• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention provides a mounting assembly for mounting items to workstations. The mounting assembly comprises an elongate attachment rail and an adaptor. The adaptor 5 is mountable to the attachment rail via a deformable connection means and is adapted to connect an item to the attachment rail. The deformable connection means can be selectively deformed without the use of additional tools to provide at least three different configurations: (a) locked configuration, in which the deformable connection means is locked to the rail; 10 (b) an operative configuration, in which the deformable connection means is slidable along the rail; and (c) a released configuration, in which the deformable connection means is removable from the rail. -4 -4' NN 'N F/&URE1 I
    公开号:AU2013204849A1
    申请号:U2013204849
    申请日:2013-04-12
    公开日:2014-03-06
    发明作者:Anthony Heap；Peter Mulqueen
    申请人:INTERIORCO VIC Pty Ltd；
    IPC主号:A47B21-00
    专利说明:
    - 1 A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention This invention relates to a mounting assembly and, more particularly, to an assembly for 5 mounting items to modular furniture systems such as workstations. Background to the Invention In this document the term "furniture" is not limited to tables, chairs etc., but also includes articles or features associated with or mounted to such tables or chairs in order to form 10 configured workstations or the like, whether for domestic or commercial usage. For example, in the context of the present specification, furniture includes monitors, lights, paper trays and the like. Furniture assemblies such as workstations are often used in environments where multiple users are likely to need to use the assembly. Traditionally, tables or workstations are set up 15 on an individual basis, where different hardware is mounted directly onto the table or workstation at predesigned and unalterable configurations. Specialised tools are usually required in order to adjust the position of the hardware, and it is often not permissible due to occupational health and safety issues for a user to make adjustments themselves. Thus, once a workstation is set up, users often simply put up with undesirable or un-ergonomic 20 configurations because it is too difficult to adjust the hardware configurations. In many workplaces, workstations are also activity based and therefore require reconfiguration depending on the activity being undertaken. Still further, some workplaces practice "hot desking", where a worker does not have a consistent desk but takes one that is available at the time. This typically necessitates a person to spend time reconfiguring the 25 workstation, for example, altering or reconfiguring various workstation items such as computers, computer screens, lights, stationery holders etc. Such actions can take significant time (especially if they need to be undertaken on a regular basis) and may require the use of specialist tools and knowledge. 30 -2 Summary of the Invention The present invention provides furniture mounting assembly for mounting items to workstations. The mounting assembly comprises an elongate attachment rail and an adapter. The adapter is mountable to the attachment rail via a deformable connection 5 means, and is adapted to connect an item to the attachment rail. The deformable connection means can be selectively deformed without the use of additional tools to provide at least three different configurations: (a) locked configuration, in which the deformable connection means is locked to the rail; (b) an operative configuration, in which the deformable connection means is slidable along 10 the rail; and (c) a released configuration, in which the deformable connection means is removable from the rail. By providing adapters that are mountable to the attachment rail via a deformable connection means which can be selectively deformed to adjust the position of the adapter (and hence 15 the item which the adaptor is connecting to the rail) on the rail without the use of additional tools, the mounting assembly of the present invention can provide for workstations and the like that are readily adaptable for use by different people, configurable to be suitable for different sized workforces, and suitable for different sized or configured workspaces. A workstation including such a mounting assembly is suitable for individual use and also takes 20 into consideration different requirements for individuals. Further, due to the ease by which items can be removed from the rail/workstation, it would be a simple matter to clear all items from a particular workstation to turn a person's workstation into a collaborative workspace in a short period of time. Adjustments can be made by the user themselves, without the need for additional (often specialist) tools or specific personnel. 25 Examples of items which can be connected to the attachment rail in the present invention include paper trays, monitors, desk lights, computers, telephones, etc. In some embodiments, the deformable connection means comprises a first portion and a second portion, and is selectively deformable by relative movement of the first portion and the second portion. 30 The first portion and the second portion may, for example, be slidable with respect to each other to alter a dimension of the deformable connection means. The first portion and the second portion may, for example, be rotatable with respect to each other to alter a dimension of the deformable connection means.
