Furniture

Abstract

 A furniture support system and method of varying the configuration of a furniture support system is provided in a variety of configurations which render changes in configuration of furniture, such as desks, easier and allows greater versatility in the furniture systems which can be provided as a result.
In a particularly form, a furniture support system is provided which comprises two or more upright members, at least one of the upright members being provided with a releasable engagement between the upright member and a laterally extended member, wherein a portion of the upright member or laterally extended member is received within the other. In this way, the number of laterally extending members can be varied to suit a variety of different work surfaces which need supporting, without needing to remove uprights from the system, or without having to leave in situ redundant laterally extending members.

Description

[0001] The present invention concerns improvements in and relating to furniture, particularly, but not exclusively, tables, storage units and other furniture for working environments.

[0002] Modern furniture, particularly for office and other business uses, needs to be versatile and capable of satisfying a variety of needs and uses. For economic reasons, it is desirable to be able to achieve this using a number of key units which are central to the furniture system.

[0003] A furniture system, particularly suitable for use in the provision of tables and other work surfaces, is disclosed in EP 0815770.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a still more versatile system than offered by the prior art and / or to provide a variety of features and options not possible with prior art furniture systems.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a furniture support system comprising two or more upright members, at least one of the upright members being provided with a releasable engagement between the upright member and a laterally extending member, wherein a portion of the upright member or laterally extending member is received within the other.

[0006] In this way the number of laterally extending members can be varied to suit a variety of different work surfaces which need supporting, without needing to remove uprights from the system or without having to leave in-situ redundant laterally extending members.

[0007] A portion of the upright member may be received in the laterally extending member, but it is preferred that a portion of the laterally extending member is received in the upright member. The portion of the laterally extending member which is received is preferably a generally upright element and ideally is an integral part of the laterally extending member. Preferably the upright element on the laterally extending member is perpendicular to the laterally extending member.

[0008] A sliding engagement between the portion of the member which is received and the receiving member is preferred. Preferably the portion received has an exterior cross-section which at least in part corresponds to the interior cross-section of the receiving portion. Reception of a rectilinear cross-sectioned portion, ideally square cross-sectioned, within a rectilinear cross-sectioned member, ideally square cross-sectioned, is preferred.

[0009] The furniture, such as a work surface, may be supported by one or more of the laterally extending members or one or more components depending therefrom. One or more of the laterally extending members may be provided with a ground engaging member, for instance an upright element which depends therefrom.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a method of varying the configuration of a furniture support system, the method comprising providing a furniture support system, the system providing two or more upright members, for at least one of the upright members a releasable engagement being provided between the upright and a laterally extending member, wherein a portion of the upright member or laterally extending member is received within the other, the method further providing varying the number of upright members provided with such laterally extending members.

[0011] The method may involve the removal of a laterally extending member from one or more of the upright members. The method may involve the provision a laterally extending member for one or more of the further upright members. The laterally extending members may be removed and/or provided by sliding engagements, particularly a sliding engagement in which a portion of the laterally extending member is received within the upright member. A lifting motion may be used to disengage the laterally extending member from the upright. A lowering motion may be used to engage the laterally extending member with the upright.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a furniture support system comprising two or more upright members, at least one of the upright members having a laterally extending member, for at least one of the laterally extending members a releasable engagement being provided between the laterally extending member and a further laterally extending member which extends from the distal end of the laterally extending member, wherein a portion of the laterally extending member or further laterally extending member is received within the other.

[0013] In this way the number of further laterally extending members and / or their lateral extent can be varied to suit a variety of different work surfaces which need supporting, without needing to remove uprights from the system or without having to leave in situ redundant further laterally extending members.

[0014] A portion of the laterally extending member may be received in the further laterally extending member, but it is preferred that a portion of the further laterally extending member is received in the laterally extending member.

[0015] A sliding engagement between the portion of the member which is received and the receiving member is preferred. Preferably the portion received has an exterior cross section which at least in part corresponds to the interior cross section of the receiving portion. Reception of a rectilinear cross section portion, ideally square cross section, within a rectilinear cross section member, ideally square cross section, is preferred.

[0016] The furniture, such as a work surface, may be supported by one or more of the laterally extending members and / or one or more of the further laterally extending members and / or one or more components depending from both or either of these.

[0017] Preferably one or more or all of the further laterally extending members include a portion adapted to contact the ground. The ground engagement may be provided by uprights depending from the further laterally extending members in one or more or all cases.

[0018] The ground engaging and / or work surface engaging components may comprise only a portion of, or extend throughout substantially the whole of the further laterally extending member and / or the laterally extending member in one or more cases.

