Patent Abstract:
Systems and methods of assembly and manufacture of a modular laboratory furniture system having a selectively attachable upper framework assembly and easily adaptable configurations with integrated service distribution.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/883,146, filed on Sep. 26, 2013, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to furniture and, more specifically, to a modular laboratory furniture and assembly and manufacture thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     In these days of rapidly evolving technology and developing science, laboratories are challenged to increasingly adapt and change their laboratories space to the changing needs of the various projects from time to time. This requires an increasing adaptable and flexible furniture solution that is unique to laboratories. These require the integration and distribution of services such as electrical, gas, and other fluids to each work station that may also change or need to be easily changed. Existing modular furniture systems are often costly to reconfigure or change to meet the ever changing requirements of the modern laboratory. 
     SUMMARY 
     The inventors hereof have succeeded at designing a new and improved modular furniture assembly, system and method that provides laboratories with increased flexibility and lower cost of modification and changes over the life of the modern laboratory. These include features that all for improved flexibility in floor space utilization as well as installation and removal of work station services. These and other benefits will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading the following specification and in view of the numerous exemplary embodiments described herein and in the drawing figures. 
     According to one aspect, In one embodiment, system for modular laboratory furniture having a work surface having a front edge, a back edge, two opposing side edges, a top surface and a bottom surface with a subassembly positioned below the work surface and on which the work surface is mounted and supported, the subassembly having a back surface support and two opposing side surface supports and a pair of front legs. The system further includes a pair of back leg members each selectively couplable to the subassembly proximate to opposing back corners of the subassembly proximate to the intersection of one of the side work surface supports and an end of the back work surface support, each back leg member having an elongated cavity along a length of the back leg member extending downward from a top end thereof and a portion of an outer side that is positioned facing outward from the side edge of the work surface and defining an elongated vertical opening into the elongated cavity of each back leg member. The system also includes a selectively attachable upper framework positionable above the back edge of the work surface, the upper framework having two opposing vertical support members supporting at least one horizontal member that extends between the two vertical support members, each vertical support member having a top end, a lower end, a vertical elongated cavity along its length, a cross-section that is about twice the size of a cross section of one of the back leg members, and an outward facing vertical elongated opening to the cavity, the cavity configured for receiving one or more utility distribution fixtures. The system further includes a mounting mechanism for mounting the lower end of the vertical support members of the upper framework to a top portion of the back leg members. 
     According to another aspect, wherein the work surface, subassembly, and the pair of front legs are each a first work surface, a first subassembly and a first pair of front legs, respectively. The system further includes a second work surface, a second subassembly, and a second pair of front legs, the second work surface being oriented 180 degrees from the first work surface with the back edges of each work surface being positioned adjacent to each other. The back leg members are dimensioned and configured for attachment to the back portions of each of the first and second subassemblies for commonly supporting both the first and second work surfaces, and for mounting the vertical support members. 
     According to another aspect, a system for modular laboratory furniture includes a leg support assembly having a pair of opposing leg members with an elongated cavity along a length extending downward from a top end thereof and a portion of an outer side that is positioned facing outward and defining an elongated vertical opening into the elongated cavity of each leg member, the leg support assembly having a lateral member positioned between the two opposing leg members and having a surface mounting member positioned at a bottom end. The system also includes a selectively attachable upper framework positionable above the lateral member and having two opposing vertical support members supporting at least one horizontal member that extends between the two vertical support members, each vertical support member having a top end, a lower end, a vertical elongated cavity along its length, and an outward facing vertical elongated opening to the cavity, the cavity configured for receiving one or more utility distribution fixtures and a mounting mechanism for mounting the lower end of the vertical support members of the upper framework to the top portion of the back leg members. 
