Office furniture abstract
Support members for office furniture. The present disclosure provides
structural panels having smooth interior surfaces and support ribs
affixed to their exterior surfaces. A decorative panel having a
smooth exterior surfaces is mounted over the structural panel to
cover the support ribs and provide a smooth exterior surface to
the support members. In one embodiment, the decorative panels slide
over the structural panel. In a second embodiment, the decorative
panels engage the upper surface of the structural panels and pivot
downward over the structural panels. The decorative panels are easily
replaceable and can be painted in a variety of colors and patterns.
Wood grain steel vinyl laminate can also be applied to the decorative
panels.
Office furniture claims
I claim:
1. A support member for office furniture, said support member comprising:
a structural panel member for supporting a horizontally extending
surface;
an external finished surface on said structural panel member;
an inner surface on said structural panel member in the opposite
side of said external surface;
side edges on said external finished surface on said structural
panel member;
a decorative panel having an external finished surface, an internal
surface, and side edge surfaces on said internal surface, said internal
side edge surfaces engaging said side edges on said external finished
surface on said structural panel member to enclose said side edges
and said inner surface to form corner edges of office furniture.
2. The support member of claim 1 wherein said structural member
includes:
means affixed to said inner surface for structurally reinforcing
of said structural panel member; and
said decorative panel covers said inner surface and said reinforcing
means.
3. The support member of claim 1 wherein said decorative panel
includes:
a substantially flat exterior portion; and
said side edge surfaces engage said external finished surface by
sliding over said structural panel member.
4. The support member of claim 1 wherein said decorative panel
includes:
a substantially flat exterior portion; and
means on said decorative panel for engaging an upper surface of
said structural panel member to allow said decorative panel to pivot
downward over said inner surface of said structural panel member.
5. The support member of claim 1 wherein said decorative panel
include:
an exterior surface adapted to be painted in one of a variety of
colors as desired.
6. The support member of claim 1 wherein said decorative panel
include:
a laminated vinyl exterior surface to simulate wood grain.
7. The support member of claim 1 wherein said decorative panel
include:
means for interchanging said decorative panel means with other
decorative panel means.
8. An article of furniture, said article of furniture comprising:
at least one structural panel for supporting a horizontal surface;
an external finished surface on said structural panel;
an inner surface on said structural panel on the opposite side
of said external surface;
side edges on said external surface on said structural panel;
means affixed to said inner surface on said at least one structural
panel for reinforcing said at least one structural panel; and
a decorative panel having side edge surfaces engaging said side
edges on said external surface to removably affix said decorative
panel to said at least one structural panel covering said inner
surface and said side edges to form a corner edge of said article
of furniture.
9. The article of furniture of claim 8 wherein said decorative
panel includes means for pivotal engagement between the upper end
of said decorative panel means and the upper end of said at least
one structural panel.
10. An article of furniture, said article of furniture comprising:
a horizontal surface;
a first support member supporting said horizontal surface; said
first support member including:
a first structural panel supporting said horizontal surface;
an exterior finished surface on said first structural panel;
an inner surface on said first structural panel opposite said exterior
finished surface;
side edges on said exterior finished surface on said first structural
panel;
a first decorative panel having side edge surfaces engaging said
side edges on said exterior finished surface on said first structural
panel enclosing said inner surface and said side edges to form a
corner edge of said article of furniture; and
a second support member supporting said horizontal surface and
mounted on said article of furniture substantially perpendicular
to said first support member, said second support member includes:
a second structural panel supporting said horizontal surface;
an exterior finished surface on said second structural panel;
an inner surface on said second structural panel opposite said
exterior finished surface;
side edges on said second structural panel;
a second decorative panel having side edge surfaces engaging said
side edges on said second structural panel enclosing said inner
surface and said side edges no said second structural panel to form
a corner edge of said article of furniture.
11. The article of furniture of claim 10 wherein said first decorative
panel engage portions of said finished exterior surface of said
first structural panel.