[0019] Preferably the ground engaging portion is provided by a further upright depending from the further laterally extending member. The further upright may be provided at the distal end of the further laterally extending member relative to the upright and / or may be provided in an intermediate position.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a method of varying the configuration of a furniture support system, the method comprising providing a furniture support system, the system providing two or more upright members, at least of the upright members having a laterally extending member, for at least one of the laterally extending members a releasable engagement being provided between the laterally extending member and a further laterally extending member which extends from the distal end of the laterally extending member, wherein a portion of the laterally extending member or further laterally extending member is received within the other.

[0021] The method may involve the removal of a further laterally extending member from one or more of the laterally extending members. The method may involve the provision of a further laterally extending member for one or more additional laterally extending members. The further laterally extending members may be removed and / or provided by sliding engagements, particularly a sliding engagement in which a portion of the further laterally extending member is received within the laterally extending member. The further laterally extending member is preferably engaged with or disengaged from the laterally extending member using a horizontal motion.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention we provide a method of assembling a plurality of furniture components relative to one another, the method comprising providing a component of a first type and a component of a second type, the first type providing at one end one part of a threaded engagement between the first and second types, the second type providing at one end the second part of the threaded engagement between the first and second types, the first and second types being used to restrain a further component by introducing one of the first or second types to one side of the further component and one of the other types to the other side of the further component, the first and second types being brought into threaded engagement with one another using an aperture in the further component.

[0023] In this way support surfaces, shelves and the like can all be readily assembled relative to one another in an attractive manner using suitable legs, poles and covers in a large number of potential combinations using a limited number of different components.

[0024] The first type of component may be an elongate element, such as a pole, upright or leg. Preferably the one part of the threaded engagement is provided at the top end of the first type.

[0025] The first type may provide an end portion which comprises the one part of a threaded engagement and a body having a radial extent relative to the axis defined by the threaded part. The radial extent may be of even amount in one or more, ideally all, directions about the axis. Preferably the radial extent is measured perpendicular to the axis. Preferably the radial extent corresponds to the cross section of a part of the length of the first type and ideally to the cross section of the first type throughout its entire length.

[0026] Preferably the one part of the threaded engagement provided by the first type is a female thread recessed within the end portion of the first type.

[0027] Where the first type is an upright or leg the bottom end of the first type may be provided with a height adjustable foot or other component.

[0028] The second type of component may comprise a cap unit. The cap unit second type may be provided with one part of the threaded engagement, defining an axis and a cover element having a radial extent in one or more directions relative to the axis. The cover may extend radially by a consistent amount in one or more, ideally all, directions relative to the axis. A preferred maximum radial extent profile for the cover is thus circular. The cover may have an axial extent as well as a radial extent. A dome shaped cover may be provided with the base of the dome provided on the side of the second type of component as the side which provides the second part of the threaded engagement. The dome may be solid or hollow.

[0029] The cover may include a portion extending in the direction from which the second threaded part is accessed. This portion may be provided within the maximum radial extent of the cover portion. The portion preferably extends parallel to the axis of the second threaded part. Preferably the radial position of the portion is consistent throughout at least a total of 60° about the axis and ideally all around the axis. The total spread may be provided by two or more and preferably three or more parts of the portion. Ideally the portion has a circular maximum extent radially. A hollow cylindrical part or solid cylindrical part may provide this portion.

[0030] Preferably the second type is provided with the male part of the threaded engagement between the first and second types.

[0031] The second type of component may be a pole, upright or other elongate element. Preferably the second type of component in such cases is provided with a radial profile as discussed above in relation to the cover style second type. Alternatively or additionally the second part may similarly be provided with a second part of the threaded engagement in a manner matching the cover type second type.

[0032] The first and / or second type of components may be provided with a lighting unit at one end. An uplight and / or variable position light may be provided. Preferably the first and / or second type components are hollow to allow conveyance of power cables, telephone cables, computer cables or the like.

[0033] The further component may be any of a work surface, desk top, surface linking desks, shelf, shelves, tray, trays, stand, VDU screen support or storage unit.

[0034] Preferably the aperture in the further component is provided with a first cross section and second different cross section, and ideally a third cross section. Preferably the first cross section is provided to one side of the further component. The first cross section is preferably adapted to receive an end portion of the first and / or second type of component. Preferably the first cross section of the aperture is configured to match the cross section of the first or second type component it receives. A circular cross section for the first cross section is preferred.

