CA1067557A - End panel support system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A furniture system includes a plurality of pairs of structural, load-bearing end support panels of a con-struction sufficiently strong to support a top and cabinet suspended from the top without the necessity of an additional conventional structural desk frame. The end panels in each of the pairs of the end support panels have differing depths from front to rear and differing heights from top to bottom from the end panels and others of such pairs. Similarly, the tops have differing lengths and differing depths from front to rear and the cabinets can be of different types.
A releasable securing means on the tops and on the end sup-port panels facilitate the ready securance or removal of a top between a pair of end support panels. Another release-able securing means on the cabinets and on the tops releas-ably secures each of the cabinets to any one of the tops in a suspended manner from the top when the top is secured to and supported by one of the pairs of the end support panels.
Thus, a plurality of different types of end panels supported furniture can be readily assembled, disassembled and re-assembled from the end support panels, the tops and the cabinets.

Description

~0675S~

This invention relates to furniture construction, particula~ly to office furniture as desks, tables, bookshelves, credenzas and the like. It is particularly concerned with complete systems of such furniture, designed to divide substantial areas of work space and provide individual work stations.
Extensive steps have been taken to modularize such systems and a large number of such modular systems are now available on the market. These systems include wall panels which may be erected at any point in a large area ;
and which include means for hanging various components such as shelves, filing cabinets, writing surfaces o~ the like from the wall panels. Desks and side units for use in conjunction with such wall panels are furnished separately and are not typically mounted to the wall panels. Thus, these systems are modular only with respect to units which are to be hung on the wall panels. Typically, such systems are somewhat expensive in that the wall panels l 20 utilized are an additional expense over and above the cost ;l of the units to be hung ~hereon. Further, such systems suffer the drawback that n~ every user wants the closed in `l effect which is achieved by using such wall panels.
Yet another drawback to such systems is that none ` 25 of them are dimensionally modular. While the desks for the system may be dimensionally modular, for example 30 inches by 60 inches, or 30 inches by 72 inches, the side units may have widths of 20 inches. The drawback to such , irregular dimensioning is that it becomes difficult to plan `~ 30 the arrangement of the furniture in advance. One must ' carefully scale the dimensions of each component.

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1 Some systems do approach dimensional modularity based on a 6 inch module. In such a system, each of the length and width dimensions of the components are multiples of 6 inches. The reason for this reliance on the 6 inch module is that for years, buildings have been constructed based upon the 12 inch unit. Office furniture manufacturers have followed suit and have based their desks, constructions and the like on 6 inch units. This has been traditional for years and years. One drawback is that it is difficult to provide an overall system based on this "6 incht' unit.
A filing cabinet, for example, must be thoroughly shallow so that it doesn't take up any more floor space than necessary, but must be sufficiently deep that it does not readily tip over forwardly or rearwardly. To be made on a ~ inch module unit, such a storage cabinet must be either 18 inches or 24 inches. Unfortunately, 18 inches is too shal~ow and 24 inches is too deep. Thus, the high storage unit is typically a unit in a system in which a departure is made from the basic 6 inch module. Thus, no one heretofore has been able to offer a complete office furniture system based on a single basic dimensional unit.
SUMMARY OF TH~ INVENTION
The present invention provides an office furniture system wherein one or a number of standardized furniture com-ponents as desk tops, table tops, cabinets, bookshelves or the like are supported between a pair of parallel end ! panels. The need to purchase separate wall panels to , achieve a modular system is eliminated. Since cabinets, ~ desks and the like require end panels anyway, the present ;~ 30 furniture system achieves modularity without requiring a user to purchase a special "extra", i.e. the wall panel.

