US20030051415A1 - Accessories for a workspace - Google Patents

Accessories for a workspace Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030051415A1
US20030051415A1 US10/166,018 US16601802A US2003051415A1 US 20030051415 A1 US20030051415 A1 US 20030051415A1 US 16601802 A US16601802 A US 16601802A US 2003051415 A1 US2003051415 A1 US 2003051415A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
workspace
rail
disposed
tile
attaching
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/166,018
Inventor
Matt Remelts
John Matthai
Steve Vanwieren
Don Karaus
Paul Radke
Dustin Neifer
Greg Slocum
Wesley Mersman
Jean Beirise
Ares Marasligiller
Scott Liu
Jennifer Baier
Gregory Baka
Eugene Hamilton
Jeff Weber
Jason Holt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MillerKnoll Inc
Original Assignee
Herman Miller Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Herman Miller Inc filed Critical Herman Miller Inc
Priority to US10/166,018 priority Critical patent/US20030051415A1/en
Publication of US20030051415A1 publication Critical patent/US20030051415A1/en
Assigned to HERMAN MILLER, INC. reassignment HERMAN MILLER, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VANWIEREN, STEVE, NEIFER, DUSTIN J., KARAUS, DON, SLOCUM, GREG A., BAIER, JENNIFER, HOLT, JASON, WEBER, JEFF, MATTHAI, JOHN, MERSMAN, WESLEY D., BEIRISE, JEAN M., MARASLIGILLER, ARES, REMELTS, MATT, BAKA, GREGORY, RADKE, PAUL, LIU, SCOTT PERNG-JUIN, HAMILTON, EUGENE
Priority to US10/807,785 priority patent/US20040250480A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B21/00Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B96/00Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
    • A47B96/02Shelves
    • A47B96/027Cantilever shelves
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B96/00Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
    • A47B96/06Brackets or similar supporting means for cabinets, racks or shelves
    • A47B96/067Horizontal rails as suspension means in a cantilever arrangement
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25HWORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
    • B25H1/00Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby
    • B25H1/02Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby of table type
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25HWORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
    • B25H3/00Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
    • B25H3/04Racks
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2/7407Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
    • E04B2/7416Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
    • E04B2/7422Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
    • E04B2/7425Details of connection of panels
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2/7407Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
    • E04B2/7416Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
    • E04B2002/7418Accessories supported on the free upper edge, e.g. auxiliary panels, noise abatement devices
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2002/7483Details of furniture, e.g. tables or shelves, associated with the partitions
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04BGENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2002/7487Partitions with slotted profiles
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04FFINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F19/00Other details of constructional parts for finishing work on buildings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a workspace, and more particularly, to accessories for the workspace and a workspace panel.
  • Office managers have widely adopted workspace panels as a cost effective and efficient choice for constructing workspaces for office workers.
  • office managers prefer to use workspace panels instead of architectural walls when designing a work area because workspace panels can be readily disassembled and reconfigured as needed to satisfy the changing needs of the office workers.
  • workspace panels provide considerably more flexibility when designing work areas than is possible with architectural walls. Later redesigns of existing work areas are also considerably less expensive when workspace panels are used than when architectural walls are used.
  • One need that exists is a system for attaching a variety of accessories along a length of the workspace panel using a rail attached to the workspace panel.
  • the rail In order to maintain an attractive appearance of the workspace panel, the rail would be unobtrusive and compact.
  • the rail also would preferably be inexpensive to manufacture and inexpensive and simple to attach to the workspace panel. Desirably, the rail would be readily attachable to older workspace panels already in use within existing work areas so that office managers could update older workspace panels inexpensively.
  • Some examples of accessories that would desirably be attached to a workspace panel rail include lights, privacy and light reflecting screens and storage units.
  • the workspace surface with apertures would be a removable tile connectable to a workspace panel frame.
  • the apertures would be positionable in a variety of locations on the workspace panel as desired by individual office workers.
  • the workspace surface would also be compatible with older workspace panels already in use within existing work areas so that office managers could update older workspace panels inexpensively.
  • the work tools would be capable of being connected to more than one type of attaching surface, such as a surface with apertures and a support structure with rails.
  • Some examples of accessories that would desirably be attached to a workspace panel surface include a display tray, a document holder, a storage tray, a pencil holder, a disk holder, a bundle clip, a document gripper and a file organizer.
  • the light-diffusing surface would be a removable tile connectable to a workspace panel frame.
  • the light-diffusing surface would also be compatible with older workspace panels already in use within existing work areas so that office managers could update older workspace panels inexpensively.
  • the light-diffusing surface would be covered by a fabric material to provide a pleasing aesthetic exterior surface.
  • the light-diffusing surface could be tackable to allow office workers to tack papers and other items to the surface.
  • the wire management system would allow excess lengths of wire to be easily stored compactly within a workspace without the need for additional retention materials, such as tape or straps. Desirably, the wire management system would be capable of storing lengths of wire from more than wire.
  • a monorail that may be attached to the top surface of a workspace panel.
  • the monorail includes an upper retention groove and side attaching members for attaching various accessories to the workspace panel.
  • the upper retention groove includes upper retention flanges with an opening extending therebetween.
  • the side attaching members include a top channel, a bottom channel and an outer flange.
  • the monorail also includes cable management grooves.
  • Accessories that may be attached to the monorail include a privacy screen, a light reflecting screen, a linear light, a flexible light and storage units.
  • a panel tile with apertures is also provided that may be attached to the workspace panel using snaps and hooks along the rear side of the tile. Apertures extend through a surface of the panel tile which may be used to attach accessories thereto.
  • the accessories include connecting hooks that are attached to the panel tile by inserting a first attachment portion through the apertures.
  • the connecting hooks also include a second attachment portion for alternatively attaching the accessories to a tool rail with rails.
  • Accessories that may be attached to the panel tile with apertures include a display tray, a document holder, a storage tray, a pencil holder, a disk holder, a bundle clip, a document gripper and a file organizer.
  • a fabric frame tile is also provided that may be attached to the workspace panel using hooks and clips along the rear side of the tile.
  • the fabric frame tile includes a semi-transparent screen made of a polycarbonate material that extends between vertical stiles and horizontal cross members.
  • a fabric material is also included as an outer aesthetic covering.
  • the semi-transparent screen allows light to diffuse through the workspace panel and into the workspace.
  • the semi-transparent screen may also be tackable to support tacks pressed into the screen.
  • a wire management cleat is also provided that may be attached to the underside of a worksurface.
  • the cleat includes a base section with side surfaces which wire can be wrapped around for storage.
  • First hooks are also included for retaining the ends of the wire.
  • the cleat also includes secondary cleats with opposing surfaces which additional wires can be wrapped around for storage. Second hooks are also included for retaining the ends of the additional wires.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workspace constructed with workspace panels, showing accessories attached to the workspace panels;
  • FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a monorail with an end cap
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the monorail with the end cap
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the monorail
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a privacy screen attached to the monorail
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the privacy screen attached to the monorail, showing a retaining member
  • FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the privacy screen attached to the monorail, showing the retaining member
  • FIG. 8 is a lateral cross-section view of the privacy screen attached to the monorail, showing the retaining member
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a curved light reflecting screen with a retaining member
  • FIG. 10 is a side view of the curved light reflecting screen with the retaining member
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an attaching mechanism for a screen, showing the attaching mechanism attached to the monorail;
  • FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a second member of the attaching mechanism for a screen
  • FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a linear light attached to the monorail
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged front perspective view of the linear light attached to the monorail, showing an attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the linear light, showing the attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a flexible light attached to the monorail
  • FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the flexible light attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a storage unit attached to the monorail in a first position
  • FIG. 19 is a side view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in the first position
  • FIG. 20 is an enlarged side view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in the first position, showing the attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in a second position, showing the attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in the second position, showing a top view of the attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 23 is a side view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in a third position, showing the attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the storage unit, showing a bracket assembly with the attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the bracket assembly with the attaching mechanism
  • FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the storage unit with a back panel removed, showing the bracket assembly connected to the storage unit;
  • FIG. 27 is an enlarged front perspective view of the storage unit with the back panel removed, showing bracket assembly connecting arms engaged in cavities in the storage unit;
  • FIG. 28 is an enlarged front perspective view of the storage unit with the back panel removed, showing a first bracket member with the connecting arms detached from a second bracket member;
  • FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of a display tray attached to a panel tile with apertures
  • FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the display tray
  • FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the display tray attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing a backing sheet broken away to illustrate display tray connecting hooks;
  • FIG. 32 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the display tray attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet removed to illustrate the connecting hooks;
  • FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of a portion of the display tray attached to a portion of a tool rail;
  • FIG. 34 is front bottom perspective view of a document holder attached to the panel tile with apertures
  • FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of the document holder attached to the panel tile with apertures
  • FIG. 36 is a rear bottom perspective view of the document holder, showing connecting hooks
  • FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the document holder attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet broken away to illustrate the connecting hooks;
  • FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of a portion of the document holder attached to a portion of the tool rail;
  • FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of a storage tray
  • FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view of the storage tray, showing connecting hooks
  • FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of a pencil holder
  • FIG. 42 is a rear perspective view of the pencil holder, showing connecting hooks
  • FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of the pencil holder
  • FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of a disk holder
  • FIG. 45 is a rear perspective view of the disk holder, showing connecting hooks
  • FIG. 46 is a rear perspective view of the disk holder attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet broken away to illustrate the connecting hooks;
  • FIG. 47 is a side view of the disk holder attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet and connecting hooks;
  • FIG. 48 is a side view of the disk holder, showing the disk holder supported on a worksurface;
  • FIG. 49 is a side view of a bundle clip attached to the panel tile with apertures
  • FIG. 50 is an exploded front perspective view of the bundle clip
  • FIG. 51 is a cross-section view of the bundle clip
  • FIG. 52 is a rear perspective view of the bundle clip, showing upper connecting hooks and a lower connecting hook;
  • FIG. 53 is a rear perspective view of the bundle clip attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet broken away to illustrate the upper and lower connecting hooks;
  • FIG. 54 is a side view of the bundle clip attached to a portion of the tool rail
  • FIG. 55 is front perspective view of a document gripper
  • FIG. 56 is a rear perspective view of the document gripper, showing upper connecting hooks and a lower connecting hook;
  • FIG. 57 is a bottom perspective view of the document gripper, showing offset ribs
  • FIG. 58 is a front perspective view of a fabric frame tile
  • FIG. 59 is an exploded rear perspective view of the fabric frame tile
  • FIG. 60 is a further exploded rear perspective view of the fabric frame tile
  • FIG. 61 is a cross-section view of the fabric frame tile along section-line 61 - 61 from FIG. 59;
  • FIG. 62 is a cross-section view of the fabric frame tile along section-line 62 - 62 from FIG. 59;
  • FIG. 63 is a top perspective view of a wire management cleat
  • FIG. 64 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the wire management cleat attached to an underside of a worksurface
  • FIG. 65 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the wire management cleat attached to an extended portion of the underside of the worksurface;
  • FIG. 66 is a top plan view of the wire management cleat
  • FIG. 67 is a front perspective view of a file organizer
  • FIG. 68 is a rear perspective view of the file organizer.
  • workspace panels 8 are provided with a number of convenient accessories attached thereto.
  • the provided accessories make the workspace more useful and functional for workers using the workspace. Additionally, the accessories may be interchangeable with existing workspace panels, thereby inexpensively providing added usefulness and functionality to older workspace panels.
  • a workspace panel that may be used with the accessories is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,255 to Kelly entitled Work Space Management System, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Accordingly, a monorail 10 is provided with a privacy screen 60 , a light reflecting screen 62 , a linear light 76 , a flexible light 94 and storage units 110 attached thereto.
  • a panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is also provided with a display tray 160 , a document holder 194 , a storage tray 218 , a pencil holder 240 , a disk holder 258 , a bundle clip 282 and a document gripper 308 attached thereto.
  • a fabric frame tile 324 is also provided to diffuse light into the workspace and to support papers tacked thereagainst.
  • a wire management cleat 348 is also provided for storing excess lengths of wire below a worksurface 6 .
  • a monorail 10 is provided for attaching a variety of accessories along a length of a workspace panel 8 .
  • the monorail 10 may be manufactured as an extruded length of aluminum material. The use of an extrusion process also allows complex features extending along the entire length of the monorail 10 to be incorporated into the monorail 10 .
  • the monorail 10 may be attached to the workspace panel 8 in several different orientations, the monorail 10 is preferably attached longitudinally to the top surface 9 of the frame 7 of the workspace panel 8 .
  • This attachment location for the monorail 10 allows a number of accessories which are described below to be readily attached to the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8 . Since the attaching features, described below, extend along the entire length of the monorail 10 , the accessories may also be attached at any desired longitudinal position and may be easily slid along the length of the monorail 10 as desired.
  • the monorail 10 is attached to the frame 7 of the workspace panel 8 with screws 12 that extend downward from the monorail 10 and into the top of the workspace panel 8 .
  • the head 13 of the screw 12 is retained within the monorail 10 by a lower retention groove 16 .
  • Lower retention flanges 18 are also provided which are squeezed between the head 13 of the screw 12 and the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8 , thereby retaining the monorail 10 against the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8 .
  • the width of the opening 20 between the lower retention flanges 18 may be sized to engage anti-rotation surfaces 14 on the screw 12 to make installation of the monorail 10 easier.
  • a spacer 22 may also be provided between the monorail 10 and the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8 if desired to adapt the monorail 10 to the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8 and to raise the height of the monorail 10 .
  • the spacer 22 may include upwardly facing retention flanges 24 that are inserted into lower side grooves 26 in the monorail 10 .
  • the spacer 22 may also include downwardly facing retention flanges 28 that abut against the workspace panel 8 . It is apparent, therefore, that the spacer 22 provides additional lateral rigidity of the attachment between the monorail 10 and the workspace panel 8 .
  • An upper retention groove 30 is also provided that is similar to the lower retention groove 16 .
  • the upper retention groove 30 includes upper retention flanges 32 and an opening 34 between the retention flanges 32 that is sized to engage anti-rotation surfaces 38 on a screw 36 . Therefore, it is now apparent that, like the lower attaching screw 12 , an upper accessory attaching screw 36 may be installed in the monorail 10 by inserting the head 37 of the screw 36 into the retention groove 30 at one of the open ends 40 of the monorail 10 . The screw 36 can then be slid along the length of the monorail 10 to the desired attaching position. The upwardly facing attaching screw 36 may then be used to attach accessories to the monorail 10 as will be described below.
  • Side attaching members 42 are also provided on both sides 11 of the amonorail 10 for attaching other accessories.
  • the side attaching members 42 include a top channel 44 , a bottom channel 46 and an outer flange 48 .
  • a rib 50 is formed between the top and bottom channels 44 , 46 , and the outer flange 48 forms side surfaces 45 , 47 of the top and bottom channels 44 , 46 .
  • a tab 52 is also provided along the outer surface 49 of the flange 48 .
  • accessories may be attached to the side attaching members 42 by either sliding an accessory attaching mechanism onto the top and bottom channels 44 , 46 from the open ends 40 of the monorail 10 or by clamping or snapping the accessory attaching mechanism around the top and bottom channels 44 , 46 .
  • the side attaching members 42 may be provided along only one side of the monorail 10 , or may be provided in the middle of the monorail 10 , two side attaching members 42 at opposing sides are preferred so that accessories may be attached to service both sides of the workspace panel 8 .
  • Cable management grooves 54 are also provided along the top of the monorail 10 .
  • the cable management grooves 54 may be sized deep enough and wide enough to accept a number of different wires with both small and large diameters. It is apparent that the cable management grooves 54 may be used to route wires from the accessories which are attached to the monorail 10 . Accordingly, the cable management grooves 54 hide the wires from casual observation, but the wires can be readily observed and rearranged from a viewing angle above the workspace panel 8 .
  • an end cap 56 may be attached to the ends of the monorail 10 .
  • Screws 58 are used to attach the end cap 56 to the ends 40 of the monorail 10 which self-thread into the lower side grooves 26 .
  • the monorail 10 provides a compact, unobtrusive structure for attaching accessories along a length of the workspace panel 8 .
  • the accessories may also be attached at any position along the monorail 10 and may be slid along the length of the monorail 10 as desired.
  • the monorail 10 is also attractive and stylistic.
  • the monorail 10 is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to attach to the workspace panel 8 . Accordingly, the monorail 10 may be attached to older workspace panels already in use to inexpensively provide additional functionality to older workspace panels.
  • one accessory that may be attached to the monorail 10 is a privacy screen 60 or a light reflecting screen 62 .
  • the screen 60 , 62 includes a fabric material 61 that extends between the legs 74 and the upper and lower cross members 63 , 65 .
  • the screens 60 , 62 may be attached to the monorail 10 using a screw 36 as described above that extends upwardly from the upper retention groove 30 . Accordingly, the outwardly facing threaded portion 39 of the screw 36 is threaded into the bottom wall 66 of a retaining member 64 .
  • the retaining member 64 includes an inner cylindrical diameter 68 formed by the side walls 70 and an opening 72 for receiving a leg 74 of the screen 60 , 62 .
  • a set screw 75 may be used to retain the leg 74 within the retaining member 64 . Therefore, it is apparent that the screens 60 , 62 extend upward from the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8 . Accordingly, the privacy screen 60 makes it possible to use shorter and less expensive workspace panels 8 while providing a similar level of privacy as taller workspace panels.
  • the light reflecting screen 62 , or curved screen 62 may be used in combination with lights to reflect light into the workspace.
  • the privacy screen 60 and the light reflecting screen 62 may alternatively be attached to the monorail 10 with an attaching mechanism 378 using the side attaching members 42 .
  • the attaching mechanism 378 includes a first member 380 and a second member 382 that are connected together with a shoulder screw 384 .
  • the first member 380 includes a rib 386 that is installed into the top channel 44 of the monorail 10 and a bottom surface 388 that engages the top of the outer flange 48 .
  • the second member 382 includes a first side surface 390 that engages the outer surface 49 of the flange 48 .
  • the second member 382 also includes a flange 396 extending out from the first side surface 390 thereby forming a top surface 398 and a second side surface 400 .
  • the top surface 398 engages the bottom of the outer flange 48
  • the second side surface 400 engages the side 11 of the monorail 10 .
  • the first side surface 390 and the second side surface 400 of the second member 382 both include a contoured portion 394 , 404 to make attachment of the attaching mechanism 378 easier and faster.
  • the first side surface 390 includes both a first flat portion 392 and a first contoured portion 394 .
  • the second side surface 400 includes a second flat portion 402 and a second contoured portion 404 .
  • the shoulder screw 384 allows the second member 382 to rotate relative to the first member 380 . It is apparent therefore that the attaching mechanism 378 is attached to the monorail 10 by rotating the second member 382 until the flange 396 is oriented away from the rib 386 of the first member 380 .
  • the first member 380 is then installed onto one of the side attaching members 42 of the monorail 10 by inserting the rib 386 into the top channel 44 .
  • the second member 382 is then rotated towards the monorail 10 with the contoured portions 394 , 404 passing by the monorail 10 before the flat portions 392 , 402 until the flat portions 392 , 402 engage securely against the outer surface 49 of the flange 48 and the side 11 of the monorail 10 .
  • the contoured portions 394 , 404 allow the second member 382 to rotate into place without the need for disassembling the second member 382 from the first member 380 .
  • One of the legs 74 of the screen 60 , 62 is then inserted into the inner diameter 406 through the top opening 408 .
  • the leg 74 may be secured to the attaching mechanism 378 with a set screw 407 .
  • the leg 74 of the screen 60 , 62 may also be formed from a spring 410 instead of a rigid tubular material.
  • a spring leg 410 is preferred when it is expected that the screen 60 , 62 will experience repeated forces that could fracture a rigid leg.
  • a side connecting member 412 is also provided for connecting the lower cross member 65 of the screen 60 , 62 to the attaching mechanism 378 .
  • FIGS. 13 - 15 another accessory that may be attached to the monorail 10 is a linear light 76 .
  • the linear light 76 may be attached to the monorail 10 using the side attaching members 42 .
  • the linear light 76 includes a lighting element 78 that extends parallel to the monorail 10 .
  • the lighting element 78 is attached to the monorail 10 with legs 80 that are attached to each end of the lighting element 78 and that extend to attaching mechanisms 82 .
  • Each of the attaching mechanisms 82 include a first clamping member 84 with a surface 86 that engages the outer surface 49 of the outer flange 48 .
  • the first clamping member 84 also includes a slot 88 that engages the tab 52 attached to the outer flange 48 .
  • the attaching mechanism 82 also includes a second clamping member 90 that is secured to the first clamping member 84 with screws 92 threaded into the first clamping member 84 .
  • the second clamping member 90 engages the inside side surface 45 of one of the channels 44 .
  • the linear light 76 may be used in combination with the curved screen 62 to reflect light into the workspace.
  • the linear light 76 may be attached to the monorail 10 adjacent and coaxial with the curved screen 62 along the longitudinal curvature of the screen 62 .