[0035] Preferably the second cross section is of reduced dimension in at least one direction, ideally in all, compared with the first cross section. Preferably the second cross section is of lesser extent in one or more, ideally all directions, than the end portion of a first type of component and / or the end portion of the second type of component. Preferably the end of the first or second type of component abuts the surface linking the first cross section and second cross section together. Preferably this surface is an integral part of the further component.

[0036] Preferably the third cross section is provided to one side of the further component, ideally the other side of the further component to the first cross section. A third cross section is preferably adapted to receive an end portion of the first and/or second type of component, ideally a different type of component to the one received by the first cross section. Preferably the first cross section of the aperture is configured to match the cross section of the first or second type component is received. A circular cross section for the third cross section is preferred.

[0037] The method may be used to mount a desk or other work surface on a supporting frame, ideally using components of the first type and of the second cover type in one or more instances. The method is particularly suited to providing a method of mounting desk tops or work surfaces in a reversible manner. The method may provide for the detachment of the second type components from the first type components, the inversion of the desk or work surface and the re-fastening of the first and second type components. In this way a left handed desk, for instance L-shaped with the short leg of the L to a person's left, may be reversed readily, for instance so as to provide the short leg of the L to a person's right. In this way only a single configuration of desk top need be made irrespective of the eventual number of left or right handed desks a customer will need supplied to them.

[0038] The method may be used to mount one or more work surfaces above a primary work surface, for instance a shelf or shelves above a desk top. The shelf or shelves may be mounted relative to the desk top using pole type second components. The method may be used to mount a support surface for a VDU screen or other component, again a pole type second component is preferred for this purpose. The further component supported may be rotatable relative to the first type and second type components, ideally about the axis of the threaded engagement between the first and second type components.

[0039] The method may be used to connect two desks or other large work surfaces together using a smaller work surface, for instance mounted on one or more pole type second components attached to each of the desks or large work surfaces.

[0040] According to a sixth aspect of the invention we provide a fixing system for fastening one or more components of furniture to one another, the fixing system comprising a first type of component and a second type of component, the first type providing at one end one part of a threaded engagement between the first and second types, the second type providing at one end the second part of the threaded engagement between the first and second types and also providing a cover, the cover having a portion which extends towards the side of the second type from which the second part of the threaded engagement is accessed, the portion having a maximum extend radially about the axis which is consistent over a total spread of at least 30° about the axis.

[0041] Preferably the maximum extent of the cover is consistent in all directions about the axis. Preferably the cover is dome shaped.

[0042] According to a seventh aspect of the invention we provide a furniture support system comprising two or more upright members, one or more of the upright members being provided with a laterally extending member, at least two of the two or more upright members being connected to one another by one or more connection elements.

[0043] Preferably a first connection element is provided towards, ideally at, one end of the two or more upright members. Preferably a second connection member is provided towards, ideally at, the other end of the two or more upright members.

[0044] Preferably one or more of the upright members releasably engage the one or more connection members. Releasable fastenings may be used to join the one or more connection members to the one or more uprights. Threaded releasable fasteners may be used. Preferably the connection members comprise a plate provided with an aperture through which a fastener is connected to an upright. Preferably the apertures are recessed so as to accommodate the enlarged head of the fasteners, ideally flush with the outside surface of the plate.. The plates may be provided with recesses to accommodate the end portion of one or more of the uprights. A series of uprights may be provided in a linear alignment with one another when connected to the connection member. The uprights may be provided in a circle or partial circle or arc or curve when connected to the connection members.

[0045] The lower connection member may be provided with one or more adjustable height ground engaging members. The number of upright members and/or number of laterally extending members may be varied by inserting and/or removing uprights from the restrained position, fastened to the connection members.

[0046] The uprights may be rotatably mounted relative to the connection members.

[0047] According to a eighth aspect of the invention we provide a furniture support system comprising an upright member and two or more laterally extending members depending therefrom, the two or more laterally extending members being pivotal mounted relative to the upright member.

[0048] The lateral extending members may be pivotally mounted on the upright member by virtue of a portion of the laterally extending member which is received within the upright member. The two or more laterally extending members may be pivotal mounted on the upright member by virtue of a portion of the upright member which is received within the laterally extending member.

[0049] Preferably the laterally extending members can be provided at a range of angles about the axis defined by the upright member.

[0050] One or more of the laterally extending members may be provided with a further upright member which engages the ground, such as a leg. The further upright member may be provided at the end of the lateral member distal to the upright member.

