Workstation and system in workstation

Abstract

The utility model relates to a work station and a system in the work station. The work station comprises a table top working surface capable of being vertically adjusted and storage and / or accessory options above the working surface. The support structure positions the working surface above the support surface by a vertical distance, and the riser system accommodates storage and / or accessory options above the working surface. The support structure includes a plurality of fixed-length, columnar support columns and a support column mounting system that varies the vertical distance, the support column mounting system including a tubular column sleeve and a tubular column collar that are engaged by a wedge fit. The riser system comprises a first riser support, a second riser support, a first fixed-length columnar riser support column, a second fixed-length columnar riser support column, a first riser column sleeve and a second riser column sleeve. The workstation can be modularly configured to optimize the dimensions and features of the workstation for use in a variety of work tasks and a variety of work environments.

Description

[0001] This utility patent application is a continuation-in-part of utility patent application No. 202420175809.7, filed January 24, 2024, entitled “Workstation and System in Workstation,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 440,798, filed January 24, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to workstations including countertop work surfaces, and more particularly to workstations having vertically adjustable countertop work surfaces, and systems for accommodating storage and / or accessory options above the work surface, and which can be configured to optimize the workstation for efficient use in a variety of work tasks and a variety of work environments. BACKGROUND

[0005] This section provides background information relating to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0006] Known workstations including countertop work surfaces (e.g., worktables) generally include work surfaces of fixed height, and provide limited options to alter or modify the overall height of the work surface above the floor. Typically, such workstations employ support structures having four fixed-length vertical columns or posts that are sized for a particular height of the work surface. As a result, such workstations tend to be customized for particular uses and / or applications, thereby requiring many different variations to support the various customer uses of the workstation.

[0007] In addition, such known workstations that also include shelving or accessory features above the work surface add additional variability to the support structure of the workstation and its components, further requiring customization and limiting the various applicable uses of the workstation. For example, the fixed-length vertical columns behind the workstation have different sizes than the fixed-length vertical columns in front of the workstation. In addition, the column lengths can vary depending on the intended application of the workstation (e.g., user sitting, standing, or a combination thereof).

[0008] Accordingly, there remains a need for a workstation that is easily adaptable to various sizes and having various features, such that the workstation can be configured and / or modified for use in any of a variety of work tasks and any of a variety of work environments. SUMMARY

[0009] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and is not a complete disclosure of the full scope or all features of the disclosure.

[0010] In one embodiment, this application provides a workstation comprising:

[0011] A countertop, which includes a work surface;

[0012] A support structure for supporting a platform is configured to position the working surface a vertical distance above the supporting surface. The support structure includes:

[0013] A plurality of fixed-length, columnar support columns, each support column having a longitudinal axis extending vertically from its lower end toward its upper end, and including a plurality of vertically spaced first annular grooves on its outer surface; and

[0014] The support column mounting system is configured to change the working surface ratio of the support surface.

[0015] The vertical distance above the surface, the support column mounting system includes:

[0016] A tubular column sleeve is disposed on the outer surface of the upper end of each support column. The tubular column sleeve is fastened to the platform at the upper end of the tubular column sleeve. The tubular column sleeve includes a hollow conical inner surface that tapers inward from a first inner diameter near the lower end of the tubular column sleeve to a second inner diameter near the upper end of the tubular column sleeve, wherein the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter.

[0017] A tubular column collar is disposed near the upper end of each support column and around the outer diameter of the support column. The tubular column collar includes a cylindrical inner surface and a tapered outer surface. The cylindrical inner surface of the tubular column collar has a first raised annular rib that engages with one of the plurality of first annular grooves in the outer surface of the support column. The tapered outer surface of the tubular column collar tapers inward from a first outer diameter near the lower end of the tubular column collar to a second outer diameter near the upper end of the tubular column collar, wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0018] Each tubular column sleeve in the tubular column sleeve engages with a corresponding tubular column collar in the tubular column collar through a wedge fit, so as to fix the support column mounting system to the support column and position the working surface higher than the support surface by the vertical distance.