  • FIGS. 16 - 17 another accessory that may be attached to the monorail 10 is a flexible light 94 .
  • the flexible light 94 may be attached to the monorail 10 using the upper retention groove 30 .
  • the flexible light 94 includes a lighting element 96 connected to one end of a flexible portion 100 .
  • An attaching mechanism 102 is connected to the other end of the flexible portion 100 .
  • the attaching mechanism 102 is then attached to the monorail 10 . Accordingly, the lighting element 96 can be easily repositioned by bending the flexible portion 100 to direct light towards different areas in the workspace as desired.
  • the attaching mechanism 102 includes a top portion 104 and a bottom portion 108 that are made from a molded material to facilitate assembly of the attaching mechanism 102 .
  • a threaded adaptor 107 is also provided within the attaching mechanism 102 for threadably connecting the flexible portion 100 to the attaching mechanism 102 .
  • a hole 106 is provided that extends through both the top portion 104 and the bottom portion 108 . Accordingly, the attaching mechanism 102 is attached to the monorail 10 with a screw 99 that passes through the hole 106 and into the upper retention groove 30 . The screw 99 is then threaded into a retaining nut 101 that is installed in the upper retention groove 30 . Thus, the bottom surface 103 of the attaching mechanism 102 is secured against the upper retention flanges 32 and the top of the monorail 10 .
  • a hook 105 is also provided for further securing the attaching mechanism 102 to the monorail 10 . Accordingly, the hook 105 may engage the tab 52 on the outer flange 48 of one of the side attaching members 42 . The hook 105 therefore locks the attaching mechanism 102 and prevents rotation around the screw 99 . The hook 105 also positively locates the switch 98 outward toward the side to allow easy access from within the workspace.
  • One advantage of the attaching mechanism 102 is that it allows the flexible light 94 to be used in conjunction with the privacy screen 60 or the light reflecting screen 62 . Accordingly, the flexible portion 100 is connected to the attaching mechanism 102 away from the upper retention groove 30 .
  • the screen 60 may extend above the upper retention groove 30 without interfering with the flexible light 94 .
  • the attaching mechanism 102 may be rotated ninety degrees and mounted to the monorail 10 by inserting the hook 105 into the opening 34 in the upper retention groove 30 between the upper retention flanges 32 . In this orientation, the hook 105 also locks the attaching mechanism 102 from rotational movement because the side surfaces 109 of the hook 105 abut the upper retention flanges 32 .
  • FIGS. 18 - 28 another accessory that may be attached to the monorail 10 is a horizontal or vertical storage unit 110 .
  • the storage units 110 may be attached to the monorail 10 using the side attaching members 42 .
  • an attaching mechanism 112 is provided along the rear side 114 of the storage unit 110 .
  • the attaching mechanism 112 includes an inverted U-shaped hook 116 at each side of the storage unit 110 .
  • the first vertical rib 118 of the hook 116 is inserted into the top channel 44 of the side attaching member 42 and the second vertical rib 120 of the hook 116 is attached to the rear side 114 of the storage unit 110 . Therefore, the storage unit 110 hangs from the U-shaped hook 116 and the monorail 10 .
  • the storage unit 110 may be attached to the monorail 10 at different heights relative to the top of the workspace panel 8 or relative to a worksurface 6 .
  • a bracket assembly 122 attached to the rear side 114 of the storage unit 110 is provided.
  • the bracket assembly 122 includes a pair of first bracket members 124 , with each first bracket member 124 extending along a portion of the height of the storage unit 110 along each side of the storage unit 110 .
  • the first bracket members 124 include two connecting arms 126 extending forward toward the storage unit 110 .
  • Each of the connecting arms 126 include three angled finger members 128 extending outward toward the sides of the storage unit 110 .
  • the connecting arms 126 extend through corresponding slots 130 in the second bracket members 132 .
  • Each of the second bracket members 132 include a side retaining member 134 that extends along a portion of the height of the storage unit 110 along each side of the storage unit 110 .
  • Each of the second bracket members 132 is welded along the top end to the attaching mechanism bracket 136 .
  • Corresponding holes 138 , 140 are also provided through the first bracket member 124 and the second bracket member 132 to secure the first and second bracket members 124 , 132 together.
  • the bracket assembly 122 may be attached to the storage unit 110 at multiple vertical positions. Accordingly, the bracket assembly 122 is attached to the rear side 114 of the storage unit 110 by inserting the angled finger members 128 of the first bracket member 124 into cavities 142 in the side panels 144 of the storage unit 110 . At the same time, the side retaining members 134 of the second bracket members 132 engage an outside surface 146 of the side panels 144 . The holes 138 , 140 in the first and second bracket members 124 , 132 are then aligned and retained together with screws 148 . Thus, the angled finger members 128 are now secured to the cavities 142 in the side panels 144 and cannot be disengaged.
  • the screws 148 are removed from the corresponding holes 138 , 140 in the first and second bracket members 124 , 132 .
  • the first bracket member 124 may then be shifted inward so that the connecting arms 126 translate across the slots 130 in the second bracket members 132 and the angled finger members 128 disengage from the cavities 142 .
  • the bracket assembly 122 can then be relocated along the height of the storage unit 110 to reengage the angled finger members 128 in a different set of cavities 142 .
  • the storage unit 110 can be easily attached to the monorail 10 at more than one vertical position.
  • One advantage of this feature is that shorter, less expensive workspace panels 8 may be used while providing a similar vertical position of the storage unit 110 relative to the worksurface 6 as is typical with taller workspace panels.
  • the storage unit 110 may be attached to the monorail at a first position that is about 16 inches below the top surface 111 of the storage unit 110 .
  • the storage unit 110 may also be attached to the monorail 10 at a second position that is about 8 inches below the top surface 111 of the storage unit 110 .
  • the storage unit 110 may also be attached to the monorail 10 at a third position that is about flush with the top surface 111 of the storage unit 110 .
  • a panel tile 150 is provided with apertures 152 through a surface 154 for connecting a variety of work tools to the workspace panel 8 .
  • Each of the apertures 152 is shaped oblong and may be about 0.55 inch high and 0.75 inch wide.
  • the apertures 152 are positioned along rows, with the apertures 152 being spaced about 1.0 inch apart along the rows and each row being spaced about 0.8 inch apart.
  • the panel surface 154 may be made from a sheet metal material.
  • the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a removable tile that can be readily attached to and detached from a panel frame 7 .
  • attaching mechanisms 156 , 157 which may be snaps 156 or hooks 157 , are provided along the rear side of the panel tile 150 at each corner of the panel tile 150 .
  • a backing sheet 158 is provided along the rear side of the panel tile 150 .
  • the backing sheet 158 may be made from a high density polyethylene material that is about 0.20 inch thick. The backing sheet 158 may be attached at each edge of the panel tile 150 so that it extends across the entire back surface of the panel tile 150 .
  • the apertures 152 may be used to attach a variety of work tools to a surface 154 of the workspace panel 8 . Some of the possible work tools that may be attached to the apertures 152 are described below. Since the panel tile 150 is a removable tile, the location of the panel tile 150 can be optimized by the user of the workspace so that the work tools attached thereto are conveniently positioned. In addition, the panel tile 150 may be compatible with older workspace panels already in use, thus inexpensively providing additional functionality to older workspace panels. The apertures 152 also allow light to diffuse through the apertures 152 from outside the workspace to provide more lighting inside the workspace.
  • the backing sheet 158 also improves the diffusion of light into the workspace by allowing light to pass through the apertures 152 while blocking visual sight through the apertures 152 .
  • the backing sheet 158 also prevents viewing of the interior of the panel frame structure and unsightly cables and wires therein.
  • the display tray 160 includes a single large receptacle 162 that extends across the entire length and width of the display tray 160 .
  • Side walls 164 , a front wall 166 , a back wall 168 and a bottom wall 170 are also provided for retaining items within the display tray 160 .
  • larger office supplies like staplers, tape dispensers or standing picture frames are stored in the receptacle 162 .
  • the display tray 160 includes connecting hooks 172 , or attaching members 172 , along a rear support wall 161 for attaching the display tray 160 to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 .
  • connecting hooks 172 may be provided, with each hook 172 spaced about 1 inch apart from each other.
  • the connecting hooks 172 may be plastic and integrally molded with the rear support wall 161 or the entire display tray 160 .
  • the connecting hooks 172 may also include two attachment portions 174 , 176 for attaching the display tray 160 to different work tool support structures.
  • the first attachment portion 174 includes a top support surface 178 and a side retaining surface 180 .
  • the second attachment portion 176 includes a top support surface 182 that is lower than the first attachment portion top support surface 178 and a side retaining portion 184 that is disposed farther from the rear support wall 161 than the first attachment portion side retaining surface 180 .
  • the first attachment portion 174 can be used to attach the display tray 160 to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 .
  • This alternative is accomplished by inserting the hooks 172 into the apertures 152 so that the display tray rear support wall 161 abuts the outer surface 154 of the panel tile 150 and the first attachment portion top support surface 178 abuts the lower edge 151 of the apertures 152 .
  • the first attachment portion side retaining surface 180 then prevents the display tray 160 from being inadvertently dislodged from the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 .
  • the second attachment portion 176 may be used to attach the display tray 160 to a tool rail 186 , or other alternative work tool support structure, having horizontal rails 188 that are vertically spaced apart from each other. This alternative is accomplished by inserting the hooks 172 between and through the rails 188 so that the display tray rear support wall 161 abuts the outer surfaces 190 of adjacent rails 188 and the second attachment portion top support surface 182 abuts the top edge 192 of one of the rails 186 . The second attachment portion side retaining surface 184 then prevents the display tray 160 from being inadvertently dislodged from the tool rail 186 .
  • the document holder 194 includes a front wall 196 and a rear wall 198 that are separated by a storage space 200 therebetween.
  • the front and rear walls 196 , 198 are connected together by a bottom support wall 202 and a single side support wall 204 .
  • Along the rear support wall 195 is a multitude of connecting hooks 206 similar to the display tray connecting hooks 172 described above.
  • the document holder 194 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186 .
  • the document holder 194 is molded from a plastic material, with one piece including the front wall 196 , the side support wall 204 and the bottom support wall 202 and another piece including the rear wall 198 and the connecting hooks 172 .
  • the bottom support wall 202 may be angled downward toward the side support wall 204 , with the side support wall 204 being oriented at a right angle therefrom. Thus, when documents are placed in the document holder 194 , gravity will draw the documents into the storage space 200 and against the side support wall 204 . Open areas 208 , 210 are provided along the side opposite of the side support wall 204 and along the top to make it easier to place documents in the document holder 194 .
  • the bottom support wall 202 extends only partially along the length of the document holder 194
  • the side support wall 204 extends only partially along the height of the document holder 194 .
  • the bottom and side support walls 202 , 204 do not intersect, and an open area 212 is formed at the corner of the bottom and side support walls 202 , 204 .
  • the front wall 196 and the rear wall 198 are shaped with rounded, obtuse contours 214 , 216 adjacent the open corner area 212 and opposite the open corner area 212 . Therefore, when documents are placed in the storage space 200 , the lower inside corner of the documents is easily visible from below the document holder 194 .
  • the open corner area 212 also provides the document holder 194 with a self-cleaning feature that prevents debris from accumulating in the storage space 200 .
  • the upper outside corner of the documents is also easily visible and also provides a large convenient portion of the documents that can be grasped for removing the documents or placing the documents in the storage space 200 .
  • the front wall 196 may also be flaired forward along the upper outside contour 216 to make placing documents in the storage space 200 easier.
  • FIGS. 39 - 40 another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile with apertures is a storage tray 218 .
  • the storage tray 218 includes a multitude of connecting hooks 220 along the rear support wall 219 similar to the display tray connecting hooks 172 described above.
  • the storage tray 218 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186 .
  • the storage tray 218 includes a variety of storage receptacles for conveniently storing different types of office supplies together.
  • the storage tray 218 is integrally molded from a plastic material.
  • the storage tray 218 includes one lengthwise receptacle 222 adjacent the rear support wall 219 . Adjacent each end of the lengthwise receptacle 222 is an aperture 224 that may be used for storing scissors, flower vials or like items.
  • a multi-compartment lengthwise receptacle 226 is also provided adjacent the lengthwise receptacle 222 .
  • the multi-compartment receptacle 226 includes a lengthwise dividing wall 228 between two compartments 230 , 232 .
  • a ledge 234 is also provided on the rear wall 236 of the rear compartment 230 that can be used to display business cards.
  • At each end of the multi-compartment lengthwise receptacle 226 is a smaller receptacle 238 that is about the same width as the multi-compartment receptacle 226 but shorter in length.
  • FIGS. 41 - 43 another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a pencil holder 240 .
  • the pencil holder 240 includes a multitude of connecting hooks 242 along the rear support wall 241 similar to the display tray connecting hooks 172 described above.
  • the pencil holder 240 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186 .
  • the pencil holder 240 includes a large vertical receptacle 244 for storing office supplies like pencils, pens, scissors and like items.
  • the pencil holder 240 is integrally molded from a plastic material.
  • the pencil holder 240 includes two dividing walls 246 that extend up from the bottom wall 248 to near the top edge of the side walls 250 .
  • the dividing walls 246 may be swept outward.
  • a top opening 252 is provided at the top edge of the side walls 250 and the rear wall 254 .
  • three vertical compartments 256 are formed in the receptacle 244 .
  • Various items can be stored in the pencil holder 240 by lowering the items through the top opening 252 into the receptacle 244 and into one of the three compartments 256 .
  • FIGS. 44 - 48 another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a disk holder 258 .
  • the disk holder 258 includes a multitude of connecting hooks 260 along the rear support wall 259 similar to the display tray connecting hooks 172 described above.
  • the disk holder 258 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186 .
  • the disk holder 258 includes a receptacle 262 for storing disk-like storage media.
  • the disk holder 258 is integrally molded from a plastic material.
  • the disk holder 258 includes a bottom support wall 264 that is angle upward from an imaginary horizontal plane. Ridges 265 may be provided on the bottom support wall 264 to partially separate the disks. A back support wall 266 is attached to the bottom support wall 264 at a right angle thereto.
  • the tilted angle of the receptacle 262 draws disks placed therein into the receptacle 262 and toward the back support wall 266 .
  • the front 268 and top 270 of the disk holder are open to provide easy access into the receptacle 262 .
  • Side ribs 272 are also attached along the sides, with one end being attached to the back support wall 266 and the other end being attached to the bottom support wall 264 .
  • the side ribs 272 support the bottom support wall 264 and also provide an open side area 274 to allow viewing of the receptacle 262 from the side.
  • the rear support wall 259 also forms rearward legs 276 at the bottom thereof.
  • forward legs 278 that are attached to the bottom support wall 264 are also provided.
  • the bottom ends of the rearward legs 276 and the forward legs 278 lie on a horizontal plane transverse the rear support wall 261 .
  • the disk holder 258 may also be used on a horizontal worksurface 6 when not attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to the tool rail 186 . Therefore, by resting the disk holder 258 on a worksurface 6 , the rearward and forward legs 276 , 278 support the disk holder 258 while maintaining the tilted angle of the receptacle 262 .
  • the corner 280 of the bottom support wall 264 and the back support wall 266 is positioned near the worksurface 6 to provide additional support if excessive force is applied to the disk holder 258 thereby causing the legs 276 , 278 to flex.
  • the bundle clip 282 is generally intended for clamping a top portion of papers, paper pads, posters and like items. Thus, the papers hang down from the bundle clip 282 for display.
  • the bundle clip 282 includes a rear member 284 , an intermediate member 286 and a front member 288 that are retained together with a spring clip 290 .
  • the spring clip 290 allows the front member 288 to be flexed away from the rear member 284 and intermediate member 286 in order to insert papers therebetween for clamping.
  • Connecting hooks 292 , 294 are also provided along the rear support wall 283 of the rear member 284 .
  • the bundle clip connecting hooks 292 , 294 may be used to attach the bundle clip 282 alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186 with horizontal rails 188 .
  • both upper connecting hooks 292 and a lower connecting hook 294 are provided.
  • the upper connecting hooks 292 include a top surface 296 and a top side retaining surface 298
  • the lower connecting hook 294 includes a bottom surface 300 . Accordingly, the bundle clip 282 can be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 by inserting the upper connecting hooks 292 into the apertures 152 so that the top surface 296 abuts the upper edge 153 of the apertures 152 and by inserting the lower connecting hook 294 into an aperture 152 so that the bottom surface 300 abuts the lower edge 151 of the aperture 152 .
  • the upper and lower connecting hooks 292 , 294 may flex during insertion to maintain a bias force against the apertures 152 after attachment.
  • the upper connecting hook top side retaining surface 298 then prevents the bundle clip 282 from being inadvertently dislodged from the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 .
  • the upper connecting hooks 292 also include a bottom surface 302 and a bottom side retaining surface 304 , while the lower connecting hook 294 includes a top flexible surface 306 .
  • the bundle clip 282 can be attached to the tool rail 186 by positioning the upper connecting hook 292 so that the bottom surface 302 abuts the top edge 192 of a rail 188 and by flexing the lower connecting hook 294 so that the top flexible surface 306 contacts the bottom edge 193 of a rail 188 .
  • the flexing of the upper and lower connecting hooks 292 , 294 maintains a bias force against the rails 188 after attachment.
  • the bottom side retaining surface 304 then prevents the bundle clip 282 from being inadvertently dislodged from the tool rail 186 .
  • FIGS. 55 - 57 another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a document gripper 308 .
  • the document gripper 308 is generally intended for retaining a small number of documents along a top portion of the documents. Thus, the documents hang down from the document gripper 308 for display.
  • the document gripper 308 includes an upper connecting hook 310 and a lower connecting hook 312 along the rear support wall 309 similar to the bundle clip connecting hooks 292 , 294 described above. Therefore, the document gripper 308 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186 .
  • the upper and lower connecting hooks 310 , 312 resist higher dislodging forces.
  • the document gripper 308 includes an opening 314 along the bottom side between the front member 316 and the rear member 318 . Additionally, offset ribs 320 with serrations 322 are provided on the inside surfaces of the front and rear members 316 , 318 . Accordingly, when the edge of a document is inserted into the opening 314 through the offset ribs 320 , the offset ribs 320 force the edge of the document to fold into grooves around the ribs 320 . The folded document grooves then engage the offset ribs 320 , thereby producing a friction force that resists removal of the document.
  • FIGS. 67 - 68 another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a file organizer 380 .
  • the file organizer 380 is generally intended for retaining hanging folders, such as those sold under the brand name Pendaflex. Thus, the hanging folders hang adjacent the panel surface 154 of the panel tile 150 for convenient access.
  • the file organizer 380 includes connecting hooks 384 along the rear support wall 382 for attaching the file organizer 380 to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186 . Extended support surfaces 383 that extend below the rear support wall 382 are also included to provide additional support against the panel tile 150 or tool rail 186 .
  • Opposing arms 386 extend outward from the rear support wall 382 about 3.5 inches.
  • Each arm 386 includes an upper ledge 390 adjacent the rear support wall 382 and a lower ledge 388 attached to the upper ledge 390 .
  • the upper ledge 390 includes an upper retention knob 391 away from the rear support wall 382
  • the lower ledge 388 includes a lower retention knob 389 away from the upper ledge 390 .
  • hanging folders may be supported by the file organizer 380 by engaging hanging folders onto either the upper ledge 390 or the lower ledge 388 .
  • the upper and lower retention knobs 391 , 389 prevent the hanging folders from sliding off of the ledges 390 , 388 .
  • the difference in height between the upper and lower ledges 390 , 388 also allows easier viewing and access to the rear hanging folders supported by the upper ledge 390 .
  • a fabric frame tile 324 is provided for diffusing light into a workspace and for providing a tackable surface.
  • the fabric frame tile 324 includes vertical stiles 326 that are attached at the corners to horizontal cross members 328 .
  • the vertical stiles 326 and horizontal cross members 328 may be made from a variety of materials including a plastic material.
  • the vertical stiles 326 and horizontal cross members 328 are attached together with protrusions 330 extending from the vertical stiles 326 that slide into longitudinal cavities 332 in the horizontal cross members 328 .
  • Hooks 334 and clips 336 are also provided along the rear side of the vertical stiles 326 for attaching the fabric frame tile 324 to the frame 7 of workspace panel 8 .
  • the fabric frame tile 324 also includes a screen 338 that extends between each of the vertical stiles 326 and each of the horizontal cross members 328 .
  • Inward facing longitudinal slots 340 are provided on the vertical stiles 326 and the horizontal cross members 328 for retaining the screen 338 . Accordingly, the edges of the screen 338 fit within the longitudinal slots 340 , thereby securing the screen 338 in place.
  • the screen 338 is made from a semi-transparent material, such as a polycarbonate material.
  • the screen 338 is an extruded sheet with two opposing outer walls 342 connected together with interconnecting walls 344 .
  • the screen 338 may be about 0.25 inch thick, with the walls 342 , 344 being about 0.025 inch thick.
  • a loose weave fabric 346 is also provided as an outer aesthetic covering for the fabric frame tile 324 .
  • the fabric 346 extends across the front side of the fabric frame tile 324 and is wrapped around and retained to the vertical stiles 326 and the horizontal cross
  • the fabric frame tile 324 allows light to pass from outside a workspace through the semi-transparent screen 338 and loose weave fabric 346 into the workspace. However, visual sight through the fabric frame tile 324 is blocked in order to maintain privacy and to prevent viewing of the internal panel structure and unsightly wires and cables therein.
  • the fabric 346 covering also maintains an attractive outer appearance and can be matched to other standard tiles used on the workspace panel 8 .
  • the screen 338 can support tacks by pressing the tacks through the screen 338 , thereby retaining papers and other items against the fabric frame tile 324 .
  • the fabric frame tile 324 may be compatible with older workspace panels already in use, thus inexpensively providing additional functionality to older workspace panels.
  • a cleat 348 is provided for managing excess lengths of wire around a worksurface 6 .
  • the cleat 348 includes a base section 350 with a mounting face 352 on one side and a flange section 354 on the other side.
  • the flange section 354 extends outward from the side surfaces 351 of the base section 350 .
  • a number of first hooks 356 are attached to one of the side edges 355 of the flange section 354 .
  • the first hooks 356 are arranged into two pairs, with each pair having two first hooks 356 facing outwardly of each other.
  • the first hooks 356 may have a retaining tab 357 and may be flexible to better retain wires snapped therein.
  • Two secondary cleats 358 are attached to the other side edge 355 of the flange section 354 .
  • Each of the secondary cleats 358 include two opposing surfaces 360 transverse to the flange section side edge 355 .
  • the secondary cleats 358 also include side surfaces 362 extending from the opposing surfaces 360 which are parallel to the flange section side edge 355 .
  • At the outer edge 364 of each of the secondary cleats 358 are two second hooks 366 with retaining tabs 368 similar to the first hooks 356 described above.
  • Two holes 370 extend through the base section 350 to allow screws 372 to pass therethrough for attaching the cleat 348 to mounting surfaces 374 .
  • the cleat 348 may be attached to a variety of mounting surfaces but is especially useful when attached to the underside 374 of a worksurface 6 .
  • the cleat 348 may be attached directly to the worksurface 6 or to an extended portion 376 from the worksurface 6 with screws 372 passing through the holes 370 in the base section 350 . Excess lengths of wire can then be wrapped around the side surfaces 351 of the base section 350 with the ends being snapped into the first hooks 356 . Accordingly, the first hooks 356 and the flange section 354 retain the excess wire and prevent the wire from unwrapping from the cleat 348 .
  • the cleat 348 is able to store more than one excess length of wire.