[0051] According to a ninth aspect of the invention we provide a method of mounting a work surface on a furniture support system, the furniture support system comprising one or more upright members and one or more lateral extending members depending from one or more of the upright members, a plate being provided between the upright members and the work surface, a fastener connecting the work surface to the one or more upright members, through an aperture provided in the plate.

[0052] Preferably the plate is of circular cross-section, for instance about the axis of the aperture. Preferably the plate is provided with an aperture which receives an element providing the threaded engagement between the upright and the fastener for the work surface, for instance the male element..

[0053] The plate may be provided with one or more laterally extending portions. The plate may extend laterally in a first direction and/or one or more other directions. Preferably one or more of the extending portions of the plate are provided with an aperture, ideally a threaded aperture. Preferably the aperture is adapted to engage with a fastener, ideally a fastener for a work surface. Preferably the extended portion of the plate extends beyond the limit of the work surface, particularly the work surface which is attached to the upright through the plate. In this way the extended portion provides a support for an additional work surface. Preferably an additional wok surface is mounted on the extended portion and ideally is fastened thereto. The additional work surface portion may join one or more other work surfaces to the work surface. The additional work surface may join one or more support systems to the support system.

[0054] Preferably the plate serves to separate the work surface from the laterally extending members, ideally be a consistent amount in all cases.

[0055] According to a tenth aspect of the invention we provide a furniture support frame system comprising one or more upright members with one or more laterally extending members depending therefrom, the system further providing one or more components which are hung from one or more of the laterally extending members via hanging means, the hanging means comprising a first portion extending over the top of the laterally extending member and a portion depending therefrom which engages with the hung component or components.

[0056] Component or components may be a panel or other generally planar component extending downward from the laterally extending member. Preferably a panel extending from the work surface supporting by the frame system towards the ground is provided. The panel may extend the whole way between the work surface and the ground.

[0057] The component may include support means for cabling or other means conveying information or power to or from systems used on the furniture. Power cables, telephone cables, computer network links and links to computer peripheral devices may be supported in this way. Preferably the support means provide one or more channels extend along a portion of or the whole of a screen or panel's length. U-shaped channels may be provided.

[0058] The hung component may comprise a box structure, particularly a box extending from the floor upwards, such as those designed to accommodate cables and other attachments for the desk or systems operating on the desk.

[0059] The hung component may be a storage unit, for instance a storage unit for computer hardware. The hung component may comprise a screen, box or enclosure for computer hardware.

[0060] Preferably the hanging means are provided in a sliding engagement with the laterally extending member, such that the hung components can be moved relative to the laterally extending member. Preferably the hanging means slidably engage the laterally extending member such that the position of the hanging means on the laterally extending member can readily be varied. Preferably the hanging means are provided in a sliding engagement with the hung components, such that the hung components can be moved relative to the hanging means. A plurality of hanging means may be used for each hung component.

[0061] The hanging means preferably comprise a first portion which extends over the top of the laterally extending member and ideally has a profile corresponding to the upper surface of the laterally extending member. A planar surface is particularly preferred. Preferably the hanging means has a further portion which depends from the first portion and passes down the side of the laterally extending member and ideally as a profile configuring to the side of the laterally extending member. Preferably this portion opposes the portion depending from the first portion, which engages with the hung component or components. Preferably that portion depending from the first portion also configures to its side of the laterally extending member.

[0062] According to a eleventh aspect of the invention we provide a method of providing storage units for a furniture system, the method comprising providing one or more items of furniture, one or more of the items of furniture having an upright member, the method further comprising providing one or more storage units, one or more of the storage units having an aperture therein, the said storage unit or units and the said item or items being introduced to one another such that an upright member of the said item or items passes through the aperture in the storage unit or units.

[0063] Ideally the upright member is ground engaging and/or supports a laterally extending member. The laterally extending member may support a work surface.

[0064] The upright of the said item may be introduced to the aperture by lowering the upright member into the aperture. Thus, as part of the of the assembly of the furniture system, a support frame for a desk unit which provides the upright members may be lowered so that one or more of its uprights passes through an aperture in one or more such storage units. The desk top, and further units may then be introduced to provide a substantial interlinked system of furniture.

[0065] The upright may be introduced into the aperture of the storage unit by forming the storage unit such that a part of the storage unit defining one part of the aperture's periphery can be moved relative to the part or parts of the storage unit forming the other part or parts of the aperture's periphery in such a way as to open the aperture. The storage unit can then be moved into position relative to the upright and one or more parts of the storage unit moved so as to re-form the aperture about the upright. The two or more parts of the storage unit may be lockable in this position.

