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A conference table includes a work surface having one or more central
openings. A utility distribution system is positioned below the
central opening on a support channel. The support channel defines
separated wireways for communicating separated utilities along the
support channel. The utility distribution system further includes
a plurality of W-shaped utility modules positioned on beams of the
support channel below the central opening. The utility modules set
end-to-end in an arrangement that facilitates initial installation
and later retrofit or repair. The table is supported on legs that
define a vertical wireway space, and further include a repositionable
divider configured to selectively subdivide the vertical wireway
space into subwireways of different cross-sectional sizes for accommodating
different cross-sectional sizes of utility conduit bundles. A removable
double-pivoted door is releasably supported to cover the opening
and to provide easy access to the opening from either side of the
tabletop.
A conference table includes a large elongated work surface having
one or more elongated central openings dividing the work surface
into opposing half sections, with each opposing half section including
work areas large enough for a conference meeting. A utility distribution
system is positioned below the elongated central opening on a support
channel. The support channel defines separated wireways for communicating
separated utilities along the support channel, such as power wiring,
telecommunication wiring, and network or video cabling. The utility
distribution system further includes a plurality of W-shape utility
modules positioned on beams of the support channel below the elongated
central opening. The utility modules set end-to-end in an arrangement
that facilitates initial installation and later retrofit or repair.
Each person at the conference can access and connect to the utility
outlets from above the work surface for operating or receiving individual
utilities for the conference, but characteristically can access
and connect to the utility outlets without the persons reaching
awkwardly under an edge of the work surface. The table is supported
on tubular legs that define a vertical wireway space, and further
include a repositionable divider configured to selectively subdivide
the vertical wireway space into subwireways of different cross-sectional
sizes for accommodating different cross-sectional sizes of utility
conduit bundles. A removable double-pivoted door is releasably supported
to cover the opening and to provide easy access to the opening from
either side of the tabletop.
Picture-screen apparatus are integrated into a conference table
to be viewed by conference participants. The conference table is
suited both for video conferences with conference participants who
are at different locations and also for normal conferences with
participants who are all present at the table. Television cameras
needed for video conferences can be removed from the surface of
the table, if the table is to be used for normal conferences. The
picture-screen apparatus arranged below the table top do not interfere
during normal conferences and can also be utilized for bringing
visual information of any kind to the participants.
A conference table assembly comprises a plurality of conference
tables each having a top providing a writing surface for a user,
and a plurality of accessory units sandwiched between adjacent tables.
Each of the accessory units has a top which is the same thickness
as the conference table tops and is supported flush with them. In
the accessory unit top there is an opening into a trough-like housing
which is divided into compartments housing electrical and electronic
components. The opening is closed by a removable panel on which
are mounted such components as a goose neck lamp, microphone, keyboard,
control elements, indicating instruments, etc. Preferably an accessory
unit is provided between two user positions so that it can serve
both. Each accessory unit preferably has a leg and foot so that
it is self supporting and is provided with quick-release fasteners
for connecting it to the tables.
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