US3290108A - Conference-desk with concealed storage - Google Patents

Conference-desk with concealed storage Download PDF

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Publication number
US3290108A
US3290108A US414289A US41428964A US3290108A US 3290108 A US3290108 A US 3290108A US 414289 A US414289 A US 414289A US 41428964 A US41428964 A US 41428964A US 3290108 A US3290108 A US 3290108A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
desk
conference
storage
table top
opening
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US414289A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ronald H Beckman
George H Nelson
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 US414289A priority Critical patent/US3290108A/en
Priority to GB49471/64A priority patent/GB1045570A/en
Priority to CH1377265A priority patent/CH453607A/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3290108A publication Critical patent/US3290108A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B17/00—Writing-tables
    • A47B17/04—Writing-tables with secret or fireproof compartments ; Trays or the like countersunk in the table top and obturable, e.g. by means of a roller or sliding shutter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B63/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, specially adapted for storing books, documents, forms, or the like
    • A47B63/02—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, specially adapted for storing books, documents, forms, or the like specially adapted for storing drawings or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
    • A47B2200/0011—Underframes
    • A47B2200/002—Legs
    • A47B2200/0027—Desks with I-shaped leg

Definitions

  • This invention relates to office furniture, and more particularly to an office table with unique storage facilities for files or other articles.
  • a complete office includes a work ta'ble having a substantially large working surface. Papers or other items to be used in normal work on an ofiice table are usually kept in a conventional file cabinet, retrieved when needed, and subsequently replaced. Alternatively, some desk-type tables have drawers to receive a few files needing frequent attention.
  • the use of the conventional file cabinet system involves inconvenience and time loss.
  • Drawer files in the table or desk are very limited in volume, are often difiicult to use due to their arrangement with respect to the seated table user, cause considerable weight on the drawer, and normally must be kept closed for safety purposes. In fact, neither type of drawer, i.e., in a file cabinet or desk, can safely be left open for continued use.
  • Some desks have elevated backs for storage, or alternatively have shelves mounted thereon to receive files or other articles, depending upon the use of the desk. Such devices are frequently bothersome. They prevent prints or other large articles to be neatly spread on the desk or table. They also constitute obstructions preventing the desk being used as a conference desk.
  • the conference table presents a flat clean surface upon which to spread papers and the like and around which persons can readily gather, but presents no storage capacity for items to be usedduring a conference. Someone must dash back and forth to other files such as a conventional filing cabinet to retrieve and replace needed articles.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a novel conference table that has substantial storage space that does not project above the flat conference surface, and also has leg room and foot room around its entire periphery for access to the table top from any location. Further, the storage space is also conveniently accessible from the entire periphery of the table, causing its conference use to be extremely convenient. No obstructions prevent it.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a work table having facilities to prop articles such as books, photos, drawings etc. at a convenient angle to the work surface for cooperative use of both, and yet having a completely flat surface, when desired, to allow display of large drawings or the like.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a novel 3,290,198 Patented Dec. 6, 1966 "ice oflice table having uniquely located storage facilities allowing quick, convenient access from the top of the desk to a relatively large number of active files, or other articles, yet without the need of any drawers or any protruding top-mounted facilities.
  • the novel storage facility provides constant, convenient access to files from the normal sitting position at the table or any other position, and within optimum viewing relation to the user. It allows the files or books or catalogs, or whatever is stored therein, to be continuously exposed and handy to see and use when working at the table.
  • the table is completely stable, even though the storage chamber has capacity for substantial weight and volume.
  • the files can also be covered and secured when the table is not being used.
  • the assembly is aesthetically appealing when either in use or not in use, with files exposed or concealed.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the novel storage table
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the table
  • FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the table
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the top of the table showing the file open, as during normal usage;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional, elevational view of the assembly taken on plane V-V of FIG. 3; and v FIG. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of the assembly taken on plane VI-VI of FIG. 5.
  • the novel assembly 10 includes a base subassembly 12, and a top subassembly 14 incorporating a storage subassembly 16.
  • Base suhassembly 12 includes pedestal means having a pair of spaced end pedestals 20 and 22.
  • Each pedestal has a horizontally extending front to rear foot portion, an upwardly extending center support column, and a horizontally extending support beam, on the top of the column.
  • Each pedestal portion basically has a general shape or configuration of an H lying on its side.
  • the pedestals may be formed of several different materials, but are preferably die cast metal components.
  • top subassembly 14 Mounted on the upper support beams of these pedestals is top subassembly 14.
  • the top subassembly includes a flat rigid panel 26 forming an upper unobstructed 'work surface of considerable area, preferably encompassed by a strip 28 around the periphery.
  • the top panel may be any of several known materials such as solid wood, pressed wood, plastic, etc. It is mounted to the pedestal as by pins 30 (FIG. 6) anchored in both elements.
  • Strip 28 is a *bumper strip.
  • an elongated, generally rectangularly shaped, cut out or opening 32 (FIG. 5). It is remote from all edge portions of the table. In the preferred form of the table shown, it is spaced further from the front working edge 26' of the table than the rear edge, to leave a normal work area between it and the front edge of the table. The opening is within arm reach of the front edge.