[0066] The aperture may be provided in a portion of the storage unit outside of the storage space, ideally the internal storage space, defined by the storage unit. Thus the aperture may be provided in a top surface of the storage unit which extends beyond the closed volume of the storage unit. It is particularly preferred that the aperture is provided to one side and ideally one corner of the storage unit. It is also particularly preferred that the storage unit is pivotally mounted about the upright.

[0067] The aperture may pass through the storage unit, for instance through the upper surface of the storage unit and / or the bottom surface of the storage unit and / or one or more intervening shelves or other surfaces of the storage unit.

[0068] The storage unit may be supported on the ground. Wheels, castors or other means for facilitating movement of the storage unit relative to the upright, on the ground, are preferably provided.

[0069] The storage unit may be supported by the upright and may be provided at a position off the ground.

[0070] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention we provide a storage unit, the storage unit comprising a mounting portion, preferably a work surface, and one or more storage location, the mounting portion having an aperture through it.

[0071] Preferably the storage location are provided below the mounting portion, such as an upper work surface. It is preferred that the aperture is provided to one side of the storage locations, that is the aperture is horizontally offset. The aperture may be provided directly above one or more of the storage locations, however, and it is preferred in such cases that an aperture also extend through the one or more storage locations below the aperture in the work surface. Preferably the apertures are all axially aligned with one another.

[0072] The aperture may be defined by two or more portions of the storage unit which are capable of movement relative to one another. The surface defining the limit of the aperture may thus be moved to open the aperture. The portions of the storage unit may be connected to one another by hinges. The two or more parts of the storage unit may be lockable in this position.

[0073] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention we provide an item of furniture, the furniture having one or more upright members, a primary work surface and one or more additional work surfaces, one or more of the additional work surfaces having an aperture therein, wherein an upright member passes through the aperture in the additional work surface and the additional work surface is rotatably mounted relative to the upright member..

[0074] The upright may be introduced to the aperture by lowering the upright member into the aperture. The additional work surface may be clamped or otherwise mounted on the upright member. The additional work surface may be mounted between the upright member and a work surface. Preferably the additional work surface or surfaces is pivotally mounted. Preferably the additional work surface or work surfaces have a first position under the primary work surface of the furniture system. Preferably the additional work surface or work surfaces have a second position protruding from under the primary work surface. Thus in the first position the additional work surface is stored, but in the second position the additional work surface can be used. Ideally the additional work surface can be positioned at one or more intervening positions between the first and second positions relative to the primary work surface.

[0075] The additional work surfaces, in the first position, may be provided between two laterally extending members. The additional work surfaces, in the first position may be provided between the laterally extending member on which they are mounted and the primary work surface.

[0076] The upright on which the additional work surfaces are mounted may be connected to one or more other uprights by laterally extending members. The additional work surface mounting uprights may be connected to a common upright or uprights, for instance a central hub upright or uprights.

[0077] The various embodiments of the invention may be combined with one another and/or features, possibilities, options and details from each aspect or any where else in the document may be combined with the features defined in any aspect of the invention. In particular, the work surface may be provided with an extension having a first downward folded position and second use position, the extension being supported in the use position by a laterally extending member, the laterally extending member being removed to allow the extension to reach the folded position. It is particularly preferred in this regard that the laterally extending member by rotated about an axis to achieve this change, ideally about a vertical axis defined by an upright on which the laterally extending member is mounted..

[0078] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention facilitating reconfiguration of furniture supports;

Figure 2 illustrates a connection system for joining work surfaces to a support system;

Figure 3 illustrates additional components for the furniture system possible through attaching extension pieces to the work surfaces;

Figure 4 illustrates a range of lighting and work surface possibilities for a furniture system according to the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention offering ease of interchange of work surface supports;

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having an alternative support frame configuration;

Figure 7 illustrates a series of washer and plate elements which can be used in conjunction with the present invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a range of components for use with furniture support systems according to the present invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a range of storage units applicable to furniture systems according to the present invention;

Figure 10 illustrates a range of additional work surfaces which can be incorporated in furniture systems according to the present invention; and

Figure 11 illustrates possibilities according to the present invention for extending the area of work surfaces.

[0079] As illustrated in Figure 1, the invention provides a new manner for achieving a work surface support system. The support system consists of a series of uprights 2 which form a hub-like location. The uprights 2 are tubular elements and are joined to one another by hinge members 4. As shown, the hinge members are formed by deformable plastic elements which span the gap between adjacent uprights 2 over their full height and are permanently attached to he uprights 2. Hinging at discrete locations and / or using other hinge structures could be employed. Hinging in this way allows the angles between the uprights 2 and hence the various members 8, 12 depending from the uprights 2, to be varied as desired.