[0019] Riser system, which includes:

[0020] a first riser support and a second riser support, wherein the first riser support is attached to the deck at a first side of the deck and the second riser support is attached to the deck at a second side of the deck;

[0021] first and second riser support columns of fixed length, the first and second riser support columns being attached to respective ones of the first and second riser supports, each riser support column extending vertically upward from the respective one of the first and second riser supports, each riser support column including a plurality of second annular grooves vertically spaced apart in an outer surface of the riser support column; and

[0022] first and second riser column sleeves disposed around an outer diameter of respective ones of the first and second riser support columns, each riser column sleeve including a cylindrical inner surface and a tapered outer surface, the cylindrical inner surface of each riser column sleeve having a second raised annular rib engaged with one of the plurality of second annular grooves in the outer surface of the respective riser support column, the tapered outer surface of each riser column sleeve tapering inwardly from a third outer diameter near a lower end of the riser column sleeve to a fourth outer diameter near an upper end of the riser column sleeve, wherein the fourth outer diameter is smaller than the third outer diameter; and

[0023] a storage or accessory device supported above the work surface by the riser system.

[0024] Advantageously, the storage or accessory device includes at least one cantilevered shelf.

[0025] Advantageously, the at least one cantilevered shelf extends horizontally from a left end to a right end, wherein the at least one cantilevered shelf is supported at the left end by the first riser support and the first riser support column and at the right end by the second riser support and the second riser support column, and wherein the at least one cantilevered shelf includes a first corner support at the left end and a second corner support at the right end, wherein each of the first and second corner supports includes an aperture including a tapered inner surface tapering inwardly from a third inner diameter near a lower end of the aperture to a fourth inner diameter near an upper end of the aperture, wherein the fourth inner diameter is smaller than the third inner diameter, and wherein each of the first and second corner supports engages the first and second riser column sleeves, respectively, by a wedge fit to secure the at least one cantilevered shelf to the riser system.

[0026] Advantageously, the storage or accessory device includes a hanger bar.

[0027] Advantageously, the boom extends horizontally from a left end to a right end, wherein the left end is supported by the first riser stand and the first riser support column, and the right end is supported by the second riser stand and the second riser support column, and wherein the boom includes a first support at the left end and a second support at the right end, wherein each of the first and second supports includes a bore including a tapered inner surface that tapers inwardly from a third inner diameter near a lower end of the bore to a fourth inner diameter near an upper end of the bore, wherein the fourth inner diameter is smaller than the third inner diameter, and wherein each of the first and second supports engages the first and second riser column sleeves, respectively, by a wedge fit to secure the boom to the riser system.

[0028] Advantageously, the workstation further includes a wire mesh grid attached to the boom.

[0029] Advantageously, the first and second riser stands further include a housing having a flange extending below the deck and a threaded or jack fastener coupled with the flange for moving the flange away from the deck and securing the first and second riser stands to the deck.

[0030] Advantageously, the workstation further includes a shelving unit coupled with the wire mesh grid in a plurality of orientations.

[0031] In another embodiment, the present application provides a system in a workstation for accommodating at least one of storage and accessory options above a work surface, the workstation having a deck, wherein the system comprises:

[0032] a first riser stand attached to the deck at a first side of the deck and a second riser stand attached to the deck at a second side of the deck;

[0033] first and second riser support columns of fixed length, the first and second riser support columns attached to respective ones of the first and second riser stands, each riser support column extending vertically upward from the respective one of the first and second riser stands, each riser support column including a plurality of second annular grooves vertically spaced apart in an outer surface of the riser support column;

[0034] a first riser column sleeve and a second riser column sleeve, the first riser column sleeve and the second riser column sleeve disposed about an outer diameter of a respective one of the first riser support column and the second riser support column, each riser column sleeve including a cylindrical inner surface having a second raised annular rib engaged with one of the plurality of second annular grooves in the outer surface of the respective riser support column, and a conical outer surface tapering inwardly from a third outer diameter near a lower end of the riser column sleeve to a fourth outer diameter near an upper end of the riser column sleeve, wherein the fourth outer diameter is less than the third outer diameter; and

[0035] a storage or accessory device supported above the deck.

[0036] Advantageously, the storage or accessory device includes at least one cantilevered shelf.

[0037] Advantageously, the storage or accessory device includes a hanger bar.

[0038] Advantageously, the system further includes a wire mesh grid attached to the hanger bar.

[0039] Advantageously, the storage or accessory device includes at least one cantilevered shelf, a hanger bar, and a wire mesh grid attached to the hanger bar.

[0040] Advantageously, the first riser column sleeve and the second riser column sleeve are formed from multiple parts.

[0041] Advantageously, there are at least two bracket seats on the first side and the second side of the deck.