  • the storage subassembly 16 Suspended beneath this entire opening is the storage subassembly 16. It includes an elongated pod 36, as of Wood, generally U-shaped in cross sectional configuration, and forming a storage bin. The elongated upper edges of the pod are mounted in elongated, extruded metal 3 strips or ribs 38 and 40. These strips have hollow upper portions forming elongated cavities 42 and 44, and have slotted lower portions to receive the upper edges of the U-shaped pod. Strips 38 and it) are attached by screws 54 to parallel right angle mounts 48 and 50, which are in turn mounted by screws 52 to the underside of desk top 26 on the front and back edges of the opening. The pod is thus partially suspended from the table or desk top.
  • elongated pod 36 as of Wood, generally U-shaped in cross sectional configuration, and forming a storage bin.
  • the elongated upper edges of the pod are mounted in elongated, extruded metal 3 strips or ribs 38 and 40. These strips
  • the ends of the pod are also supported in a pair of vertical end panels to and 62 secured to the inside faces of the pedestals.
  • the U-shaped ends of the pod are recessed into correspondingly shaped slots in the end panels, as shown in FIG. 6.
  • This bin acts as a primary sway-brace for the entire unit.
  • the storage bin or pod is normally utilized as file storage space for conventional files 66 (FIG. 4) by the use of a plurality of spaced file hanger supports 63.
  • Each support is of elongated rigid construction, having a pair of downwardly depending end tabs 70 adjacent cut out notches 72. These fit across the pod into slots 71 formed in ribs 38 and 40, and extending from the inside face thereof into cavities 42 and 44.
  • These supports are spaced at file length intervals so that conventional files of various different sizes can be suspended therebetween, employing the upper suupport edges as bearing surfaces.
  • the articles most frequently to be contained in the storage pod are files containing paper items. However, other articles can also be readily stored therein.
  • the table is employed as a conference table, the items to be used in the conference can be placed in order in the space and kept covered until the appropriate moment. If the table is used by an engineer, catalogs, prints and models can be retained in it. If used as a receptionist desk, address records, record books, and telephone items will be stored in it. The uses of the table include many more too numerous to mention. I
  • a closing flipped cover 78 is mounted over the pod on pivotal mounting means 80 (FIG. 5) at the rear of the cut out opening in the desk.
  • This cover 78 maybe moved from a closed position flush with the desk top, (FIG. 5) to an open position (FIG. 4) by using a finger pull 79.
  • a suitable locking means 80 may be supplied to assure safe storage.
  • the angle of the opened cover is obtuse with respect to the front of the desk. The opening action is limited and is determined by abutment of the enlarged ends 88 of rods 90 mounted on one end to the cover, with fixed stops 92 attached to the pod side wall. The rods extend through the stops.
  • the bottomside of cover 78 includes a layer 94 of puncturable material such as cork. Items 96 may be tacked to it for most convenient viewing. It also has a retention ledge 97 formed into the underside of the cover adjacent the hinge, and generally normal to the cover to be at an acute angle to the desk work surface when the cover is opened.
  • the cover serves a multiple purpose function since, when opened it is a display surface and prop support. That is articles 99 (FIG. 4) such as books, photographs, charts etc. may 'be rested on ledge 97 to be Within optimum viewing and working relation to the work surface, and the storage files for the desk user.
  • the cover When the cover is closed, it maintains the filesclean and secure from tampering. comprises a flat upper support surface for articles such as large drawings. It does not constitute an obstruction. This also facilitates optimum conference relationships across the table.
  • items can be periodically removed from the storage bin or pod by lifting the cover, then used in conference while the cover is down and the surface flat.
  • the storage bin being suspended from the table top and remote from the edges thereof, is relatively large in volume, to ac commodate pro-selected files positioned transverse to its elongated dimension lengthwise of the desk. Yet, the assembly presents excellent stability for these files.
  • a normal desk light is either mounted to or rests on the desk top, if supported by the desk.
  • the novel conference desk is capable of supplying the lighting requirements without causing a constant obstacle due to the unique arrangement in FIG. 4. That is, a lamp 70 with a telescopic boom 69 is supported on a mount 67 inside the storage pod. It is supplied with power through electrical leads 76 extending up along one pedestal and into the pod. Thus, by opening the cover and extending the light boom, it is conveniently usable. Alternatively, it is depressed back into the pod and covered when the table top is to be fiat and without obstacles.
  • the particular shape of the table top can be varied to suit room decor, conference capacity, and usage intended.
  • the shape shown is illustrative.
  • the size can be varied as needed. Large conferences may require a larger storage pod and cover. In fact, several such pods and covers could be incorporated into one table if necessary, to provide necessary concealed storage space.
  • a conference table with concealed and conveniently accessible storage comprising: pedestal means including spaced pedestals having upper support beams, support columns to said beams, and floor contacting feet at the base of said columns; a table top mounted to and extending out beyond said pedestals, providing open space beneath said top around the perimeter of said table top, allowing perimetral access to said table top by conferees; an elongated opening in said top, between said pedestals, spaced from the edge portions of said table top within arms length reach thereof; a storage pod suspended beneath said top and specifically beneath said opening, away from said edge portions to present no obstacle to conferees around said table; and cover means over said opening shiftable from a closed protective position with its upper surface flush with said table top, and an open position allowing access to said storage pod from perimetral edge portions of said table.
  • the conference table in claim 1 including said cover being hinged to said top along its rear edge to open away from said front edge; support means between said cover means and said top allowing and limiting opening of said cover means to an obtuse angle to said working surface, and retaining said cover means at said angle until manually closed; and a tack-receiving mounting surface on the bottom side of said cover means to be visible to a user of said table when said cover means is open.