[0080] The number of uprights 2 which are connected to one another can be varied as required and may be sufficient to form a generally circular-type hub structure (as shown in dotted profile in Figure 1), about a hub location 6.

[0081] Extending from the uprights 2 are first horizontal components 8. These components 8 are removeable from the uprights 2 by lifting them in a generally vertical direction so as to disengage the foot portion 10 of the first members 8 from the upright 2. A removed member 8 is shown in Figure 1 in proximity with the left hand most of the uprights 2.

[0082] The horizontal components 8 can be used alone to provide support for work surfaces (not shown), but in at least some cases will generally be provided in conjunction with a second horizontally extending component 12 which is slidably received in the component 8. The end 14 of the component 12, distal to the hub location, is provided with a dependent vertical component 16 which is of sufficient length to contact the ground at the location in which the furniture is employed (the upright is truncated for illustration purposes in Figure 1).

[0083] Providing the horizontal components in this way means that a common hub unit can be built and used for desks irrespective of the manner in which they are subsequently deployed. Thus to support a generally L-shaped desk, a short horizontal support component and two longer horizontal support components may be provided. To reverse the direction in which the stem of the L-shaped work surface extends, it is a simple task to swap over the position of the horizontal components and turn over the work surface. When ordering furniture systems, therefore, a customer need not specify how many left handed and how many right handed desks they wish to obtain, but can determine this during assembly. Additionally, the possibility to reverse the hand of a desk exists after purchase and / or after a period of use is provided.

[0084] The ability to separate the horizontal component 12 from the hub and / or to separate the component 8 from the hub can be used to provide the above mentioned facility. To assist in the flexibility offered by this ability to re-configure the supports, it is desirable to be able to offer work surfaces which are fully reversible. To achieve this, and as illustrated in Figure 2, the work surface 20 is provided with apertures 22 formed with an initial enlarged recess portion 24 on the upper side 36 which is connected to an equivalent recessed portion 26 on the lower side 38 by a through-bore 28.

[0085] In use, the recess 26 on the underside of the table receives the top of a circular cross sectioned leg 30 and the work surface is fastened to this leg 30 by introducing a generally dome-shaped fastener 32 into the recess 24 on the upper surface of the work surface 20. The fastener 32 has a male threaded element 34 which engages with a corresponding female thread in the top portion of the leg 30 and thus allows the two components to be tightened together and restrain the work surface 20 in position.

[0086] Fastening in this way provides a smooth, flush and attractive appearance to the upper surface 36 of the work surface 20, but allows for the work surface 20 to be reversed rendering the lower surface 38 the upper surface, without detriment to the appearance of the work surface.

[0087] The fastening locations used for the work surface also enable a variety of units and components to be deployed above the main work surface easily and attractively. As illustrated in Figure 3 it is possible to replace one or more of the fastening components 32 with extension pieces 40. These extension pieces 40 can be used for a variety of purposes as illustrated in Figure 3. Thus, they can be used to attach screens 42 in the desired position relative to the work surface 46 so as to screen that work station from other users. Equally well, the uprights 40 can be used to support storage units 48, VDU units 50 or additional work surfaces or storage surfaces 52.

[0088] As discussed in more detail below, the extension pieces 40 may allow one or more of these additional components to be moved relative to the principal work surface, for instance through pivoting about the extension pieces axis..

[0089] As illustrated in Figure 4 the extension pieces 40 can also serve a role in the lighting of the work station or surrounding area. Thus the extension pieces 40 can themselves be used to mount uplighters 60 provided on additional extensions 62 or they can be used to directly mount uplighters 60. Once again, the extension pieces could mount additional storage locations or work surfaces, such as tray 64, also.

[0090] As well as generally lighting, the extension pieces 40 are suitable for mounting more specific work surface area illumination, such as variable position lamp 66.

[0091] As well as allowing additional components to be mounted on a table unit 68, the extension pieces 40 also allow bridging units to be fixed to join one work surface 68 to another work surface 70, for instance via storage area 72.

[0092] As an alternative mode for providing interchangeable work surface supports, the system illustrated in Figure 5 could be deployed. In this case, a series of uprights 80 are provided each in the form of a tube and each fastened at one end to element 82 and at the other end to element 84. The elements 82 and 84 provide structural integrity and maintain the uprights 80 in position relative to one another. However, the fastenings 86 which join the tubes 80 to elements 82 and 84 can be released so as to allow the removal of one or more of the uprights and / or its replacement with an alternative upright. In this way, uprights 80 with differing horizontally extending elements 88 can be introduced and / or the number of horizontally extending elements 88 can be varied.