~06755'7 1 Further, desks, credenzas, tables and other floor supported units are tied into the system automatically, since all are supported on end panels. Pinally, one can achieve an open look, if desired, by mounting cabinets above a work surface and providing no back between the work surface and the cabinet.
A supported member, such as a desk top or the like is arranged between a pair of structurally supporting panel members. Means are provided to secure the panels and supported member together in a variety of desirable configurations. Special cover members having locking means therein are also provided and adapted to be releasably secured to the panels to thereby cover the wiring and the mounting mechanisms contained in the end panels. The covers are readily removable, however, so that the fastening means is accessible so that the furniture construction may be conveniently changed to satisfy changing office requirements.
Further modularity is achieved by providing means on a supported top for suspending various pedestals and like units below the top. This allows one to use the same end panels to make a table, a one pedestal desk, a two pedestal desk or a credenza u~it.
Standardized component construction allows maximum ~ flexibility to satisfy the requirements of the various `' 25 consumers. The unique panel supporting structure allows ease of assembly and modiication of the structure when required. The panels additionally provide a convenient arrangement for containing the wires associated with office machines and the like associated with modern-day offices.
It is yet another important aspect of the invention to provide a novel locking mechanism for the covers and end .~ " . .
., 1(~67S57 1 panels, which locking mechanism is readily accessible through a special access closure positioned on the upper surface of the end panels. No special tools are required to release the locking mechanism and remove the end panels - 5 and additionally, the closure member may be also utilized to provide a wire access opening at the top of the furniture structure.
The panels are constructed in a manner to pro-vide rigidity and simultaneously to provide channel means through which wiring for telephones, dictating equipment, office machines, and the like may be positioned and hidden from view. The end support panels are of a two-p~ece construction having one portion thereof which is a generally flat planar section while the other is formed with a dished-out central portion to give the panel rigidity. The peri-pheral portions of the panel having the dished-out central portion are p:Lanar and are secured to the first-mentioned panel sections to thereby provide convenient wiring channels around the dished-out portions.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the end panels, tops and various cabinets aro constructed so as to ; have length and width dimensions based on multiples of five inches. Cabinets, including the tllickness of end panels, are available in 30 inch, 35 inch and 45 inch dimensions, for example. The first houses two letter files side by side, the second two legal files side by side and the third three letter files side by side-- all with a minimum of wasted space. Significantly, the 45 inch cabinet makes an excellent side credenza since it spaces one's desk 45 inches from a wall or rear storage unit. A 45 inch spacing is the ideal spacing required for a desk chair.

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:1067557 1 Less leaves one somewhat crowded and more results in wasted space.
Similarly, this 5 inch module concept results in work surfaces which are either 20 inches, 25 inches, 30 inches or 35 inches wide, from front to ba~k. This means that the smallest filing cabinets are at least 20 inches deep. This provides ample surface on which to place typewriters or the like and give sound fore and aft stability to taller filing units. Units having an 18 inch width would be too narrow for proper stability while units having a 24 inch width would result in wasted space.
Consequently, a wide range of combinations is achieved merely by providing several different panels having fore to aft widths of 20, 25, 30 and 35 inches.
Work surfaces and cabinets have similar fore to aft dimen-sions and have lengths which, when combined with a pair of end panels, result in units having lengths of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 75 inches. Because of this j modular interrelationship, a planner can plan his entire work space using a five-inch scale grid. The chance of error is minimized since a~l dimensions and c~mbinations of dimensions will either end in zero or 5.
Thus, the present invention provides a furniture system in which one or a number of standardized furniture components as desks, tables, bookcases, credenzas and the ' like are supported by special end panel members. The sturcture i can be utilized singly, in abutting relationship, stacked I back to back, and in virtually limitless numbers of arrange-i,! ments which can be constructed utilizing the basic modular ;~ 30 construction.
' These and the many other important advantages :' .
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`- 106'~SS7 l of thc inventioll will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written speciication, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figs. l-5 are perspective views illus~trating representative furniture constructions provided in accor-dance with the invention;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the end panel, support member with the cover panel removed;
Fig. 7 is a cross^sectional view of the end panel support member taken along the plane VII-VII of Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the inside of -' thc cover panel removed from the end,panels;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the plane IX-l~ of Figure 8 illustrating the fastening mechanisms for the COVeI' member;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged partial perspective view illustratillg the construction of the lock slide mechanism of Figures 8-9 in greater detail; '~ i Fig. 11 is a fragmentary exploded view showing the upper access opening in the trim strip surrounding the end panel support member and appears on shoet 2;
Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the ' structure of the leveling mechanisms shown in Figure 7 and the lower wiring access opening in the trim strip surrounding the end panel support member;
3j ' Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view of an alter-nate structural panel construction and appears on sheet 2;
Fig. 14 is a schematic plan illustrating an Z 30 arrangement of furniture utilizing a combination storage unit, positional with a desk or either side, has two storage ~ 7 ' ~