[0042] The present disclosure provides a workstation that can include a vertically adjustable deck work surface supported above a support surface (e.g., a floor) by a support structure that includes a plurality of support columns or posts and a support post mounting system.

[0043] The workstation can also include a riser system for accommodating storage and / or accessory options above the work surface. The riser system can be mounted to and supported by the deck. The riser system can include a plurality of riser brackets and a plurality of riser support columns. Each riser support column is attached to and extends vertically upward from a corresponding riser bracket. Cantilevered shelves (or other shelves or accessories) can be supported above the work surface by the riser system.

[0044] The workstation is modular and can be configured in various sizes and with various features, so the workstation can be optimized for use in any of a variety of work tasks and in any of a variety of work environments.

[0045] The modular workstations of the present disclosure exhibit a clean and attractive shape, configuration, and overall decorative appearance.

[0046] Other applications will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended merely to be illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 1 is a right front perspective view of an exemplary modular workstation of the present disclosure including a vertically adjustable table top work surface supported by a four column support structure under a fixed, solid shelf;

[0049] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of an exemplary modular workstation of the present disclosure including a rear positioned riser system supporting a cantilevered shelf above the work surface, wherein the center position riser system is shown in phantom;

[0050] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a perspective view of a support bracket for a riser system of a modular workstation of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a support column mounting system in a modular workstation of the present disclosure allowing adjustability of the vertical distance the table top and work surface is elevated above the support surface;

[0052] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a riser system of a modular workstation of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 7 is a partial perspective exploded view of a riser system;

[0054] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a riser system of a modular workstation of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 9A is a left front perspective view of a riser system for a modular workstation of the present disclosure supporting a hanger track, wire grid, and cantilevered shelves on opposite sides of the wire grid;

[0056] Figure 9B is Figure 9A a perspective detail view of the first cantilevered shelf shown in

[0057] Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts or features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Example implementations are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, making apparent to those having skill in the art the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of specific components, devices, and methods are provided for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the example implementations can be practiced without necessarily resorting to the specific details of procedure, apparatus structure, and technique set forth in some examples. In some example implementations, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0060] Turning to the drawings, a workstation is illustrated and is designated by the numeral 10. The workstation 10 includes a table top 12, a support structure 14 for supporting the table top 12. The support structure 14 is configured to position the table top 12 a vertical distance above a support surface or floor 16. A riser system 20 is fixed with the table top 12 such that the riser system 20 is positioned above the table top 12. In addition, a storage or accessory device 22 is supported by the riser system 20 above the table top 12.

[0061] The support structure 14 includes a plurality of fixed length, columnar support posts 26. Each post 26 has a longitudinal axis 28 that extends in a vertical direction from a lower end of the post toward an upper end of the post. The lower end of the post can include a stop 30 that is fixed into the post. Alternatively, the stop 30 can be replaced with a wheel (not shown) that enables movement of the workstation 10. The post 26 also includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart annular grooves 32 and an outer surface 34 that supports the post 26. The top end of the post 26 is received in a tubular post sleeve support 40. The support 40 includes a base 42 and a cylindrical sleeve 46. The base 42 has a generally rectangular configuration with a flange 48 that abuts a table work surface 50. The flange 48 extends from a plate portion 52. The plate portion includes openings 54 that receive fasteners 56 that secure the tubular post sleeve support to the table top 12.

[0062] The sleeve 46 extends from the plate 52 and includes a reinforcement 58 for the tubular post sleeve support. The sleeve 46 is hollow to enable the support post 26 to be inserted into the sleeve 46. An outer surface 60 of the sleeve has a generally straight cylindrical surface. An inner surface 62 has a generally conical surface that tapers inwardly from a first inner diameter 64 adjacent a free end of the sleeve 46. The surface tapers to a second inner diameter 66 near the upper end of the tubular sleeve 46. The second inner diameter is smaller in size than the first inner diameter.

[0063] Located near the upper end of each support column 26 and around the outer diameter of surface 34 is a tubular column collar 70. Tubular column collar 70 has a cylindrical inner surface 72 with one or more raised ribs 74 that insert into grooves 32. Thus, the ribs engage one of the grooves of the plurality of grooves 32 to retain collar 70 on column 26. Collar 70 includes a plurality of pieces that form cylindrical collar 70.