12. The article of furniture of claim 10 wherein said second decorative
panel pivotally engages the upper end of said second structural
panel.
13. A method of forming an article of furniture, said method comprising
the steps of: providing a horizontal surface
providing at least one support member having an exterior finished
surface, an inner surface opposite said exterior finished surface
and side edges on said exterior finished surface supporting said
horizontal surface;
providing a decorative panel having an external finished surface
and an internal surface for each of said at least one support members
or enclosing said inner surface and said side edges forming a corner
edge of said furniture; and
mounting said decorative panels on each of said at least one support
members so said internal surface engages said side edges on said
exterior finished surface of said support members.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein said step of mounting said decorative
panels on each of said at least one support members includes the
steps of:
sliding each of said decorative panels over the sides of each of
said at least one support member opposite said inner surface.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein said step of mounting each of
said decorative panels on each of said at least one support members
includes the steps of:
pivotally engaging each of said decorative panels with the upper
end of each of said a least one support members.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein said step of providing a decorative
panel further includes the step of:
selecting a decorative panel of a desired color.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein said step of providing a decorative
panel further includes the step of:
selecting a decorative panel of a simulated wood grain steel vinyl.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein sid method further comprises
the steps of:
removing a damaged decorative panel from said at least one support
member;
providing a replacement decorative panel; and
mounting said replacement decorative panel on said at least one
support member.
19. The method of claim 13 wherein said method further comprises
the steps of:
changing the color or design of said article of furniture by removing
said decorative panel from said at least one support member;
selecting a replacement decorative panel of a different color or
design; and
mounting said replacement decorative panel on said at least one
support member.
Office furniture description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention
This invention relates to the field of office furniture construction,
particularly to vertical support panels for office furniture.
2. Statement of the Problem
Typical office furniture construction is of three types: solid
wood, particle board construction, and metal frame construction.
Solid wood construction furniture is very expensive and is quite
heavy. Also, this type of furniture is very difficult to move, due
to size and weight considerations. Damage to this type of furniture
is also difficult to repair.
Particle board construction, although less expensive and easier
to assemble, is easily damaged. This type of furniture must meet
high standards for burn resistance, particularly in government offices.
Metal frame construction furniture is widely used in large offices
and in government offices. Typically, in metal frame construction
furniture, the vertical support members, such as the sides and fronts,
are formed from sheet metal with support ribs affixed to the sheet
metal to stiffen the members. Without these support ribs, the furniture
is flimsy. These support ribs can either be affixed to the exterior
of the furniture, but are more typically affixed to the interior
of the furniture. Even though the support ribs may be affixed to
the interior of the furniture, the ribs are still visible on the
furniture. The prior art metal construction furniture typically
had visible imperfections due to welding, bonding, riveting, etc.
Fasteners were also normally visible in the prior art furniture.
Also, this type of furniture is typically available in a limited
choice of color and designs, normally grey or black.
All of these types of office furniture construction are normally
available in limited colors and designs. It is usually impossible
to change color and design schemes without replacing the furniture.
Damage to the prior art furniture is also difficult to repair without
leaving visible marks.
Therefore, a need exists for attractive durable office furniture
construction that is easy to ship, assembly and alter.
3. Solution to the Problem
The present invention provides furniture construction that is attractive
as well as highly durable.
The present invention provides furniture construction that has
clean, attractive lines without visible support members.
The present invention provides furniture that can be designed in
a various colors and patterns.
The present invention provides furniture that is easily altered
according to different color needs.
The present invention provides furniture that is easily repairable.
The present invention provides furniture that can be shipped flat
and assembled on site.
These and other features will be evident from the ensuing description
of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides furniture construction, particularly
for office and computer furniture, solving these and other problems.
The construction of furniture of the present invention includes
support members having a structural panel and a decorative panel.
The structural panels have a smooth surface with support ribs affixed
to the opposing wall of the structural panels for rigidity and strength.
Decorative panels having smooth clean lines are mounted to the structural
panels to cover the support ribs.