     According to yet another aspect, a method of assembling modular laboratory furniture includes the process of attaching a work surface having a front edge, a back edge, two opposing side edges, a top surface and a bottom surface to a subassembly position below the work surface and on which the work surface is mounted and supported. The method also includes steps of attaching a pair of front legs to the subassembly, and selectively coupling a pair of back leg members to the subassembly proximate to a back corner of the subassembly proximate to the intersection of one of the side lateral supports and an end of the back lateral support, each back leg member having an elongated cavity and a portion of an outer side that is positioned facing outward from the side edge of the work surface defining an elongated vertical opening into the elongated cavity of the leg member. The method further includes selectively attaching an upper framework above the back edge of the work surface, the upper framework having two opposing vertical support members supporting at least one horizontal member that extends between the two vertical support members, each vertical support member having a top end, a lower end that is selectively coupled to a top portion of one of the back leg members, the upper framework also having a vertical elongated cavity along its length and a cross-section that is about twice the size of a cross section of each back leg member, and an outward facing vertical elongated opening to the cavity, the cavity configured for receiving one or more utility distribution fixtures; and securing each vertical support member to one of the back leg members. The attaching the vertical support members of the upper framework can also include inserting an extending member of the lower end of the vertical support member into a top cavity defined in the top portion of the back leg members. 
     Further aspects of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out below. It should be understood that various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented individually or in combination with one another. It should also be understood that the detailed description and drawings, while indicating certain exemplary embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  includes  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D .  FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to one exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 1B  is a front view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1C  is a side view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1D  is a top view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of certain unassembled components of the module furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side cut out perspective view of the coupling of the vertical support member of the upper framework to a back leg member according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is side view of  FIG. 3  according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the single back leg mounted or attached to the work surface and supporting subassembly without the attached vertical support member being mounted thereto according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  includes  FIGS. 6A and 6B  that are views of the horizontal member of the upper framework according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the vertical support member of the upper framework along with the attachment of the horizontal member thereto according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the back leg member according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  includes  FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D .  FIG. 9A  is a top perspective view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to another exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 9B  is a front view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9C  is a side view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9D  is a top view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of certain unassembled components of the module furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side cut out perspective view of the coupling of the vertical support member of the upper framework to two back leg members according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of  FIG. 11  according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the two back-to-back back leg members mounted or attached to the work surface and supporting subassembly without the attached vertical support member being mounted thereto according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 14  includes  FIGS. 14A and 14B .  FIG. 14A  is a side view of the lower portion of the back to back leg members according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 14B  is a bottom view of the lower portion of the back to back legs according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 15  includes  FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D .  FIG. 15A  is a top perspective view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to another exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 15B  is a front view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15A .  FIG. 15C  is a side view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15A .  FIG. 15D  is a top view of a modular laboratory furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of certain unassembled components of the module furniture system according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side cut out perspective view of the coupling of the vertical support member of the upper framework to two back leg members according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of  FIG. 17  according to one embodiment of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  a bottom view of the two back-to-back back leg members mounted or attached to the work surface and supporting subassembly without the attached vertical support member being mounted thereto according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 20  includes  FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C  each of which are various views of a free standing standalone service distribution assembly according to one exemplary embodiment thereof. 
     
    
    
     It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the disclosure&#39;s applications or uses. 
     In one embodiment, system for modular laboratory furniture having a work surface having a front edge, a back edge, two opposing side edges, a top surface and a bottom surface with a subassembly positioned below the work surface and on which the work surface is mounted and supported, the subassembly having a back surface support and two opposing side surface supports and a pair of front legs. 
     The work surface and the subassembly can define a back leg member mounting receptacle for receiving a back leg member. The subassembly can include one or more leg attachment mounting fixtures positioned for selective alignment with one or more of the leg mounting fixtures. 
     The various fasteners or mounting mechanisms or the like described herein, such as the leg attachment mounting fixtures, by way of example, can be any available and reasonable suitable fastening means and at any suitable location but in some embodiments at least a top section of the front legs are fixedly coupled to the subassembly. These fastening mechanisms can include bolts, screws, hooks and slots, clips, adhesive, by way of example only and not meant to be limited thereto. 
     The system further includes a pair of back leg members each selectively couplable or mountable to the subassembly proximate to opposing back corners of the subassembly proximate to the intersection of one of the side work surface supports and an end of the back work surface support. Each back leg member has an elongated cavity along a length of the back leg member extending downward from a top end thereof and a portion of an outer side that is positioned facing outward from the side edge of the work surface and defining an elongated vertical opening into the elongated cavity of each back leg member. 