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1 modu]cs opening on opposite sides of the unit;
Fig. 15a is a fragmentary cross section illus-trating the assembled relationship of the cover member on the end pane];
Fig. 15b is the same view as Fig. 15~, except that the corner member is upholstered;
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along thc plane XVI-XVI of Figure 4 illustrating the pedestal mounting in a level top desk construction;
Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 16 taken along the plane XVII-XVII of Figure 5 illustrating the pedestal mounting on a desk with a tilted top;
Fig. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the mounting structure for maintaining the pedestal in a level position and appears on sheet 6;
Fig. 19 is a perspective view of that fragmentary portion of an end panel indicated by reference in Figure 6 and appears on sheet 4;
Fig. 20 is an elevational view of that fragmentary portion of an end panel indicated by reference in Figure 6 and appears on sheet 4; and Fig. 21 is a schematic plan vicw oE a ~urniture arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Figures 1-5, a representative sampling of various unit assemblies constructed in accordance with this invention is illustrated. Figures 1 and 3, for example, illustrate credenza unit assem~lies ., .
incorporating a center case portion with drawer sections positioned on either side thereof. A work table unit is shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 illustrates a desk unit assembly `

. ' 1067~5~7 1 having a flat top portion supported by end panels and a pair of drawer sec~ions on either side thereof. Figure S
illustrates a desk similar in construction to Figure 4 wherein the top surface thereof is tilted at an angle. Each of these constructions utilizes the same basic components including a supported member as the top surface generally designated by the numeral 10 in each of Figures 1-5; a pair of end panel members 12 adapted to support a supported member; drawer units 14 as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5; credenza center cases 16 shown in Figures 1 and 3; and back panels or stretchers 18 as illustrated in Figures 2, 4 and S. A virtually limitless number of arrangements can be constructed from a bas;c set of components as will become readily understood by those ' skilled in the art as a detailed description progresses.

'~'!15 The end panel members 12 are in normal use pro-vided with a cover member 20 (see also Fig" 8) which may ~', be readily removed providing access to the interior of the end panels where the means for securing the end , panels and the supporting members together are located.
l 20 Referring to Figures 6 and 7, encl panel 12 is ;~ shown with cover 20 removed. ~nd panel 12 is o a double-walled construction and includes a base 22~ a sheet j metal inner wall 24, and an outer wall 26. The base is an elongated metal channel-like member in which levelers 28 are adjustably mounted as will be more fully described hereinafter. Inner wall 24 has a flat planar back surface 30 bounded at its top and side edges by a peripheral flange 32. Outer wall 26 has an outwardly formed central portion 347 a flat plansr surface 369 and ~m outer flange ~ 30 35 bounding the central portion adjacent the top and side ;¦ edges. Outer flange 35 is bent upwardly at the top of g , ,, . . ~. , . : . . . : -~067S57 1 end panel 12 and laterally at the sides of end panel 12 to define abutment flanges 72 against which cover panel 20 abuts. The flat surface 36 is welded to inner wall 24 and the lower edge of projecting central portion 34 is welded to base 22 to provide a strong, rigid, double wall end panel structure.
The recessed area formed by flat planar surface 36, outer wall flange 35 and the raised central portion 34 forms a wiring channel 38 about the front, top and back edges of the interior of the end panel. Wiring ("W", Fig. 6) utilized for telephone hookups, dictating equipment, and similar office machines is conveniently placed in channel 38 and may be brought out to the top of the work surface.
A decorative trim strip 40 extends about the front, top and back peripheral surfaces of the end panels to provide an attractive appearance (Fig. 6). Access , means 42 is provided on the top surface of the trim strip ,i 40 to allow passage of the wiring from channels 36 to the upper surface of the work surface 10. Trim strip 40 and flange 32 are provided with an access opening 44 (Fig. 11). A plug or cap member 46 constructed to blend with trim 40 is provided to close the access opening.
, Plug 46 is fixed in position in opening 44 by means of an opening 48 in its lower surface which is releasably i 25 engageable with an upstanding pin member 50 fixed in channel i', 38. Pin member 50 is centrally supported in opening `, 44 and channel 38 by means of tab 51 secured to and ex-tending outwardly from flat planar surface 36. Alternative plugs 46 are provided. Slots or openings at the top surface of one plug 4~ are provided to allow passage of .' . ~ .