    -3 The first portion and the second portion may, in some embodiments, comprise first and second edges that are adapted to be retained by complementary edges on the attachment rail. In some embodiments, relative movement of the first portion and the second portion is 5 caused by a user rotating a dial. In some embodiments, relative movement of the first portion and the second portion can be caused by a user sliding a member, moving a lever or squeezing tabs. In some embodiments, the deformable connection means comprises a biasing means (e.g. springs or resilient members) for biasing the deformable connection means to the locked 10 configuration. In some embodiments, the attachment rail comprises a track which is adapted to receive the deformable connection means thereat. In some embodiments, the attachment rail comprises a plurality of tracks which are adapted to receive the deformable connection means thereat. Each track of the plurality of tracks 15 may, for example, be located on a different face of the attachment rail. The or each track may, for example, comprise spaced edges having an angular return portion which defines a dovetail type joint. In some embodiments, the attachment rail is mountable to a table (e.g. a workstation). In some embodiments, the attachment rail is mountable between two tables to thereby join the 20 two tables. The attachment rail may, for example, be mountable to one or more tables via a mounting arm having a deformable connection means. Typically, the adaptor comprises a mount onto which the item can be mounted. The mount may, for example, comprise a pin adapted to be received in a complementary recess of the item. The mount may, for example, comprise an elongate post adapted to removably 25 receive thereon one or more items. The one or more items may, for example, each comprise a second deformable connection means adapted to be removably mounted to the post. The second deformable connection means may, on some embodiments, be formed from a resilient material and comprise a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of the elongate post, and side arms adapted to enfold the elongate post. 30 Also disclosed herein is a method of providing a furniture system, comprising the steps of: a) providing an extended rail for support; -4 b) providing one or more items for connection to the rail by means of a deformable connection means; wherein the furniture system can be adjusted to suit an individual user of the furniture. The connection to the rail by means of a deformable connection means can be directly or 5 indirectly. The one or more items for connection to the rail can include at least one elongated post for mounting at an angle to the extension of the rail. At least a part of the deformable connection means can be interfitted with the one or more items for connection to the rail. 10 The deformable means of the attachment rail system can be a first deformable connection means which includes the rail having a shaped track for receiving a shaped portion of the first deformable connection means anywhere along the track and interfitting therein. The means for enabling furniture systems including an attachment rail system can include a first deformable connection means which provides three states between which the 15 deformability can be altered selectively without the use of tools to provide three different operative forms including: (i) a locked position to lock the deformable connection means to the rail at a defined position; (ii) an operative position to allow sliding of deformable connection means along 20 the rail; and (iii) a release position to allow releasing of deformable connection means from the rail. The deformable connection mount can be deformable by means of a first part of the shaped portion of the first deformable connection means being movable relative to a second part of 25 the shaped portion to alter the shape and change the degree of interfitting therein. The shaping of the track can be a dovetail type of shape. The first deformable connection means can include an activation means for activating movement of the first part of the first deformable connection means relative to the second part of the shaped portion to alter the shape and change the degree of interfitting therein.
    -5 The altering of shape and interfitting can be by altering a shaped portion for insertion in a holding recess in track or rail. The shaped portion can be created by the shaping and held spacing of two protruding shaped parts such that a virtual outer shaped portion is defined although 25 there may 5 merely be spacing between components. The activation means can include a variety of means. A first activation means can be by allowing sliding engagement of angular surfaces to alter relative positions. Variations of this can include a dial threadingly engaged such that rotation of the dial causes the allowed sliding engagement of angular surfaces. 10 A second activation means can be a sliding spring system where body parts are held resilitly mounted relative each other in a sliding manner and can be manually moved against or with the spring resilience. A third activation means can be a lever sliding system whereby the mounting of parts in sliding arrangement is effected by a lever mechanism. 15 The means for enabling furniture systems including an attachment rail system can include a second deformable connection means for mounting to at least one elongated post at an angle to the extension of the post, which provides a mount for one of a plurality of items such as: a) a tray 20 b) a monitor mount c) a light wherein the one of a plurality of items is readily removable without dismantling the system and without the use of tools. The post can have a cross-sectional perimeter shape along its length. 25 The cross sectional shape can be consistent over a substantial length of the elongated post to an end portion which is the same or smaller cross-sectional perimeter shape. The second deformable connection mount can be deformable by means of a first part of a recessed shaped portion of the second deformable connection means having at least one flexible wall relative to a part of the shaped portion to alter the shape and change the degree 30 of frictional interfitting of the cross sectional shape of the post therein.