     The system also includes a selectively attachable upper framework positionable above the back edge of the work surface, the upper framework having two opposing vertical support members supporting at least one horizontal member that extends between the two vertical support members, each vertical support member having a top end, a lower end, a vertical elongated cavity along its length, a cross-section that is about twice the size of a cross section of one of the back leg members, and an outward facing vertical elongated opening to the cavity, the cavity configured for receiving one or more utility distribution fixtures. 
     The system further includes a mounting mechanism for mounting the lower end of the vertical support members of the upper framework to a top portion of the back leg members. In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism of each back leg member can include a top cavity and the lower end of each vertical support member can include a mating extended portion for inserting into the top cavity of the back leg member on which the vertical support member is mounted. 
     In some embodiments, each of the back leg members is a first back leg member and the system further includes a second back leg member selectively secured to the first leg portion forming a back leg assembly. The second back leg member has an elongated cavity and a portion of an outer side that is positioned facing outward from the side edge of the work surface. The elongated cavity of the second back leg member combines with the elongated cavity of the first leg member to define a widened elongated back leg cavity and also forms an elongated vertical opening defined by their combination of the side by side leg member openings. The vertical support member of the upper framework is mounted on the back leg assembly and is attached thereto for supporting and securement of the upper framework above the back edge of the work surface. 
     In some embodiments, each upper portion of at least one of the first or second back leg members of the back leg assembly on either side of the work surface includes a top cavity. In some cases, each of the two vertical support members of the upper frame includes at least one extending mounting member configured to be received into the top cavity of the back leg. At least of the upper vertical support member and one of the first or second back leg members of the back leg assembly includes a securing fixture for mounting the extending mounting member of the vertical support member thereto. 
     In some embodiments, a cavity cover is dimensioned and configured for selectively covering the elongated combined vertical openings of both the vertical support member of the upper framework and the elongated vertical openings of the back leg members, whether in the single back leg member embodiment or the back to back combination forming the back leg assembly as described herein. Of course it should be understood that in the alternative, one cover can be configured separately for the elongated vertical opening of the vertical support member with a separately attachable leg member opening cover for covering the leg member opening. 
     In some embodiments, the work surface is a first work surface, and each second back leg member is a back leg member supporting a second work surface oriented 180 degrees back to back with the first work surface with a back edge of the second work surface being adjacent to the back edge of the first work surface. 
     In some embodiments, the back leg members of each of the first and second work surfaces are selectively coupled together to form a unified back to back work surface with the upper framework positioned above the back edge of the first work surface and the back edge of the second work surface. 
     In some embodiments, each of the pair of back leg members on each opposing side of the work surface is a first back leg member. The system can also include a pair of second back leg members each of which is coupled or is couplable to a back portion of one of the first back leg members for forming a back leg assembly. The back leg assembly in the single work surface embodiment will have the second back leg member extending backward and outward from the back edge of the work surface. The upper portion of each of the first and second back leg members can include a mounting mechanism for mounting the lower end of one of the vertical support members. 
     In some embodiments, the front legs can include an upper section and a lower section selectively coupled to the upper section. The upper section can have a proximate end coupled to the subassembly and the lower end coupling to the lower section. The lower section can have a distal end engaging a floor surface on which the furniture system is placed. In some embodiments, at least one of the upper section and lower section includes a height adjustment fixture for selectively defining a plurality of front leg heights by the selective combination of the upper section and the lower section. Further, since the front leg height can be adjustable by the user, each back leg member can include two or more one leg mounting fixtures proximate to the top end thereof for mounting to the subassembly for selectively mounting at two or more heights the lower leg members thereto. For instance, in some embodiments, at least one fastener coupling the leg to the subassembly using at least one leg mounting fixture and at least one back leg member attachment mounting fixture. The back leg member can include a plurality of leg mounting fixtures positioned spaced apart at various distances along the elongated length of the upper portion of the leg and wherein the leg attachment mounting fixture and leg mounting fixture are configured for selective attachment for fixing the leg to the subassembly at one of a plurality of different positions for varying the height of the back leg member from the work surface to the mounting surface. 