1~67S5~7 wires or the like to the top of the work surface from the channel 38. For situations where wiring access is not necessary, another plug is provided which has a planar flat top surface blending perfectly with the trim strip to provide a flat flush and continuous appearance. An alternative cover for access opening 44 is disclosed in copending patent application serial number 197,300 entitled "WIRING ACCESS COVER", filed on April 10, 1974 by Dirk Van Kuik and Gale Wilcox, and assigned to the assignee of this application.
The supported member or work surface 10 is secured to the end panels by means of screws 52 passing through openings provided in outer wall 26 and inner wall 24 into a bracket 150 or other suitable threaded fastener located on the ends of the supported member.
. Top 10 can be tiltably mounted in the manner set forth in copend,ing application Serial Number 197,303, entitled "TILTABLE DESK TOP", filed on April 10, 1974 by Donald Dean Korell and assigned to the assignee nf this invention.
The pedestals or drawer units 14 are suspended at the rear from the top 10 of desk 1 by the inter-engagement of a hanger 120 and A rail assembly 130 (Figs. 16, 17 and 18). At its front, pedestal 14 is suspended by a pair of bolts 141, each passing through a resiliently compressible spacer 140 and into a beam 142 of top 10. The interconnection ` between the end panels 12 of desk 1 and top 10 can be adjusted so that top 10 can be oriented either in a horizontal position (Fig. 16) or in a tilted position (Fig. 17). Rail assembly 130 includes a --11-- .
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- ~06~55~7 1 top rail 131 and a bottom ra;l l32, and han~er 120 engages top rail 131 when top 10 is horizontal and bottom rail 132 when top 10 is tilted. In this manner, pedestal 14 is generally horizontal regardless of the orientation of top 10. lhis suspension is more ful~y described in copending application Serial Number 197,290, entitled "SUSPENDED PEDESTAL DESK", filed Oll April 10, 1974 by Donald Dean Korell and assigned to the assignee of this invention.
The leveling means 28 located at the bottom of the end panels in base 22 are provided to make leveling adjustments of the assembled unit if required.
As shown in Fig. 7 and 12, levelers 28 include a glide member 54 extendible and retractable from the base 22. A stud 56 is fixed to the glide member and extends upwardly therefrom into the panel between side walls of base 22. A nut is threaded on the stud and is captively held in the base by its abutment with a slot formed therein so that as the nut is turned, the stud a~d glide member will move with respect thereto to thereby extend or retract glide member 54.
ReEerring again to ~:igure 6, a plurality of slots 60 are Eormed in the upper edge oE the outwardly formed central portion 30 of outer wall 24. At the .~ .
' 25 lower portion of the outer wall, a plurality of slots 64 l are also provlded to engage the lower portion of cover ; 20.
~ The cover assembly and the locking mechanisms `~ therefor are illustrated in Figures 8 through 10 and illustrated in assembled relationship with the end panels in Figure 15.
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1 Cover 20 is formed of sheet metal having height and width dimensions corresponding to the opening in end panels 12. Cover 20 is formed with a pair of extending side flanges 66 adapted to fit inside the peripheral flanges 32 forming wire channels 38 at the front and back surfaces of the end panels. The upper and lower edges of the cover are rolled over as illustrated at 68 and 70 providing a double wall thickness at the top and bottom respectively of the cover. As will be more fully described, the double wall thickness is provided for abutting relationship with corresponding steps 72 and 74 (Figs. 7 and 15) pro-vided in the end panel structure.
A retainer rail 76 welded to the interior of the ; cover at the lower portion thereof includes a plurality of retainer tabs 78 extending outwardly from the inside , of the cover near the lower edge portion 70. Retainer tabs 78 are spaced along the length of the retainer rails ; and are provided for engagement with slots 64 tFigs. 6 and 15) in the end panels.
Means for releasably securing the cover to the end panels indicated generally by the numeral 80 is located near the upper edge of the cover. The releasable securing means includes a plurality of lock tabs 82 adapted for locking engagement with tab-receiving slots 60 formed in the central portion of the end panel. As shown in Fig.
10, tabs 82 are formed with a back wall 84 which is secured as by welding to a slidably mounted lock slide member 86. The back wall extends upwardly and outwardly forming an upwardly directed front flange 88 in which a pair of bias spring retainer openings 90 are provided.
Each lock tab 82 extends downwardly from the back wall :~ 1 ". .