    -6 The sizing and configuration of the cross-sectional shaping of the recessed shaped portion of the second deformable connection means having at least one flexible wall portion relative to the sizing and configuration of the cross-sectional perimeter shaping of the post The cross-sectional perimeter shaping of the post can be a substantially trapezoidal type of 5 shape. The longer base of the substantially trapezoidal type of shaped post can be less than the greatest width of the recessed shaped portion of the second deformable connection means having at least one flexible wall but greater than the opening of the recessed shaped portion so as to frictionally hold the second deformable connection means to the post. 10 The ends of the longer base of the substantially trapezoidal type of shaped post and a base portion in-between can be shaped and configured relative to the inner walls and base of the recessed shaped portion wherein only a portion of the base portion of the substantially trapezoidal type of shaped post engages with the base of the recessed shaped portion so as the ends of the longer base overhang to provide a cantilevered friction mount. 15 A third form of deformable connection means can include an outer cam system. This can be achieved by the shaping of the mounting foot being able to fit within the track of the extended rail by having outer surfaces that allow a beyond cam locking fitting. The outer surface of the mounting foot can have holding parallel outer edges on either end of the mounting foot and sized and shaped to fit within the track in a frictional manner. 20 Leading edges can be shaped or curved to reach from smaller dimensions to substantially the dimensions of relative spacing of the parallel outer edges to allow easy fitting in a first direction to a final fitting position. Preferably between the leading edges and the parallel outer edges are oversized cam edges respectively which are just over the maximum In this way and by consistent order of leading 25 edge to oversized cam edge to maximum parallel edge there is a defined one rotational direction of fitting in the track on the elongated rail past a locking position so as to avoid release. It can be seen that the invention allows users to take control of the way that they work by removing the inherent restrictions of modern workspaces. It allows freedom for the user to 30 modify their environment for how they best perform. Further the invention recognises the individual and that people work differently. As a system it encourages these differences by allowing the user to modify their own workspace as part of their daily workflow. Tool-less user interaction encourages a fluid composition of the objects and interfaces necessary to -7 function effectively and efficiently. Elevating work elements off the desktop de-clutters the physical space and helps focus the mind. It provides a kit of task appropriate tools that help perform the activity at hand. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more readily understood, embodiments will be described by way of illustration only with reference to the drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a general diagrammatic view of a mounting assembly in accordance with a general embodiment of the invention; 10 Figure 2 is a perspective view of an attachment rail for use in a mounting assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective underneath view of a rail mount for mounting to an attachment rail by means of a first deformable connection means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 15 Figures 4 and 5 are perspective underneath views of the rail mount of Figure 3 in an exploded separate view and an operative view respectively having a first activation means of sliding engaging angular surfaces together; Figures 6 and 7 are an underneath plan of the rail mount of Figure 3 in a fitting position with maximum expansion of shaped portion and a cross sectional view through A-A respectively, 20 showing the shaped portion sitting proud; Figure 8 is an end view of a mounting of a light mount on an attachment rail and item for connection to the rail by means of an adaptor having first deformable connection means in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the item of Figure 8 for connection to the rail in the form of 25 a light with deformable connection means; Figure 10 is a vertical cross sectional view in line with a protruding pin of the mounting of the light mount on an extended rail of Figure 9; Figure 11 is an exploded view of the light mount of Figure 8; Figure 12 is a post mount with a first connection means for mounting an elongated post to an 30 attachment rail in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -8 Figure 13 is a cross sectional detail of lower part of post mount of Figure 12 along its central axis and Figure 14 is a further detail of bottom of rail mount of Figure 13; Figures 15 and 16 are perspective and cross sectional views of a portion of the elongated post of Figure 12; 5 Figure 17 is an exploded view of a tray with a second deformable connection means which can be connected to the post of Figure 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 is a cross sectional view of the second deformable connection means of Figure 17 connected to an elongated post to form a cantilevered friction mount of the tray shown in 10 Figure 1; Figure 19 is an exploded view of a folder holder for insertion in the elongated slot of the attachment rail; Figure 20 is an exploded view of a side mount with a first connection means for mounting an item for connection to the attachment rail in accordance with an embodiment of the 15 invention; Figures 21, 22 and 23 are side view of side mount of Figure 20 and cross sectional views through A-A and B-B of Figure 21 respectively; Figure 24 is an exploded view of a top mount with a first connection means for mounting an item for connection to the attachment rail in accordance with an embodiment of the 20 invention; Figures 25, 26 and 27 are top view of top mount of Figure 24 and cross sectional views through A-A and B-B of Figure 25 respectively; Figure 28 is a perspective view of a cable run holder for mounting in the attachment rail in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 25 Figure 29 is a detailed perspective view of the base of the cable run holder of Figure 28 using a third deformable connection means for connection within the track of the attachment rail; Figure 30 is an overhead plan view of the base of the cable run holder of Figure 28 from above of detail of Figure 29; and -9 Figure 31 is a diagrammatic view of fitting a cable run holder of Figure 28 to a track of extended rail of Figure 1 through movements from A to B to C. Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention 5 Referring to the drawings and, in particular, Figure 1, there is shown an example of an adjustable furniture assembly in the form of furniture system 10 that includes an extended rail 12 which can be located midway along a table surface top 11 to form two workstations on either side. In other forms, the extended rail can be mounted at or near an edge of the table to create configuration of single workstation, or located between to tables and mounted 10 to an edge of both. The rail 12 provides a mounting means via which one or more items can be connected to the rail 12 by means of a first deformable connection means. The rail 12 can be mounted to the table by means of a plurality of rail mounts 20. This mounting can be to allow the rail to be mounted above the table height (not shown) or to be mounted from an underside of the table and be accessible through a central slit extending 15 down the table as shown in Figure 1. Almost any item likely to be used at a home or office workstation can be connected to the rail 12. Such items can include a folder holder 21, a vertical mount 22, a horizontal mount 23 and a post 24 holding trays or include other items such as a light mount 25 (see Figure 9). The folder holder 21 is a U shaped tray which can be used to hold a plurality of folders or 20 other books or stationery. The vertical mount 22 has a mount block with central hole for receiving an article such as a monitor mounted on a pole that supports the computer screen in a manner that allows it to rotate around the vertical axis. The horizontal mount 23 has a mount block supporting a vertically protruding pin which can be used to support an item (e.g. a computer) in such a manner that it can rotate around the horizontal axis. The post 24 can 25 be used to house one or more paper holders or similar items. As these components are all situated on the rail 12, it is possible for them to be positioned in any configuration and in any position along the rail, depending on the specific requirement of the user. An important part of the system is that tools are substantially not required to construct, deconstruct or manipulate items attached to the rail to move them into a different position or 30 configuration. A further important part is that the parts can generally be attached at any position on the rail by direct insertion into the rail from any position along the rail rather than requiring entering the ends of the rail. How this is achieved will be explained hereafter.