The decorative panels include a smooth exterior wall having corners
formed in a desired design shape, such as faceted, beveled, round
or square. The side edges of the decorative panel of the side support
members are bent inward to be substantially parallel to the wall
portion of the decorative panel and spaced from the wall portion
approximately the width of the structural panels. Since there are
no stiffening ribs attached to the decorative panel, the steel is
clean and free from imperfections caused by welding, adhesives,
rivets and the like.
The side edges of the side support member structural panels are
offset inward slightly to slidably receive the inwardly bent side
edges of the decorative panel. The side support members also include
hooks extending downward from the upper edge of the structural panel
which mate with notches formed in the upper edge of the decorative
panel.
The decorative panels are mounted on the structural panel by sliding
over the structural panels so that the side edges of the decorative
panel engage the interior of the side edges of the structural panel.
The hooks of the upper edge of the structural panel engage in slots
formed on the upper edge of the decorative panels. The decorative
panels of the side support members thus cover the support ribs affixed
on the structural panels. Cables, from computers, business machines,
lights and the like are also able to be routed through the structural
panels and hidden by the decorative panels. Fasteners are also hidden
by the decorative panels.
The structural panel of the rear panels include at least one horizontally
extending support rib affixed to the exterior side of the structural
panel. The upper edge of the structural panel includes at least
one slot. The side edges of the structural panel extend perpendicularly
from the structural panels. Mounting holes are formed in these side
edges for fastening to the side support member structural panels.
The decorative panel includes at least one hook on the upper edge
for engagement in the slot of the upper edge of the decorative panel.
The corners of the decorative panel are designed to fit flush against
the side edges of the structural panel. The hooks of the decorative
panel are inserted in the slots of the structural panel. The weight
of the decorative panel forces the decorative panel to pivot downward
so the corner edges of the decorative panel fit flush against the
side edges of the structural panel to cover the support ribs of
the structural panel. If necessary, attachment screws can be used
to secure the lower edges of the decorative panel and structural
panel together.
The decorative panels can be painted as desired or a wood grain
steel vinyl laminate can be applied to simulate wood furniture.
Since there is no welding or heat applied to the decorative panels,
it is possible to apply laminate directly on the panels. The use
of the decorative panels and structural panels afford flexibility
in office decor. The components can be shipped separately flat to
reduce transporting costs as well as reducing the assembly and inventory
costs. Furniture repair can be easily done by simply changing decorative
panels. Office decor can also be easily altered by changing the
decorative panels as desired.
These and other features will be evident from the ensuing description
of a detailed description of a possible preferred embodiment taken
in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a desk utilizing the decorative
panels of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of a possible preferred embodiment panel of
the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a interior side view of the panel of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the sections of the panel of FIG.
2.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the sections of a front panel of
one possible preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention provides side and rear support members for
furniture, particularly for office and computer furniture. As discussed
in the background of the invention, the prior art furniture typically
was constructed of solid wood, which was expensive, heavy, and difficult
to move, particle board, which is easily damaged and must meet,
in some applications, critical standards, or metal frame construction
furniture. Metal frame construction furniture typically uses support
members formed of sheet metal with interior or exterior support
ribs which are visible and mar the lines of the furniture. Also,
metal frame construction furniture may have visible fasteners and
imperfections from welding or riveting which also affect the appearance
of the furniture. The present invention provides support members
which have clean, attractive lines, which can be transported flat
for on-site assembly, and which can be matched to the design of
the office in which the furniture is being used.
One possible preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 1-5 utilized in an office desk. Desk 10 as shown in FIG.