[0093] Height adjustable ground engaging feet 90 are provided on the bottom end of element 84.

[0094] Whilst a series of uprights can be connected together to form a hub, as illustrated in Figure 1 or Figure 5, it is possible to use alternative configurations to achieve this aim. As illustrated in Figure 6, for instance, it is possible to use a single upright 192 to form a hub from which a plurality of horizontal elements 88 depend. One or more of the horizontal elements 88 may be provided with uprights 16 at the ends or intermediate locations as desired. The uprights are shown in truncated form in Figure 6 of the representation. To achieve the desired variable configuration of the horizontal elements 88 about the hub location defined by upright 192, a pivotal mounting for each of the horizontal elements 88 relative to the upright 192 is provided at the top of the upright 192. In the illustrated embodiment this pivotable mountain is effected by a series of protrusions on the upright 192 which are received in a respective recess in the underside of each of the horizontal elements 88. Thus the angular separation a between horizontal elements 88 can be varied by rotating the horizontal elements 88 about the upright 192 to the desired extent and can thus provide a significant number of support structure configurations.

[0095] In many situations it is desirable to ensure a spacing is formed between the work surface 46 itself and the horizontal elements 88 for at least part of the length of those elements 88. Thus, as is illustrated in Figure 7 two support frame formed of horizontal elements 88 and upright elements 16 are provided. The tops of the upright are provided with recessed apertures of the type described in relation to figure 2. Each of the support frames is provided with a work surface, 46a and 46b respectively, and these are mounted on the support frames using dome shaped fasteners 32. The fasteners 32 are positioned such that the male threaded element protrudes through the work surface 46 and engages with the recessed aperture in the top of the upright 16. Provided between the work surface 46 and the upright 16 in the left hand case of Figure 7 is a plate 194. The plate 194 consists of an annular disc provided with a central aperture which allows the male threaded element of the fastener 32 to pass through it. The constant thickness of this plate 194 and other such plates used in the support frame ensures that an even gap between the work surface 46 and the horizontal elements 88 is achieved. In the centre and right hand examples, an elongate plate 196 is used instead of the annular type plate 194. The elongate plate 196 consists of a first portion provided with an aperture, which receives the male threaded element 34 of the fastener 32 and so allows the threaded cooperation with the top of the upright 16. The elongate plate 196 also includes another aperture provided towards the other end. This aperture is itself threaded to allow a fastener 32 to fasten directly to the plate 196. By arranging the elongate plate 196 such that an end of it protrudes from under the work surface 46a in the one case and from under the work surface 46c in the other case it is possible to join those two work surfaces by a further work surface 46b, without the need to employ a further support framework. Thus linking pieces between work surfaces 46c can readily be deployed and supported.

[0096] As illustrated in Figure 8 a variety of components can be hung or mounted from the horizontal elements 88, particularly where a gap is provided between the underside of the work surface and the horizontal elements 88. Thus, it is possible to provide modesty panels 92 obscuring views under the table by hanging these using brackets 94 from the horizontals 88. Additionally, it is possible to put panels 96 in position which include a series of channels 98. First and second channels 100 and 102 may be provided so as to segregate telecommunications and power cables for instance.

[0097] To aesthetically transfer power and telecommunications facilities from junction boxes in the floor of the work place to locations on the table or other work surface, it is possible to provide a cable cover 104 which extends from the ground upwards and is slidably mounted at its upper end 106 on the horizontal 88. To neatly position cables relative to the support system, brackets 108 can be used to retain loose cables.

[0098] The furniture system can also be provided with a screen for a CPU or other computing apparatus in similar manner using the hanging elements and a suitable screen or enclosing structure. The computing apparatus in such cases can be mounted from the support frame using such systems and/or be mounted on the floor but with suitable screening provided around it.

[0099] As illustrated in Figure 9 the uprights 122 which form the supports for the work surfaces 124 can also be used to retain or mount or control the movement of a variety of storage location units. Thus it is possible to provide storage units 120 through which a supporting leg 122 passes on its route from the support surface 124 to the floor 126. By off-setting the position of the leg 122 within the unit 120, the unit can be fully retained in position relative to the work surface, thus stopping it being moved undesirably, but while still allowing it to be moved in a rotational manner about the axis of the leg 122 to improve access and / or to return the storage unit to a more out of the way position.