    -10 Referring to Figure 2 there is shown a cross-section of the extended rail 12 to which the rail mounts 20 (not shown in Figure 2) are connected and support. The rail 12 is a square-like cross sectional tube with shaped tracks 31, 32, 33 extending along each of three outer sides of the rail with the fourth side having an inverted T track 34 formed by a linear recess 5 extending inwardly to a central portion of the cross section of the rail. The shaping of the tracks 31, 32, 33 is a substantially dovetail type of shape. A screen (not shown) can be inserted into track 24 in order to divide a table or the like into two separate spaces. Such a screen can be a low screen to simply provide a physical barrier between two workstations, or more substantial in order to provide a visual and/or acoustic barrier between two 10 workstations. Referring to Figures 3 to 7 there is shown a rail mount 20. This rail mount consists of two elongated parts 20A and 20B that are exactly alike and extend continuously in a plane from a linear foot connected by angled leg to a linear body section extending substantially parallel to but offset to the linear foot. By aligning the two elongated parts 20A and 20B they form a 15 bridge like structure. The rail mount 20 can be mounted on the extended rail 12 by a first deformable connection means 21 and the feet of the rail mount 20 have screw holes for connections for mounting to the table (as shown in Figure 1) or for standing free on the table. One end of each of the elongated parts 20A, 20B has an angled planar surface 21A and 21B, respectively, which face and match each other when engaged. Preferably, the angled 20 surface is at 45 degrees to the angle of extension of the two elongated parts 20A and 20B. Clearly other angles are possible, as long as the two elongated parts can meet, engage and slide relative to each other. Elongated parts 20A, 20B are slidably engageable with each other via planar surfaces 21A and 21B and fixable to each other by passing a bolt 23C through apertures 23A and 23B. Tightening a nut onto bolt 23C causes planar surfaces 21A 25 and 21B to slide with respect to each other and thereby separate mounting portions 22A and 22B. In some embodiments (not shown), as upper side of the linear body section of each rail mount 20 within the area above the central connecting span of the bridge like structure can have mounting portions extending proud. Those mounting portions are sized and shaped to 30 fit within the shaped track 32 which therefore allows the elongated inverted T track 34 to be orientated upwardly on the table. However alternatively (and as shown in Figures 3 to 7) an underside of the linear body section of each rail mount 20A, 20B, within the area of the bridge like structure, has mounting portions 22A, 22B, respectively, which extend proud. Those mounting portions 15 22A, 22B are sized and shaped to fit within the shaped track 32 of rail 12, which therefore - 11 allows the elongated inverted T track 34 to be orientated upwardly. In this way the rail 12 can be mounted under the table 11, with the rail 12 being positioned within a slot in the table (or between two adjacent tables) so that tracks 31, 33 and 34 are accessible for use. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the shaped portion formed by the combined effects of the 5 protruding shape and spacing of the mounting portions 22A and 22B is changed in size by tightening the bolt 23C, which causes engaging angular surfaces 21A, 21 B to slide with respect to each other. The mounting portions can be locked by tightening the nut and bolt extending through aligning holes 23A, 23B to a maximum position at which rail mounts 20A and 20B are linearly aligned, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. At this position the shaped 10 portion formed by the spaced and protruding form the maximum trapezoidal shape that fits in and locks within the dovetail shaped track 32 of the extended rail 12. Referring now in particular to Figures 8 to 11, there is shown an extended rail 12 having an item connected to the rail 12 by means of a deformable connection means. The item in this embodiment is a light mount 25 and the deformable connection means is a first deformable 15 means for altering the sizing of a shaped portion by using an activation means having a sliding spring system. The light mount can be for mounting an extension arm on two protruding extended screws with a light at the end or in another embodiment mountable along the extension arm. Suitable wiring can be connectible through central channel of the mount and the extension arm. 20 The rail 12 has shaped tracks 31, 32, 33 for receiving a shaped portion of the first deformable connection means anywhere along the track and interfitting therein. The deformable connection mount light mount 25 is deformable by means of a first part 62 of the shaped portion of the light mount 25 being movable relative to a second part 63 of the shaped portion to thereby alter the sizing and shape of the shaped portion such that it 25 interfits into the track 33 (for example) of the extended rail 12 and changes the degree of interfitting therein. As shown particularly in Figure 11 two extended screws 56 having smooth cylindrical shape from the head at one end to the screw thread at the other end are used to hold a light mount cover 53 to the light mount base 51 with a light mount key 52 slidingly fitting on the screws 30 56 in between. Springs 54 mounted on the screws 56 between the light mount key 52 and base 51 tends movement of the key 52 towards the cover 53 (and hence movement of first part 62 away from second part 63). The light mount base 51 has the operative elements of the light mount and is covered by top cap 55.