Abstract

Accessories are provided that may be used in a workspace to make the workspace more useful and convenient. A monorail attached to a top surface of a workspace panel is provided. A privacy screen, a light reflecting screen, a linear light, a flexible light and storage units may be attached to the monorail. A panel tile with apertures through a surface of the tile is also provided. A display tray, a document holder, a storage tray, a pencil holder, a disk holder, a bundle clip, a document gripper and a file organizer may be attached to the panel tile using connecting hooks inserted into the apertures. A fabric frame tile with a semi-transparent screen is also provided that diffuses light into the workspace and that may support tacks. A wire management cleat is also provided that may be attached to an underside of a worksurface for storing excess lengths of wire.

Description

  • This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional application No. 60/298,363 by Remelts et al. and entitled Accessories For A Workspace, filed Jun. 16, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.[0001]
  • BACKGROUND
  • The present invention relates generally to a workspace, and more particularly, to accessories for the workspace and a workspace panel. [0002]
  • Office managers have widely adopted workspace panels as a cost effective and efficient choice for constructing workspaces for office workers. Typically, office managers prefer to use workspace panels instead of architectural walls when designing a work area because workspace panels can be readily disassembled and reconfigured as needed to satisfy the changing needs of the office workers. Thus, workspace panels provide considerably more flexibility when designing work areas than is possible with architectural walls. Later redesigns of existing work areas are also considerably less expensive when workspace panels are used than when architectural walls are used. [0003]
  • Many workspace panels, however, provide a limited degree of usefulness beyond the basic function of separating individual workspaces. Accordingly, many workspace panels provide little more than simple separating partitions that can be connected together at the sides to form work spaces therein. This disadvantage lowers the work efficiency of office workers and lowers the office worker's satisfaction with the work area. Thus, there is a need for workspace panels with greater versatility and increased functionality. [0004]
  • One need that exists is a system for attaching a variety of accessories along a length of the workspace panel using a rail attached to the workspace panel. In order to maintain an attractive appearance of the workspace panel, the rail would be unobtrusive and compact. The rail also would preferably be inexpensive to manufacture and inexpensive and simple to attach to the workspace panel. Desirably, the rail would be readily attachable to older workspace panels already in use within existing work areas so that office managers could update older workspace panels inexpensively. Some examples of accessories that would desirably be attached to a workspace panel rail include lights, privacy and light reflecting screens and storage units. [0005]
  • Another need that exists is a system for attaching a variety of interchangeable accessories to a surface on the workspace panel using work tools that connect to apertures in the workspace surface. To provide additional flexibility, the workspace surface with apertures would be a removable tile connectable to a workspace panel frame. Thus, the apertures would be positionable in a variety of locations on the workspace panel as desired by individual office workers. The workspace surface would also be compatible with older workspace panels already in use within existing work areas so that office managers could update older workspace panels inexpensively. Desirably, the work tools would be capable of being connected to more than one type of attaching surface, such as a surface with apertures and a support structure with rails. Some examples of accessories that would desirably be attached to a workspace panel surface include a display tray, a document holder, a storage tray, a pencil holder, a disk holder, a bundle clip, a document gripper and a file organizer. [0006]
  • Another need that exists is a workspace panel surface that diffuses ambient light through the workspace panel without permitting visual sight through the surface. To provide additional flexibility, the light-diffusing surface would be a removable tile connectable to a workspace panel frame. The light-diffusing surface would also be compatible with older workspace panels already in use within existing work areas so that office managers could update older workspace panels inexpensively. Desirably, the light-diffusing surface would be covered by a fabric material to provide a pleasing aesthetic exterior surface. Further, the light-diffusing surface could be tackable to allow office workers to tack papers and other items to the surface. [0007]
  • Another need that exists is a wire management system. The wire management system would allow excess lengths of wire to be easily stored compactly within a workspace without the need for additional retention materials, such as tape or straps. Desirably, the wire management system would be capable of storing lengths of wire from more than wire. [0008]
  • BRIEF SUMMARY
  • Accordingly, a monorail is provided that may be attached to the top surface of a workspace panel. The monorail includes an upper retention groove and side attaching members for attaching various accessories to the workspace panel. The upper retention groove includes upper retention flanges with an opening extending therebetween. The side attaching members include a top channel, a bottom channel and an outer flange. The monorail also includes cable management grooves. Accessories that may be attached to the monorail include a privacy screen, a light reflecting screen, a linear light, a flexible light and storage units. [0009]
  • A panel tile with apertures is also provided that may be attached to the workspace panel using snaps and hooks along the rear side of the tile. Apertures extend through a surface of the panel tile which may be used to attach accessories thereto. The accessories include connecting hooks that are attached to the panel tile by inserting a first attachment portion through the apertures. The connecting hooks also include a second attachment portion for alternatively attaching the accessories to a tool rail with rails. Accessories that may be attached to the panel tile with apertures include a display tray, a document holder, a storage tray, a pencil holder, a disk holder, a bundle clip, a document gripper and a file organizer. [0010]
  • A fabric frame tile is also provided that may be attached to the workspace panel using hooks and clips along the rear side of the tile. The fabric frame tile includes a semi-transparent screen made of a polycarbonate material that extends between vertical stiles and horizontal cross members. A fabric material is also included as an outer aesthetic covering. The semi-transparent screen allows light to diffuse through the workspace panel and into the workspace. The semi-transparent screen may also be tackable to support tacks pressed into the screen. [0011]
  • A wire management cleat is also provided that may be attached to the underside of a worksurface. The cleat includes a base section with side surfaces which wire can be wrapped around for storage. First hooks are also included for retaining the ends of the wire. The cleat also includes secondary cleats with opposing surfaces which additional wires can be wrapped around for storage. Second hooks are also included for retaining the ends of the additional wires.[0012]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The invention, including its construction and method of operation is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the drawings, in which: [0013]
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workspace constructed with workspace panels, showing accessories attached to the workspace panels; [0014]
  • FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a monorail with an end cap; [0015]
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the monorail with the end cap; [0016]
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the monorail; [0017]
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a privacy screen attached to the monorail; [0018]
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the privacy screen attached to the monorail, showing a retaining member; [0019]
  • FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the privacy screen attached to the monorail, showing the retaining member; [0020]
  • FIG. 8 is a lateral cross-section view of the privacy screen attached to the monorail, showing the retaining member; [0021]
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a curved light reflecting screen with a retaining member; [0022]
  • FIG. 10 is a side view of the curved light reflecting screen with the retaining member; [0023]
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an attaching mechanism for a screen, showing the attaching mechanism attached to the monorail; [0024]
  • FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a second member of the attaching mechanism for a screen; [0025]
  • FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a linear light attached to the monorail; [0026]
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged front perspective view of the linear light attached to the monorail, showing an attaching mechanism; [0027]
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the linear light, showing the attaching mechanism; [0028]
  • FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a flexible light attached to the monorail; [0029]
  • FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the flexible light attaching mechanism; [0030]
  • FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a storage unit attached to the monorail in a first position; [0031]
  • FIG. 19 is a side view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in the first position; [0032]
  • FIG. 20 is an enlarged side view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in the first position, showing the attaching mechanism; [0033]
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in a second position, showing the attaching mechanism; [0034]
  • FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in the second position, showing a top view of the attaching mechanism; [0035]
  • FIG. 23 is a side view of the storage unit attached to the monorail in a third position, showing the attaching mechanism; [0036]
  • FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the storage unit, showing a bracket assembly with the attaching mechanism; [0037]
  • FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the bracket assembly with the attaching mechanism; [0038]
  • FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the storage unit with a back panel removed, showing the bracket assembly connected to the storage unit; [0039]
  • FIG. 27 is an enlarged front perspective view of the storage unit with the back panel removed, showing bracket assembly connecting arms engaged in cavities in the storage unit; [0040]
  • FIG. 28 is an enlarged front perspective view of the storage unit with the back panel removed, showing a first bracket member with the connecting arms detached from a second bracket member; [0041]
  • FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of a display tray attached to a panel tile with apertures; [0042]
  • FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the display tray; [0043]
  • FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the display tray attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing a backing sheet broken away to illustrate display tray connecting hooks; [0044]
  • FIG. 32 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the display tray attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet removed to illustrate the connecting hooks; [0045]
  • FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of a portion of the display tray attached to a portion of a tool rail; [0046]
  • FIG. 34 is front bottom perspective view of a document holder attached to the panel tile with apertures; [0047]
  • FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of the document holder attached to the panel tile with apertures; [0048]
  • FIG. 36 is a rear bottom perspective view of the document holder, showing connecting hooks; [0049]
  • FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the document holder attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet broken away to illustrate the connecting hooks; [0050]
  • FIG. 38 is a side perspective view of a portion of the document holder attached to a portion of the tool rail; [0051]
  • FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of a storage tray; [0052]
  • FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view of the storage tray, showing connecting hooks; [0053]
  • FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of a pencil holder; [0054]
  • FIG. 42 is a rear perspective view of the pencil holder, showing connecting hooks; [0055]
  • FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of the pencil holder; [0056]
  • FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of a disk holder; [0057]
  • FIG. 45 is a rear perspective view of the disk holder, showing connecting hooks; [0058]
  • FIG. 46 is a rear perspective view of the disk holder attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet broken away to illustrate the connecting hooks; [0059]
  • FIG. 47 is a side view of the disk holder attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet and connecting hooks; [0060]
  • FIG. 48 is a side view of the disk holder, showing the disk holder supported on a worksurface; [0061]
  • FIG. 49 is a side view of a bundle clip attached to the panel tile with apertures; [0062]
  • FIG. 50 is an exploded front perspective view of the bundle clip; [0063]
  • FIG. 51 is a cross-section view of the bundle clip; [0064]
  • FIG. 52 is a rear perspective view of the bundle clip, showing upper connecting hooks and a lower connecting hook; [0065]
  • FIG. 53 is a rear perspective view of the bundle clip attached to the panel tile with apertures, showing the backing sheet broken away to illustrate the upper and lower connecting hooks; [0066]
  • FIG. 54 is a side view of the bundle clip attached to a portion of the tool rail; [0067]
  • FIG. 55 is front perspective view of a document gripper; [0068]
  • FIG. 56 is a rear perspective view of the document gripper, showing upper connecting hooks and a lower connecting hook; [0069]
  • FIG. 57 is a bottom perspective view of the document gripper, showing offset ribs; [0070]
  • FIG. 58 is a front perspective view of a fabric frame tile; [0071]
  • FIG. 59 is an exploded rear perspective view of the fabric frame tile; [0072]
  • FIG. 60 is a further exploded rear perspective view of the fabric frame tile; [0073]
  • FIG. 61 is a cross-section view of the fabric frame tile along section-line [0074] 61-61 from FIG. 59;
  • FIG. 62 is a cross-section view of the fabric frame tile along section-line [0075] 62-62 from FIG. 59;
  • FIG. 63 is a top perspective view of a wire management cleat; [0076]
  • FIG. 64 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the wire management cleat attached to an underside of a worksurface; [0077]
  • FIG. 65 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the wire management cleat attached to an extended portion of the underside of the worksurface; [0078]
  • FIG. 66 is a top plan view of the wire management cleat; [0079]
  • FIG. 67 is a front perspective view of a file organizer; and [0080]
  • FIG. 68 is a rear perspective view of the file organizer.[0081]
  • DESCRIPTION
  • Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, [0082] workspace panels 8 are provided with a number of convenient accessories attached thereto. The provided accessories make the workspace more useful and functional for workers using the workspace. Additionally, the accessories may be interchangeable with existing workspace panels, thereby inexpensively providing added usefulness and functionality to older workspace panels. One example of a workspace panel that may be used with the accessories is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,255 to Kelly entitled Work Space Management System, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Accordingly, a monorail 10 is provided with a privacy screen 60, a light reflecting screen 62, a linear light 76, a flexible light 94 and storage units 110 attached thereto. A panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is also provided with a display tray 160, a document holder 194, a storage tray 218, a pencil holder 240, a disk holder 258, a bundle clip 282 and a document gripper 308 attached thereto. A fabric frame tile 324 is also provided to diffuse light into the workspace and to support papers tacked thereagainst. A wire management cleat 348 is also provided for storing excess lengths of wire below a worksurface 6.
  • Referring now to FIGS. [0083] 2-28, and particularly to FIGS. 2-4, a monorail 10 is provided for attaching a variety of accessories along a length of a workspace panel 8. In order to minmize the cost of the monorail 10, the monorail 10 may be manufactured as an extruded length of aluminum material. The use of an extrusion process also allows complex features extending along the entire length of the monorail 10 to be incorporated into the monorail 10.
  • Although the [0084] monorail 10 may be attached to the workspace panel 8 in several different orientations, the monorail 10 is preferably attached longitudinally to the top surface 9 of the frame 7 of the workspace panel 8. This attachment location for the monorail 10 allows a number of accessories which are described below to be readily attached to the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8. Since the attaching features, described below, extend along the entire length of the monorail 10, the accessories may also be attached at any desired longitudinal position and may be easily slid along the length of the monorail 10 as desired.
  • The [0085] monorail 10 is attached to the frame 7 of the workspace panel 8 with screws 12 that extend downward from the monorail 10 and into the top of the workspace panel 8. The head 13 of the screw 12 is retained within the monorail 10 by a lower retention groove 16. Lower retention flanges 18 are also provided which are squeezed between the head 13 of the screw 12 and the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8, thereby retaining the monorail 10 against the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8. The width of the opening 20 between the lower retention flanges 18 may be sized to engage anti-rotation surfaces 14 on the screw 12 to make installation of the monorail 10 easier. A spacer 22 may also be provided between the monorail 10 and the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8 if desired to adapt the monorail 10 to the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8 and to raise the height of the monorail 10. The spacer 22 may include upwardly facing retention flanges 24 that are inserted into lower side grooves 26 in the monorail 10. The spacer 22 may also include downwardly facing retention flanges 28 that abut against the workspace panel 8. It is apparent, therefore, that the spacer 22 provides additional lateral rigidity of the attachment between the monorail 10 and the workspace panel 8.
  • An [0086] upper retention groove 30 is also provided that is similar to the lower retention groove 16. The upper retention groove 30 includes upper retention flanges 32 and an opening 34 between the retention flanges 32 that is sized to engage anti-rotation surfaces 38 on a screw 36. Therefore, it is now apparent that, like the lower attaching screw 12, an upper accessory attaching screw 36 may be installed in the monorail 10 by inserting the head 37 of the screw 36 into the retention groove 30 at one of the open ends 40 of the monorail 10. The screw 36 can then be slid along the length of the monorail 10 to the desired attaching position. The upwardly facing attaching screw 36 may then be used to attach accessories to the monorail 10 as will be described below.
  • [0087] Side attaching members 42 are also provided on both sides 11 of the amonorail 10 for attaching other accessories. The side attaching members 42 include a top channel 44, a bottom channel 46 and an outer flange 48. A rib 50 is formed between the top and bottom channels 44, 46, and the outer flange 48 forms side surfaces 45, 47 of the top and bottom channels 44, 46. A tab 52 is also provided along the outer surface 49 of the flange 48.
  • Accordingly, it is apparent that accessories may be attached to the [0088] side attaching members 42 by either sliding an accessory attaching mechanism onto the top and bottom channels 44, 46 from the open ends 40 of the monorail 10 or by clamping or snapping the accessory attaching mechanism around the top and bottom channels 44, 46. Although the side attaching members 42 may be provided along only one side of the monorail 10, or may be provided in the middle of the monorail 10, two side attaching members 42 at opposing sides are preferred so that accessories may be attached to service both sides of the workspace panel 8.
  • [0089] Cable management grooves 54 are also provided along the top of the monorail 10. The cable management grooves 54 may be sized deep enough and wide enough to accept a number of different wires with both small and large diameters. It is apparent that the cable management grooves 54 may be used to route wires from the accessories which are attached to the monorail 10. Accordingly, the cable management grooves 54 hide the wires from casual observation, but the wires can be readily observed and rearranged from a viewing angle above the workspace panel 8.
  • To improve the appearance of the [0090] monorail 10 and prevent accessories from sliding off the ends of the monorail 10, an end cap 56 may be attached to the ends of the monorail 10. Screws 58 are used to attach the end cap 56 to the ends 40 of the monorail 10 which self-thread into the lower side grooves 26.
  • The many advantages of the [0091] monorail 10 are now apparent. The monorail 10 provides a compact, unobtrusive structure for attaching accessories along a length of the workspace panel 8. The accessories may also be attached at any position along the monorail 10 and may be slid along the length of the monorail 10 as desired. The monorail 10 is also attractive and stylistic. In addition, the monorail 10 is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to attach to the workspace panel 8. Accordingly, the monorail 10 may be attached to older workspace panels already in use to inexpensively provide additional functionality to older workspace panels.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0092] 5-12, one accessory that may be attached to the monorail 10 is a privacy screen 60 or a light reflecting screen 62. Typically, the screen 60, 62 includes a fabric material 61 that extends between the legs 74 and the upper and lower cross members 63, 65. The screens 60, 62 may be attached to the monorail 10 using a screw 36 as described above that extends upwardly from the upper retention groove 30. Accordingly, the outwardly facing threaded portion 39 of the screw 36 is threaded into the bottom wall 66 of a retaining member 64. The retaining member 64 includes an inner cylindrical diameter 68 formed by the side walls 70 and an opening 72 for receiving a leg 74 of the screen 60, 62. A set screw 75 may be used to retain the leg 74 within the retaining member 64. Therefore, it is apparent that the screens 60, 62 extend upward from the top surface 9 of the workspace panel 8. Accordingly, the privacy screen 60 makes it possible to use shorter and less expensive workspace panels 8 while providing a similar level of privacy as taller workspace panels. Furthermore, the light reflecting screen 62, or curved screen 62, may be used in combination with lights to reflect light into the workspace.
  • The [0093] privacy screen 60 and the light reflecting screen 62 may alternatively be attached to the monorail 10 with an attaching mechanism 378 using the side attaching members 42. The attaching mechanism 378 includes a first member 380 and a second member 382 that are connected together with a shoulder screw 384. The first member 380 includes a rib 386 that is installed into the top channel 44 of the monorail 10 and a bottom surface 388 that engages the top of the outer flange 48. The second member 382 includes a first side surface 390 that engages the outer surface 49 of the flange 48. The second member 382 also includes a flange 396 extending out from the first side surface 390 thereby forming a top surface 398 and a second side surface 400. The top surface 398 engages the bottom of the outer flange 48, while the second side surface 400 engages the side 11 of the monorail 10.
  • The [0094] first side surface 390 and the second side surface 400 of the second member 382 both include a contoured portion 394, 404 to make attachment of the attaching mechanism 378 easier and faster. Thus, the first side surface 390 includes both a first flat portion 392 and a first contoured portion 394. Similarly, the second side surface 400 includes a second flat portion 402 and a second contoured portion 404. Accordingly, the shoulder screw 384 allows the second member 382 to rotate relative to the first member 380. It is apparent therefore that the attaching mechanism 378 is attached to the monorail 10 by rotating the second member 382 until the flange 396 is oriented away from the rib 386 of the first member 380. The first member 380 is then installed onto one of the side attaching members 42 of the monorail 10 by inserting the rib 386 into the top channel 44. The second member 382 is then rotated towards the monorail 10 with the contoured portions 394, 404 passing by the monorail 10 before the flat portions 392, 402 until the flat portions 392, 402 engage securely against the outer surface 49 of the flange 48 and the side 11 of the monorail 10. Thus, the contoured portions 394, 404 allow the second member 382 to rotate into place without the need for disassembling the second member 382 from the first member 380.
  • One of the [0095] legs 74 of the screen 60, 62 is then inserted into the inner diameter 406 through the top opening 408. The leg 74 may be secured to the attaching mechanism 378 with a set screw 407. The leg 74 of the screen 60, 62 may also be formed from a spring 410 instead of a rigid tubular material. A spring leg 410 is preferred when it is expected that the screen 60, 62 will experience repeated forces that could fracture a rigid leg. A side connecting member 412 is also provided for connecting the lower cross member 65 of the screen 60, 62 to the attaching mechanism 378.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0096] 13-15, another accessory that may be attached to the monorail 10 is a linear light 76. The linear light 76 may be attached to the monorail 10 using the side attaching members 42. Accordingly, the linear light 76 includes a lighting element 78 that extends parallel to the monorail 10. The lighting element 78 is attached to the monorail 10 with legs 80 that are attached to each end of the lighting element 78 and that extend to attaching mechanisms 82. Each of the attaching mechanisms 82 include a first clamping member 84 with a surface 86 that engages the outer surface 49 of the outer flange 48. The first clamping member 84 also includes a slot 88 that engages the tab 52 attached to the outer flange 48. The attaching mechanism 82 also includes a second clamping member 90 that is secured to the first clamping member 84 with screws 92 threaded into the first clamping member 84. The second clamping member 90 engages the inside side surface 45 of one of the channels 44. Preferably, the linear light 76 may be used in combination with the curved screen 62 to reflect light into the workspace. Thus, the linear light 76 may be attached to the monorail 10 adjacent and coaxial with the curved screen 62 along the longitudinal curvature of the screen 62.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0097] 16-17, another accessory that may be attached to the monorail 10 is a flexible light 94. The flexible light 94 may be attached to the monorail 10 using the upper retention groove 30. The flexible light 94 includes a lighting element 96 connected to one end of a flexible portion 100. An attaching mechanism 102 is connected to the other end of the flexible portion 100. The attaching mechanism 102 is then attached to the monorail 10. Accordingly, the lighting element 96 can be easily repositioned by bending the flexible portion 100 to direct light towards different areas in the workspace as desired.
  • Preferably, the attaching [0098] mechanism 102 includes a top portion 104 and a bottom portion 108 that are made from a molded material to facilitate assembly of the attaching mechanism 102. A threaded adaptor 107 is also provided within the attaching mechanism 102 for threadably connecting the flexible portion 100 to the attaching mechanism 102. A hole 106 is provided that extends through both the top portion 104 and the bottom portion 108. Accordingly, the attaching mechanism 102 is attached to the monorail 10 with a screw 99 that passes through the hole 106 and into the upper retention groove 30. The screw 99 is then threaded into a retaining nut 101 that is installed in the upper retention groove 30. Thus, the bottom surface 103 of the attaching mechanism 102 is secured against the upper retention flanges 32 and the top of the monorail 10.