[0064] Collar 70 includes a tapered outer surface 78 that tapers inwardly from a first outer diameter near the lower end of the tubular column collar to a second outer diameter near the upper end of the tubular column collar. The second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter. Thus, tubular column sleeves 46 engage corresponding ones of the tubular column collars 70 through a wedge fit between the tapered surfaces to secure support columns 26 and tubular column sleeve supports 40 together. This positions the working surface a vertical distance higher than the support surface. In addition, tubular column collars 70 can be positioned at various locations along columns 26, enabling sleeves 46 to provide a telescoping feature to position the workbench a desired distance higher than the support surface. Typically, sleeves 46 enable the workbench to be varied 6 inches relative to the support surface. In addition, the variation can be greater or less.

[0065] Riser system 20 includes first and second riser stands 80 and 82 and first and second fixed length columnar riser support columns 84 and 86. First riser stand 80 is attached to the deck at a first side of deck 12 and second riser stand 82 is attached to deck 12 at a second side of the deck. First fixed length columnar riser support 84 is attached to first riser stand 80. Second fixed length columnar riser support 86 is attached to second riser stand 82. Each riser support column 84, 86 extends vertically upward from a respective one of first and second riser stands 80 and 82. Each riser support column 84, 86 includes a plurality of annular grooves 88 in an outer surface 90 of riser support column 84, 86.

[0066] Riser stands 80, 82 are substantially identical and thus explanation of one will apply to both. The stand has a housing 92 with a generally trapezoidal configuration. Located below the base of the trapezoidal housing is a barrier plate 94 providing a resistance surface. Column 84 extends from a top surface 96 of housing 92. An extension wall 98 forms one of the sides of the trapezoidal housing. The extension wall includes a flange 100 that projects inwardly below the base such that the deck is positioned between the base barrier plate 94 and flange 100. This enables housing 92 to be secured to the deck via forces between housing 92 and flange 100.

[0067] The underside of the countertop 12 includes a bottom flange 120 having a threaded opening 122. The threaded opening 122 enables a button screw 102 to be positioned into the underside of the worktable. Once the screw 102 is positioned into the threaded opening 122 of the worktable, the screw can be backed out, thereby applying a force between the bottom flange 120 and the flange 100, which in turn tightens the housing 92 against the work surface of the countertop 12. Thus, the screw 102 applies a force that pulls the countertop away, which enables the flange 100 to tighten the housing 92 onto the work surface of the countertop 12.

[0068] A riser column sleeve 130 is disposed over the outer surface of the riser support column. Each riser column sleeve 130 includes a cylindrical inner surface 132 having a second raised annular rib 134 that engages one of a plurality of second annular grooves 88 in the outer surface of the respective riser support column 84, 86. The sleeve 130 has a tapered outer surface 136 that tapers inwardly from a third diameter portion 138 to a fourth diameter portion 140 near the upper end of the riser column sleeve. The fourth diameter is smaller than the third diameter.

[0069] A riser support collar 142 is disposed over the riser support sleeve. The riser support collar 142 can be secured to an accessory or support as described herein. The collar 142 has a cylindrical outer surface 144. The inner surface 146 tapers inwardly from a diameter near the lower end of the riser column collar to an outer diameter near the upper end of the riser column collar, where the third inner diameter is smaller than the fourth inner diameter.

[0070] The cantilevered shelf 160 is supported by the riser columns 84, 86 via the riser column sleeves and the riser column collar as described above. Thus, the cantilevered shelf 160 has a first corner support 162 at one end and a second corner support 162 at the other end. Each of the first and second corner supports includes a collar having an opening or hole with a tapered inner surface that tapers inwardly from a third diameter portion near the end of the opening to a fourth inner diameter near the upper end of the opening or hole, where the sixth inner diameter is smaller than the fifth inner diameter. Thus, the first and second corner supports 162, 164 engage the first and second riser column sleeves 130 by a wedge fit to secure at least one cantilevered shelf 160 to the riser system.

[0071] A hanger bar 170 spans between the riser strings 84, 86. The hanger bar includes a first support 172 at one end and a second support 174 at the other end. Each of the first and second supports includes a collar having an opening with a tapered inner surface that tapers inwardly from a third inner diameter near a lower end of the opening to a fourth inner diameter near an upper end of the opening. The fourth diameter is smaller than the third diameter. Each of the first and second supports engage the first and second riser string sleeves 130, respectively, by a wedge fit to secure the hanger bar to the riser system.