    - 12 The light mount 25 is mounted to the rail 12 by shaping of a portion of the light mount base 51 and the shaping and co-fitting of the light mount key 52. In particular the base 51 includes a central opening 59 able to receive the central body 56 of the light mount key 52 and the two arms 57 on either side of the key 52. At the end of the arms are outwardly facing hands 5 58 that can extend outwardly through openings 60 of the light mount base 51. Further the key 52 has a front flat surface 62 which fits within a front open portion of the central opening 59 of the light mount base 51. The front open portion of the central opening 59 has an upper rim forming a protruding shaped portion 63. The front flat surface 62 of the light mount key 52 forms the first part of the shaped portion of 10 the first deformable connection means and the surround rim forming a protruding shaped portion 63 of the light mount base 51 forms the second part 63 of the shaped portion. The interfitting thereof on the screws 56 allows the second part 63 to be movable relative to the first part 62. Due to the planar outer shaping of the front flat surface 62 to the planar outer surface of the protruding shaped portion 63 of the light mount base 25 there is formed a flat 15 base to the shaped portion (as can be seen as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9). Due to the protrusion of the first shaped portion 62 from light mount key 52 and the protrusion of the protruding shaped portion 63 of the light mount base 51, there is provided a trapezoidal shape. This trapezoidal shape of the shaped portion is correspondingly shaped to the dovetail track 31, 32, 33 of the rail 12 to be readily received therein. The shaped portion can 20 have its shape altered by the relative sliding of the light mount key 52 to the light mount base 51, which changes the degree of interfitting in the track 31, 32, 33 of the rail 12. The first deformable connection means includes an activation means in the form of hands 58 of the key 52, which are able to be inserted and pushed in opposition to the resilience of the springs 54 for activating movement of the first part 62 relative to the second part 63 of the 25 shaped portion to alter the shape and change the degree of interfitting therein. The altering of the shape is effectively a changing of the size of the trapezoidal shape. The hands 58 resiliently expand outwards from within the base 51 and are locked in position when aligned with openings 60 and require finger depression against the resilience to unlock and allow sliding against spring system. 30 Also embodiments of the invention provide, by varying the structure of the first connection means and the activation means, at least three states between which the deformability can be altered selectively without the use of tools to provide three different operative forms. At maximum trapezoidal shape there is full interfitting into the track of the rail, resulting in a "locked position" in which the deformable connection means is locked to the rail at a defined 35 position. By partial relative movements of the first part 62 and second part 63, a trapezoidal - 13 shape can be derived with a size that allows free sliding of the deformable connection means along the track, but which shape is sized to not fit out the front opening of the track and therefore not allow removal from the rail. At a minimum trapezoidal size of the shaped portion (i.e. when the first part 62 and second part 63 have been squeezed together to a 5 minimum trapezoidal shape), it is able to be removed out of the front opening of the track 33 of the rail 12 and therefore is in a release position to allow the deformable connection means to be released from the rail. Referring now to Figures 12 to 14, shown is an alternate assembly for mounting an elongated post 24 having a first connection means in which expansion of a shaped portion 10 mounts the post 24 to a track 31, 32, 33 of extended rail 16. Post 24 can be used with a second deformable connection means for mounting trays or the like to the post 24. The connection of the post mount 24 to the rail 12 by a first connection means is with a third form of activation means of a lever acted slide mechanism to alter the shaped portion. The post24 has elongated post housing 65 having constant cross-section up to a top cap 72. 15 At the other (lower in use) end of the post housing 65 is internal shaping covered by rear backing 66 that sits above a protruding part 78. The backing 66 closes the lower part of housing as well as provides a strengthening component to the post as it extends upwards and holds trays thereon (as will be described below). Within the lower housing is a lever means 68 formed by a rod 68A mounted across the housing and on which is pivotally 20 mounted a lever arm 68B that is accessible through front of housing and through lever surround 68C. Lever 68B has cam shaping around the lever mount and includes an over cam shaping such that it forms three distinct positions to coincide with locked, partially unlocked and sliding operations of the deformable connection means (as discussed above). The shaped portion of the deformable connection means of the post 24 is expandable for 25 mounting in track 31, 32, 33 of extended rail 12 and is provided by movable lower body 67, which has a shaped protruding part 79 that extends proud of the movable lower body 67 but folds back on itself while leaving a gap therebetween. In position, the movable lower body 67fits within the housing 65, but extends out a lower opening and folds back on itself outside of the housing. The protruding part 79 of the movable lower body 67 is thereby located 30 above a protruding part 78 of the housing 65 which, as shown particularly in Figure 14, together form a shaped portion that is alterable in size. Between the lever means 68 and the movable lower body 67 within the housing is an adjustable connection means 69. This comprises a pin 69B that fits partially within but coaxial with a threaded barrel 69A such that spinning of the threaded barrel alters the 35 combined length of the barrel and pin, thereby forming the adjustable connection means 69.