  • A [0099] hook 105 is also provided for further securing the attaching mechanism 102 to the monorail 10. Accordingly, the hook 105 may engage the tab 52 on the outer flange 48 of one of the side attaching members 42. The hook 105 therefore locks the attaching mechanism 102 and prevents rotation around the screw 99. The hook 105 also positively locates the switch 98 outward toward the side to allow easy access from within the workspace. One advantage of the attaching mechanism 102 is that it allows the flexible light 94 to be used in conjunction with the privacy screen 60 or the light reflecting screen 62. Accordingly, the flexible portion 100 is connected to the attaching mechanism 102 away from the upper retention groove 30. Thus, the screen 60 may extend above the upper retention groove 30 without interfering with the flexible light 94. Alternatively, the attaching mechanism 102 may be rotated ninety degrees and mounted to the monorail 10 by inserting the hook 105 into the opening 34 in the upper retention groove 30 between the upper retention flanges 32. In this orientation, the hook 105 also locks the attaching mechanism 102 from rotational movement because the side surfaces 109 of the hook 105 abut the upper retention flanges 32.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0100] 18-28, another accessory that may be attached to the monorail 10 is a horizontal or vertical storage unit 110. The storage units 110 may be attached to the monorail 10 using the side attaching members 42. Accordingly, an attaching mechanism 112 is provided along the rear side 114 of the storage unit 110. The attaching mechanism 112 includes an inverted U-shaped hook 116 at each side of the storage unit 110. Thus, the first vertical rib 118 of the hook 116 is inserted into the top channel 44 of the side attaching member 42 and the second vertical rib 120 of the hook 116 is attached to the rear side 114 of the storage unit 110. Therefore, the storage unit 110 hangs from the U-shaped hook 116 and the monorail 10.
  • Preferably, the [0101] storage unit 110 may be attached to the monorail 10 at different heights relative to the top of the workspace panel 8 or relative to a worksurface 6. Accordingly, a bracket assembly 122 attached to the rear side 114 of the storage unit 110 is provided. The bracket assembly 122 includes a pair of first bracket members 124, with each first bracket member 124 extending along a portion of the height of the storage unit 110 along each side of the storage unit 110. The first bracket members 124 include two connecting arms 126 extending forward toward the storage unit 110. Each of the connecting arms 126 include three angled finger members 128 extending outward toward the sides of the storage unit 110. The connecting arms 126 extend through corresponding slots 130 in the second bracket members 132. Each of the second bracket members 132 include a side retaining member 134 that extends along a portion of the height of the storage unit 110 along each side of the storage unit 110. Each of the second bracket members 132 is welded along the top end to the attaching mechanism bracket 136. Corresponding holes 138, 140 are also provided through the first bracket member 124 and the second bracket member 132 to secure the first and second bracket members 124, 132 together.
  • Therefore, the [0102] bracket assembly 122 may be attached to the storage unit 110 at multiple vertical positions. Accordingly, the bracket assembly 122 is attached to the rear side 114 of the storage unit 110 by inserting the angled finger members 128 of the first bracket member 124 into cavities 142 in the side panels 144 of the storage unit 110. At the same time, the side retaining members 134 of the second bracket members 132 engage an outside surface 146 of the side panels 144. The holes 138, 140 in the first and second bracket members 124, 132 are then aligned and retained together with screws 148. Thus, the angled finger members 128 are now secured to the cavities 142 in the side panels 144 and cannot be disengaged. In order to disengage the angled finger members 128 from the cavities 142, the screws 148 are removed from the corresponding holes 138, 140 in the first and second bracket members 124, 132. The first bracket member 124 may then be shifted inward so that the connecting arms 126 translate across the slots 130 in the second bracket members 132 and the angled finger members 128 disengage from the cavities 142. The bracket assembly 122 can then be relocated along the height of the storage unit 110 to reengage the angled finger members 128 in a different set of cavities 142.
  • Accordingly, the [0103] storage unit 110 can be easily attached to the monorail 10 at more than one vertical position. One advantage of this feature is that shorter, less expensive workspace panels 8 may be used while providing a similar vertical position of the storage unit 110 relative to the worksurface 6 as is typical with taller workspace panels. Thus, at least three different vertical positions are possible. The storage unit 110 may be attached to the monorail at a first position that is about 16 inches below the top surface 111 of the storage unit 110. The storage unit 110 may also be attached to the monorail 10 at a second position that is about 8 inches below the top surface 111 of the storage unit 110. The storage unit 110 may also be attached to the monorail 10 at a third position that is about flush with the top surface 111 of the storage unit 110.
  • Referring now to FIGS. [0104] 29-57, a panel tile 150 is provided with apertures 152 through a surface 154 for connecting a variety of work tools to the workspace panel 8. Each of the apertures 152 is shaped oblong and may be about 0.55 inch high and 0.75 inch wide. The apertures 152 are positioned along rows, with the apertures 152 being spaced about 1.0 inch apart along the rows and each row being spaced about 0.8 inch apart. The panel surface 154 may be made from a sheet metal material.
  • Preferably, the [0105] panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a removable tile that can be readily attached to and detached from a panel frame 7. Accordingly, attaching mechanisms 156, 157, which may be snaps 156 or hooks 157, are provided along the rear side of the panel tile 150 at each corner of the panel tile 150. Additionally, a backing sheet 158 is provided along the rear side of the panel tile 150. The backing sheet 158 may be made from a high density polyethylene material that is about 0.20 inch thick. The backing sheet 158 may be attached at each edge of the panel tile 150 so that it extends across the entire back surface of the panel tile 150.
  • The many advantages of the [0106] panel tile 150 with apertures 152 are now apparent. The apertures 152 may be used to attach a variety of work tools to a surface 154 of the workspace panel 8. Some of the possible work tools that may be attached to the apertures 152 are described below. Since the panel tile 150 is a removable tile, the location of the panel tile 150 can be optimized by the user of the workspace so that the work tools attached thereto are conveniently positioned. In addition, the panel tile 150 may be compatible with older workspace panels already in use, thus inexpensively providing additional functionality to older workspace panels. The apertures 152 also allow light to diffuse through the apertures 152 from outside the workspace to provide more lighting inside the workspace. The backing sheet 158 also improves the diffusion of light into the workspace by allowing light to pass through the apertures 152 while blocking visual sight through the apertures 152. The backing sheet 158 also prevents viewing of the interior of the panel frame structure and unsightly cables and wires therein.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0107] 29-33, one work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a display tray 160. The display tray 160 includes a single large receptacle 162 that extends across the entire length and width of the display tray 160. Side walls 164, a front wall 166, a back wall 168 and a bottom wall 170 are also provided for retaining items within the display tray 160. Typically, larger office supplies like staplers, tape dispensers or standing picture frames are stored in the receptacle 162.
  • The [0108] display tray 160 includes connecting hooks 172, or attaching members 172, along a rear support wall 161 for attaching the display tray 160 to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152. In order to adequately support the weight of the display tray 160 and the items stored therein, a multitude of connecting hooks 172 may be provided, with each hook 172 spaced about 1 inch apart from each other. To reduce the cost of manufacture, the connecting hooks 172 may be plastic and integrally molded with the rear support wall 161 or the entire display tray 160.
  • The connecting hooks [0109] 172 may also include two attachment portions 174, 176 for attaching the display tray 160 to different work tool support structures. The first attachment portion 174 includes a top support surface 178 and a side retaining surface 180. Similarly, the second attachment portion 176 includes a top support surface 182 that is lower than the first attachment portion top support surface 178 and a side retaining portion 184 that is disposed farther from the rear support wall 161 than the first attachment portion side retaining surface 180.
  • Accordingly, the [0110] first attachment portion 174 can be used to attach the display tray 160 to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152. This alternative is accomplished by inserting the hooks 172 into the apertures 152 so that the display tray rear support wall 161 abuts the outer surface 154 of the panel tile 150 and the first attachment portion top support surface 178 abuts the lower edge 151 of the apertures 152. The first attachment portion side retaining surface 180 then prevents the display tray 160 from being inadvertently dislodged from the panel tile 150 with apertures 152. Similarly, the second attachment portion 176 may be used to attach the display tray 160 to a tool rail 186, or other alternative work tool support structure, having horizontal rails 188 that are vertically spaced apart from each other. This alternative is accomplished by inserting the hooks 172 between and through the rails 188 so that the display tray rear support wall 161 abuts the outer surfaces 190 of adjacent rails 188 and the second attachment portion top support surface 182 abuts the top edge 192 of one of the rails 186. The second attachment portion side retaining surface 184 then prevents the display tray 160 from being inadvertently dislodged from the tool rail 186.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0111] 34-38, another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a document holder 194. The document holder 194 includes a front wall 196 and a rear wall 198 that are separated by a storage space 200 therebetween. The front and rear walls 196, 198 are connected together by a bottom support wall 202 and a single side support wall 204. Along the rear support wall 195 is a multitude of connecting hooks 206 similar to the display tray connecting hooks 172 described above. Thus, the document holder 194 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186. Preferably, the document holder 194 is molded from a plastic material, with one piece including the front wall 196, the side support wall 204 and the bottom support wall 202 and another piece including the rear wall 198 and the connecting hooks 172.
  • The [0112] bottom support wall 202 may be angled downward toward the side support wall 204, with the side support wall 204 being oriented at a right angle therefrom. Thus, when documents are placed in the document holder 194, gravity will draw the documents into the storage space 200 and against the side support wall 204. Open areas 208, 210 are provided along the side opposite of the side support wall 204 and along the top to make it easier to place documents in the document holder 194. The bottom support wall 202 extends only partially along the length of the document holder 194, and the side support wall 204 extends only partially along the height of the document holder 194. Accordingly, the bottom and side support walls 202, 204 do not intersect, and an open area 212 is formed at the corner of the bottom and side support walls 202, 204. Additionally, the front wall 196 and the rear wall 198 are shaped with rounded, obtuse contours 214, 216 adjacent the open corner area 212 and opposite the open corner area 212. Therefore, when documents are placed in the storage space 200, the lower inside corner of the documents is easily visible from below the document holder 194. The open corner area 212 also provides the document holder 194 with a self-cleaning feature that prevents debris from accumulating in the storage space 200. The upper outside corner of the documents is also easily visible and also provides a large convenient portion of the documents that can be grasped for removing the documents or placing the documents in the storage space 200. The front wall 196 may also be flaired forward along the upper outside contour 216 to make placing documents in the storage space 200 easier.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0113] 39-40, another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile with apertures is a storage tray 218. The storage tray 218 includes a multitude of connecting hooks 220 along the rear support wall 219 similar to the display tray connecting hooks 172 described above. Thus, the storage tray 218 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186. The storage tray 218 includes a variety of storage receptacles for conveniently storing different types of office supplies together. Preferably, the storage tray 218 is integrally molded from a plastic material.
  • The [0114] storage tray 218 includes one lengthwise receptacle 222 adjacent the rear support wall 219. Adjacent each end of the lengthwise receptacle 222 is an aperture 224 that may be used for storing scissors, flower vials or like items. A multi-compartment lengthwise receptacle 226 is also provided adjacent the lengthwise receptacle 222. The multi-compartment receptacle 226 includes a lengthwise dividing wall 228 between two compartments 230, 232. A ledge 234 is also provided on the rear wall 236 of the rear compartment 230 that can be used to display business cards. At each end of the multi-compartment lengthwise receptacle 226 is a smaller receptacle 238 that is about the same width as the multi-compartment receptacle 226 but shorter in length.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0115] 41-43, another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a pencil holder 240. The pencil holder 240 includes a multitude of connecting hooks 242 along the rear support wall 241 similar to the display tray connecting hooks 172 described above. Thus, the pencil holder 240 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186. The pencil holder 240 includes a large vertical receptacle 244 for storing office supplies like pencils, pens, scissors and like items. Preferably, the pencil holder 240 is integrally molded from a plastic material.
  • The [0116] pencil holder 240 includes two dividing walls 246 that extend up from the bottom wall 248 to near the top edge of the side walls 250. The dividing walls 246 may be swept outward. A top opening 252 is provided at the top edge of the side walls 250 and the rear wall 254. Thus, three vertical compartments 256 are formed in the receptacle 244. Various items can be stored in the pencil holder 240 by lowering the items through the top opening 252 into the receptacle 244 and into one of the three compartments 256.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0117] 44-48, another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a disk holder 258. The disk holder 258 includes a multitude of connecting hooks 260 along the rear support wall 259 similar to the display tray connecting hooks 172 described above. Thus, the disk holder 258 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186. The disk holder 258 includes a receptacle 262 for storing disk-like storage media. Preferably, the disk holder 258 is integrally molded from a plastic material.
  • The [0118] disk holder 258 includes a bottom support wall 264 that is angle upward from an imaginary horizontal plane. Ridges 265 may be provided on the bottom support wall 264 to partially separate the disks. A back support wall 266 is attached to the bottom support wall 264 at a right angle thereto. Thus, when the disk holder 258 is attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186, the tilted angle of the receptacle 262 draws disks placed therein into the receptacle 262 and toward the back support wall 266. The front 268 and top 270 of the disk holder are open to provide easy access into the receptacle 262. Side ribs 272 are also attached along the sides, with one end being attached to the back support wall 266 and the other end being attached to the bottom support wall 264. Thus, the side ribs 272 support the bottom support wall 264 and also provide an open side area 274 to allow viewing of the receptacle 262 from the side.
  • The [0119] rear support wall 259 also forms rearward legs 276 at the bottom thereof. In addition, forward legs 278 that are attached to the bottom support wall 264 are also provided. The bottom ends of the rearward legs 276 and the forward legs 278 lie on a horizontal plane transverse the rear support wall 261. Accordingly, the disk holder 258 may also be used on a horizontal worksurface 6 when not attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to the tool rail 186. Therefore, by resting the disk holder 258 on a worksurface 6, the rearward and forward legs 276, 278 support the disk holder 258 while maintaining the tilted angle of the receptacle 262. In addition, the corner 280 of the bottom support wall 264 and the back support wall 266 is positioned near the worksurface 6 to provide additional support if excessive force is applied to the disk holder 258 thereby causing the legs 276, 278 to flex.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0120] 49-54, another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a bundle clip 282. The bundle clip 282 is generally intended for clamping a top portion of papers, paper pads, posters and like items. Thus, the papers hang down from the bundle clip 282 for display. The bundle clip 282 includes a rear member 284, an intermediate member 286 and a front member 288 that are retained together with a spring clip 290. The spring clip 290 allows the front member 288 to be flexed away from the rear member 284 and intermediate member 286 in order to insert papers therebetween for clamping.
  • Connecting [0121] hooks 292, 294 are also provided along the rear support wall 283 of the rear member 284. Like the display tray connecting hooks 172, the bundle clip connecting hooks 292, 294 may be used to attach the bundle clip 282 alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186 with horizontal rails 188. However, in order to resist higher dislodging forces expected on the bundle clip 282, both upper connecting hooks 292 and a lower connecting hook 294 are provided.
  • The upper connecting [0122] hooks 292 include a top surface 296 and a top side retaining surface 298, while the lower connecting hook 294 includes a bottom surface 300. Accordingly, the bundle clip 282 can be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 by inserting the upper connecting hooks 292 into the apertures 152 so that the top surface 296 abuts the upper edge 153 of the apertures 152 and by inserting the lower connecting hook 294 into an aperture 152 so that the bottom surface 300 abuts the lower edge 151 of the aperture 152. The upper and lower connecting hooks 292, 294 may flex during insertion to maintain a bias force against the apertures 152 after attachment. The upper connecting hook top side retaining surface 298 then prevents the bundle clip 282 from being inadvertently dislodged from the panel tile 150 with apertures 152.
  • The upper connecting [0123] hooks 292 also include a bottom surface 302 and a bottom side retaining surface 304, while the lower connecting hook 294 includes a top flexible surface 306. Accordingly, the bundle clip 282 can be attached to the tool rail 186 by positioning the upper connecting hook 292 so that the bottom surface 302 abuts the top edge 192 of a rail 188 and by flexing the lower connecting hook 294 so that the top flexible surface 306 contacts the bottom edge 193 of a rail 188. The flexing of the upper and lower connecting hooks 292, 294 maintains a bias force against the rails 188 after attachment. The bottom side retaining surface 304 then prevents the bundle clip 282 from being inadvertently dislodged from the tool rail 186.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0124] 55-57, another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a document gripper 308. The document gripper 308 is generally intended for retaining a small number of documents along a top portion of the documents. Thus, the documents hang down from the document gripper 308 for display. The document gripper 308 includes an upper connecting hook 310 and a lower connecting hook 312 along the rear support wall 309 similar to the bundle clip connecting hooks 292, 294 described above. Therefore, the document gripper 308 may be attached alternatively to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186. Like the bundle clip connecting hooks 292, 294, the upper and lower connecting hooks 310, 312 resist higher dislodging forces.
  • The [0125] document gripper 308 includes an opening 314 along the bottom side between the front member 316 and the rear member 318. Additionally, offset ribs 320 with serrations 322 are provided on the inside surfaces of the front and rear members 316, 318. Accordingly, when the edge of a document is inserted into the opening 314 through the offset ribs 320, the offset ribs 320 force the edge of the document to fold into grooves around the ribs 320. The folded document grooves then engage the offset ribs 320, thereby producing a friction force that resists removal of the document.
  • Turning now to FIGS. [0126] 67-68, another work tool that may be attached to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 is a file organizer 380. The file organizer 380 is generally intended for retaining hanging folders, such as those sold under the brand name Pendaflex. Thus, the hanging folders hang adjacent the panel surface 154 of the panel tile 150 for convenient access. The file organizer 380 includes connecting hooks 384 along the rear support wall 382 for attaching the file organizer 380 to the panel tile 150 with apertures 152 or to a tool rail 186. Extended support surfaces 383 that extend below the rear support wall 382 are also included to provide additional support against the panel tile 150 or tool rail 186.
  • Opposing [0127] arms 386 extend outward from the rear support wall 382 about 3.5 inches. Each arm 386 includes an upper ledge 390 adjacent the rear support wall 382 and a lower ledge 388 attached to the upper ledge 390. The upper ledge 390 includes an upper retention knob 391 away from the rear support wall 382, and the lower ledge 388 includes a lower retention knob 389 away from the upper ledge 390. According, hanging folders may be supported by the file organizer 380 by engaging hanging folders onto either the upper ledge 390 or the lower ledge 388. The upper and lower retention knobs 391, 389 prevent the hanging folders from sliding off of the ledges 390, 388. The difference in height between the upper and lower ledges 390, 388 also allows easier viewing and access to the rear hanging folders supported by the upper ledge 390.
  • Referring now to FIGS. [0128] 58-62, a fabric frame tile 324 is provided for diffusing light into a workspace and for providing a tackable surface. The fabric frame tile 324 includes vertical stiles 326 that are attached at the corners to horizontal cross members 328. The vertical stiles 326 and horizontal cross members 328 may be made from a variety of materials including a plastic material. The vertical stiles 326 and horizontal cross members 328 are attached together with protrusions 330 extending from the vertical stiles 326 that slide into longitudinal cavities 332 in the horizontal cross members 328. Hooks 334 and clips 336, or other attaching mechanisms, are also provided along the rear side of the vertical stiles 326 for attaching the fabric frame tile 324 to the frame 7 of workspace panel 8.
  • The [0129] fabric frame tile 324 also includes a screen 338 that extends between each of the vertical stiles 326 and each of the horizontal cross members 328. Inward facing longitudinal slots 340 are provided on the vertical stiles 326 and the horizontal cross members 328 for retaining the screen 338. Accordingly, the edges of the screen 338 fit within the longitudinal slots 340, thereby securing the screen 338 in place. Preferably, the screen 338 is made from a semi-transparent material, such as a polycarbonate material. The screen 338 is an extruded sheet with two opposing outer walls 342 connected together with interconnecting walls 344. The screen 338 may be about 0.25 inch thick, with the walls 342, 344 being about 0.025 inch thick. A loose weave fabric 346 is also provided as an outer aesthetic covering for the fabric frame tile 324. The fabric 346 extends across the front side of the fabric frame tile 324 and is wrapped around and retained to the vertical stiles 326 and the horizontal cross members 328.
  • The many advantages of the [0130] fabric frame tile 324 are now apparent. The fabric frame tile 324 allows light to pass from outside a workspace through the semi-transparent screen 338 and loose weave fabric 346 into the workspace. However, visual sight through the fabric frame tile 324 is blocked in order to maintain privacy and to prevent viewing of the internal panel structure and unsightly wires and cables therein. The fabric 346 covering also maintains an attractive outer appearance and can be matched to other standard tiles used on the workspace panel 8. Furthermore, the screen 338 can support tacks by pressing the tacks through the screen 338, thereby retaining papers and other items against the fabric frame tile 324. In addition, the fabric frame tile 324 may be compatible with older workspace panels already in use, thus inexpensively providing additional functionality to older workspace panels.
  • Referring now to FIGS. [0131] 63-66, a cleat 348 is provided for managing excess lengths of wire around a worksurface 6. The cleat 348 includes a base section 350 with a mounting face 352 on one side and a flange section 354 on the other side. The flange section 354 extends outward from the side surfaces 351 of the base section 350. A number of first hooks 356 are attached to one of the side edges 355 of the flange section 354. The first hooks 356 are arranged into two pairs, with each pair having two first hooks 356 facing outwardly of each other. The first hooks 356 may have a retaining tab 357 and may be flexible to better retain wires snapped therein. Two secondary cleats 358 are attached to the other side edge 355 of the flange section 354. Each of the secondary cleats 358 include two opposing surfaces 360 transverse to the flange section side edge 355. The secondary cleats 358 also include side surfaces 362 extending from the opposing surfaces 360 which are parallel to the flange section side edge 355. At the outer edge 364 of each of the secondary cleats 358 are two second hooks 366 with retaining tabs 368 similar to the first hooks 356 described above. Two holes 370 extend through the base section 350 to allow screws 372 to pass therethrough for attaching the cleat 348 to mounting surfaces 374.
  • The many advantages of the [0132] cleat 348 are now apparent. The cleat 348 may be attached to a variety of mounting surfaces but is especially useful when attached to the underside 374 of a worksurface 6. The cleat 348 may be attached directly to the worksurface 6 or to an extended portion 376 from the worksurface 6 with screws 372 passing through the holes 370 in the base section 350. Excess lengths of wire can then be wrapped around the side surfaces 351 of the base section 350 with the ends being snapped into the first hooks 356. Accordingly, the first hooks 356 and the flange section 354 retain the excess wire and prevent the wire from unwrapping from the cleat 348. Smaller lengths of excess wire may also be wrapped around the opposing surfaces 360 of the secondary cleats 358, with the ends being snapped into the second hooks 366. Thus, the cleat 348 is able to store more than one excess length of wire.
  • The above-described accessories and features may also be used with the accessories and features described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/298,361 to Smith et al. (Atty. Docket No. 3591-1108) filed on Jun. 16, 2001, entitled Furniture System, which is hereby incorporated by reference. [0133]
  • While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited, and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein. [0134]