1 includes desk top 12 left side support member 14 rear support
member 18 and right side support member 20. In this embodiment,
desk 20 includes side support members having a faceted design on
the corner free edges which wraps around the corner, such as at
corner 16 of side support member 14. This allows the desk to have
a distinctive ornamental design. The ornamental free edge could
also be used on other free edges of the furniture, such as the desk
top 12. It is to be expressly understood that this descriptive embodiment
is for explanatory purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope
of the inventive concept. Other embodiments and configurations of
the support members and of the uses of the support members are considered
to be within the scope of the claimed invention. For instance, the
support members of the claimed invention may be utilized in tables,
bookcases, desks, credenzas, organizers, and the like. Also, the
support panels can be of other configurations and design shapes
other than as illustrated and described in the present exemplary
embodiment.
Side support members 14 and 20 are similar in configuration, therefore
only side support member 20 will be described in detail. Side support
member 20 as shown in FIGS. 2-4 includes structural support panel
22 and decorative panel 60.
Structural support panel 22 includes interior wall portion 24
shown in FIG. 4. Wall portion 24 includes upper edge portion 26
formed on the upper end of structural panel 22 with hook portions
28 30 extending downward from upper edge portion 26. Holes 35
37 are also formed in upper edge portion 26 for insertion of leveling
guides, as discussed below. Lower edge portion 32 is formed on the
lower end of interior wall portion 24 of structural panel 22 having
mounting holes 34 36 for attachment to decorative panel 60 and
to desk top 12. Holes 29 31 are also formed in lower edge portion
32 for insertion of leveling guides, as discussed below. Side edge
40 on interior wall portion 24 of structural panel 22 is offset
slightly while extending parallel to the plane of interior wall
portion 24. Likewise, opposing side edge 42 is also offset slightly
extending parallel to the plane of interior wall portion 24. The
function of side edges 40 42 is discussed below.
Support ribs 44 46 are affixed to interior wall portion 24 by
spot welding or other conventional techniques. Support ribs 44
46 are spaced as necessary to provide rigidity to structural support
panel 22. Additional support ribs can be added, if necessary to
provide additional rigidity and strength to the support members.
Support ribs 44 46 of the present embodiment are formed of structural
sheet metal in an inverted "U"-shape. However, other types
and shapes of support ribs are considered to be within the claimed
inventive concept. Leveling guide 84 is inserted through holes 29
35 of panel 22. The upper end of leveling guide 84 is fastened into
desk top 12 to secure side support members therethrough. Leveling
guide 86 is similarly inserted through holes 31 37. After the desk
has been assembled, the leveling guides can be adjusted to level
the desk.
Recesses 48 50 are formed in support rib 44 and recesses 52 54
are formed in support rib 46 to allow "knock-out"s in
structural panel 22 for routing of cables of business machines,
computers, lights and the like. The recesses can also be used to
allow access to mounting bolts to the desk stop and for mounting
of desk drawers, credenzas and the like if desired. Typically, in
prior art construction, nuts or bolts were welded in place, since
there was no access to them. In the present invention, nut and bolts
can be used and still be hidden by the decorative panel. Also mounting
is possible using the "knock-outs" and conventional fasteners,
i.e. nuts and bolts, which are hidden by the decorative panel. This
allows flexibility as well as uniform construction in the construction
of the furniture. The need to inventory various configurations of
the support members is thus reduced. Recesses 48 50 52 54 also
provide weight savings in the support members.
Decorative panel 60 includes exterior wall portion 62. Exterior
wall portion 62 includes upper edge portion 64 at its upper end
having slots, 66 68 for engagement with hooks 28 30 of upper end
portion 26 of structural panel 22. Exterior wall portion 62 also
includes lower edge portion 70 having mounting holes 72 74 matching
the location of mounting holes 34 36 of structural panel 22.
Corner portions 76 78 are formed on decorative panel 60 as shown
in FIGS. 2-4. Corner portions 76 78 are bent at an angle to the
body of exterior wall portion 62. Corner portions 76 78 are illustrated
in FIGS. 2-4 with a faceted corner, but other styles and designs
of corners are considered within the claimed invention. For instance,
round, beveled or square corners are all contemplated within the
claimed invention.
