Workstation

Abstract

A workstation includes a substructure and a primary working surface supported by the substructure. The main working surface is located at a first height adapted to receive a seating user adjacent and facing the front edge. A support extends upwardly from the main working surface. The secondary face is coupled to the support and vertically spaced from the primary face. The secondary working surface is pivotable relative to the primary working surface between a use position and a storage position. The auxiliary working face is located at a second height adapted to accommodate a standing user positioned adjacent and facing the first edge when the auxiliary working face is in the use position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to a workstation, and in particular to a workstation having a primary work surface and a secondary work surface positioned to accommodate a user in a sit / stand work mode, and methods of use and assembly thereof. Background Art

[0002] Workstations can be configured for users at either seated height or standing height. In some configurations, the height of the workstation is adjustable between seated height and standing height. However, such height adjustable systems may require expensive actuators and controllers, access to a power source, and frequent maintenance. In addition, the systems may be difficult to operate. Furthermore, workstations are typically assembled from a variety of different parts and accessories, requiring extensive and / or specialized installation, as well as maintaining a large inventory of different parts. Such systems are often difficult to reconfigure. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims.

[0004] In one aspect, an embodiment of a workstation includes a substructure and a main work surface supported by the substructure. The main work surface includes a front edge, a rear edge, and opposite ends, wherein the front edge and the rear edge are spaced apart in a first direction, and wherein the ends are spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The main work surface is located at a first height suitable for accommodating a seated user, the seated user being adjacent to and facing the front edge. A support extends upward from the main work surface at a position closer to the front edge than the rear edge. An auxiliary work surface is coupled to the support and vertically spaced apart from the main work surface, wherein the auxiliary work surface includes a first edge and a length spaced apart from the second edge. The auxiliary work surface is pivotable relative to the main work surface between a use position and a storage position, wherein the first edge extends in the second direction and wherein at least a portion of the first edge covers the front edge of the main work surface, and in the storage position, the first edge extends in the first direction, wherein the auxiliary work surface is located at a second height, the second height being suitable for accommodating a standing user positioned adjacent to and facing the first edge when the auxiliary work surface is in the use position.

[0005] In another embodiment, the workstation includes a substructure having "n1" leg assemblies spaced apart in a second direction and "n2" pairs of beams extending in the second direction and connecting the leg assemblies, where n2=n1-1. The workstation also includes "n3" main work surfaces supported by the substructure, where n3=2×n2. Each main work surface includes a front edge, a rear edge, and opposite ends, wherein the front edge and the rear edge are spaced apart in a first direction orthogonal to the second direction, and wherein the ends are spaced apart in the second direction. The main work surfaces are located at a first height suitable for accommodating a seated user, and the seated user is adjacent to and facing the front edge of each main work surface. At least one support extends upward from at least one main work surface. An auxiliary work surface is connected to the support and is vertically spaced apart from at least one main work surface. The auxiliary work surface includes a first edge and a length spaced apart from a second edge. The auxiliary work surface is capable of pivoting relative to at least one primary work surface between a use position and a storage position, wherein the first edge extends in the second direction in the use position and the first edge extends in the first direction in the storage position, wherein the auxiliary work surface is located at a second height, the second height being suitable for accommodating a standing user positioned adjacent to and facing the first edge when the auxiliary work surface is in the use position.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of assembling and using a workstation is provided.

[0007] Various embodiments of the workstation and method provide significant advantages over other workstations. For example, but not limited to, the workstation provides a simple and robust system for accommodating seated and standing users, but does not require expensive and difficult to operate height adjustment systems. The auxiliary work surface can be quickly and easily moved into position to accommodate a standing user, and then moved out of the way to accommodate a seated user at the primary work surface.

[0008] Furthermore, the workstation can be quickly and easily assembled from a limited number of parts, thereby reducing the need to maintain an inventory of a large number of different parts, while also simplifying the overall assembly process. The workstation can be easily and quickly reconfigured to accommodate different users and work environments, and can be easily modified with a variety of different accessories.