Claims (112)

We claim:
1. A rail attachable to a workspace panel for attaching accessories to the workspace panel comprising a retention groove comprising a longitudinal groove extending along a length of the rail, two longitudinal flanges extending over opposing sides of said groove, and a longitudinal opening extending between said two flanges; wherein said groove, said two flanges and said opening are shaped to receive and retain a head of a screw, a threaded portion of said screw thereby extending through said opening for attachment to accessories.
2. The rail according to claim 1, further comprising an attaching member comprising two opposing longitudinal channels extending along a length of the rail with a longitudinal rib formed therebetween, and a flange attached to said rib thereby forming side surfaces of said two channels.
3. The rail according to claim 2, further comprising two of said attaching members disposed at opposing sides of the rail, wherein said retention groove is disposed between said two attaching members.
4. The rail according to claim 3, further comprising two cable management grooves, said cable management grooves disposed adjacent opposing sides of said retention groove and between said retention groove and said attaching members, said cable management grooves being sized deep and wide enough to accept cables and wires from accessories attached to said retention groove and said attaching members.
5. The rail according to claim 1, further comprising a cable management groove disposed adjacent said retention groove, said cable management groove being sized deep and wide enough to accept cables and wires from accessories attached to said retention groove.
6. The rail according to claim 1, further comprising a workspace panel attaching retention groove comprising a longitudinal groove extending along a length of the rail, two longitudinal flanges extending over opposing sides of said groove, and a longitudinal opening extending between said two flanges, wherein said groove, said two flanges and said opening are shaped to receive and retain a head of a screw, a threaded portion of said screw thereby extending through said opening for attachment to a workspace panel.
7. The rail according to claim 1, wherein the rail is an integrally extruded aluminum material.
8. The rail according to claim 1, further comprising two longitudinal side grooves extending to an end of the rail, and in combination with an end cap attached to said end of the rail, wherein screws extend through said end cap and are threaded into said side grooves.
9. The rail according to claim 1, wherein the rail is attached to a top surface of a workspace panel, said retention groove facing upward wherein a threaded portion of a screw received in said retention groove extends upward.
10. The rail according to claim 9, further comprising a longitudinal side groove extending along a length of the rail and disposed on an opposing side from said retention groove, and in combination with a spacer installed between the rail and the workspace panel, said spacer comprising an upwardly facing retention flange inserted into said side groove and a downwardly facing retention flange abutting a surface of the workspace panel.
11. The rail according to claim 1, in combination with an accessory attached to said retention groove, said accessory comprising a retaining member comprising side walls, an opening formed by said side walls, and a bottom wall attached to said side walls and having a hole extending therethrough, said accessory comprising a leg received by said retaining member through said opening, wherein a head of a screw is received by said retention groove and a threaded portion of said screw extends through said hole in said retaining member thereby attaching said accessory to the rail.
12. The rail according to claim 11, wherein said accessory is a privacy screen, said privacy screen comprising two legs with each leg being received by one of said retaining members.
13. The rail according to claim 1, in combination with an accessory attached to said retention groove, said accessory comprising an attaching mechanism comprising a hole, a screw extending through said hole and into said retention groove, and a bottom surface engaging said flanges, wherein said accessory is a flexible light with a flexible portion connected to said attaching mechanism.
14. The rail according to claim 1, further comprising a longitudinal tab disposed along one side of said retention groove, and in combination with an accessory attached to said retention groove, said accessory comprising an attaching mechanism comprising a hole, a screw extending through said hole and into said retention groove, a bottom surface engaging said flanges, and a hook engaging said tab thereby restraining movement around said screw.
15. The rail according to claim 14, wherein said accessory is a flexible light comprising a flexible portion connected at one end to said attaching mechanism and connected at another end to a lighting element.
16. The rail according to claim 1, in combination with an accessory attached to said retention groove, said accessory comprising an attaching mechanism comprising a hole, a screw extending through said hole and into said retention groove, and a bottom surface engaging said flanges, wherein said accessory is connected to said attaching mechanism away from said hole thereby forming an open area above said hole for another accessory attached to said retention groove and extending through said open area whereby interference is avoided between said accessory and said another accessory.
17. The rail according to claim 11, wherein said accessory is a light reflecting screen, said light reflecting screen being curved to reflect light into a workspace and comprising two legs with each leg being received by one of said retaining members.
18. The rail according to claim 1, further comprising an attaching member comprising two opposing longitudinal channels extending along a length of the rail with a longitudinal rib formed therebetween, and a flange attached to said rib thereby forming side surfaces of said two channels; further comprising a workspace panel attaching retention groove comprising a longitudinal groove extending along a length of the rail, two longitudinal flanges extending over opposing sides of said groove, and a longitudinal opening extending between said two flanges, wherein said groove, said two flanges and said opening are shaped to receive and retain a head of a screw, a threaded portion of said screw thereby extending through said opening for attachment to a workspace panel; and wherein the rail is an integrally extruded material.
19. The rail according to claim 18, further comprising two of said attaching members disposed at opposing sides of the rail, wherein said retention groove is disposed between said two attaching members; further comprising a cable management groove disposed adjacent said retention groove, said cable management groove being sized deep and wide enough to accept cables and wires from accessories attached to said retention groove and said attaching members; and wherein said extruded material is aluminum.
20. The rail according to claim 19, further comprising two of said cable management grooves, said cable management grooves disposed adjacent opposing sides of said retention groove and between said retention groove and said attaching members; further comprising two longitudinal side grooves extending along a length of the rail and to an end of the rail and disposed on an opposing side from said retention groove, and in combination with an end cap attached to said end of the rail, wherein screws extend through said end cap and are threaded into said side grooves; wherein the rail is attached to a top surface of a workspace panel, said retention groove facing upward wherein a threaded portion of a screw received in said retention groove extends upward; in combination with a spacer installed between the rail and the workspace panel, said spacer comprising upwardly facing retention flanges inserted into said side grooves and downwardly facing retention flanges abutting surfaces of the workspace panel; and in combination with an accessory attached to said retention groove, said accessory comprising a retaining member comprising side walls, an opening formed by said side walls, and a bottom wall attached to said side walls and having a hole extending therethrough, said accessory comprising a leg received by said retaining member through said opening, wherein a head of a screw is received by said retention groove and a threaded portion of said screw extends through said hole in said retaining member thereby attaching said accessory to the rail.
21. A rail attachable to a workspace panel for attaching accessories to the workspace panel comprising an attaching member comprising two opposing longitudinal channels extending along a length of the rail with a longitudinal rib formed therebetween, and a flange attached to said rib thereby forming side surfaces of said two channels.
22. The rail according to claim 21, further comprising two of said attaching members disposed at opposing sides of the rail.
23. The rail according to claim 21, further comprising a cable management groove disposed adjacent said attaching member, said cable management groove being sized deep and wide enough to accept cables and wires from accessories attached to said attaching member.
24. The rail according to claim 21, comprising a workspace panel attaching retention groove comprising a longitudinal groove extending along a length of the rail, two longitudinal flanges extending over opposing sides of said groove, and a longitudinal opening extending between said two flanges, wherein said groove, said two flanges and said opening are shaped to receive and retain a head of a screw, a threaded portion of said screw thereby extending through said opening for attachment to a workspace panel.
25. The rail according to claim 21, wherein the rail is an integrally extruded aluminum material.
26. The rail according to claim 21, further comprising two longitudinal side grooves extending to an end of the rail, and in combination with an end cap attached to said end of the rail, wherein screws extend through said end cap and are threaded into said side grooves.
27. The rail according to claim 21, wherein the rail is attached to a top surface of a workspace panel, said attaching member facing toward one side of the workspace panel, wherein one of said channels faces upward and the other of said channels faces downwards.
28. The rail according to claim 27, further comprising a longitudinal side groove extending along a length of the rail and disposed on an opposing side from said retention groove, and in combination with a spacer installed between the rail and the workspace panel, said spacer comprising an upwardly facing retention flange inserted into said side groove and a downwardly facing retention flange abutting a surface of the workspace panel.
29. The rail according to claim 21, in combination with an accessory attached to said attaching member, said accessory comprising an attaching mechanism comprising a rib inserted in one of said channels, a bottom surface engaging a top of said flange, and a top surface engaging a bottom of said flange.
30. The rail according to claim 29, wherein said accessory is a screen comprising two legs with a fabric material extending between said legs, each leg being received by one of said attaching mechanisms.
31. The rail according to claim 29, wherein said attaching mechanism further comprises a first member and a second member rotatably connected together, said first member forming said rib and said bottom surface, said second member forming said top surface, wherein said second member comprises a side surface engaging a side of said flange, said side surface comprising a flat portion and a contoured portion, wherein said contoured portion allows said flat portion to engage and disengage said flange side by rotating said second member.
32. The rail according to claim 31, wherein said accessory is a screen comprising two spring legs with a fabric material extending between said legs, each leg being received by one of said attaching mechanisms.
33. The rail according to claim 21, further comprising a longitudinal tab disposed on said flange on an opposite side from said channel side surfaces, and in combination with an accessory attached to said attaching member, said accessory comprising an attaching mechanism comprising a first clamping surface engaging an outer surface of said flange and engaging said tab and a second clamping surface engaging one of said channel side surfaces.
34. The rail according to claim 33, wherein said accessory is a linear light, said linear light comprising a lighting element extending parallel to the rail, a leg attached to each end of said lighting element and extending to one of said attaching mechanisms.
35. The rail according to claim 21, wherein one of said channels faces upward, and in combination with an accessory attached to said attaching member, said accessory comprising an attaching mechanism comprising a downwardly facing rib inserted into said upwardly facing channel, wherein said accessory hangs from the rail.
36. The rail according to claim 35, wherein said accessory is a storage unit, said attaching mechanism further comprising an inverted U-shaped hook with said downwardly facing rib forming a first vertical rib and said hook comprising a second vertical rib attached to a rear side of said storage unit.
37. The rail according to claim 36, wherein said attaching mechanism comprises more than one vertical attachment position along said rear side of said storage unit, said storage unit thereby being attachable to the rail at different relative heights.
38. The rail according to claim 35, wherein said attaching mechanism comprises at least three vertical attachment positions along a rear side of said accessory, said accessory thereby being attachable to the rail at different relative heights.
39. The rail according to claim 21, further comprising two of said attaching members disposed at opposing sides of the rail; further comprising a workspace panel attaching retention groove comprising a longitudinal groove extending along a length of the rail, two longitudinal flanges extending over opposing sides of said groove, and a longitudinal opening extending between said two flanges, wherein said groove, said two flanges and said opening are shaped to receive and retain a head of a screw, a threaded portion of said screw thereby extending through said opening for attachment to a workspace panel; and wherein the rail is an integrally extruded material.
40. The rail according to claim 39, further comprising a cable management groove disposed adjacent said attaching member, said cable management groove being sized deep and wide enough to accept cables and wires from accessories attached to said attaching member; wherein said extruded material is aluminum; and in combination with an accessory attached to said attaching member, said accessory comprising an attaching mechanism comprising a rib inserted in one of said channels, a bottom surface engaging a top of said flange, and a top surface engaging a bottom of said flange.
41. A storage unit attachable to a workspace panel comprising an attaching mechanism attached to a rear side of said storage unit, said attaching mechanism comprising more than one vertical attachment position along said rear side of said storage unit, said storage unit thereby being attachable to the workspace panel at different relative heights.
42. The storage unit according to claim 41, wherein said attaching mechanism comprises an inverted U-shaped hook with a downwardly facing first vertical rib engaging the workspace panel and a second vertical rib attached to said rear side of the storage unit wherein said storage unit hangs from said attaching mechanism.
43. The storage unit according to claim 41, further comprising more than one cavity with at least one cavity corresponding to each of said more than one vertical attachment positions, wherein said attaching mechanism comprises a bracket assembly, said bracket assembly comprising a first bracket member comprising a connecting arm engaging one of said cavities and a second bracket member engaging a surface of the storage unit, said first and second bracket members being affixable together thereby securing said connecting arm in said cavity and preventing disengagement, wherein said first connecting arm is disengageable from said cavity when said first and second bracket members are unaffixed, said first bracket member thereby being moveable to engage said connecting arm in each of said cavities.
44. The storage unit according to claim 43, wherein said bracket assembly further comprises two pairs of said first and second bracket members, one pair being disposed along opposing side surfaces of the storage unit, said cavities comprising corresponding cavities at each side surface and extending generally transverse to said side surfaces, each of said connecting arms comprising an angled member insertable in said cavities and each of said second bracket members comprising a side retaining member engaging each of said side surfaces thereby preventing disengagement of said connecting arm.
45. The storage unit according to claim 44, wherein said two second bracket members are rigidly attached together, each of said second bracket members comprising a slot through which said connecting arms extend through, a width of said slots being wider than a width of said connecting arms thereby allowing said connecting arms to be disengaged from said cavities, wherein said attaching mechanism further comprises an inverted U-shaped hook with a downwardly facing first vertical rib engaging the workspace panel and a second vertical rib attached to said rear side of the storage unit, wherein said storage unit hangs from said attaching mechanism.
46. A workspace tile for attaching work tools to a workspace panel comprising a surface with apertures extending therethrough; attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame; wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel; and wherein work tools comprising attaching members are attachable to the tile by inserting said attaching members extending therefrom through said apertures.
47. The workspace tile according to claim 46, wherein said apertures are about 0.55 inch high and 0.75 inch high.
48. The workspace tile according to claim 47, wherein said apertures are arranged in adjacent rows of said apertures with the apertures in each row being spaced apart about 1 inch, the rows being spaced apart about 0.8 inch, and adjacent rows being offset from each other.
49. The workspace tile according to claim 46, wherein said attaching mechanisms comprises a hook and a snap.
50. The workspace tile according to claim 46, wherein said surface is a sheet metal material.
51. The workspace tile according to claim 46, further comprising a backing sheet attached to a back of the tile, wherein said backing sheet blocks visual sight through said apertures.
52. The workspace tile according to claim 51, wherein said backing sheet is made of a semi-transparent material, wherein said backing sheet allows light to diffuse through said apertures.
53. The workspace tile according to claim 52, wherein said backing sheet is made of a high density polyethylene material about 0.2 inch thick.
54. A combination of a workspace surface attachable to a workspace panel and a work tool attachable to the surface, comprising a surface attached to a workspace panel with apertures extending therethrough; and a work tool comprising a rear support wall and a hook extending from said rear support wall, said hook comprising a workspace surface attachment portion comprising a top surface engaging an edge of one of said apertures and a side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said surface thereby resisting dislodgement of said work tool.
55. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is disposed on a workspace tile, said tile comprising attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the workspace tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel.
56. The combination according to claim 55, wherein said attaching mechanisms comprises a hook and a snap.
57. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said top surface is a top support surface supporting a weight of said work tool, wherein said hook further comprises an alternative attachment portion comprising another top support surface engaging a surface of an alternative work tool support structure thereby supporting a weight of said work tool, and another side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said alternative work tool support structure thereby resisting dislodgement of said work tool.
58. The combination according to claim 57, wherein said alternative work tool support structure is a tool rail comprising vertically spaced horizontal rails, said alternative attachment portion top support surface and side retaining surface engaging one of said rails, said alternative attachment portion top surface being disposed lower than said workspace surface attachment portion top support surface and said alternative attachment portion side retaining surface being disposed farther from said rear support wall than said workspace surface attachment portion side retaining surface.
59. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said top surface engages a top edge of said aperture, wherein said hook is an upper hook, said work tool further comprising a lower hook comprising a bottom surface engaging a bottom edge of another of said apertures, wherein said upper hook and said lower hook are flexed against said apertures.