10~7SS7 1 84 and outwardly perpendicular to the back wall to form the mechanism for engagement with slots 60 in the end panels. Engaging mechanism of lock tab 82 is generally barbed or triangular in shape having a leading edge portion 92, outwardly tapered side walls 94 terminating in shoulders 96 and 98 adjacent its intersection with back wall 84.
It will be noted that shoulder 98 extends outwardly from the back wall in greater distance, about 1/16 of an inch, than shoulder 96 for reasons as will be more fully described hereinafter. -~
A pair of lock release actuators 100 are also secured to loclc slide 86 between lock tabs 82 and each include an outwardly formed upwardly extending upper portion 102 which when assembled in the cover, one or the other of the tab members will be accessible through access opening , 44 in the upper portion of the end panels. As shown in Figure 9, lock slide 86 included lock tabs 82 and lock release actuators 100 are mounted for sliding movement in a lock slide retainer 102. The slide retainer is a generally flat elongated strip having a channel formed in its central portion along its length which receives lock slide 86. Retainer 102 is secured to the inner facing surface of cover 20 as by welding. Openings 104 (Fig. 8) are provided along the length of retainer 102 through which lock tabs 82 extend when assembled. Similar openings 106 are also provided for lock release actuators 100. Notches 108 are provided in the raised center section of the slide retainer at each end thereof and a bias spring 110 is connected at one end in notch 108 and its opposite end is connected through the opening 90 in flange 88 on lock tab 82.

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~()6'~557 1 It will be noted that openings 104 in slide retainer 102 are wider than the width of the back wall 84 of lock tab 82. Openings 106 are similarly slightly wider than the width of lock release actuator 100. This allows limited movement of the lock slide 86 and tabs across the width of the cover. Bias spring 110 constantly urges the lock mechanism into its locked position by shifting lock slide 86 to the right as shown in Figure 8.
The cover panels 20 may be finished by painting, plating, covering with upholstery material 120 or any variety of methods. The upholstery is placed over the outer surface of the cover panel 20 and is folded over the ends 68 and 70 (Fig. lSb). The releasable securing means is adapted to compensate for different thicknesses ; 15 of upholstery material or the lack thereof by means of two shoulders 96 and 98 (Fig. 10) provided in the lock tab so that both painted and upholstered surfaces are flush with the edge of trim 40. As mentioned previously, shoulder 98 is positioned a grester distance away from ; 20 the back wall than shoulder 96. Accordingly, when the cover 20 is upholstered, shoulder 96 is utilized to position cover panel 20 closer to wall 26 of end panel 12 so that outer surface of upholstery is flush with the edge of trim 40 (compare Figs. 15a and b). When the cover panel 20 is painted or used with a thin fabric, it is desirable to utilize shoulders 98 to serve the locking function so as to allow cover panel 20 to be spaced farther ~j! from wall 26 and thereby allow its painted surface to still be flush with the edge of trim 40. In order to insure a snug, rattle free fit when cover panel 20 is not upholstered, a plastic extrusion 130 is employed around :.~ . . .. . . . ... . . . .. . . . . . .. . .