Edge portions 80 82 are formed on corner portions 76 78 respectively,
extending substantially parallel to exterior wall portion 62 and
spaced from exterior wall portion 62 by approximately the width
of structural panel 22. Edge portions 80 82 engage side edges 40
42 on the interior of structural panel 22 when decorative panel
60 is mounted onto structural panel 22 as shown in FIG. 2. Decorative
panel 60 is mounted onto structural panel 22 by aligning edge portions
80 82 with side edges 40 42 and then sliding decorative panel
60 over upper edge portion 32 as shown in FIG. 4 until hooks 28
30 are fully engaged in slots 66 68.
Edge portions 80 82 lie substantially in the same plane as the
interior wall of structural panel 22 as shown in FIG. 2. This provides
a smooth, "clean" line, not only on the exterior of the
support member but also on the interior of the support member. Edge
portions 80 82 can be painted or laminated to be the same color
or pattern as the interior of the furniture or else a differing
color or pattern as desired.
Rear support member 18 illustrated in FIG. 5 is substantially
similar to side support members 14 20 with some changes due to
the length and weight of rear support member 18. Rear support member
includes structural panel 90 and decorative panel 120. Structural
panel includes wall portion 92 with upper edge 94 extending substantially
the length of wall portion 92 having slots 96 98 formed therein.
Lower edge 100 extends perpendicularly from wall portion 92.
Support rib 102 is affixed to wall portion 92 extending substantially
the length of wall portion 92 between side support ribs to provide
rigidity to support member 18. A plurality of support ribs extending
in various directions can be used if desired. Recesses are provided
in support rib 102 for weight savings. Vertical support ribs 104
106 are affixed to structural panel 90 near the side edges of the
structural panel to provide additional rigidity and support to rear
panel 18. Side edge portions 108 110 extend outward from wall portion
92 perpendicular from wall portion 92. Holes 112 114 in side edge
108 and holes 116 118 in side edge 110 are provided for fastening
to the structural panels of side members 14 20. Fasteners can be
inserted through the "knock-outs" of the structural panels
of the side support members and through holes 112-118. The decorative
panels of both the rear support member and side support members
cover these fasteners so they are not visible.
Decorative panel 120 includes exterior wall portion 122 having
upper edge portion 124. Upper edge portion 124 includes hook portions
126 128 extending downward and spaced to mate with slots 96 98
on upper edge 94 of structural panel 90. Lower edge 130 extends
perpendicularly from wall portion 122 substantially the full length
of wall portion 122. Corner edges 132 134 extend substantially
perpendicular from wall portion 92 approximately the width of structural
panel 90.
Decorative panel 120 is mounted onto structural panel 90 by inserting
hook portions 126 128 into slots 96 98 on upper edge portion 94
of structural panel 90. The weight of decorative panel 120 will
cause decorative panel 120 to pivot downward until lower edge portion
130 is engaged under lower edge portion 100 of structural panel
90. Attachment screws (not shown) can be used, if necessary, to
on lower edge portions 100 130 to secure decorative panel 120 to
structural panel 90.
It is to be expressly understood that the above descriptions of
possible embodiments of the present invention are for explanatory
purposes only and are not meant to limit the claimed invention.
Other embodiments and configurations are contemplated within the
claimed invention. For instance, other devices for attaching the
decorative panels to the structural panels may include screw attachments,
welding, bonding as well as other attachment techniques. Also, the
design of the structural panels and/or the decorative panels can
include a variety of shapes and configurations.
The present invention provides support members for office furniture
not limited to tables or desks, but includes other types of furniture,
such as credenzas, desk organizers, bookcases and the like. Also,
the furniture construction is not meant to be limited to office
furniture but includes other styles of furniture, including computer
furniture and home furniture for which the present invention may
have application. The present invention includes support members
having an interior structural panel, support ribs affixed to the
exterior of the structural panel, and decorative panel mounted over
the exterior of the structural pane. The present invention also
includes an exterior structural panel, support ribs affixed to the
interior of the structural panel, and decorative panels affixed
over the interior of the structural panel. |