60. The combination according to claim 59, wherein said upper hook and said lower hook are alternatively attachable to a tool rail comprising vertically spaced horizontal rails, said upper hook comprising a bottom surface engaging a top of a rail and a bottom side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said rail, said lower hook comprising a top flexible surface engaging a bottom of a rail, wherein said upper hook and said lower hook are flexed by said tool rail.
61. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said work tool is a display tray comprising a single receptacle with side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall.
62. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said work tool is a document holder comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom support wall, and a single side support wall on one side of the document holder, a top area between said front wall and said rear wall being open, a side area opposite said side support wall between said front wall and said rear wall being open, wherein documents are storable therein with said side support wall and said bottom support wall supporting the documents.
63. The combination according to claim 62, wherein said bottom support wall is angled downward and said side support wall is oriented at a right angle from said bottom support wall, wherein documents stored therein are drawn into the document holder, said bottom support wall and said side support wall not intersecting each other thereby forming an open corner area therebetween.
64. The combination according to claim 63, wherein said front wall comprises a rounded obtuse contour adjacent said open corner area and another rounded obtuse contour disposed at an opposing corner.
65. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said work tool comprises a storage tray comprising a lengthwise receptacle with a ledge supportable of a business card along one wall, and a vertical aperture for storing a flower vial.
66. The combination according to claim 65, wherein said storage tray further comprises another lengthwise receptacle, one of said vertical apertures being disposed at each end of said another lengthwise receptacle, and a smaller receptacle disposed at each end of said lengthwise receptacle, said lengthwise receptacle comprising a dividing wall thereby forming multiple compartments and said lengthwise receptacle being disposed adjacent said another lengthwise receptacle.
67. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said work tool comprises a pencil holder comprising a bottom wall, side walls, and a top opening, a dividing wall extending up from said bottom wall thereby forming more than one vertical compartment.
68. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said work tool comprises a disk holder comprising a bottom support wall and a back support wall disposed at a right angle therefrom, a front area and top area being open to allow disks to be placed therein, said bottom support wall and said back support wall being tilted at an angle from said rear support wall wherein disks placed therein are drawn into the disk holder.
69. The combination according to claim 68, wherein said disk holder further comprises forward legs and rearward legs, bottom ends of said forward legs and said rearward legs lying on a horizontal plane transverse to said rear support wall, wherein said disk holder is supportable on a horizontal worksurface thereby maintaining said tilted angle.
70. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said work tool comprises a bundle clip comprising a rear member, a front member, and a spring biasing said front member against said rear member, wherein said bundle clip clamps a top portion of a paper thereby displaying the paper.
71. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said work tool comprises a document gripper comprising a rear member and a front member, offset ribs being disposed on inside surfaces of said rear member and said front member, and an opening formed between said rear member and said front member, wherein paper inserted through said opening is folded into grooves around said offset ribs thereby resisting removal of the paper.
72. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said apertures are about 0.55 inch high and 0.75 inch high.
73. The combination according to claim 72, wherein said apertures are arranged in adjacent rows of said apertures with the apertures in each row being spaced apart about 1 inch, the rows being spaced apart about 0.8 inch, and adjacent rows being offset from each other.
74. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is a sheet metal material.
75. The combination according to claim 54, further comprising a backing sheet attached to a back of the tile, wherein said backing sheet blocks visual sight through said apertures.
76. The combination according to claim 75, wherein said backing sheet is made of a semi-transparent material, wherein said backing sheet allows light to diffuse through said apertures.
77. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is disposed on a workspace tile, said tile comprising attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the workspace tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel; wherein said top surface is a top support surface supporting a weight of said work tool, wherein said hook further comprises an alternative attachment portion comprising another top support surface engaging a surface of an alternative work tool support structure thereby supporting a weight of said work tool, and another side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said alternative work tool support structure thereby resisting dislodgement of said work tool; wherein said alternative work tool support structure is a tool rail comprising vertically spaced horizontal rails, said alternative attachment portion top support surface and side retaining surface engaging one of said rails, said alternative attachment portion top surface being disposed lower than said workspace surface attachment portion top support surface and said alternative attachment portion side retaining surface being disposed farther from said rear support wall than said workspace surface attachment portion side retaining surface; and wherein said work tool is a display tray comprising a single receptacle with side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall.
78. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is disposed on a workspace tile, said tile comprising attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the workspace tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel; wherein said top surface is a top support surface supporting a weight of said work tool, wherein said hook further comprises an alternative attachment portion comprising another top support surface engaging a surface of an alternative work tool support structure thereby supporting a weight of said work tool and another side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said alternative work tool support structure thereby resisting dislodgement of said work tool; wherein said work tool is a document holder comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom support wall, and a single side support wall on one side of the document holder, a top area between said front wall and said rear wall being open, a side area opposite said side support wall between said front wall and said rear wall being open, wherein documents are storable therein with said side support wall and said bottom support wall supporting the documents; and wherein said bottom support wall is angled downward and said side support wall is oriented at a right angle from said bottom support wall, wherein documents stored therein are drawn into the document holder.
79. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is disposed on a workspace tile, said tile comprising attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the workspace tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel; wherein said top surface is a top support surface supporting a weight of said work tool, wherein said hook further comprises an alternative attachment portion comprising another top support surface engaging a surface of an alternative work tool support structure thereby supporting a weight of said work tool and another side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said alternative work tool support structure thereby resisting dislodgement of said work tool; wherein said alternative work tool support structure is a tool rail comprising vertically spaced horizontal rails, said alternative attachment portion top support surface and side retaining surface engaging one of said rails, said alternative attachment portion top surface being disposed lower than said workspace surface attachment portion top support surface and said alternative attachment portion side retaining surface being disposed farther from said rear support wall than said workspace surface attachment portion side retaining surface; and wherein said work tool comprises a storage tray comprising a lengthwise receptacle, and a vertical aperture for storing a flower vial.
80. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is disposed on a workspace tile, said tile comprising attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the workspace tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel; wherein said top surface is a top support surface supporting a weight of said work tool, wherein said hook further comprises an alternative attachment portion comprising another top support surface engaging a surface of an alternative work tool support structure thereby supporting a weight of said work tool and another side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said alternative work tool support structure thereby resisting dislodgement of said work tool; wherein said alternative work tool support structure is a tool rail comprising vertically spaced horizontal rails, said alternative attachment portion top support surface and side retaining surface engaging one of said rails, said alternative attachment portion top surface being disposed lower than said workspace surface attachment portion top support surface and said alternative attachment portion side retaining surface being disposed farther from said rear support wall than said workspace surface attachment portion side retaining surface; further comprising a backing sheet attached to a back of the tile, wherein said backing sheet blocks visual sight through said apertures; and wherein said work tool comprises a pencil holder comprising a bottom wall, side walls, and a top opening, a dividing wall extending up from said bottom wall thereby forming more than one vertical compartment.
81. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is disposed on a workspace tile, said tile comprising attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the workspace tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel; wherein said top surface is a top support surface supporting a weight of said work tool, wherein said hook further comprises an alternative attachment portion comprising another top support surface engaging a surface of an alternative work tool support structure thereby supporting a weight of said work tool and another side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said alternative work tool support structure thereby resisting dislodgement of said work tool; and wherein said work tool comprises a disk holder comprising a bottom support wall and a back support wall disposed at a right angle therefrom, a front area and top area being open to allow disks to be placed therein, said bottom support wall and said back support wall being tilted at an angle from said rear support wall wherein disks placed therein are drawn into the disk holder.
82. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is disposed on a workspace tile, said tile comprising attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the workspace tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel; wherein said top surface engages a top edge of said aperture, wherein said hook is an upper hook, said work tool further comprising a lower hook comprising a bottom surface engaging a bottom edge of another of said apertures, wherein said upper hook and said lower hook are flexed against said apertures; wherein said upper hook and said lower hook are alternatively attachable to a tool rail comprising vertically spaced horizontal rails, said upper hook comprising a bottom surface engaging a top of a rail and a bottom side retaining surface engaging a rear side of said rail, said lower hook comprising a top flexible surface engaging a bottom of a rail, wherein said upper hook and said lower hook are flexed by said tool rail; and wherein said work tool comprises a bundle clip comprising a rear member, a front member, and a spring biasing said front member against said rear member, wherein said bundle clip clamps a top portion of a paper thereby displaying the paper.
83. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said surface is disposed on a workspace tile, said tile comprising attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the workspace tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel; wherein said top surface engages a top edge of said aperture, wherein said hook is an upper hook, said work tool further comprising a lower hook comprising a bottom surface engaging a bottom edge of another of said apertures, wherein said upper hook and said lower hook are flexed against said apertures; and wherein said work tool comprises a document gripper comprising a rear member and a front member, offset ribs being disposed on inside surfaces of said rear member and said front member, and an opening formed between said rear member and said front member, wherein paper inserted through said opening is folded into grooves around said offset ribs thereby resisting removal of the paper.
84. A workspace panel comprising a semi-transparent screen allowing light diffusion through said screen and blocking visual sight through said screen, wherein said screen is tackable whereby tacks penetrating said screen display papers hanging therefrom.
85. The workspace panel according to claim 84, wherein said screen is an extruded plastic material comprising two opposing outer walls and interconnecting walls connected to said outer walls.
86. The workspace panel according to claim 85, wherein said extruded plastic material is a polycarbonate material about 0.25 inch thick between said outer walls, said outer walls and said interconnecting walls being about 0.025 inch thick.
87. The workspace panel according to claim 86, further comprising a fabric material disposed over said screen.
88. The workspace panel according to claim 84, further comprising a fabric material disposed over said screen.
89. A workspace panel tile comprising a semi-transparent screen allowing light diffusion through said screen and blocking visual sight through said screen, and attaching mechanisms disposed on a rear side of the tile and attachable to a workspace panel frame, wherein the tile is attachable and detachable from the workspace panel.
90. The workspace panel tile according to claim 89, further comprising vertical stiles and horizontal cross members, said vertical stiles and horizontal cross members being attached together at corners thereof, wherein said vertical stiles and horizontal cross members comprise longitudinal slots facing inward, edges of said screen being disposed in said slots thereby securing said screen.
91. The workspace panel tile according to claim 90, wherein said vertical stiles and horizontal cross members are a plastic material, said vertical stiles comprising protrusions disposed at ends thereof and said horizontal cross members comprising longitudinal cavities disposed at ends thereof, wherein said protrusions slide into said longitudinal cavities thereby attaching said vertical stiles and horizontal cross members together.
92. The workspace panel tile according to claim 90, wherein said attaching mechanisms comprise a hook and a snap.
93. The workspace panel tile according to claim 90, further comprising a fabric material disposed over said screen.
94. The workspace panel tile according to claim 90, wherein said screen is an extruded plastic material comprising two opposing outer walls and interconnecting walls connected to said outer walls.
95. The workspace panel tile according to claim 94, wherein said extruded plastic material is a polycarbonate material about 0.25 inch thick between said outer walls, said outer walls and said interconnecting walls being about 0.025 inch thick.
96. The workspace panel tile according to claim 90, wherein said screen is an extruded plastic material comprising two opposing outer walls and interconnecting walls connected to said outer walls; and further comprising a fabric material disposed over said screen.
97. The workspace panel tile according to claim 96, wherein said vertical stiles and horizontal cross members are a plastic material, said vertical stiles comprising protrusions disposed at ends thereof and said horizontal cross members comprising longitudinal cavities disposed at ends thereof, wherein said protrusions slide into said longitudinal cavities thereby attaching said vertical stiles and horizontal cross members together; wherein said attaching mechanisms comprise a hook and a snap; and wherein said extruded plastic material is a polycarbonate material about 0.25 inch thick between said outer walls, said outer walls and said interconnecting walls being about 0.025 inch thick.
98. A wire management cleat for storing excess lengths of wire comprising a base section comprising a mounting face attachable to a surface, a flange section disposed on an opposite side of said base section from said mounting face and extending out from said base section, and a first hook disposed on a side edge of said flange, wherein wire is wrappable around said base section and an end of the wire is retained by said first hook.
99. The wire management cleat according to claim 98, further comprising a pair of two of said first hooks facing outward from each other.
100. The wire management cleat according to claim 99, further comprising two of said pairs of said first hooks disposed on the same side edge of said flange section.
101. The wire management cleat according to claim 98, further comprising a secondary cleat disposed on a side edge of said flange, said secondary cleat comprising opposing surfaces transverse to said side edge and side surfaces extending out from said opposing surfaces.
102. The wire management cleat according to claim 101, further comprising a second hook disposed on an outer edge of said secondary cleat remote from said flange section side edge.
103. The wire management cleat according to claim 102, further comprising two of said secondary cleats disposed on the same side edge of said flange section and on an opposite side edge from said first hook.
104. The wire management cleat according to claim 103, further comprising a pair of two of said second hooks facing outward from each other, one of said pair being disposed on each secondary cleat.
105. The wire management cleat according to claim 98, further comprising holes extending through said base section, wherein screws are passable therethrough to attach the cleat to a surface.
106. The wire management cleat according to claim 98, in combination with a worksurface in a workspace, the cleat being attached directly to an underside of said worksurface.
107. The wire management cleat according to claim 98, in combination with a worksurface in a workspace, the cleat being attached to an extended portion connected to an underside of said worksurface.
108. The wire management cleat according to claim 98, further comprising a pair of two of said first hooks facing outward from each other; further comprising two of said pairs of said first hooks disposed on the same side edge of said flange section; further comprising a secondary cleat disposed on a side edge of said flange, said secondary cleat comprising opposing surfaces transverse to said side edge and side surfaces extending out from said opposing surfaces; further comprising a second hook disposed on an outer edge of said secondary cleat remote from said flange section side edge; further comprising two of said secondary cleats disposed on the same side edge of said flange section and on an opposite side edge from said first hook; and further comprising a pair of two of said second hooks facing outward from each other, one of said pair being disposed on each secondary cleat.
109. The wire management cleat according to claim 108, further comprising holes extending through said base section, wherein screws are passable therethrough to attach the cleat to a surface; and in combination with a worksurface in a workspace, the cleat being attached to an underside of said worksurface.
110. The combination according to claim 54, wherein said work tool comprises a file organizer comprising arms extending outward from said rear support wall thereby configured to engage and support hanging folders.
111. The combination according to claim 110, wherein said arms comprise an upper ledge and a lower ledge.
112. The combination according to claim 111, wherein said upper ledge is disposed adjacent said rear support wall, said upper ledge comprising an upper retention knob disposed away from said rear support wall thereby retaining the hanging folders; and wherein said lower ledge is attached to said upper ledge and is disposed away from said rear support wall, said lower ledge comprising a lower retention knob disposed away from said upper ledge thereby retaining the hanging folders.
US10/166,018 2001-06-16 2002-06-10 Accessories for a workspace Abandoned US20030051415A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/166,018 US20030051415A1 (en) 2001-06-16 2002-06-10 Accessories for a workspace
US10/807,785 US20040250480A1 (en) 2001-06-16 2004-03-24 Accessories for a workspace