[0009] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims set forth below. Various preferred embodiments and further advantages will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a workstation.

[0011] Figure 2A-2F are perspective views of different workstation embodiments.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an embodiment of a workstation lower structure.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a leg assembly.

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the beam and bracket portions of one embodiment of a substructure.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of the main working surface.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of an end surface.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an embodiment of a cable trough.

[0018] Fig. 9A is a top view of one embodiment of a workstation.

[0019] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A End view of the workstation shown.

[0020] Fig. 10A is a top view of one embodiment of a workstation.

[0021] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 9A End view of the workstation shown.

[0022] Fig.11A is a top view of one embodiment of a workstation.

[0023] Fig. 11B yes Fig. 9A End view of the workstation shown.

[0024] Fig.12 It is an overhead view of a pair of workstations.

[0025] Figure 13A-13C are end views of various workstation embodiments.

[0026] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a perspective view of an alternative support system for accessories and auxiliary work surfaces.

[0027] Figure 15A-Figure 15C is a partial bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a workstation and a support for an auxiliary work surface.

[0028] Fig.16 is a side view of one embodiment of a workstation.

[0029] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 End view of the workstation shown.

[0030] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 Top view of the workstation shown.

[0031] Fig.19 is a partial bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a workstation.

[0032] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative workstation embodiment.

[0033] Fig.21 It is a partial exploded view of the cap and column.

[0034] Fig.22A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a workstation and a support for an auxiliary work surface.

[0035] Figure 22B-Figure 22C yes Fig.22A Partial view of the support for the auxiliary working surface.

[0036] Fig.23A is an end view of another workstation embodiment with a partition.

[0037] Figure 23B-Figure 23C yes Fig.23A A partial or cross-sectional view of a workstation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] It should be understood that the term "plurality" as used herein refers to two or more. As used herein, the term "longitudinal" means or relates to a length or longitudinal direction 2, such as a direction extending from one end 12 of the main working surface 10 to the opposite end, or a direction defined along the axis of a column or support. The term "transverse" as used herein refers to being located, directed to, or extending along a lateral direction 4, such as between the front edge 6 and the rear edge 8 of the main working surface, or between the columns of the leg assembly 20. The term "coupled" refers to connecting or joining directly or indirectly, such as through an intermediate member, and does not require that the joining be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. The terms "first", "second", etc., as used herein, do not refer to specific components designated as such, but simply refer to these components in the numerical order mentioned, which means that a component designated as "first" may later be a "second" such component, depending on the order in which it is referred to. It should also be understood that the reference to "first" and "second" does not necessarily mean that the two components, features or values ​​so referenced are different, meaning, for example, that a first opening may be identical to a second opening, with each opening simply being adapted for a separate but identical feature. The terms "upper", "lower", "rear", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "right", "left" and variations or derivatives thereof refer to the following: Figure 1 The exemplary workstation 14 is shown in an orientation with a user seated or standing adjacent thereto. The term "lateral" means non-parallel.

[0039] Substructure:

[0040] Reference Figure 1-Figure 8 , various workstation embodiments are shown with a substructure 16. The substructure may support a single primary work surface 10 or multiple primary work surfaces 10. In one embodiment, the substructure includes a leg assembly 20 and one or more beams 18. Figure 4 As shown, one embodiment of the leg assembly 20 includes a pair of posts 22 that are laterally spaced apart in a first direction, such as the lateral direction 4. The posts 22 are connected to at least one cross member 24, 26. In one embodiment, the upper and lower cross members 26, 24 extend laterally and are connected to the posts, such as at an upper end 28 and an intermediate position 30. The cross members 24, 26 can be connected to the posts with fasteners, such as tabs, hooks and / or screws, or can be welded to the posts. The bottom 32 of the posts engages the ground, such as a floor, and can include floor interface components, such as casters or slides.