106755~7 1 the top and side peripheries of end panel 12 (Fig. 15a).
Extrusion 130 includes a top barbed leg 131 having a barb - 132 on the end thereof. Barbed leg 131 ~its inbetween the top edge of flange 72 and peripheral flange 32 of wall 24, and barb 132 holds it there. Leg 133 extends ver-tically downwardly or inwardly from barbed leg 133 and divides into two diverging spreader legs 134 and 135.
These diverging legs hold the edges o~ cover panel 20 away from the surface of abutment flange 72 to thereby insure a rattle free fit. Of course, when upholstery 120 is used, extrusion 130 is not (See Fig 15b).
A further snug fit of cover panel 20 to end panel 12 is facilitated by manipulating various adjustment slots and tabs (Figs. 6, 15a and 15b, 19, and 20). Referring to Fig. 20, it will be noted that in addition to slot 64 at the bottom of end panel 12, there is another smaller slot 64a positioned immediately therebelow. This leaves a small bridge or metal 64b between the two slots. When cover panel 20 is upholstered with upholstery 120, this bridge of metal 64b is bent inwardly by inserting a screwdriver in slot 64a and twisting it. As a result, cover panel 20 is held in closer not only at the top by bridge 96 on tab 82, but also at the bottom by tab 78 (compare Figs. 15a and 15b). Referring particularly to Fig. 15b, it can be seen that the bridge of metal 64b has been bent inwardly in order to hold tab 78 further inwardly.
Vertical adjustment can also be achieved in a similar manner. Thus, by slipping a screwdriver in slot 64a, holding it horizontally and twisting it, one can force bridge 64b upwardly slightly, either in addition to or ~ - ~

~067557 1 rather than inwardly as heretofore described. By doing this at each of the slots 64a, cover panel 20 is moved upwardly higher than would otherwise be the case. To effect down-ward adjustment, one can slip the screwdriver into slot 64 and force bridge 64b downwardly slightly.
Side-to-side adjustment is achieved by means of a small tab flange 140 cut into peripheral flange 35 of wall 26 at each side of end panel 12 ~Fig. 19). These tabs 140 bear against the side flanges 66 of cover panel 20 shown in Figs. 8 and 9. By bending the tabs 140 inwardly or outwardly, one can shift cover panel 20 from side to side in either direction. In this way, proper lateral adjustment of cover panel 20 is achieved.
Finally, it should be noted that to some extent, in and out adjustment can be achieved at the top of cover panel 20 by prying the edges of slots 60 inwardly or outwardly slightly (Fig. 6). Slots 60 are the slots into , . . .
which the tabs 82 on slide lock 80 fit.
` As shown in Figure 8, shoulders 98 are adapted for engaging slot 60 because of the presence of bias spring 110 urging the lock slide tabs to the right. To convert for engagement of shoulder 96, bias spring 110 is simply ` removed from the position as shown in Figure 8 and placed , in the opposite end of the slide retainer in notch 108' and in opening 95 provided in the lock tab at the extreme left of the lock mechanism. When thus positioned, the i~' lock slide and the components mounted thereon will be biased in the opposite direction causing engagement of ~` shoulder 96 with tab-receiving slot 60. Once assembled the cover may be released by simply removing plug 4~
(Fig. 11) and reaching through access means 42 to shift ' ~

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~06~557 1 the lock slide by moving lock release actuator 100 against the bias of spring 110. This, of course, causes shifting of the lock tab out of engagement with the slot 60 in the panel to thereby ease in removal of the cover.
The alternate embodiment end panel 12' shown in Figure 13 is similar to that previously described and is constructed in basically the same manner. Like reference numerals bearing the prime (') designation are therefore utilized to identify similar components. The lower section is identical to that previously described including base 22', levelers 28', the double wall con-struction providing wiring channel 38', and the work surface 10' which is secured by fastening means 52'. The upper -section is similarly constructed and supports a storage lS unit 10" in a similar fashion by fastening ~neans 52".
The wiring channels extend upwardly and across the top as the embodiment shown in Figure 6. Access means 42' is provided at the top thereof in trim strip 40'.
In Pigure 14, the diagram of a shared work sta-; 20 tion is illustrated wherein end panels 12' of the type '~ shown in Figures 6 and 13 are combined to provide the shared storage unit. End panels 12' support a pa:lr of storage units 16 and 16' therebetween. Instead of being suspended from a work surface 10, as for example as shown in Figure 13, each ~5 of the storage units 16 and 16' is adapted for mounting through its end walls to the adjacent unit and to end panel 12' through fastening screws 52". A desk 1, of the type ! shown in Figure 5, for example, is positioned on each side of storage units 16, one generally adjacent one unit and one generally adjacent the other. In order that each desk 1 '9 has adjacent storage, storage unit 16 opens to the left `~