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US29836301P 2001-06-16 2001-06-16
US10/166,018 US20030051415A1 (en) 2001-06-16 2002-06-10 Accessories for a workspace

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/807,785 Division US20040250480A1 (en) 2001-06-16 2004-03-24 Accessories for a workspace

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030051415A1 true US20030051415A1 (en) 2003-03-20

Family

ID=23150176

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/166,018 Abandoned US20030051415A1 (en) 2001-06-16 2002-06-10 Accessories for a workspace
US10/807,785 Abandoned US20040250480A1 (en) 2001-06-16 2004-03-24 Accessories for a workspace

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/807,785 Abandoned US20040250480A1 (en) 2001-06-16 2004-03-24 Accessories for a workspace

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US20030051415A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2390511A1 (en)

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030201376A1 (en) * 2002-04-29 2003-10-30 Colin Knight Devices and method for hanging a display board
US20040060884A1 (en) * 2002-06-14 2004-04-01 Nook Thomas J. Modular, adjustable display rack
US6748710B2 (en) * 2002-03-29 2004-06-15 Steelcase Development Corporation Partition trim having functional aspects
US20050075929A1 (en) * 2002-10-17 2005-04-07 Wolinsky Robert I. System and method for partitioning airtime for distribution and display of content
US20050236347A1 (en) * 2004-04-21 2005-10-27 Acco Brands, Inc. Display system
US20060010787A1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2006-01-19 Hand Richard S Lighting adapter for partition frames
US20070119795A1 (en) * 2004-01-20 2007-05-31 Goldring Peter G Power bus for powering electronic devices operating in retail environments
US20080087759A1 (en) * 2006-10-03 2008-04-17 Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp Easy Load Sheet Product Dispenser
US20080296245A1 (en) * 2007-06-04 2008-12-04 Punzel William H Storage System With Accessory Mounting Rail
US20080297015A1 (en) * 2007-05-30 2008-12-04 Steelcase Inc. Storage unit back stop and method
US20090204479A1 (en) * 2008-02-08 2009-08-13 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for creating an in-store media network using traditional media metrics
US20090293402A1 (en) * 2008-05-27 2009-12-03 John Hamilton Beam assembly
US20100045681A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2010-02-25 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display
US7707790B2 (en) 2003-06-12 2010-05-04 Steelcase Inc. Office system
US7742950B2 (en) 2001-10-17 2010-06-22 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for providing for out-of-home advertising utilizing a satellite network
US20120272595A1 (en) * 1999-04-22 2012-11-01 Gallant Dennis J Wall unit having concealable service outlets
US20150068134A1 (en) * 2008-05-27 2015-03-12 Steelcase Inc. Partition Assembly
USD743717S1 (en) * 2014-01-08 2015-11-24 DBSI, Inc. Customer service desk
CN105741185A (en) * 2016-01-21 2016-07-06 国网山东省电力公司冠县供电公司 Multifunctional power construction outgoing line management device
CN106493701A (en) * 2016-11-30 2017-03-15 广东技术师范学院 A kind of jaw crusher housing for being easy to access tools
US10202992B2 (en) 2016-06-10 2019-02-12 Herman Miller, Inc. Workstation accessory including a clamp mechanism
US10585413B2 (en) * 2016-04-19 2020-03-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Assembly workstation comprising position determination device