Landscapes

  • Tables And Desks Characterized By Structural Shape (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
US414289A 1964-11-27 1964-11-27 Conference-desk with concealed storage Expired - Lifetime US3290108A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US414289A US3290108A (en) 1964-11-27 1964-11-27 Conference-desk with concealed storage
GB49471/64A GB1045570A (en) 1964-11-27 1964-12-04 Table with concealed storage
CH1377265A CH453607A (de) 1964-11-27 1965-10-06 Konferenz- oder Bürotisch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US414289A US3290108A (en) 1964-11-27 1964-11-27 Conference-desk with concealed storage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3290108A true US3290108A (en) 1966-12-06

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ID=23640815

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US414289A Expired - Lifetime US3290108A (en) 1964-11-27 1964-11-27 Conference-desk with concealed storage

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US3290108A (de)
CH (1) CH453607A (de)
GB (1) GB1045570A (de)

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3828695A (en) * 1972-08-08 1974-08-13 F Skarky Table apparatus
USD334103S (en) 1989-09-01 1993-03-23 Okamura Corp. Desk
USD335590S (en) 1991-08-16 1993-05-18 Herman Miller, Inc. Desk arrangement
USD337675S (en) 1989-09-01 1993-07-27 Okamura Corporation Desk
US5524553A (en) * 1993-08-27 1996-06-11 Argabright; John Plan table
US5592884A (en) * 1995-07-14 1997-01-14 Imp Designs, Inc. Molded table with storage compartment
US5680820A (en) * 1993-06-10 1997-10-28 Randolph; Travis M. Computer work station
US6332415B2 (en) 2000-02-15 2001-12-25 Hinpergers Poly Industries Ltd. Sewing machine with fabric-retaining bed and method for sewing fabric thereon
US20050268823A1 (en) * 2004-06-02 2005-12-08 Bakker Mitchell R Conference table
WO2007054696A1 (en) * 2005-11-10 2007-05-18 Senator International Limited A storage device
USD598035S1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2009-08-11 Technical Services, Inc. Apparatus for sawing lineal material to length
USD603185S1 (en) 2008-06-06 2009-11-03 Nucraft Furniture Company Workstation unit
USD612173S1 (en) 2009-06-12 2010-03-23 Nucraft Furniture Company Table
US8096244B1 (en) 2007-06-06 2012-01-17 Nucraft Furniture Company Modular conference table
USD659433S1 (en) * 2010-12-13 2012-05-15 Dedon Gmbh Table
USD660058S1 (en) 2011-04-22 2012-05-22 Steelcase Inc. Worksurface bucket
US8205950B1 (en) 2008-06-06 2012-06-26 Nucraft Furniture Company Workstation unit with vertically movable panel
US8499698B2 (en) 2011-04-22 2013-08-06 Steelcase Inc. Worksurface assembly with personal carry item storage shelf
US20140124641A1 (en) * 2012-11-02 2014-05-08 Richard Kassanoff Desktop organization and display stand system
USD715080S1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-10-14 David Thornley Utility table
USD804229S1 (en) * 2015-07-17 2017-12-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Table top for a display stand
USD812946S1 (en) * 2015-07-17 2018-03-20 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Table top for display stand
USD881611S1 (en) * 2017-09-01 2020-04-21 Dallasia, LLC Table
US20200146441A1 (en) * 2018-11-09 2020-05-14 Assa Group, Inc., d/b/a Enwork Article of furniture
USD932548S1 (en) * 2019-01-23 2021-10-05 P&P Imports LLC Table game
US11266255B1 (en) 2020-11-05 2022-03-08 Target Brands, Inc. Retail display unit with removable lids