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1 to provide access to the desk on the left (as viewed in Fig. 14) and unit 16' opens to the right to provide access to the desk on the right.
It will be realized that virtually any number of furniture constructions can be assembled utilizing the novel support panels of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the various component parts are based on modular dimensions of five inch modules. It has been found that the five inch modular dimension provides a most efficient storage of standard information documents and permits the most efficient arrangement of work stations within good human factors dimensions such as chair space required, desk surface area r0quired and etc, while maintaining modular dimensions which facilitate ease of planning and avoid the necessity of using fractional numbers. It additionally provides better stability for high storage units by using, for example, a twenty inch depth verses the standard eighteen inch depth utilized in conventional office furniture constructions. In addition, a deeper usable reference work area is provided on which office calculators, computer terminals, typowriters, and the like can be placed without inconvenient overhang. Finally, the five inch modular dimension is a rational unit for assisting space planners. As long as feet and inches are used, any module will have to be reduced to inches for caluclation. The five inch module reduces the chance of error because all dimensions will end in "0" or "5"
which numbers are easy to work with and are convertible to feet and inches as a final calculation.
Thus, the end panels for the present system are provided with depth (the distance from one side edge of the . ~' `

10f~7SS7 1 end panel to the other side edge) which are whole number multiples of five inches. Specifically, end panels 12 are provided with depths of 20, 25, 30 and 35 inches. On the other hand, storage units, such as units 14, and tops, such as tops 10, are provided with lengths which, when combined with the thicknesses of two end panels 12, yield a total length which is a whole number multiple of five inches. Specifically, lengths of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 75 inches are provided for.
This means that where the desk length is to be 70 inches, for example, and where the thickness of each end panel is approximately one inch, the length of the top 10 must be 68 inches. The 68 inch top plus the two one-inch end panels yields a total length of 70 inches.
The five inch modularity concept has been extended to space divider panels which are used in conjunction with the system. These space divider panels are designed to have an appearance identical to or compatible with the appearance of panels 12, but they are constructed with a means for connecting them to end panels 12 and to each other, and they n~ed not inclu(le any means ~or mounting desk tops or the like. Suc}l space divider panels and their connectors are disclosed in copending patent application Serial Number 197,251, entitled "PARTITION CONNECTOR SYSTEM", filed on April 10, 1974 by Donald D. Korell and assigned to the assignee of this application.
, Fig. 21 discloses a furniture arrangement in which one such space divider 212 and two smaller space dividers 212~a) are employed. Space divider panel 212 is ~5 inches in depth, i.e. from one side edge to the other .
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`. .. "' " '~ ' : ' '', . ', ' ~' '. ' ' ' ' ` ' 1 side edge. Space divider 212 joins a desk unit 10 to a storage unit having two storage compartments 14 mounted between a pair of end panels 12. The 45 inch dimension provides for comfortable space in which the occupant of this area can move his chair 220. A1SOJ it provides de-sired privacy.
The smaller partitions 212 (a) are only 20 inches in depth. Here, a 45 inch storage unlt 14' is used as the ~ primary spacer between the desk 10' and the storage units ; 10 14. The small divder partitions 212(a) provide somewhat more space for the occupant of this work area and also provide a nice decorative effect. By providing space divider partitions having depths which are whole number multiples of 5 inches, specifically whichare 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 inches, one continues the five-inch modularity concept conveniently from the dimensions of the furniture to the dimensions utilized in space division.
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifica-~ 20 tions may be made to the invention without departing from '~ the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims unless these t claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

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Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