    - 14 The threaded barrel 69A is accessible through opening in rear panel 66 of housing 65. The pin 69B at the adjusted height sets the maximum size of the shaped portion formed by the movement of the protruding part 79 of the movable lower body 67 relative to the fixed protruding part 78 at the base of the post housing 65. The operation of the lever 68 therefore 5 allows the diminishing of that size and the other operative positions as per the cam shaping of the lever. Referring now to Figures 15 to 18, a second deformable means 42 is provided for mounting to at least one elongated post 24 at an angle to the extension of the post. This can be used to mount one of a plurality of items such as a tray, a monitor mount, a light, etc. in a plurality 10 of stacked vertical positions on post 24. Each of the plurality of items is readily removable without dismantling the system and without the use of tools. The trays or the like can also advantageously be held without requiring further fixing. The post 65 has a cross-sectional perimeter shape along its length. The cross sectional 15 shape as through A-A of Figure 12 is shown in Figures 15 and 16 and is consistent over a substantial length of the body of the elongated post 24 to an end cap portion 72, which is of smaller cross-sectional perimeter shape. As detailed previously, at its other end is a first connection means for mounting the elongated post to the track 31, 32 or 33 of the rail 12. The second deformable connection means 42 includes a tray mount 82 attachable to an 20 outer upright surface of back wall of an L-shaped tray 81 and includes deformable fitting to the post 65. The tray mount 82 has a body with a recessed shaped portion with constant cross-section forming a first part of the second deformable connection means 42. The body has two flexible side walls 84 extending parallel on outer side of the opening 83 of the recessed shaped portion. The base 85 of the recessed shaped portion has a plateau central 25 section with downwardly extending recesses 86 and 87 at either side extending to the extreme corners. The plateau section can include a frictional pad. The flexible side walls 84 extend inwardly at an angle such that the opening 83 is smaller than the base 85. . The cross-sectional perimeter shaping of the post 65 is substantially trapezoidal type of shape. The sizing and configuration of the cross-sectional shaping of the recessed shaped 30 portion of the second deformable connection means 42 having at least one flexible wall portion 84 relative to the sizing and configuration of the cross-sectional perimeter shaping of the post 65 relative to a part of the shaped portion to alter the shape and change the degree of frictional interfitting of the cross sectional shape of the post therein.