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2328372B (en) * 1997-08-22 2001-12-19 Trevor Anthony Nethersole Storage furniture

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US939125A (en) * 1909-07-02 1909-11-02 Nellie E Fealy Desk.
US1233142A (en) * 1916-11-17 1917-07-10 William Tappe Box-lid holder or hanger.
US1704892A (en) * 1922-03-17 1929-03-12 Winfield A Hardy Index device
US2497278A (en) * 1946-09-03 1950-02-14 Soderlund Bengt Thronsen Worktable adapted for office work
US2640748A (en) * 1952-04-29 1953-06-02 Marquette Mfg Co Overbed table

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US939125A (en) * 1909-07-02 1909-11-02 Nellie E Fealy Desk.
US1233142A (en) * 1916-11-17 1917-07-10 William Tappe Box-lid holder or hanger.
US1704892A (en) * 1922-03-17 1929-03-12 Winfield A Hardy Index device
US2497278A (en) * 1946-09-03 1950-02-14 Soderlund Bengt Thronsen Worktable adapted for office work
US2640748A (en) * 1952-04-29 1953-06-02 Marquette Mfg Co Overbed table

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3828695A (en) * 1972-08-08 1974-08-13 F Skarky Table apparatus
USD334103S (en) 1989-09-01 1993-03-23 Okamura Corp. Desk
USD337675S (en) 1989-09-01 1993-07-27 Okamura Corporation Desk
USD335590S (en) 1991-08-16 1993-05-18 Herman Miller, Inc. Desk arrangement
US5680820A (en) * 1993-06-10 1997-10-28 Randolph; Travis M. Computer work station
US5524553A (en) * 1993-08-27 1996-06-11 Argabright; John Plan table
US5592884A (en) * 1995-07-14 1997-01-14 Imp Designs, Inc. Molded table with storage compartment
US6332415B2 (en) 2000-02-15 2001-12-25 Hinpergers Poly Industries Ltd. Sewing machine with fabric-retaining bed and method for sewing fabric thereon
US20050268823A1 (en) * 2004-06-02 2005-12-08 Bakker Mitchell R Conference table
WO2007054696A1 (en) * 2005-11-10 2007-05-18 Senator International Limited A storage device
GB2445521A (en) * 2005-11-10 2008-07-09 Senator Internat Ltd A Storage device
US8096244B1 (en) 2007-06-06 2012-01-17 Nucraft Furniture Company Modular conference table
US8205950B1 (en) 2008-06-06 2012-06-26 Nucraft Furniture Company Workstation unit with vertically movable panel
USD603185S1 (en) 2008-06-06 2009-11-03 Nucraft Furniture Company Workstation unit
USD598035S1 (en) * 2009-01-21 2009-08-11 Technical Services, Inc. Apparatus for sawing lineal material to length
USD612173S1 (en) 2009-06-12 2010-03-23 Nucraft Furniture Company Table
USD659433S1 (en) * 2010-12-13 2012-05-15 Dedon Gmbh Table
USD660058S1 (en) 2011-04-22 2012-05-22 Steelcase Inc. Worksurface bucket
US8499698B2 (en) 2011-04-22 2013-08-06 Steelcase Inc. Worksurface assembly with personal carry item storage shelf
US9565928B2 (en) * 2012-11-02 2017-02-14 Paragon Furniture, Lp Desktop organization and display stand system
US20140124641A1 (en) * 2012-11-02 2014-05-08 Richard Kassanoff Desktop organization and display stand system
US20160360880A1 (en) * 2012-11-02 2016-12-15 Paragon Furniture, Lp Desktop Organization and Display Stand System
USD715080S1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-10-14 David Thornley Utility table
USD804229S1 (en) * 2015-07-17 2017-12-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Table top for a display stand
USD812946S1 (en) * 2015-07-17 2018-03-20 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Table top for display stand
USD881611S1 (en) * 2017-09-01 2020-04-21 Dallasia, LLC Table
US20200146441A1 (en) * 2018-11-09 2020-05-14 Assa Group, Inc., d/b/a Enwork Article of furniture
USD932548S1 (en) * 2019-01-23 2021-10-05 P&P Imports LLC Table game
US11266255B1 (en) 2020-11-05 2022-03-08 Target Brands, Inc. Retail display unit with removable lids

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1045570A (en) 1966-10-12
CH453607A (de) 1968-03-31

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