     In some embodiments, the work surface, subassembly, the pair of front legs and the two back leg members are each a first work surface, a first subassembly and a first pair of front legs, and a first two back leg members, respectively. The system also includes a second work surface, a second subassembly, a second pair of front legs and a second pair of two back legs, the second work surface being oriented 180 degrees from the first work surface with the back edges of each work surface being positioned adjacent to each other, wherein each of the back leg members has at least a portion of a leg-to-leg attachment fixture and wherein each back leg is configured for parallel alignment and coupling of the back leg member of the first work surface to the back leg member of the second work surface for securement thereto. In some embodiments, each pair of coupled back leg members includes an upper portion having a mounting mechanism for mounting a portion of a lower end of one of the vertical support members of the upper frame. 
     In some embodiments, each upper portion of each coupled leg members includes a top cavity. Each of the two vertical support members of the upper frame includes at least one extending mounting member configured to be received into the top cavity of the back leg member and wherein at least one of the upper vertical support member and one of the first or second back leg members includes a securing fixture for mounting and securing the vertical member of the upper framework to the back leg member. In some embodiments, each back leg member includes a portion of an outer side that is positioned facing away from the side edge of the work surface, and wherein each of the first back leg member and the second back leg member defines an elongated vertical opening into an elongated cavity positioned proximate to each other forming a combined elongated vertical opening there between and combined elongated cavity through the coupling of the two back leg members together. 
     In some embodiments, a cover is dimensioned and configured for selectively covering the combined elongated vertical opening of the combined first and second back leg members forming the back leg assembly and the elongated opening of the vertical support member mounted thereto. 
     In some embodiments, the work surface, subassembly, and the pair of front legs are each a first work surface, a first subassembly and a first pair of front legs, respectively. The system further includes a second work surface, a second subassembly, and a second pair of front legs, the second work surface being oriented 180 degrees from the first work surface with the back edges of each work surface being positioned adjacent to each other. The back leg members can be dimensioned for attachment to the back portions of each of the first and second subassemblies for commonly supporting both the first and second work surfaces and for mounting the vertical support members. 
     In another embodiment, a system for modular laboratory furniture includes a leg support assembly having a pair of opposing leg members with an elongated cavity along a length extending downward from a top end thereof and a portion of an outer side that is positioned facing outward and defining an elongated vertical opening into the elongated cavity of each leg member, the leg support assembly having a lateral member positioned between the two opposing leg members and having a surface mounting member positioned at a bottom end. The system also includes a selectively attachable upper framework positionable above the lateral member and having two opposing vertical support members supporting at least one horizontal member that extends between the two vertical support members, each vertical support member having a top end, a lower end, a vertical elongated cavity along its length, and an outward facing vertical elongated opening to the cavity, the cavity configured for receiving one or more utility distribution fixtures and a mounting mechanism for mounting the lower end of the vertical support members of the upper framework to the top portion of the back leg members. 
     In another embodiment, a method of assembling modular laboratory furniture includes the process of attaching a work surface having a front edge, a back edge, two opposing side edges, a top surface and a bottom surface to a subassembly position below the work surface and on which the work surface is mounted and supported. The method also includes steps of attaching a pair of front legs to the subassembly, and selectively coupling a pair of back leg members to the subassembly proximate to a back corner of the subassembly proximate to the intersection of one of the side lateral supports and an end of the back lateral support, each back leg member having an elongated cavity and a portion of an outer side that is positioned facing outward from the side edge of the work surface defining an elongated vertical opening into the elongated cavity of the leg member. 
     The method further includes selectively attaching an upper framework above the back edge of the work surface, the upper framework having two opposing vertical support members supporting at least one horizontal member that extends between the two vertical support members, each vertical support member having a top end, a lower end that is selectively coupled to a top portion of one of the back leg members, the upper framework also having a vertical elongated cavity along its length and a cross-section that is about twice the size of a cross section of each back leg member, and an outward facing vertical elongated opening to the cavity, the cavity configured for receiving one or more utility distribution fixtures; and securing each vertical support member to one of the back leg members. The attaching the vertical support members of the upper framework can also include inserting an extending member of the lower end of the vertical support member into a top cavity defined in the top portion of the back leg members. 
     In some embodiments, the process of selectively attaching the upper framework can include selectively coupling a lower end of each vertical support member to each of the attached first and second back leg members so that the upper framework is selectively mounted to the attached first and second back leg members. In some embodiments, the process of selectively attaching the upper framework can include inserting a pair of extending members of the lower end of each vertical support member into a pair of top cavities defined in the top portions of each of the first and second back leg members. The method can also include selectively placing a single elongated cover over the vertical elongated opening of the vertical support member and the elongated opening of the back leg member on which the vertical support member is mounted. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes securing the extending member that is inserted into the top cavity of the top portion of the back leg members for fixedly attaching the upper framework to the back leg members. 
     In some embodiments wherein the pair of back leg members is a first pair of back leg members, the method can include selectively attaching each of a pair of second back leg members to the first back leg members on a backward facing side thereof with the attached second back leg member extending backward and beyond the back edge of the work surface. The selectively attaching the upper framework can include selectively coupling a lower end of each vertical support member to each of the attached first and second back leg members so that the upper framework is selectively mounted to the attached first and second back leg members. In such embodiments, the method of attaching the vertical support members of the upper framework can include inserting a pair of extending members of the lower end of each vertical support member into a pair of top cavities defined in the top portions of each of the first and second back leg members. The method can also include securing the extending members inserted within the top cavities of the top portions of the back leg members for fixedly attaching the upper framework to the coupled pair of back leg members forming a back leg assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the method can include selectively placing a single elongated cover over the vertical elongated cavity of the vertical support member and the combined side by side openings of each of the coupled back leg members on which the vertical support member is mounted. 
     In some embodiments where the work surface, the subassembly, and the pair of front legs are each a first work surface, a first subassembly, a first pair of front legs, the method can include attaching a second work surface to a second subassembly position below the second work surface and on which the second work surface is mounted and supported. This method can include attaching a pair of second front legs to the second subassembly and positioning the coupled second work surface attached to the second subassembly in a back to back position relative to the first work surface so that each back edge is adjacent and abutted against each other and forming a combined work surface. This method can also include selectively attaching the second back legs that are selectively attached to the first back legs to a second subassembly to the second subassembly. 
     The method can include the process of securing the inserted extending members inserted into the top cavities of the top portions of the back leg members for fixedly attaching the upper vertical members to the coupled pair of back legs on each side of the back side of the combined work surface. 
     In some embodiments, the method can include selectively placing a single elongated cover over the vertical elongated cavity of the vertical support member and the combined opening formed by the side by side positioning of the elongated openings of the combined and coupled first and second back leg members on which the vertical support member is mounted. 
     Referring now to the drawings for a description of several exemplary embodiments.  FIGS. 1-8  reflect various configurations, features and options referred herein as a first exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 1  includes  FIG. 1A , a top perspective view of a modular laboratory furniture system  100 ,  FIG. 1B  a front view,  FIG. 1C  a side view, and  FIG. 1D  a top view.  FIG. 2  illustrated a perspective view of a portion of the unassembled components of the module furniture system  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of cutout section  3 - 3  as shown in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 4  is the side cut out view of section  4 - 4  shown in  FIG. 1C  and  FIG. 5  is the top view of cut out section  5 - 5  as shown in  FIG. 1D .  FIG. 6A  illustrates an optional side view showing elongated cover in place and  FIG. 6B  shows a top view of the detached upper framework.  FIG. 7  shows a cut out top view of the vertical support member and the horizontal member of the upper framework of  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the back leg member. These Figures will not be described with reference to each and their common and different elements. 
     As shown, furniture system  100  includes a work surface  102  that has a top surface  110  and a bottom  112 , with a front edge  104 , a back edge  106  and two opposing side edges  108 . This is shown as a rectangle work surface  102 , but other shapes of the work surface  102  are also possible. The work surface  102  is mounted and supported by a subassembly  114  that typically has a back surface support  126 , two opposing side surface supports  128  and can also include a front surface support  127 . The subassembly  114  is supported by front legs  116  and back leg members  118 . As will be discussed, the present disclosure addresses the improvements that are related to the back leg members  118  and the flexibility of the back leg members  118  as well as improvements to these other work surface elements. The back leg members  118  are positioned at the opposing back corners of the work surface  102  such as in a mounting receptacle  170  formed in the work surface  102  and similarly formed in the subassembly  114 . Each back leg member  118  has a top cavity  150  positioned at the top end  154  of the back leg member. Each back leg member  118  has a back surface portion  161  that is substantially flat and also has one or more back leg mounting mechanisms  164  for mounting the back leg members  118  to the subassembly  114  when the back leg member  118  is positioned in the mounting receptacle of the work surface  102 . The leg mounting mechanisms  164  can include a plurality of spaced apart features to enable the attachment of the back leg members  118  to the subassembly  114  at various positions for varying the height of the work surface  102 . The subassembly  114  can include a securing fixture  146  having one or more subassembly mounts  147  for the back leg members  118  for engagement or coupling or otherwise engagement with the back leg mounting mechanisms  164 . These securing fixtures  146  and subassembly mounts  147  can be on the back surface support  126  and/or the side surface support  128  of the subassembly  114 . 