[0041] A pair of beams 18 extend longitudinally in a second (e.g., longitudinal) direction 2 and are connected to a pair of longitudinally spaced leg assemblies 20. In one embodiment, the beams 18 are laterally spaced in a transverse direction 4 and connected to upper cross members 26 of the spaced leg assemblies. The upper surfaces 34, 36 of the beams and upper cross members are preferably flush and provide a mounting surface for the primary work surface 10. The upper end 28 of the column extends upward from the mounting surface, such as a distance approaching or equal to the thickness of the primary work surface 10, so that the uppermost end surface of the column is flush with the upper surface 38 of the primary work surface. In one embodiment, the column 22 is configured as a tube, wherein the column is open at its top adjacent the upper surface 38 of the primary work surface. As shown in FIG. Fig.15A As shown, the plate 42 can be welded near the top of the tube. If not used as an attachment or support, as described below, a cover or cap 44 can be placed in and over the open top and fixed to the column, such as by threads or interference fit, as shown. Figure 1 and Fig.21 In one embodiment, as shown Fig.21 As shown, the cap 44 includes a support structure 45 having a resilient support member 47, wherein the cap 44 snaps onto the column 22 by an interference fit. The beam 18 can be connected to the leg assembly 20 with fasteners, such as tabs, hooks and / or screws, and / or can be welded to the leg assembly. The beam can include, for example Fig.19 The end bracket 46 is shown connected to the cross member 26 and the beam 18. The end bracket 46 may include a locator tab 48, which is located on the top of the cross member to support and locate the beam during installation. The bracket also has a horizontal gusset 50, which can be coupled to the bottom surface 40 of the main work surface 10. The beam 18 can be made of metal, for example, as a rectangular tubular structure, an I-beam, a C-channel or other structural shape with a moment of inertia that provides sufficient bending strength.

[0042] The support 52 includes a plurality of pairs of brackets 54 that are coupled to opposite sides of the beam, such as Figure 5 , Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The bracket may include a first vertical flange 56, which may be connected to the side of the beam, for example, using fasteners or by welding, and a second vertical flange 58 and a horizontal flange 60 extending in the longitudinal direction. The second vertical flanges 58 may be connected to each other or to a screen 62 disposed between the vertical flanges, such as Fig.16 As shown and described in more detail further below, the support member 52, and in particular the horizontal flange 60, has an upper surface 64 that is flush with the upper surfaces 34, 36 of the beam and cross member. The support member including the pair of brackets can be coupled to a pair of adjacent or adjacent major work surfaces using fasteners such as screws, staples, tabs, etc.

[0043] In one embodiment, the workstation 14 includes a plurality of leg assemblies 20 spaced apart in the second (longitudinal) direction 2. In one embodiment, the substructure 16 includes "n1" leg assemblies 20 spaced apart in the second direction 2 and "n2" pairs of beams 18 spaced apart in the transverse first direction 4 and extending and connecting the leg assemblies 20 in the second direction 2, where n2 = n1-1. For example, Figure 1 As shown, n1=4, n2=4-1=3.

[0044] Main working surface:

[0045] Reference Figure 1-2F , Figure 6 , Figure 9A to Figure 19 , the workstation 14 is configured with at least one main work surface 10, and in one embodiment, includes "n3" main work surfaces 10 supported by the substructure 16, where n3 = 2 x n2. For example, if n2 = 3, n3 = 6, or three pairs of two main work surfaces. In an alternative embodiment, two of the main work surfaces 10 positioned back to back can be configured as a single work surface, where n3 = n2. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, each primary work surface 10 has a front edge 6, a rear edge 8, and opposing ends 12, also referred to as side edges. The primary work surfaces may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to wood, metal, plastic, particle board or other composite materials, and / or may be finished with a coating or laminate. The front edge 6 and the rear edge 8 are spaced apart in a first direction 4 orthogonal to the second direction 2, and the ends 12 are spaced apart in the second direction 2. Each primary work surface 10 has an upper surface 38 and a bottom surface 40, the bottom surface 40 being connected to one of the beam 18, the cross member 26, and the support bracket 54. The primary work surfaces 10, and particularly the upper surfaces 38 thereof, are located at a first height (H1) suitable for accommodating a seated user 74, the seated user 74 being adjacent to and facing the front edge of each primary work surface, such as Figure 1 and Fig. 9B As shown. The rear edge 8 of the main work surface is non-linear or defines a cutout 76, such as an elongated concave cutout having curved end edges and a straight edge extending therebetween. The rear edge also defines a pair of shoulders 78 located on each side of the cutout. When the two main work surfaces 10 are arranged with the rear edges 8 adjacent and the shoulders 78 abutting, the pair of cutouts 76 face each other. The pair of cutouts 76 define a central elongated opening 80 extending in the second longitudinal direction 2. Power cables, data cables and other facilities can pass through the opening 80 from the upper surface 38 of the work surface and enter the cable trough 82 below the opening.