[0072] A wire grid 190 can be secured to the hanger bar 170. The hanger bar 170 includes hooks 192 that receive the wire grid 190 to suspend the grid 190. In addition, an additional hanger bar 200 can be positioned at the bottom of the wire grid 190. The hanger bar 200 includes hooks 202 for receiving the wire grid 190.

[0073] One or more shelves 210 can be secured to the wire grid 190. The shelves 210 include a bracket 212 with a pair of wire latches 214. The wire latches 214 enable the bracket to be secured to the wire grid 190 in multiple orientations. Thus, the latches 214 include a plurality of cutouts 216 having a configuration that matches the wire grid 190. The bracket 212 can include a floor 218 that is positioned inside the perimeter 220 of the bracket 212 to retain the floor 218 within the bracket 212. In addition, the floor 218 can be an integral or unitary part of the bracket perimeter 220.

[0074] The workstations can include shelves 230. The bottom brackets 230 are secured to the support columns 26 by tubular sleeves similar to those described with respect to the riser sleeves. In addition, the shelves 230 include openings similar to those described with respect to the hanger bars and cantilevered shelves. Here, the shelves 230 include four collars and four sleeves on the columns 26.

[0075] The foregoing description of implementations has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Various elements or features of a specific implementation are generally not limited to the specific implementation unless expressly so limited and, where applicable, interchanging elements or features from one specific implementation to another are within the scope of the disclosure. The descriptions of aspects of the specific implementations are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure be limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A workstation, characterized by The workstation comprises: a countertop comprising a work surface; a support structure for supporting the countertop, the support structure configured to position the work surface a vertical distance above a support surface, the support structure comprising: a plurality of support columns of fixed length and cylindrical shape, each support column having a longitudinal axis extending in a vertical direction from a lower end toward an upper end, and comprising a plurality of first annular grooves vertically spaced apart in an outer surface of the support column; and a support column mounting system configured to vary the vertical distance by which the work surface is positioned above the support surface, the support column mounting system comprising: a tubular column sleeve disposed over the outer surface of the upper end of each support column, the tubular column sleeve secured to the countertop at an upper end of the tubular column sleeve, the tubular column sleeve comprising a hollow tapered inner surface that tapers inwardly from a first inner diameter near a lower end of the tubular column sleeve to a second inner diameter near an upper end of the tubular column sleeve, wherein the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter; a tubular column collar disposed near the upper end of each support column and around an outer diameter of the support column, the tubular column collar comprising a cylindrical inner surface and a tapered outer surface, the cylindrical inner surface of the tubular column collar having a first raised annular rib that engages one of the plurality of first annular grooves in the outer surface of the support column, the tapered outer surface of the tubular column collar tapering inwardly from a first outer diameter near a lower end of the tubular column collar to a second outer diameter near an upper end of the tubular column collar, wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter; wherein each of the tubular column sleeves engages a respective one of the tubular column collars by a wedge fit to secure the support column mounting system to the support columns and to position the work surface the vertical distance above the support surface; a riser system comprising: a first riser support and a second riser support, wherein the first riser support is attached to the countertop at a first side of the countertop and the second riser support is attached to the countertop at a second side of the countertop; first and second riser support columns of fixed length and cylindrical shape attached to respective ones of the first and second riser supports, each riser support column extending vertically upward from the respective one of the first and second riser supports, each riser support column comprising a plurality of second annular grooves vertically spaced apart in an outer surface of the riser support column; and a riser mounting system configured to vary a vertical distance by which the work surface is positioned above the support surface, the riser mounting system comprising: a tubular riser sleeve disposed over the outer surface of the upper end of each riser support column, the tubular riser sleeve secured to the countertop at an upper end of the tubular riser sleeve, the tubular riser sleeve comprising a hollow tapered inner surface that tapers inwardly from a first inner diameter near a lower end of the tubular riser sleeve to a second inner diameter near an upper end of the tubular riser sleeve, wherein the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter; a tubular riser collar disposed near the upper end of each riser support column and around an outer diameter of the riser support column, the tubular riser collar comprising a cylindrical inner surface and a tapered outer surface, the cylindrical inner surface of the tubular riser collar having a first raised annular rib that engages one of the plurality of second annular grooves in the outer surface of the riser support column, the tapered outer surface of the tubular riser collar tapering inwardly from a first outer diameter near a lower end of the tubular riser collar to a second outer diameter near an upper end of the tubular riser collar, wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter; wherein each of the tubular riser sleeves engages a respective one of the tubular riser collars by a wedge fit to secure the riser mounting system to the riser support columns and to position the work surface the vertical distance above the support surface. a first riser column sleeve and a second riser column sleeve disposed about an outer diameter of a respective one of the first riser support column and the second riser support column, each riser column sleeve including a cylindrical inner surface and a tapered outer surface, the cylindrical inner surface of each riser column sleeve having a second raised annular rib engaged with one of the plurality of second annular grooves in the outer surface of the respective riser support column, the tapered outer surface of each riser column sleeve tapering inwardly from a third outer diameter near a lower end of the riser column sleeve to a fourth outer diameter near an upper end of the riser column sleeve, wherein the fourth outer diameter is less than the third outer diameter; and a storage or accessory device supported above the work surface by the riser system.