     As the back leg member  118  includes back leg mounting mechanism  164  for selectively defining the height of the back leg member  118  and therefore the height of the work surface  102  from the mounting surface or floor, the front legs  116  can be configured with a height adjustment feature  212  as well. As shown in  FIG. 1B , each front leg  116  can include a top section  202  that is mounted or mountable to the subassembly  114  and a bottom or lower leg section  204  having a distal end  208  for placement or engagement with the mounting surface. A lower portion  206  of the top section  202  can selectively engage an upper portion  210  of the lower section  204  and include fixtures and other configuration for selectively defining the working height of the front legs  116  as necessary to level the work surface  102  consistent with the height of the back leg members  118  as well as the mounting surface. 
     Each back leg member  118  has an elongated cavity  120  positioned along a length of the back leg member  118  typically extending downward from a top end  154  of the back leg member  118  for receiving one or more user service utilities  222  such as electrical wiring, and piping for gas or water or other fluids. For ease of access, each back leg has an outer side  122  that is positioned facing outward from the side edge  108  of the work surface  102  and also has an elongated vertical opening  124  to the elongated cavity  120  of each back leg member  118 , again for ease of access, maintenance and for modification and changes thereto. A cover  190  is dimensioned and configured for placement over the opening  124  for selectively covering and sealing the opening  124  and for providing an improved aesthetic to the installed furniture system during operation in a laboratory. The back leg member  118  can be of any shape or any size, but in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , has a cross sectional area d2 and size such that the back leg member  118  does not extend beyond the back edge  106  of the work surface  102 . 
     The furniture system  100  also includes a utilitarian distribution center in the form of an upper framework  130 . The upper framework  130  includes two opposing vertical supports or vertical support members  132  and one or more horizontal members  134 . The vertical support members  132  have a top end  136  and a lower end  138  and define an elongated cavity  140  for receiving a maintaining user service utilities as well as in some embodiments one or more utility distribution fixtures  224 , such as electrical outlets, by way of example. The horizontal members  134  can also include one or more distribution fixtures  224  and also include cavities coupled to the cavities  140  of the vertical support members  132  for distribution of the user service utilities  222  there between. One or more shelves  135  can be positioned on the horizontal members  134  as well. An elongated opening  142  is defined in the outwardly facing side or surface of the vertical support  132  for ease of installation and maintenance and removal of the user service utilities  222  from the elongated cavity  140 . The cover  190  can also be dimensioned and configured for selectively covering the opening  142 . The cover  190  can be elongated and dimensioned and configured to selectively cover both opening  142  of the vertical support  132  as well as the opening  124  of the back leg member  118 . 
     A securing fixture  146  is provided for attaching the vertical support  132  to the back leg member  118 , typically about the top end  154  of the back leg member  118 . In this illustrated embodiment, the upper framework  130  includes an extending member  160  such as a tube  160  that extends downward from the lower end  138  of the vertical support  132 . The back leg member  118  has a top cavity  150  configured for receiving the extending member  160 . One or more mounting fixtures or subassembly mounts  147  are provided with the securing fixture  146  for selectively securing the mounting of the vertical support  132  to the back leg member  118 . The cavity  140  of the vertical support  132  is aligned and continuous with the cavity  120  of the back leg member  118 . Further, the opening  142  of the cavity  140  of the vertical support  132  can also be aligned and continuous with the opening  124  to cavity  120  of the back leg member. In this manner, the user service utilities  222  such as electrical wires and fluid pipes can be placed within the combined cavity  120 ,  140  and access from openings  124 ,  142  when any cover  190  is not in place. 