[0046] In addition, each end of the major working surface 10 includes a cutout 84 that is shaped to match the outer contour of one of the posts 22. For example, the cutout 84 can be concave, such as having a semicircular edge. The phrase "shaped to match" means that the edge of the cutout generally follows the shape of the outer contour of the post. The edge of the cutout can abut the surface of the post, or can be slightly spaced therefrom, or can overlap, such as when the cutout is positioned above the top surface of the post. In one embodiment, a gasket 86 is disposed between the edge of the cutout and the outer surface of the post, such as Fig.18 shown.

[0047] For example, refer to Figure 1-2F , Figure 7 , Fig. 9A , Fig. 10A , Fig.11A , Fig.15A , Fig.16 and Fig.18 , an end face 90 may also be connected to one of the four leg assemblies 20, adjacent to an exposed one of the ends 12 of one of the major work surfaces. The end face 90 has an upper surface 92 that is flush with the upper surface 38 of the major work surface 10. The end face 90 has a bottom surface 94 that is supported by and coupled to the upper surface 36 of the cross member of the leg assembly. The single end face extends along the width of the two adjacent major work surfaces from rear edge to rear edge. The end face 90 includes a pair of cutouts 84 that are shaped to match the outer profile of the pair of posts 22 of the leg assembly 20 connected thereto. As shown in FIG. Figure 2A As shown, the end surface has a first width (W1), the end surface provides a finished appearance to the workstation, and Figure 2D In the embodiment, the end surface has a width (W2) greater than the first width (W1), which defines a separate workspace for accommodating a user located in front of the end surface 90. A pair of end surfaces 90 can be connected to the endmost leg assembly 20, adjacent to an exposed one of the ends 12 of one of the main work surfaces 10, wherein the end surface 90 includes a pair of cutouts 84 shaped to match the outer profile of a pair of posts 22 of the leg assembly 20 connected thereto.

[0048] like Fig.15A As shown, a connector 96, for example, configured as a plate, can bridge between and connect adjacent ends 12 of the main working surfaces 10, or bridge between the end surface 90 and one of the main working surfaces 10. The connector 96 can be fixed to the bottom surfaces 40, 94 of the main working surfaces 10 and the end surface 90 with fasteners (e.g., screws). The connector 96 helps to fix, stabilize, and maintain the flushness of adjacent main working surfaces 10 and / or end surfaces 90.

[0049] Auxiliary working surface:

[0050] Reference Figure 2A-2F , Figures 10A-11B Figure 14 Fig.16 and Fig.17, a support member 100, 102, such as a support column, extends upward from one of the main work surfaces 10, meaning that it has a length extending vertically above the upper surface 38 of the work surface. As shown in FIG. 14, the support member 102 can be directly coupled to the work surface, or the support member 100 can be coupled to the leg assembly 20, such as to the upper end 28 of the column exposed between two adjacent main work surfaces 10 or between a main work surface 10 and the end surface 90.

[0051] like Figure 2A , Figure 2D and Figure 2E , Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig.11A , Fig. 11B As shown, the support 100 can be connected to the column 22. The support 100 can be non-rotatably fixed relative to the column 22, or can be rotatably supported by the column. In one embodiment, the support 100 has a bottom plate 104, which is connected to the plate 42 fixed (e.g., welded) in the upper end of the column 22, such as Figure 22A-22C As shown. The bottom plate 104 is, for example, pre-welded to the bottom of the support 100. The two plates 42, 104 can be connected with a plurality of fasteners. The support 100 includes a tube 107, which has a diameter or outer profile that matches the diameter or outer profile of the column 22, is disposed on the plate 104 and extends upward from it in a vertical direction. The upper plate 106 is fixed to the upper end of the tube. The upper plate 106 is, for example, pre-welded to the upper end of the support 100. Clamping members, such as elongated bolts 108, are engaged with the upper plate and can extend vertically between the plates 106, 104 and threadedly engaged with the plate 104 to secure the support 100 to the column 22. The elongated bolts can also extend from the top of the upper plate 106 through the bottom of the bottom plate 104. The support structure 160 may include a base structure 161, which may be circular, oval or any other suitable shape. The base structure 161 of the support structure 160 is connected to the upper plate 106 of the support 100, for example by additional fasteners, so that the support structure 160 is connected to the support 100. Therefore, the support structure 160 is connected in a fixed manner to the support 100 and thus to the column 22. Therefore, in this embodiment, the support structure 160 can be used as a fixed surface for connection to the column 22.

[0052] Alternatively, if Fig.14A and Fig. 14B as well as Fig. 20As shown, the support member 102 has a bottom connector, as shown, including a horizontal flange 110 that rests on the upper surface 38 of one (or a pair of) major surfaces, and a vertical flange 111 positioned adjacent to the front edge 6 of the (one or more) major work surface 20. An L-shaped bracket 112 includes a vertical flange 115 that can be fixed to the vertical flange 111 and a horizontal flange 113 that can be fixed to the bottom of the major work surface. The major work surface 10 is arranged between the horizontal flange 113 of the bracket 112 and the horizontal flange 110 of the bottom connector, and the work surface is sandwiched therebetween. If additional support is required, such as in Fig. 14B and Fig. 20 In the illustrated case where the auxiliary work surface is supported, auxiliary legs 119 may be secured to the brackets 112, particularly the horizontal flanges 113. The legs 119 engage the floor and provide additional support to the bottom connector and support member 102.

[0053] Regardless, in both embodiments, the supports 100, 102 extend upwardly from the main working surface 10 at a position closer to the front edge 6 than the rear edge 8. In one embodiment, the support assembly 120 includes a pair of laterally spaced supports 100, 102 connected, for example, by a cross member 122 extending therebetween in the transverse direction 4. In one embodiment, the cross member 122 is welded to the supports 100, 102.

[0054] Reference Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , one or more auxiliary working surfaces 130 are coupled to one or more supports 100, 102. For example, a separate auxiliary working surface 130 can be coupled to a corresponding one of the supports 100, 102. The auxiliary working surface 130 can have any plan view shape, such as a polygonal shape, including a rectangle, a hexagon, etc., or can have an elliptical shape, such as a circle. In one embodiment, as Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown, the auxiliary working surface 130 is non-rotatably fixed to the supports 100, 102, such as with a support collar 132. In one embodiment, an elongated auxiliary working surface 140 extends between a pair of supports.

[0055] In another embodiment, reference Figure 2A-2F , Fig.11A , Fig. 11B , Fig.12 , Figure 15A-Figure 18, the support structure 160 includes a base member 162 rotatably connected to the top of the support 100, wherein the base member extends horizontally from the vertical axis 170 of the support 100. A support post 164 extends downwardly and inwardly from the end of the base member 162 toward the support 100. The support post 164 is rotatably connected to the support, for example, by a collar 166. In this way, the support structure 160 can rotate about the axis 170 of the support 100. The collar 166 can be provided with a set screw to allow the tightness of the rotation to be controlled when the support structure 160 rotates about the axis of the support 100. This same type of support structure 160 can be coupled to a support 102 clamped to the main work surface 10.

[0056] The auxiliary work surface 130 includes an annular support 172 fixed to its bottom surface 178, wherein the annular support surrounds and slidably engages the side 180 of the base member. The side wall 174 of the support includes a track 176, which slidably engages a corresponding guide 177 arranged along the side 180 of the base member, such as Fig. 15C 162. The tracks / guides 176, 177 abut to prevent the auxiliary work surface 130 from disengaging from the base member 162 while allowing translation, such as sliding, between the auxiliary work surface 130 and the base member 162. It should be understood that the profile of the track / guide can be reversed, wherein the guide is arranged on the support member 172 and the track is arranged on the base member 162. The auxiliary work surface 130 includes a first edge 190 and a length (L) spaced apart from a second edge 192. The auxiliary work surface 130 is pivotable relative to the main work surface 10, for example, about a vertical axis 170 defined by the column 22 and the support member 100, between a use position and a storage position, in which the first edge 190 extends in the second longitudinal direction 2 and wherein at least a portion of the first edge 190 covers the front edge 6 of the main work surface, and in the storage position, the first edge 190 extends in the first direction. It should be understood that the first edge 190 can extend in the first and second directions, even if the first edge is not parallel to the front edge or those directions. In contrast, the first edge has a main vector parallel thereto. In some embodiments, in the use position, the first edge may be parallel to the front edge. The term "overlapping" refers to a portion of the first edge 190 being close to, abutting and / or intersecting a vertical plane 200 defined by the front edge 6 of the main working surface 10. It should be understood that the front edge may not be linear, so that the "plane" is also not linear, but rather a vertical projection of the front edge. Fig.11A and Fig.12 As shown, when the first edge 190 of one of the auxiliary working surfaces is inwardly facing in the use position ( Fig.11A ) or outward ( Fig.12) When the front edge 6 is tilted, a portion of the first edge 190, such as the portion adjacent the vertical pivot axis 170, is close to or flush with the plane 200 defined by the front edge 6. In addition, it should be understood that the first edge 190 "covers" the front edge if at least a portion of the first edge is within a certain distance of the plane 200 defined by the front edge, such as within ±6 inches, or more preferably within ±3 inches.

[0057] In operation, the annular support 172 and the base member 162 pivot with the auxiliary work surface between a use position and a storage position. The auxiliary work surface 130 is located at a second height (H2) that is suitable for accommodating a standing user 202 adjacent to and facing the first edge 190 when the auxiliary work surface 130 is in the use position. The auxiliary work surface 130 can also translate in a horizontal plane relative to the vertical axis 170. For example, when the track slides relative to the base member 162, the auxiliary work surface 130 can slide relative to the support. The base member 162 engages or abuts the opposite end 206 of the track to define a stop that limits the amount of travel. The auxiliary work surface 130 is independently translatable and rotatable, meaning that the auxiliary work surface can rotate without translating, translate without rotating, or rotate and translate simultaneously. As Fig.11A and Fig.12 As shown, when in the storage position, the ends of the auxiliary work surfaces connected to the spaced apart supports abut. One or both auxiliary work surfaces may first be translated in the transverse direction 4 until sufficient spacing is obtained to allow the auxiliary work surface 130 to rotate.

[0058] Accessories:

[0059] In addition to the auxiliary work surfaces, various other accessories may be coupled to the substructure 16 .

[0060] like Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the cable trough 82 includes an elongated trough portion 220, for example, which is configured as an upwardly open channel having a bottom and laterally spaced side walls, extending in the second longitudinal direction 2. Its bottom may include an enlarged opening 222 to allow cables, wires and other facilities to pass through. A plurality of arms 224, 228 each include an upper horizontal flange 226 extending upwardly from the trough portion 220. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, the arms 228 located along the rear wall of the slot are angled inwardly above the slot so that the horizontal flange 226 will be located below the associated major work surface and receive the cutout 76. A pair of slots 82 secured to adjacent major work surfaces have rear walls located adjacent to each other and may abut, or may curve away from each other to receive the screen 62 disposed therebetween, as shown. Figure 16-Figure 19Horizontal flange 226 may be secured to bottom surface 40 of main work surface 10, for example, using fasteners such as screws, staples, tabs, etc. Fig.16 and Fig.18 As shown, the slot 82 may bridge between a pair of end-to-end major working surfaces, or a series (e.g., two) of slots 82 may be arranged end-to-end to accommodate three major working surfaces arranged end-to-end. Fig.18 As shown, the troughs 82 of this arrangement are only partially located below the openings 80 formed by the cutouts 76 of the pairs of major work surfaces arranged at either end of the trough series. Vertical risers 240 can be connected to the bottom of the troughs 82, communicating with the openings 222, and providing a utility raceway between the floor and the troughs, such as for routing cables, wires, etc. to outlets or other floor raceways (not shown) arranged along the floor.

[0061] like Figure 16-Figure 19 As shown, a plurality of screens 62, 62' can be arranged between the slots 82 and between the rear edges 8 of adjacent main work surfaces. Each screen 62, 62' has a cover portion 260 extending vertically downward from the main work surface 10 and a privacy portion 262 extending vertically upward from the main work surface 10. The screen 62 may have a profile defining any shape, including various polygonal shapes, such as a rectangular cover portion that maximizes coverage. A pair of outer screens 62' may have a tapered upper surface defined by an inclined top edge 270 and a pair of side edges 274, 276, while the centrally located screen 62 has a horizontal top edge 270 with a triangular opening 278 between the side edges, allowing and facilitating communication between the various workspaces defined by the workstation. The screens 62, 62' are fixed between and coupled to the vertical flanges 58 of the bracket 54, for example, using fasteners such as screws or bolts / nuts.

[0062] like Figure 2A-2F and Figure 13A-Figure 1 3D, various shelving devices 280 including one or more shelves and / or screens may be connected to the column 22 of one of the leg assemblies. The shelving device 280 may have a pair of supports 100 connected to the column 22, such as with a clamping member, as described above, and include one or more cross members 284. The shelving device may include one or more horizontal shelves 282, either alone or in combination with vertical screens 283, which may be configured to have curved ends. Fig.13A As shown, the screen 286 may extend between and be supported by a pair of laterally spaced apart support members 100. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 23A-23CAs shown, the screen 288 can be supported by a pair of support feet 290 fixed to the column 22 without any cross members. The support feet 290 include a pair of upstanding flanges 291, each of which can have an inner pad 293 or grippable material that engages with the screen 288. The bottom 301 of the support feet 290 includes a magnet 295 fixed to a nut 303 set in the bottom 301. The base includes a stepped portion 305 received within the open top of the column 22, and the magnet 295 releasably engages the plate 42 fixed within the column 22, as shown. Fig.21 shown.

[0063] like Figure 2A-2D As shown, various monitors 300 can be coupled to the rear edge of the main work surface, for example using a base 302 secured to and / or on the rear edge, wherein the cutout 76 and opening 80 provide space for mounting the base 302, which can be configured as a clamp or have a clamp.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing detailed description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A workstation comprising: Substructure; a primary work surface supported by the substructure, wherein the primary work surface includes a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing ends, wherein the front edge and the rear edge are spaced apart in a first direction, and wherein the ends are spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the primary work surface is located at a first height suitable for accommodating a seated user adjacent to and facing the front edge; a support member extending upwardly from the main working surface at a position closer to the front edge than to the rear edge; and an auxiliary work surface coupled to the support and vertically spaced apart from the primary work surface, wherein the auxiliary work surface comprises a first edge spaced apart from a second edge and a length, wherein the auxiliary work surface is pivotable relative to the primary work surface between a use position and a storage position, in which the first edge extends in the second direction and wherein at least a portion of the first edge covers the front edge of the primary work surface; and in the storage position, the first edge extends in the first direction, wherein the auxiliary work surface is at a second height suitable for accommodating a standing user positioned adjacent to and facing the first edge when the auxiliary work surface is in the use position.

2. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary work surface is pivotably mounted to the support about a vertical axis.

3. The workstation according to claim 2, wherein: The auxiliary working surface is capable of translation in a horizontal plane relative to the vertical axis.

4. The workstation according to claim 2, wherein: The substructure includes columns, wherein the supports are mounted to the columns.

5. The workstation according to claim 4, wherein: The end of the working surface includes a cutout shaped to match the outer contour of the column.

6. The workstation according to claim 5, wherein: The lower structure includes a pair of leg assemblies spaced apart in the second direction, wherein each of the leg assemblies includes a pair of columns spaced apart in the first direction and at least one cross member connecting the pair of columns, and a pair of beams spaced apart in the first direction and extending in the second direction, wherein the beams are connected to the pair of leg assemblies, and wherein the main working surface includes a pair of main working surfaces, each of the main working surfaces being connected to one of the beams, wherein rear edges of the main working surfaces face each other.

7. The workstation according to claim 6, wherein: The rear edges of the major working surfaces each include a cutout, wherein the cutouts define an opening between the rear edges of the major working surfaces.

8. The workstation according to claim 6, wherein: The substructure comprises four leg assemblies spaced apart in the second direction and connected to three pairs of beams, and wherein the main working surface comprises three pairs of main working surfaces connected to the three pairs of beams.

9. The workstation of claim 8 further comprising an end surface connected to one of the four leg assemblies, an exposed one of the ends adjacent to one of the main work surfaces, wherein the end surface comprises a pair of cutouts shaped to cooperate with the outer profile of the pair of columns of the leg assembly connected thereto.

10. The workstation of claim 8, further comprising a shelf connected to the column of one of the leg assemblies.

11. The workstation of claim 8 further comprising a screen connected to the column of one of the leg assemblies.

12. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein: The support is arranged on the front edge of the main working surface.

13. A workstation comprising: a lower structure comprising "n1" leg assemblies spaced apart in a second direction and "n2" pairs of beams extending in the second direction and connecting the leg assemblies, wherein n2=n1-1; "n3" major work surfaces supported by the substructure, wherein n3=2×n2, wherein each major work surface comprises a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing ends, wherein the front edge and the rear edge are spaced apart in a first direction orthogonal to the second direction, and wherein the ends are spaced apart in the second direction, wherein the major work surfaces are located at a first height suitable for accommodating a seated user adjacent to and facing the front edge of each major work surface; at least one support extending upwardly from at least one of the major working surfaces at a location closer to the leading edge than to the trailing edge of the at least one major working surface; and an auxiliary work surface coupled to the support and vertically spaced apart from the at least one primary work surface, wherein the auxiliary work surface comprises a first edge spaced apart from a second edge and a length, wherein the auxiliary work surface is pivotable relative to the at least one primary work surface between a use position in which the first edge extends in the second direction and a storage position in which the first edge extends in the first direction, wherein the auxiliary work surface is at a second height suitable for accommodating a standing user positioned adjacent to and facing the first edge when the auxiliary work surface is in the use position.

14. The workstation according to claim 13, wherein: n1＝4。 15. The workstation of claim 13, wherein: The auxiliary work surface is pivotably mounted to the support about a vertical axis.

16. The workstation of claim 15, wherein: The auxiliary working surface is capable of translation in a horizontal plane relative to the vertical axis.

17. The workstation of claim 13, wherein: Each of the leg assemblies includes a pair of posts, with the support member mounted to one of the posts.

18. The workstation of claim 17, wherein: Each of the ends of each of the major working surfaces includes a cutout shaped to mate with the outer contour of one of the posts.

19. The workstation of claim 13, wherein: The rear edges of the major working surfaces each include a cutout, wherein the cutout defines an opening between the rear edges of a pair of adjacent major working surfaces.

20. The workstation of claim 17, wherein: The workstation also includes a pair of end surfaces connected to the endmost leg assembly, adjacent to an exposed one of the ends of one of the main working surfaces, wherein the end surface includes a pair of cutouts shaped to cooperate with the outer profile of the pair of posts of the leg assembly connected thereto.

21. The workstation of claim 17, further comprising a shelf connected to the column of one of the leg assemblies.

22. The workstation of claim 17 further comprising a screen connected to the column of one of the leg assemblies.

23. The workstation of claim 13, wherein: The support is arranged on the front edge of one of the main working surfaces.

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