    - 15 The longer base of the substantially trapezoidal type of shaped post 65 is less than the greatest width of the recessed shaped portion of the second deformable connection means 42 having at least one flexible wall but greater than the opening 83 of the recessed shaped portion so as to frictionally hold the second deformable connection 42 means to the post 65. 5 The ends of the longer base of the substantially trapezoidal type of shaped post 65 and a base portion in-between can be shaped and configured relative to the inner walls 84 and base 85 of the recessed shaped portion wherein only a portion of the base portion of the substantially trapezoidal type of shaped post engages with the base of the recessed shaped portion so as the ends of the longer base overhang to provide a cantilevered friction mount. 10 Trays 81 (and the like) can be mounted onto the post 65 either directly at the required point along the post, or by being slid from the end cap portion 72 of the post. Direct attachment is achieved by the base corner of the post 65 fitting at an angle deep into the one of the corner recesses 86, 87 and then using the deformability of opposing flexible side wall 84 to have the other base corner of the post squeeze past and then the post to realign in the opening 15 83 in the final position of Figure 18. The cantilever of the position of the post in the opening 83 and against the underside of the flexible walls 84 aids frictional hold of the tray 81 such that the tray stays in fixed position along the post and can hold a moderate weight. The frictional hold can be further enhanced by frictional pad on plateau of base 85. Referring now to Figure 19 there is shown mounting for a folder tray 21 in which a U-shaped 20 holder for holding folders has a planar vertical mounting tongue extending from an under surface of the folder tray and insertable into the inverted T-shaped track 34 of rail 12. This is held in linear frictional form in the same way that planar separator panels can be mounted in the track 34 so as to form distinctive different workstations on either side of the rail with a visual barrier. 25 Referring now to Figures 20 to 23, shown is a side mount 22 with a connection means 95 for mounting an item for connection to any point along the track 31, 32 or 33 of the rail 12 via the deformable connection means described below. In particular side mount 22 has a body 91 having a protruding horizontally extending mount 95 with a central hole which allows items mounted on a vertical axis rod to be mounted therein. Such items can be computer 30 screens or a range of other office equipment. The side mount 22 includes an inner body part 92 that fits within a chasm in the body 91 and can move vertically relative thereto. At the top of the inner body part 92 is a looped portion that can receive a pin of a dial 94 therethrough. The pin extends through receiving hole in the body 91 and through the looped portion of the inner body 92 when fitting within the body 91 and finally engages threadingly a connection 35 piece 93. The connection piece 93 has a thread to receive the pin of the dial and has a - 16 leading angled face 96. The inner body 92 has a corresponding but opposite leading angled face 97 such that angled faces 96 and 97 can engage and slide relative to each other. As the looped portion of the inner body is oval relative movement of the pin to the inner body 92 is allowed while the outer body 91 remains fixed. This thereby causes relative movement of 5 the inner body 92 relative to the outer body 91 when the dial 94 is rotated and the degree of sliding of angled faces 96 and 97 to cause vertical offset thereof as can be understood from Figure 22. The shaped portion formed by the protruding edge 98 of the outer body and edge and 99 of the inner body 92 is changed in size by rotating the dial 94 in order to change the amount of 10 sliding of engaging angled faces 96, 97. The mounting portions (i.e. edges 98 and 99) can extend between a maximum position which maximum withdrawal of the inner body part 92 within the main body part 91 (as shown in Figure 22). At this position, the shaped portion formed by the spaced and protruding edges 98 and 99 forms the maximum trapezoidal shape that fits in and locks within the dovetail shaped track 31, 32 or 33 of the extended rail 15 12. Variations of size can be altered by rotation of dial 94 and expansion of the inner body part away 92 from the main body part 91 sufficient to still hold the side mount 22 within the track but whilst allow it to be slid therealong, and eventually to a position where the side mount 22 can be released from the track 31, 32 or 33. Referring now to Figure 24 to 27, shown is a mount 23 with a first connection means for 20 mounting an item on a top mount 103 for connection to the rail 12 , in which relative sliding engaging angular surfaces provide the effect of expansion or contraction of a shaped portion that interfits in the track 34 of the extended rail 12. The shaped portion is formed by the combined effects of the rib 114 on the body 101 of the mount 23 and an inner body 115, where the effective width of the rib 114 and inner body 115 25 is adjusted by rotating a dial 104 and thereby cause engaging angular surfaces 111 (of the inner body 115) and 112 (of the rib 114) to slide with respect to each other. As can be seen from Figure 26, tightening the dial 104 would cause the inner body 115 to slide with respect to the rib, hence widening the effective profile of the rib and thereby locking the mount 23 into track 34 of the rail 12. The mounting portions can extend between maximum position at 30 which the shaped portion fills the track 34 to a maximum withdrawal of the inner body part 102 relative to the main body part 101. At this position the shaped portion formed by the spaced and protruding from the maximum trapezoidal shape fits in and locks within the track 34 of the extended rail 12. Variations of size can be altered by rotation of dial 104 and contraction of the inner body part away 115 underneath the rib 114 sufficient to still hold 35 within track but allow sliding to ultimate release position from the track.