     As shown in this embodiment, the cross sectional area d1 of the vertical support  132  is twice the size from front to back as d2 of the back leg member  118 . As such, when the vertical support  132  is mounted to a single back leg member  118  as shown in  FIG. 8 , the vertical support  132  will extend backward and beyond the back edge  106  of the work surface  102 . In this embodiment, the work surface  102  can be dimensioned outwardly to correspond with the back extended end of the back of the vertical support  132 , or in some embodiments, a separate spacer can be placed along the back edge  106  of the work surface to fill in the space so that the work surface  102  can be placed flush against a wall when the back side of the upper framework  130  is also placed against the wall. This also applies in embodiments as will be described in  FIG. 9  below, as it generally applies in embodiments where there is a single work surface  102 , e.g., not a dual or back to back work surface as provided by the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15  as will be discussed below in further detail. 
       FIGS. 9-14  are now referred to for different embodiment of the furniture system.  FIG. 9A  is a top perspective view of a modular laboratory furniture, with  FIG. 9B  being a front view,  FIG. 9C  a side view, and  FIG. 9D  being a top view thereof.  FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of certain unassembled components of the module furniture system of  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 11  is a side cut out perspective view of the section  11 - 11  shown in  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 12  is a side view of the section  12 - 12  shown in  FIG. 9C  and  FIG. 13  is a top view of section  13 - 13  shown in  FIG. 9D .  FIG. 14A  is a side view of the lower portion of the back to back leg members of  FIG. 9 , and  FIG. 14B  is a bottom view of the lower portion of the back to back leg member thereof. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9-14  is similar to that addressed above with regard to  FIGS. 1-8  but are different as the back leg member  118  of the prior discussion is supplemented with a back leg assembly  162  formed from the coupling of a first leg member  118 A and a second leg member  118 B. The back leg members  118 A,  118 B are dimensions and have a cross sectional area d2 that when combined equal or is substantially the same as the cross sectional area d1 of the vertical support  132 . As shown, the first back leg member  118 A has back surface  161 A and second back leg member  118 B has back surface  161 B. When placed in a back to back position as shown in  FIG. 13 , the two leg members  118 A,  118 B can be secured together by leg to leg attachment fixtures  152  thereby stabilizing them as the back leg assembly  162 . 
     In this manner, when the vertical support  132  is mounted to the back leg assembly  162 , the combination provides a continuous cavity  140  into the combined cavity  174  comprised of the back to back placement of the first cavity  120 A of first back leg member  118 A and the second cavity  120 B of the second back leg member  118 B. Further the wider opening  142  of the vertical member can now be continuous with the combined width of the first opening  124 A of the first back leg member  118 A with that of the second opening  124 B of the second back leg member  118 B. 
     Further, as there is now two back leg member  118 A,  118 B on which to mount the vertical support  132 , the vertical support  132  can include two extending members  160 A and  160 B each for placement in a different top cavity  150 A and  150 B of back legs  118 A and  118 B, respectively. Two securing fixture assemblies  146 A,  146 B include one or more securing subassembly mounts  147 A securing extending member  160 A within cavity  150 A and therefore to back leg member  118 A, and one or more securing subassembly mounts  147 B securing extending member  160 B within cavity  150 B and therefore to back leg member  118 B. 
