  124 . A hook, or lip portion  149  extends rearwardly from a bottom surface of the support panel  126 . A retainer member  151  includes a front wall  153  and a base wall  155  having a curved section terminating in a support platform  157 . A lip  161  extends laterally from the front wall  153  to form a groove  163  or channel that extends along the length of the retainer member. The support platform  157  and bottom or base wall  155  form a groove  165  or channel therebetween that also runs along the length of the retainer member. When installed, a front edge  169  of the support panel  126  is received in the channel  163 , while the hook  149  is received in the channel  165 , with an upper surface  159  of the support platform  157  engaging a bottom surface  167  of the support panel to react against any moment caused by a force applied against the front wall of the retainer  151 . In this way, the retainer can be easily removed or attached to provide an additional support for various documents and the like as needed. 
     The back panel  124  is attached to the stanchion  122  with tabs  128  in a snap-fit engagement, as shown in FIG. 17, although it could also be in-molded therewith or bonded thereto. The bottom panel  126  is configured to support various documents and the like as they are leaned against and/or supported by the back panel. When installed, the insert portions  112  of the U-shaped stanchion  122  are mounted in a pair of sockets  108  formed in the worksurface frame. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 20, a shelf  130  is shown as including a stanchion support  138  having a pair of sockets that are shaped to receive an end of a stanchion  134 . The shelf includes a platform  136  that is cantilevered away from the stanchion support  138 . The platform  136  defines a support surface  140  for supporting various pieces of office equipment such as telephones, computers, calculators and the like. The shelf  130  allows the user to support such equipment above the primary worksurface, so as to free the worksurface for the user. When installed, the insert portions  112  of the pair of stanchions are mounted in a pair of sockets formed in the worksurface frame, with the shoulder  144 , or circumferential lip, limiting the depth of insertion therein. 
     Referring to FIGS.  1  and  18 - 19 , a privacy screen  150  is shown as including a plurality of generally U-shaped stiffener rib portions  152 . A U-shaped stanchion  122 , which provides additional stiffness and strength, is inserted into, or in-molded with, the screen. Alternatively, the stanchion can be bonded or adhered to the mat. The screen is preferably made of compressed polyester fibers, which are preferably formed into a non-woven mat  148  or blanket. 
     In particular, the mat  158  is made of a moldable material, which preferably comprises a blend of component materials, at least one of which is a thermoplastic, including but not limited to polyester, co-polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or blends thereof, for example. Another of the component materials may have a slightly higher melting point, providing a matrix to which lower melting point materials may bond. The higher melting point materials may also include thermoplastics such as polyesters, polypropylene, and nylon for example, or may include natural materials such as sisal, cotton, flax and hemp, for example. In one embodiment, the use of an all-polyester composition, for example, may provide a freer flowing base material that will conform to tighter radius mold shapes. The mat is preferably provided as a non-woven mat. Re-cycled or virgin polyester and polypropylene may be chopped, shredded, carded, blended and lofted into a non-woven sheet and rolled into a roll. For example, a homogenous mixture of polyester and polypropylene may be blended. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the screen comprises a first mat of moldable material and a second mat, or stratum, of filler material, which comprises a filler embedded into a mat of moldable material. In this way, a second mat of a homogeneous mixture of moldable material and filler material is provided. The filler materials may include any of various materials that preferably have a melting point temperature that is higher than that of the moldable material. Exemplary materials include, without limitation, polyester, polypropylene, fiberglass, nylon, ceramics, metals, sisal, cotton, flax and hemp, for example. 
     The mat of moldable material, or a combination of a first and second mat of moldable and filler materials respectively, are preferably heated in an oven to a point of transition from the solid state to the liquid state of the material. Some of the fibers of the moldable material may liquefy in the oven while others remain solid, and yet others may be in a transition or gel-like condition. Thus, the material becomes very soft and can still be handled because it retains enough of the mat structure. The hot mat, or mats, is conveyed from the oven to a bonding press, which includes a pair of mold halves. The hot moldable material may fully transition to the liquid material state in the mold because of the pressures applied by a press to the mold halves. Regardless, the hot moldable material flows in the mold because of the pressure. If two mats are used, the mats become a single layer comprising a moldable material with a stratum of filler material embedded therein. The molten moldable material flows throughout the mold cavity and attaches to the non-molten material. The mold halves, which form the cavity, are temperature controlled below the melting point of the moldable material. Thus, the oven heats the moldable material and the pressure of the closed mold in the press shapes the material before the transfer of heat from the material to the die sets the material in the solid state. 
     Structural characteristics of the resulting molded mat, or screen, are controlled by adjustment of the material make up, the material density and the mold pressure. For example, for a given amount of material, a given mold cavity volume will result in a particular material density. The moldable material will commonly be viscous and will not flow freely, running throughout the mold cavity. Rather, the moldable material will tend to remain at the location where it was placed when the press closes the mold. Thus, the mat may have localized areas of relatively higher material density, and associated greater material toughness, where the mold cavity and the resulting mat cross-sectional thickness is thinner. 
     By holding the mold cavity volume constant, an increase in the amount of material will increase the resulting material density. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, a mat having a greater density will have a greater resistance to puncture. In any event, however, the resulting mat, which can be molded into a great number of various shapes, will have excellent structural rigidity while at the same time providing an ideal tackable material. In addition, the color of the mat can be controlled by introducing various dyes into the mix of materials. In this way, the mat of molded compressed fibers can provide improved aesthetics without the need for additional coverings or surface laminates. Moreover, the compressed fibers can be easily molded into a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes, which can include for example various stiffener ribs and the like, and provide their own structural support without the need for additional support members. 
     Preferably, the opposite sides of the molded mat, and in particular, the moldable material, are left exposed to the end user. In this way, at least a portion of the moldable material, e.g. the polyester fibers, which is preferably dyed, is exposed and visible to the user. This construction avoids the need for an additional facade material, such as a fabric, being applied to one or more of the opposite sides, which can add to the expense and difficulty of manufacturing the mat. 
     The molding process, and the various materials used therein, are also disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/167,303 entitled “Partitional Panel Insert Panel,” filed Nov. 24, 1999, in the name of Kenneth Assink, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.