    - 17 Referring now to Figures 28 to 31, there is shown another example of a deformable connection means in which a cable holder 25 has a general W shape with a mounting foot 126 extending across the middle leg of the W, but not to the extent of the outer legs. This deformable connection means fulfils the requirement of interfitting into the track 31, 32, 33 5 substantially without the use of tools and is able to fit in anywhere along the track. This is achieved by the shaping of the mounting foot 126 being able to fit within the track 31, 32, 33 of the extended rail 12 by having outer surfaces that allow a beyond cam locking fitting. This is achieved by the outer surface of the mounting foot 126 having parallel outer edges 127A and 127B on diagonally opposite ends of the mounting foot 126, which outer edges are 10 sized and shaped to fit within the track 31, 32, 33 in a frictional manner. Leading edges 127A and 127B are diagonally opposite each other on the other corners of the mounting foot 126 and are shaped or curved to reach from smaller dimensions to substantially the dimensions of the relative spacing of the parallel outer edges 127A and 127B. Between the leading edges 128A and 128B and the parallel outer edges 127A and 127B are oversized cam 15 edges 129A and 129B, respectively, which are just over the width of the track 31, 32, 33. In this way and by consistent order of leading edge to oversized cam edge to maximum parallel edge there is a define one rotational direction of fitting the mounting foot 126 in the track 31, 32, 33 of the elongated rail 16 from position A to position B to final position C as shown in Figure 31. The slightly over sized cam edges 129A and 129B provide a blockage of the 20 rotation to undo the mounting foot 126 once mounted into a track 31, 32, 33 unless an extensive force is applied. Clearly therefore this provides the substantial advantage of a substantially tool free mounting of all cables in the cable holders 25 wherever they are mounted along the rail. In use, the cable holders 25 are mounted underneath the rail 12 and at spaced locations between the rail mounts 20. Cables (e.g. telephone cables, internet 25 cables and electrical cables) can then be neatly arranged by placing them in the receptacle provided by the outer legs. While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a furniture system and more particularly to modular furniture and means for enabling furniture systems, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and 30 combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and are included within the scope of the invention thereof. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word 35 "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, -18 i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (21)
    [1] 1. A mounting assembly for mounting items to workstations, the mounting assembly comprising an elongate attachment rail and an adaptor, wherein the furniture mounting is 5 mountable to the attachment rail via a deformable connection means and is adapted to connect an item to the attachment rail, and wherein the deformable connection means can be selectively deformed without the use of additional tools to provide at least three different configurations: (a) a locked configuration, in which the deformable connection means is locked to 10 the rail; (b) an operative configuration, in which the deformable connection means is slidable along the rail; and (c) a released configuration, in which the deformable connection means is removable from the rail. 15
    [2] 2. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the deformable connection means comprises a first portion and a second portion, and is selectively deformable by relative movement of the first portion and the second portion. 20
    [3] 3. The mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are slidable with respect to each other to alter a dimension of the deformable connection means.
    [4] 4. The mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are 25 rotatable with respect to each other to alter a dimension of the deformable connection means.
    [5] 5. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise first and second edges that are adapted to be retained by 30 complementary edges on the attachment rail.
    [6] 6. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein relative movement of the first portion and the second portion is caused by a user rotating a dial. 35
    [7] 7. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein relative movement of the first portion and the second portion is caused by a user moving a lever. - 20
    [8] 8. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the deformable connection means comprises a biasing means for biasing the deformable connection means to the locked configuration. 5
    [9] 9. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the attachment rail comprises a track which is adapted to receive the deformable connection means thereat.
    [10] 10. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the attachment rail 10 comprises a plurality of tracks which are adapted to receive the deformable connection means thereat.
    [11] 11. The mounting assembly of claim 10, wherein the each track of the plurality of tracks is located on a different face of the attachment rail. 15
    [12] 12. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the or each track comprises spaced edges having an angular return portion which defines a dovetail type joint 20
    [13] 13. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the attachment rail is mountable to a table.
    [14] 14. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the attachment rail is mountable between two tables to thereby join the two tables. 25
    [15] 15. The mounting assembly of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the attachment rail is mountable to one or more tables via a mounting arm having a deformable connection means. 30
    [16] 16. The mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the adaptor comprises a mount onto which the item can be mounted.
    [17] 17. The mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein the mount comprises a pin adapted to be received in a complementary recess of the item. 35
    [18] 18. The mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein the mount comprises an elongate post adapted to removably receive thereon one or more items. - 21
    [19] 19. The mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein the one or more items comprise a second deformable connection means adapted to be removably mounted to the post. 5
    [20] 20. The mounting assembly of claim 19, wherein the second deformable connection means is formed from a resilient material and comprises a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of the elongate post, and side arms adapted to enfold the elongate post.
    [21] 21. A mounting assembly for mounting items to workstations, substantially as herein 10 described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013204849B2|2016-02-04|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US20100012002A1|2005-12-27|2010-01-21|Iso Medical Systems Inc.|Universal fixing metal fitting for operating table|
    US9271568B2|2009-06-30|2016-03-01|Schiavello Pty Ltd|Reconfigurable workstation support|
    CN201630559U|2009-10-19|2010-11-17|北京长城法拉姆装饰材料有限公司|Office table frame structure|
    法律状态:
    2016-06-02| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2012903550||2012-08-17||
    AU2012903550A|AU2012903550A0||2012-08-17|A furniture system and means for enabling furniture systems|
    AU2013204849A|AU2013204849B2|2012-08-17|2013-04-12|A mounting assembly|AU2013204849A| AU2013204849B2|2012-08-17|2013-04-12|A mounting assembly|
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