       FIGS. 15-19  are now referred to for yet another different embodiment of the furniture system.  FIG. 15A  is a top perspective view of a modular laboratory furniture, with  FIG. 15B  being a front view,  FIG. 15C  a side view, and  FIG. 15D  being a top view thereof.  FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of certain unassembled components of the module furniture system of  FIG. 15 .  FIG. 17  is a side cut out perspective view of the section  11 - 11  shown in  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 18  is a side view of the section  18 - 18  shown in  FIG. 15C  and  FIG. 19  is a top view of section  19 - 19  shown in  FIG. 15D . 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 15-19  represents the flexibility of the presently disclosed furniture system. This embodiment is not a different system, but an assembled variation of the systems as described above with regard to  FIGS. 1-14  but having two work surfaces  102 A,  102 B positioned to form furniture system  200  having a combined work surface  180 . When compared to the first embodiment of  FIGS. 9-14 , this illustrated system  200  has first work surface  102 A with first mounting receptacle  170 A and first leg member  118 A and first side support  128 A mounted below first side edge  108 A. However, it also has the second back leg member  118 B mounted in place. The second work surface  102 B has side edge  108 B and includes the second receptacle  170 B. The second work surface  102 B is mounted to a second subassembly  114 B that includes the second side supports  128 B and is also supported by second front legs  116 B. In this manner, the second work surface  102 B is positioned 180 degrees relative or in orientation to the first work surface  102 A but with the second back edge  106 B adjacent to and up against the first back edge  106 B thus forming the combined work surface  180 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the back leg assembly  162  includes the back to back positioned first and second leg members  118 A,  118 B coupled along back surfaces  161 A,  161 B by one or more fasteners  152 . The combined cavity  174  is formed by the combined side by side positioning of the first cavity  120 A with second cavity  120 B. Similarly, the combined opening  176  to the combined cavity  174  is formed by the side by side positioning of the first opening  124 A with the second opening  124 B between or on the outer side  122 A of the first leg member  118 A and the outer side  122 B of the second leg member  118 B. 
     Where the back leg assembly  162  is already installed with the first and second back leg members  118 A and  118 B coupled together, the upper framework  130  can already have been placed or mounted by mounting the vertical member  132  to the back leg assembly  162  as described above. The user service utilities  222  can remain in place with minimal changes. The upper framework  130  also already had the horizontal members  134  in place above the back edge  106  of the first work surface  102 A. Once the second work surface  102 B is mounted via second subassembly  114 B to the second back leg members  118 B, the second shelving  135 B can be added if desired for access by a user of the second work surface  102 B when positioned along second front edge  104 B. This is as opposed to a user positioned along first front edge  104 A that accesses first shelving  135 A. 
     Referring now to another embodiment shown in the Figures,  FIG. 20  consisting of  FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C  that are various views of a free standing standalone service distribution assembly  300 . 
     This embodiment further illustrates the flexibility of the presently disclosed furniture system. The system  300  as shown in  FIG. 20 , includes the same upper framework  130  with the vertical supports  132  and the horizontal member  134  as previously discussed, but in system  300 , the upper framework  130  is mounted to a free standing base  302  rather than being mounted to a back leg member  118  that in part supported a work surface  102 . In this embodiment, free standing base  302  has a lower vertical support leg  304  with the cavity  120  and opening  124  as described above for the back leg member  118 . However, the cavity  120  is open at the top end of the vertical support leg  304 . The distal end of the vertical support leg  304  terminates with a mounting to a surface mount  308 , which as illustrated in this embodiment can be an assembly having opposing front and rear surface mount extensions. A horizontal member  306  couples the two opposing vertical support legs  304 . 
       FIGS. 20B and 20C  illustrate the upper framework  130  being mounted onto the free standing base  302 . In this configuration, the system  300  enables a user to utilize the distribution services of the user service utilities within the cavity  140  of the upper framework  130  but removing the work surface  102  and subassembly  114  with front legs  116  therefrom, but utilize other forms of furniture or equipment such as test equipment or systems having their own housings or cabinetry or with other forms of laboratory furniture systems such as legacy furniture. Also as shown in these figures, but as can apply to all embodiments, the service access  220  to external service supplies such as electrical wiring or service, water or gas or the like, can be provided from a top access to the upper frame work  130  for providing to the cavity  140  thereof. Of course, those of skill in the art will understand that service access  220  can also be provided from underneath the floor, or from a wall and as such, the service access  220  can be provided via the back leg members  118  for feeding upward rather than as shown in  FIGS. 20B and 20C  and feeding downward. 
     As described with regard to  FIGS. 1-20 , the various embodiments and configurations illustrate the flexibility and improvement of laboratory furniture. For example, once an upper framework  130  is installed such as with user services via service access  220 , the user can change the working environment for the system from a single sided work station of system  100  and  200 , to a dual sided work station of system  300 , or remove the work stations altogether and only utilize the free standing system of system  400 . Each provides ease of access to the user service utilities within cavities  140  and  120  and each provides for the aesthetic and protective selective covering of the openings  142  and  124  to the cavities. 
     When describing elements or features and/or embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features beyond those specifically described. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments and implementations described above without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is further to be understood that the processes or steps described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative processes or steps may be employed.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8