2. The workstation of claim 1, wherein, The storage or accessory device includes at least one cantilevered shelf.

3. The workstation of claim 2, wherein, The at least one cantilevered shelf extends horizontally from a left end to a right end, wherein the at least one cantilevered shelf is supported at the left end by the first riser stand and first riser support column and at the right end by a second riser stand and second riser support column, and wherein the at least one cantilevered shelf includes a first corner support at the left end and a second corner support at the right end, wherein each of the first corner support and the second corner support includes an aperture including a tapered inner surface tapering inwardly from a third inner diameter near a lower end of the aperture to a fourth inner diameter near an upper end of the aperture, wherein the fourth inner diameter is less than the third inner diameter; and wherein each of the first corner support and the second corner support engages the first riser column sleeve and the second riser column sleeve, respectively, by a wedge fit to secure the at least one cantilevered shelf to the riser system.

4. The workstation of claim 2, wherein, The storage or accessory device includes a hanger bar.

5. The workstation of claim 4, wherein, The hanger bar extends horizontally from a left end to a right end, wherein the left end is supported by the first riser stand and first riser support column and the right end is supported by a second riser stand and second riser support column, and wherein the hanger bar includes a first support at the left end and a second support at the right end, wherein each of the first support and the second support includes an aperture including a tapered inner surface tapering inwardly from a third inner diameter near a lower end of the aperture to a fourth inner diameter near an upper end of the aperture, wherein the fourth inner diameter is less than the third inner diameter; and wherein each of the first support and the second support engages the first riser column sleeve and the second riser column sleeve, respectively, by a wedge fit to secure the hanger bar to the riser system.

6. The workstation of claim 5, wherein, The workstation further includes a wire mesh grid attached to the hanger bar.

7. The workstation of claim 1, wherein, The first riser support and the second riser support further include a housing having a flange extending below the countertop and a threaded fastener coupled with the flange for moving the flange away from the countertop and securing the first riser support and the second riser support to the countertop.

8. The workstation of claim 6, wherein, The workstation further includes a shelf coupled with the wire grid in multiple orientations.

9. A system in a workstation for accommodating at least one of storage and accessory options above a work surface, the workstation having a countertop, characterized by, The system includes: a first riser support and a second riser support, wherein the first riser support is attached to the countertop at a first side of the countertop and the second riser support is attached to the countertop at a second side of the countertop; first and second riser support columns of fixed length, the first and second riser support columns being attached to respective ones of the first and second riser supports, each riser support column extending vertically upward from the respective one of the first and second riser supports, each riser support column including a plurality of second annular grooves vertically spaced apart in an outer surface of the riser support column; first and second riser column sleeves disposed around an outer diameter of respective ones of the first and second riser support columns, each riser column sleeve including a cylindrical inner surface having a second raised annular rib engaged with one of the plurality of second annular grooves in the outer surface of the respective riser support column, and a tapered outer surface tapering inwardly from a third outer diameter near a lower end of the riser column sleeve to a fourth outer diameter near an upper end of the riser column sleeve, wherein the fourth outer diameter is less than the third outer diameter; and a storage or accessory device supported above the countertop.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, The storage or accessory device includes at least one cantilevered shelf.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein, The storage or accessory device includes a hanger bar.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein, The system further includes a wire grid attached to the hanger bar.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein, The storage or accessory device includes at least one cantilevered shelf, a hanger bar, and a wire grid attached to the hanger bar.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein, The first and second riser column sleeves are formed from multiple parts.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein, There are at least two support seats on the first and second sides of the countertop.

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