A furniture system wherein a desk top is supported between supporting end panels and a plurality of different types of cabinets can be supported in a suspended manner from said top, said system being characterized by: a plurality of pairs of said end panels, the end panels in each of said pairs of end support panels having differing depths from front to rear from the end panels in otherof said pairs; a plurality of said tops of differing lengths and of differing depths from front to rear; said end panels having an inside wall defining one surface thereof, there being apertures through said inside wall near the top thereof; said tops each including fastener receiving means at each end thereof whereby in assembly, each end of each said tops abutts said inside wall of an end panel near the top thereof with said fastener receiving means in alignment with said apertures;
first releasable securing fasteners passing through said apertures and into engagement with said fastener receiving means on said tops to facilitate the ready securance or removal of one of said plurality of tops between one of said pairs of end support panels whereby a top is supported by and between said end support panels when attached thereto;
said tops including hanger supporting rail means and second fastener receiving means on the under surface thereof; said cabinets including hangers which in assembly releasably engage and hang on said rail means and said cabinets in-cluding second releasable securing fasteners engaging said second fastener receiving means for readily releasably securing each of said cabinets to any one of said tops in a suspended manner from said top when said top is secured to and supported by and between one of said pairs of said end support panels whereby a plurality of different types of end panel supported furniture can be readily assembled, disassembled and reassembled from said end support panels, said tops and said cabinets; a cover member on each of said end panels, each cover member being large enough to comprise the exterior wall of one of said end support panels; said first releasable securing fasteners and said apertures on each said panel being disposed within said end panel normally concealed from view by said cover member; and third releasable securing means on the inside surface of said cover member and engaging third receiving means therefor on the interior side of said inside wall of its said end panel for releasably securing said cover member to said end panel; each said end panel including actuator means connected to said third releasable securing means and being accessible from the ex-terior of said end panel through an access opening whereby upon actuation of said actuator means, said third releasable securing means will disengage said third receiving means therefore whereby said cover members can be readily removed for access to said first securing fasteners which secure said top to and between said end support panels.

The system as defined in claim 1 wherein said third releasable securing means comprises a lock bar slideably mounted in said cover, a plurality of tab members having en-gaging means thereon extending outwardly from said bar, and said third receiving means comprising a plurality of tab-receiving slots formed in said panel adapted to lockingly engage with said engaging means on said tab members.

The system as defined in claim 2 and further including biasing means for said lock bar, said biasing means urging said tab members toward locked position with respect to said tab-receiving slots in said panel.

The system as defined in claim 3 and further including a removable plug on said panel allowing access to said release actuator means.

The system of claim 3 in which said engaging means on each said tab member comprises a barb on said tab defining first and second shoulders on either side thereof respectively, said first shoulder being positioned farther from said bar than said second shoulder; means on said tab for securing said bias means thereto;
means on said cover for securing said bias means to said cover on either side of said tab whereby said tab will be locked in said slot either by said first shoulder or said second shoulder and said bar can be used with either a panel having no fabric wrapped around its edges or a panel having upholstery wrapped around its edges simply by connecting said bias means to said cover on an appropriate side of said tab.

The system of claim 4 in which said engaging means on each said tab member comprises a barb on said tab defining first and second shoulders on either side thereof respectively, said first shoulder being positioned farther from said bar than said second shoulder; means on said tab for securing said bias means thereto;
means on said cover for securing said bias means to said cover on either side of said tab whereby said tab will be locked in said slot either by said first shoulder or said second shoulder and said bar can be used with either a panel having no fabric wrapped around its edges or a panel having upholstery wrapped around its edges simply by connecting said bias means to said cover on an appropriate side of said tab.

The system of claim 5 in which said third securing means further includes bottom retainer tabs on said cover members and first bottom slots on said end panel for receiving said tabs, said tabs including engaging means for holding said bottom retainer tabs in place in said first bottom slots; a second bottom slot adjacent and below each said first bottom slot thereby defining a bridge between each of said first and second bottom slots, said bridge being of a bendable material whereby it can be bent in or out, up or down by inserting a tool into an appropriate one of said first and second bottom slots and operating said tool against said bridge, said bridge thereby forming a means for adjusting said cover member in or out, up or down with respect to said end panel.

The system of claim 6 in which said third securing means further includes bottom retainer tabs on said cover members and first bottom slots on said end panel for receiving said tabs, said tabs including engaging means for holding said bottom retainer tabs in place in said first bottom slots; a second bottom slot adjacent and below each said first bottom slot thereby defining a bridge between each of said first and second bottom slots, said bridge being of a bendable material whereby it can be bent in or out, up or down by inserting a tool into an appropriate one of said first and second bottom slots and operating said tool against said bridge, said bridge thereby forming a means for adjusting said cover member in or out, up or down with respect to said end panel.

The system of claim 7 or 8 in which said cover member includes a rearwardly projecting side flange at either side thereof; said end panel including a channel at each side thereof for receiving said side flanges with each side flange adjacent a channel wall; said channel wall including a tab therein made of a bendable material whereby said tab can be bent either inwardly or outwardly, said tabs bearing against said side flanges to thereby provide a means for adjusting said cover member from side to side.