[0100] The legs of the unit can also be used to provide a fixed mounting location for a storage unit 128 at a position on the leg. As shown, this is intermediate to the desk and floor, but could be adjacent to either. Again, the unit could be rotated about the leg and is restrained against removal.

[0101] In a still further alternative storage unit 130, the unit consists of two halves which are joined together by hinges 132 at their rear. By opening one half 134 relative to the other 136 about this hinge, access to the storage location can be obtained and / or the storage unit 130 can be disengaged from the leg 122. In the closed position, however, the leg 122 passes through the unit and prevents its removal. A lock 138 could be provided on the front of the unit to restrain the two halves together and hence fix the unit in position relative to the leg 122.

[0102] The type of system illustrated above in relation to storage units in Figure 9 can also be used to vary the work surface configuration of a unit of furniture. Thus as illustrated in Figure 10 a large table is provided with a central hub 300 from which three horizontal elements 302 (illustrated in a dotted outline only) extend. Each of these horizontal elements 302 is provided with an upright, leg, 304 at their end. Whilst the primary work surface 306 provides the main working area in such a furniture system, there may be occasions on which additional work surface area is required. The present invention enables additional work surfaces to be readily deployed when needed but readily stored away when not needed, without interfering with the normal use of the furniture system. In particular, additional work surfaces 308 can be provided with pivotable mountings about the axis of the legs 304. Thus as illustrated in the right hand side of Figure 10, the work surface 308 can be extended from under the primary work surface 306, that work surface having been rotated about the leg 308 in the direction of arrow A. On the left hand side of the drawing a work surface 308 is shown partially extended and at the top of the Figure a work surface 308 is shown in the non use position, folded back under the primary work surface 306. Similar configurations could be used with various support frame systems illustrated in the present document and falling within a furniture support system definition of the present document. The additional work surfaces could be mounted on the upright below the level of the horizontal elements and/or above the level of the horizontal elements, for instance between the top of the upright 304 and the primary work surface 306.

[0103] The furniture support system of the present invention also offers the possibility for varying desk area in a variety of ways. As illustrated in Figure 11, it is possible to have flip up desk surfaces 200, 202 which are mounted on hinges. By swinging out one of the uprights 204 (dotted)from a dormant position to a supporting position the surface 202 is brought into use. The support upright 206 for the other surface 200 remains in its shown dormant position unless it needs to be swung out, arrow A, to support the surface 200.

Claims

1. A furniture support system comprising two or more upright members, for at least one of the upright members a releasable engagement being provided between the upright member and a laterally extending member, wherein a portion of the upright member or laterally extending member is received within the other.

2. A support system according to claim 1 in which a portion of the laterally extending member is received in the upright member.

3. A support system according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the portion received is a generally upright element.

4. A support system according to any preceding claim in which the portion is an integral part of the laterally extending member.

5. A support system according to any preceding claim in which the upright element on the laterally extending member is perpendicular to the laterally extending member.

6. A support system according to any preceding claim in which a sliding engagement between the portion of the member which is received and the receiving member is provided.

7. A support system according to any preceding claim in which the portion received has an exterior cross-section which at least in part corresponds to the interior cross-section of the receiving portion.

8. A support system according to any preceding claim in which the plurality of upright members are joined by hinge members.

9. A support system according to any preceding claim in which the furniture is supported by one or more of the laterally extending members or one or more components depending therefrom.

10. A method of varying the configuration of a furniture support system, the method comprising providing a furniture support system, the system providing two or more upright members, for at least one of the upright members a releasable engagement being provided between the upright and a laterally extending member, wherein a portion of the upright member or laterally extending member is received within the other, the method further providing varying the number of upright members provided with such laterally extending members.

11. A method according to claim 10 in which a lifting motion is used to disengage a laterally extending member from the upright and / or a lowering motion is used to engage a laterally extending member with the upright.

12. A furniture support system, preferably according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising two or more upright members, at least one of the upright members having a laterally extending member, for at least one of the laterally extending members a releasable engagement being provided between the laterally extending member and a further laterally extending member which extends from the distal end of the laterally extending member, wherein a portion of the laterally extending member or further laterally extending member is received within the other.

13. A method of varying the configuration of a furniture support system, preferably according to claim 10 or claim 11, the method comprising providing a furniture support system, the system providing two or more upright members, at least of the upright members having a laterally extending member, for at least one of the laterally extending members a releasable engagement being provided between the laterally extending member and a further laterally extending member which extends from the distal end of the laterally extending member, wherein a portion of the laterally extending member or further laterally extending member is received within the other.

Drawing