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090293391A1 (en) * 2008-05-28 2009-12-03 One Workplace Partitions for cubicles
US8327589B2 (en) * 2009-03-05 2012-12-11 Raspberry Med, Inc. Wall-mounted modular accessory system
US8474193B2 (en) 2009-03-05 2013-07-02 Raspberry Med, Inc. Wall-mounted modular accessory system
TWI362442B (en) * 2009-04-15 2012-04-21 Univ Nat Taiwan Science Tech Movable office screen system
USD651416S1 (en) 2010-04-27 2012-01-03 Steelcase Inc. Privacy screen
US9210999B2 (en) 2010-06-02 2015-12-15 Steelcase Inc. Frame type table assemblies
US9185974B2 (en) 2010-06-02 2015-11-17 Steelcase Inc. Frame type workstation configurations
US8689705B2 (en) 2010-06-02 2014-04-08 Steelcase, Inc. Reconfigurable table assemblies
US8667908B2 (en) 2010-06-02 2014-03-11 Steelcase Inc. Frame type table assemblies
US8561355B2 (en) * 2011-05-10 2013-10-22 Mark Canavarro System for extending the height of cubicle walls
US8944132B1 (en) * 2011-08-10 2015-02-03 Kevin Floyd Retractable privacy screen and mounting fixture
CN102988108A (en) * 2012-10-30 2013-03-27 茅惠杰 Working platform for combining neutral electrode
US9010031B1 (en) * 2013-08-20 2015-04-21 Modular Services Company Modular medical headwall system
USD774339S1 (en) * 2014-07-17 2016-12-20 Inscape Corporation Desktop privacy panel
US10030407B1 (en) * 2014-12-09 2018-07-24 Sierra Pacific Ventures LLC Adjustable canopy and shade system for office workspace
USD758777S1 (en) 2015-02-13 2016-06-14 Steelcase, Inc. Personal workspace furniture
USD778653S1 (en) 2015-02-13 2017-02-14 Steelcase Inc. Table top
US9622570B1 (en) 2015-02-13 2017-04-18 Steelcase Inc. Personal workspace assembly
USD758115S1 (en) 2015-02-13 2016-06-07 Steelcase, Inc. Personal workspace furniture
USD758776S1 (en) 2015-02-13 2016-06-14 Steelcase, Inc. Personal workspace furniture
US10058789B2 (en) * 2016-01-12 2018-08-28 Creative Styles LLC Modular play structure system
US10039374B2 (en) 2016-05-13 2018-08-07 Steelcase Inc. Multi-tiered workstation assembly
US10517392B2 (en) 2016-05-13 2019-12-31 Steelcase Inc. Multi-tiered workstation assembly
US10989237B1 (en) * 2020-09-04 2021-04-27 Robert J. Wittsche System for extending the height of cubicle wall panel

Citations (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2937758A (en) * 1956-08-10 1960-05-24 James W Tabb Holder for clothing and like
US3070235A (en) * 1957-08-13 1962-12-25 Manzardo Scipione Roger Key filing system
US3091423A (en) * 1961-11-06 1963-05-28 Arthur B Butterworth Hook and peg holding means for boards and walls
US3351208A (en) * 1966-05-12 1967-11-07 Siegel David Display stand for sunglasses and the like
US3367509A (en) * 1966-05-16 1968-02-06 Billy G. Cabe Tie rack
US3380594A (en) * 1965-08-26 1968-04-30 Maccluney William Robert Rack for pre-tied neckties
US3497079A (en) * 1967-11-21 1970-02-24 Chester Kulwiec Framing and mounting means for perforated panels
US3779392A (en) * 1971-09-13 1973-12-18 Browne Co Morse Laboratory drainboard
US3858727A (en) * 1972-12-01 1975-01-07 Leo Levko Bulletin board assembly
US3968546A (en) * 1975-01-13 1976-07-13 The Mead Corporation One-piece combination clip
US4170392A (en) * 1978-05-18 1979-10-09 Potomac Applied Mechanics, Inc. Article supporting arrangement
USD259003S (en) * 1978-06-20 1981-04-28 Goebel Leo E Combined recipe and pencil holder
US4285556A (en) * 1980-02-25 1981-08-25 Emil Loeffel Tool chest
US4339164A (en) * 1979-05-14 1982-07-13 Potomac Applied Mechanics, Inc. Article supporting assembly
US4478467A (en) * 1982-12-27 1984-10-23 Tyndall Howard W Portable workshop
US4509648A (en) * 1982-07-26 1985-04-09 The Stanley Works Merchandising display system and components therefor
US4553359A (en) * 1983-09-21 1985-11-19 Potter Robert S Convertible restaurant seating
USD281931S (en) * 1983-08-19 1985-12-31 Lee-Rowan Company Combined tie and belt hanger
US4593508A (en) * 1985-04-11 1986-06-10 Frank Curatolo Extrusion
USD294805S (en) * 1984-10-12 1988-03-22 General Foods Corp. Display box for pouches
USD295353S (en) * 1986-01-21 1988-04-26 Fruscio Richard C Combined paper holder and writing implement dispenser
US4898281A (en) * 1988-12-27 1990-02-06 Sophia Cherry Beautician's caddy
US4955488A (en) * 1989-04-24 1990-09-11 Nicoll James D Cluster bin system
USD321990S (en) * 1990-02-21 1991-12-03 Fidel Hernandez Holder for multiple garment hangers
US5139155A (en) * 1990-09-24 1992-08-18 Laxson Charles E Hinged panel storage system
US5236760A (en) * 1991-05-01 1993-08-17 Felix Jinn Multifunction wall device
US5437378A (en) * 1993-06-14 1995-08-01 Ta; Thien Q. Spiral tie rack
US5622010A (en) * 1995-08-18 1997-04-22 Weber; Karl F. Modular pharmacy
US5651457A (en) * 1995-07-11 1997-07-29 Lakoski; Robert P. Holder and selector apparatus for data disks
US5690402A (en) * 1996-03-22 1997-11-25 Koppe; Rudolf Product display case
USD391990S (en) * 1996-10-03 1998-03-10 Wolff Stephen H Large brochure pocket
US6073399A (en) * 1998-01-28 2000-06-13 Steelcase Development Inc. Post and beam supported slatwall

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3702522A (en) * 1970-08-27 1972-11-14 Larry D Adams Wall construction
US4103465A (en) * 1977-08-25 1978-08-01 Greyhound Exhibitgroup, Inc. Modular panel display system
US4250676A (en) * 1978-09-19 1981-02-17 Knoll International Inc. Panel interconnecting and upholstery-retaining connection for a tubular frame
US4876835A (en) * 1984-09-10 1989-10-31 Herman Miller, Inc. Work space management system
US5054255A (en) * 1989-10-27 1991-10-08 Herbert Maninfior Design/Engineering Wall panel construction and connection system
US5193603A (en) * 1991-12-12 1993-03-16 Whisnant Displays, Inc. Display framing apparatus
US5394668A (en) * 1993-02-12 1995-03-07 Herman Miller, Inc. Panel extension assembly
US5622019B1 (en) * 1994-03-01 1998-10-27 Joe Dorough Jr Simulated glass-block structure
US5899035A (en) * 1997-05-15 1999-05-04 Steelcase, Inc. Knock-down portable partition system
US6058667A (en) * 1998-04-15 2000-05-09 Steelcase Development Inc. Modular window for partition panels

Patent Citations (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2937758A (en) * 1956-08-10 1960-05-24 James W Tabb Holder for clothing and like
US3070235A (en) * 1957-08-13 1962-12-25 Manzardo Scipione Roger Key filing system
US3091423A (en) * 1961-11-06 1963-05-28 Arthur B Butterworth Hook and peg holding means for boards and walls
US3380594A (en) * 1965-08-26 1968-04-30 Maccluney William Robert Rack for pre-tied neckties
US3351208A (en) * 1966-05-12 1967-11-07 Siegel David Display stand for sunglasses and the like
US3367509A (en) * 1966-05-16 1968-02-06 Billy G. Cabe Tie rack
US3497079A (en) * 1967-11-21 1970-02-24 Chester Kulwiec Framing and mounting means for perforated panels
US3779392A (en) * 1971-09-13 1973-12-18 Browne Co Morse Laboratory drainboard
US3858727A (en) * 1972-12-01 1975-01-07 Leo Levko Bulletin board assembly
US3968546A (en) * 1975-01-13 1976-07-13 The Mead Corporation One-piece combination clip
US4170392A (en) * 1978-05-18 1979-10-09 Potomac Applied Mechanics, Inc. Article supporting arrangement
USD259003S (en) * 1978-06-20 1981-04-28 Goebel Leo E Combined recipe and pencil holder
US4339164A (en) * 1979-05-14 1982-07-13 Potomac Applied Mechanics, Inc. Article supporting assembly
US4285556A (en) * 1980-02-25 1981-08-25 Emil Loeffel Tool chest
US4509648A (en) * 1982-07-26 1985-04-09 The Stanley Works Merchandising display system and components therefor
US4478467A (en) * 1982-12-27 1984-10-23 Tyndall Howard W Portable workshop
USD281931S (en) * 1983-08-19 1985-12-31 Lee-Rowan Company Combined tie and belt hanger
US4553359A (en) * 1983-09-21 1985-11-19 Potter Robert S Convertible restaurant seating
USD294805S (en) * 1984-10-12 1988-03-22 General Foods Corp. Display box for pouches
US4593508A (en) * 1985-04-11 1986-06-10 Frank Curatolo Extrusion
USD295353S (en) * 1986-01-21 1988-04-26 Fruscio Richard C Combined paper holder and writing implement dispenser
US4898281A (en) * 1988-12-27 1990-02-06 Sophia Cherry Beautician's caddy
US4955488A (en) * 1989-04-24 1990-09-11 Nicoll James D Cluster bin system
USD321990S (en) * 1990-02-21 1991-12-03 Fidel Hernandez Holder for multiple garment hangers
US5139155A (en) * 1990-09-24 1992-08-18 Laxson Charles E Hinged panel storage system
US5236760A (en) * 1991-05-01 1993-08-17 Felix Jinn Multifunction wall device
US5437378A (en) * 1993-06-14 1995-08-01 Ta; Thien Q. Spiral tie rack
US5651457A (en) * 1995-07-11 1997-07-29 Lakoski; Robert P. Holder and selector apparatus for data disks
US5622010A (en) * 1995-08-18 1997-04-22 Weber; Karl F. Modular pharmacy
US5690402A (en) * 1996-03-22 1997-11-25 Koppe; Rudolf Product display case
USD391990S (en) * 1996-10-03 1998-03-10 Wolff Stephen H Large brochure pocket
US6073399A (en) * 1998-01-28 2000-06-13 Steelcase Development Inc. Post and beam supported slatwall

Cited By (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8458962B2 (en) * 1999-04-22 2013-06-11 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Wall unit having concealable service outlets
US20120272595A1 (en) * 1999-04-22 2012-11-01 Gallant Dennis J Wall unit having concealable service outlets
US7912759B2 (en) 2001-10-17 2011-03-22 Automated Media Services, Inc. Method for providing a retailer with out-of-home advertising capabilities
US20100280907A1 (en) * 2001-10-17 2010-11-04 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for providing a retailer with out-of-home advertising capabilities
US7742950B2 (en) 2001-10-17 2010-06-22 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for providing for out-of-home advertising utilizing a satellite network
US20100023403A1 (en) * 2001-10-17 2010-01-28 Wolinsky Robert I Method for selling airtime for a retail media network
US20100023402A1 (en) * 2001-10-17 2010-01-28 Wolinsky Robert I System and method for establishing a media network
US8315913B2 (en) 2001-10-17 2012-11-20 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for determining physical location of electronic display devices in a retail establishment
US20100045681A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2010-02-25 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display
US7937723B2 (en) 2001-12-17 2011-05-03 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for verifying content displayed on an electronic visual display by measuring an operational parameter of the electronic visual display while displaying the content
US6748710B2 (en) * 2002-03-29 2004-06-15 Steelcase Development Corporation Partition trim having functional aspects
US20030201376A1 (en) * 2002-04-29 2003-10-30 Colin Knight Devices and method for hanging a display board
US7147196B2 (en) 2002-04-29 2006-12-12 General Binding Corporation Devices and method for hanging a display board
US20040060884A1 (en) * 2002-06-14 2004-04-01 Nook Thomas J. Modular, adjustable display rack
US7175034B2 (en) 2002-06-14 2007-02-13 Harbor Industries, Inc. Modular, adjustable display rack
US20050075929A1 (en) * 2002-10-17 2005-04-07 Wolinsky Robert I. System and method for partitioning airtime for distribution and display of content
US7707790B2 (en) 2003-06-12 2010-05-04 Steelcase Inc. Office system
US20100205868A1 (en) * 2003-06-12 2010-08-19 Williams Otto N Office system
US20070119795A1 (en) * 2004-01-20 2007-05-31 Goldring Peter G Power bus for powering electronic devices operating in retail environments
US20050236347A1 (en) * 2004-04-21 2005-10-27 Acco Brands, Inc. Display system
US20060010787A1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2006-01-19 Hand Richard S Lighting adapter for partition frames
US7484705B2 (en) 2004-07-02 2009-02-03 Steelcase Inc. Lighting adapter for partition frames
US20080087759A1 (en) * 2006-10-03 2008-04-17 Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp Easy Load Sheet Product Dispenser
US8104850B2 (en) 2007-05-30 2012-01-31 Steelcase Inc. Furniture storage unit
US20080297015A1 (en) * 2007-05-30 2008-12-04 Steelcase Inc. Storage unit back stop and method
US20080296245A1 (en) * 2007-06-04 2008-12-04 Punzel William H Storage System With Accessory Mounting Rail
GB2449986A (en) * 2007-06-04 2008-12-10 Spacesaver Corp Storage system with accessory mounting rail
US8061539B2 (en) 2007-06-04 2011-11-22 Spacesaver Corporation Storage system with accessory mounting rail
US20090204479A1 (en) * 2008-02-08 2009-08-13 Automated Media Services, Inc. System and method for creating an in-store media network using traditional media metrics
US9611641B2 (en) 2008-05-27 2017-04-04 Steelcase Inc. Beam assembly
US20150068134A1 (en) * 2008-05-27 2015-03-12 Steelcase Inc. Partition Assembly
US20090293402A1 (en) * 2008-05-27 2009-12-03 John Hamilton Beam assembly
US20180073249A1 (en) * 2008-05-27 2018-03-15 Steelcase Inc. Partition assembly
US10626600B2 (en) * 2008-05-27 2020-04-21 Steelcase Inc. Partition assembly
US10669713B2 (en) 2008-05-27 2020-06-02 Steelcase Inc. Partition assembly
USD743717S1 (en) * 2014-01-08 2015-11-24 DBSI, Inc. Customer service desk
USD743716S1 (en) * 2014-01-08 2015-11-24 DBSI, Inc. Customer service desk
CN105741185A (en) * 2016-01-21 2016-07-06 国网山东省电力公司冠县供电公司 Multifunctional power construction outgoing line management device
US10585413B2 (en) * 2016-04-19 2020-03-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Assembly workstation comprising position determination device
US10202992B2 (en) 2016-06-10 2019-02-12 Herman Miller, Inc. Workstation accessory including a clamp mechanism
CN106493701A (en) * 2016-11-30 2017-03-15 广东技术师范学院 A kind of jaw crusher housing for being easy to access tools

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2390511A1 (en) 2002-12-16
US20040250480A1 (en) 2004-12-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20030051415A1 (en) Accessories for a workspace
US20050247653A1 (en) System for holding implements
US5433046A (en) Telescoping panel construction
US6131347A (en) Reconfigurable wall panel partition system
AU737123B2 (en) Knock-down portable partition system
US7021730B2 (en) Drawer bracket
US6711871B2 (en) Wall panel with off-module components
US6301846B1 (en) Knock-down portable partition system
US7707790B2 (en) Office system
CA2446823C (en) System and apparatus for holding an item in storage
US20080297015A1 (en) Storage unit back stop and method
US20040020137A1 (en) Customizable partition system
AU2885599A (en) Overhead structures for wall system
US20090282663A1 (en) Furniture Assembly
US11607060B2 (en) Frame apparatus
US20060101724A1 (en) Lay-in skin and method for partition panels
US7178300B2 (en) Latch-type tile mounting system
US5938158A (en) Desktop support structure
CA2820345C (en) Shelf-type display fixture
RU36761U1 (en) PARTITION WITH ELEMENT FOR INSTALLING A MOUNTED ACCESSORIES
AU766667B2 (en) Knock-down portable partition system
CA2310742A1 (en) Construction of an office divider
WO2018222708A1 (en) Frame apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HERMAN MILLER, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REMELTS, MATT;MATTHAI, JOHN;VANWIEREN, STEVE;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:014013/0431;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020828 TO 20021108

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION