FRAME SUBASSEMBLY FOR ATTACHING A TABLE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/745,109, filed Jan. 14, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002]The present disclosure relates to a frame subassembly. Specifically, the frame subassembly provides a connection between a table and a panel of a workstation assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003]Tables, such as height-adjustable tables, require support such that a worksurface of the table is stable. Most height-adjustable tables are free-standing and do not rely on other structures for support.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004]The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, a frame subassembly for attaching a table to a panel of a workstation assembly. The panel includes a frame and a panel insert that overlies the frame. The frame subassembly includes a first frame mount configured to be coupled to a first vertical frame member of the frame between a first end and a second end of the first vertical frame member. The frame subassembly includes a second frame mount configured to be coupled to a second vertical frame member of the frame between a first end and a second end of the second vertical frame member. The frame subassembly includes a beam coupled to the first frame mount and the second frame mount. The beam defines a plurality of apertures spaced apart along a length of the beam between the first frame mount and the second frame mount. The frame subassembly includes a table mount alternately couplable to the beam adjacent each aperture of the plurality of apertures to position the table mount at a desired location along the length of the beam. The table mount is configured to extend through the panel insert and be coupled to a strut of the table to connect the table to the panel.

[0005]The present disclosure provides, in another aspect, a method of attaching a table to a panel of a workstation assembly. The panel includes a frame and a panel insert that overlies the frame. The method includes coupling a first frame mount to a first vertical frame member of the frame between a first end and a second end of the first vertical frame member, coupling a second frame mount to a second vertical frame member of the frame between a first end and a second end of the second vertical frame member, and coupling a beam to the first frame mount and the second frame mount. The beam defines a plurality of apertures spaced apart along a length of the beam between the first frame mount and the second frame mount. The method includes positioning a table mount at a desired location along the length of the beam adjacent an aperture of the plurality of apertures and coupling the table mount to the beam at the desired location. The table mount extends through the panel insert. The method includes coupling a strut of the table to the table mount such that the table and the panel are connected.

[0006]Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workstation assembly.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a table and panels of the workstation assembly of FIG. 1 with a worksurface of the table removed and panel inserts of the panels removed.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the table and the panels of FIG. 2.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the table and the panel of FIG. 3 with a strut removed.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame of the panel of FIG. 3 with a frame subassembly coupled to the frame.

[0012]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5.

[0013]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a first frame mount of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5.

[0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first frame mount of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5.

[0015]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first frame mount coupled to the frame.

[0016]FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a beam of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5.

[0017]FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the first frame mount and a portion of the beam of FIG. 5.

[0018]FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a table mount of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5.

[0019]FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the table mount of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5.

[0020]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the table mount and the beam taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13.

[0021]FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the table mount of FIG. 5 with an optional bezel.

[0022]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the table mount and the beam taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 3.

[0023]Before any constructions of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other constructions and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates a workstation assembly 100 including a table 104, a plurality of panels 108, and a plurality of storage compartments 112. The illustrated workstation assembly 100 is one example of a workstation assembly. In other embodiments, the workstation assembly 100 may have other components and/or configurations. The present disclosure may also be applicable to other furniture assemblies including a table. In the illustrated embodiment, the table 104 is a height-adjustable table 104 (HAT). The illustrated HAT 104 includes a worksurface 116 configured for height adjustment relative to the plurality of panels 108, a first leg 118 extending from the worksurface 116, a second leg 120 extending from the worksurface 116, a first strut 122 extending from the first leg 118, and a second strut 124 extending from the second leg 120. The struts 122, 124 connect the legs 118, 120, respectively, to panels of the plurality of panels 108. In some constructions, the HAT 104 includes a single leg (e.g., the first leg 118) or more than two legs. In some constructions, the HAT 104 includes a single strut (e.g., the first strut 122) or more than two struts. In other embodiments, the table 104 may be a fixed-height table (i.e., a non-height-adjustable table).

[0025]As illustrated in FIG. 1, panels of the plurality of panels 108 may be sized differently from each other. For instance, a pair of panels of the panels 108 coupled to the HAT 104 is smaller in a vertical direction relative to the other pair of panels of the panels 108. Despite the difference in size between panels of the plurality of panels 108, each of the panels 108 may include common components. For the sake of brevity, the common components of the panels 108 will only be described with respect to one panel 128 of the plurality of panels 108. The panel 128 includes a frame 132, a raceway 136 coupled to the frame 132, one or more feet 134 coupled to the frame 132 that engage the ground, and a panel insert 140 that is coupled to the frame 132 and overlies the frame 132.

[0026]FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate part of the workstation assembly 100 with the worksurface 116 and the panel insert 140 removed from the HAT 104 such that the connection between the panels of the panels 108 and the HAT 104 is shown. The frame 132 of the panel 128 includes a first vertical frame member 144, a second vertical frame member 148 spaced apart from the first vertical frame member 144, a first horizontal frame member 152 extending between the first and the second vertical frame members 144, 148, and a second horizontal frame member 156 extending between the first and the second vertical frame members 144, 148. The first horizontal frame member 152 is configured to receive the feet 134. The second horizontal frame member 156 includes a topway 158. In the illustrated construction, the topway 158 partially supports a storage compartment of the plurality of storage compartments 112 (FIG. 1). Each of the first and the second vertical frame members 144, 148 includes a first end 160 and a second end 162 (FIG. 5). The first end 160 is nearer than the second end 162 to the ground.

[0027]The workstation assembly 100 includes a frame subassembly 164 that couples an end of the first strut 122 to the panel 128. The frame subassembly 164 provides an adjustable connection point for the first strut 122 such that tables of assorted sizes can be coupled to the panel 128 and/or can be coupled in different locations relative to the panel 128. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, the panel 128 and the panel adjacent the panel 128 each include the frame subassembly 164 to accommodate a width between the legs 120 (e.g., a width between the struts 122, 124).

[0028]FIG. 4 illustrates a table mount 168 of the first leg 118 that is disposed on the first leg 118 at a distance D1 from the ground. The frame subassembly 164 is coupled to an opening 170 defined by the panel 128 such that the frame subassembly 164 is disposed at a distance D2 from the ground. The distance D2 is substantially the same as the distance D1 of the table mount 168. In the instance that the distance D2 needs adjusting, the feet 134 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the distance D2. In some constructions, a foot similar to the feet 134 can be added to the first leg 118 such that the distance D1 can be increased or decreased.

[0029]In addition to the adjustability provided by the frame subassembly 164, the frame subassembly 164 is compatible with existing panels. That is, the frame subassembly 164 provides a solution for coupling, or retrofitting, the HAT 104 to existing panels. In particular, the frame subassembly 164 allows the HAT 104 to be coupled to the panels 128 at horizontal positions between the vertical frame members 144, 148, rather than being limited to being coupled to the panels 128 at the vertical frame members 144, 148 where there is sufficient structural support.

[0030]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the frame subassembly 164 including a first frame mount 172 and a second frame mount 176. In the illustrated construction, the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176 are identical in construction. That is, the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176 are interchangeable. The first frame mount 172 is coupled to the first vertical frame member 144 between the first end 160 and the second end 162. The second frame mount 176 is coupled to the second vertical frame member 148 between the first end 160 and the second end 162. The frame subassembly 164 includes a beam 180 coupled to the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176. The beam 180 extends perpendicular to the first and the second vertical frame members 144, 148. The beam 180 also extends parallel to the first and second horizontal frame members 152, 156. The beam 180 defines a plurality of apertures 184 spaced apart along a length of the beam 180 between the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176. The frame subassembly 164 includes a table mount 188 that is alternately couplable to the beam 180 adjacent each aperture of the plurality of apertures 184 to position the table mount 188 at a desired location along the length of the beam 180. The table mount 188 is configured to extend through the panel insert 140 and be coupled to the first strut 122 of the HAT 104 such that the HAT 104 is connected to the panel 128.

[0031]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the first frame mount 172 including a main body 192 and an attachment mechanism 196 configured to be coupled to the first vertical frame member 144. As mentioned above, the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176 are identical in construction. For the sake of brevity, the construction of the second frame mount 176 will not be described because the description regarding the first frame mount 172 applies to the second frame mount 176.

[0032]The main body 192 defines a plurality of apertures 200 that are configured to align with apertures 204 of the beam 180 (FIG. 6). The apertures 200 are located adjacent an end of the main body 192 opposite from the vertical frame member 144. The main body 192 also defines a slot 208 and an aperture 212. The slot 208 and the aperture 212 are formed in an upper surface of the main body 192. The main body 192 also defines a first hook 216. The hook 216 is formed at a bottom end of the main body 192. The hook 216 engages the first vertical frame member 144 (FIG. 9) to couple the first frame mount 172 to the first vertical frame member 144.

[0033]The attachment mechanism 196 includes the first hook 216, an arm 220, and a fastener 224. The arm 220 includes a body 228 defining a first end 232 and a second end 236. The arm 220 is adjustably coupled to the main body 192. The body 228 includes a step 240 at the first end 232 that is received by the slot 208 of the main body 192. The body 228 defines an aperture 244 disposed between the first end 232 and the second end 236. The aperture 244 is configured to receive the fastener 224 (e.g., a threaded fastener, such as a bolt). The body 228 also includes a second hook 248 that engages the first vertical frame member 144. The second hook 248 is located at the second end 236, opposite from the step 240.

[0034]To couple the first frame mount 172 to the first vertical frame member 144 as shown in FIG. 9, the first hook 216 is coupled to a wall 252 of the first vertical frame member 144. Specifically, the first hook 216 receives part of the wall 252 such that the main body 192 is fixed in a first direction T1 along a longitudinal axis X1 defined by the first vertical frame member 144. Next, the arm 220 is coupled to the main body 192 by inserting the first end 232 of the body 228 into the slot 208 of the main body 192. In the illustrated construction, the step 240 of the body 228 is inserted into the slot 208. The step 240 provides an attachment point of the body 228 to the main body 192 and also locates the aperture 244 of the body 228 relative to the aperture 212 of the main body 192 such that the apertures 212, 244 overlap with one another to receive the fastener 224. The fastener 224 couples the main body 192 to the arm 220. Additionally, the fastener 224 is operable to adjust a position of the arm 220 relative to the main body 192 to move the second hook 248 into engagement with the wall 252 of the first vertical frame member 144. That is, the second hook 248 is not in direct engagement with the wall 252 during the initial insertion of the step 240 into the slot 208 to provide additional clearance for the arm 220 being coupled to the main body 192. As the fastener 224 is rotated or tightened, the fastener 224 pulls the second hook 248 along the longitudinal axis X1 in a direction T2, that is opposite from the direction T1, such that the second hook 248 engages the wall 252. The main body 192 is fixed in the second direction T2 along the longitudinal axis X1 after proper fastening of the fastener 224.

[0035]As shown in FIG. 9, the first hook 216 and the second hook 248 are disposed on opposite ends of the main body 192 and extend outwardly relative to the main body 192. As a result, the first hook 216 and the second hook 248 axially secure the first frame mount 172 along the longitudinal axis X1.

[0036]FIG. 10 illustrates the beam 180 having a first end 256 and a second end 260. The first end 256 includes a first opening 264, and the second end 260 includes a second opening 268. The first opening 264 receives the first vertical frame member 144. The second opening 268 receives the second vertical frame member 148. The plurality of apertures 184 extend between the first end 256 and the second end 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam 180 defines nine sets of apertures 184. In other embodiments, the beam 180 may define fewer or more sets of apertures 184, depending on the length of the beam 180 and/or the spacing between the sets of apertures 184. For example, the beam 180 may only include a single set of apertures 184 (or a single aperture) or may include more than nine sets of apertures 184. The beam 180 also includes a first slot 272 formed in an upper side 276 of the beam 180 (FIG. 6). The first slot 272 is one of a plurality of first slots 278 formed in the upper side 276 of the beam 180. The beam 180 includes a second slot 280 formed in a lower side 284 of the beam 180 opposite from the first slot 272. The second slot 280 is one of a plurality of second slots 286 formed in the lower side 284 of the beam 180. One first slot 278 and one second slot 286 are aligned with each set of apertures 184 along the length of the beam 180. As such, the number of first slots 278 and second slots 286 may correspond to the number of sets of apertures 184.

[0037]FIG. 11 illustrates an interface between the first vertical frame member 144 and the beam 180. The first opening 264 is sized to be larger than a width of the main body 192 such that the beam 180 overlaps the main body 192. The main body 192 engages the upper side 276 of the beam 180 to support the beam 180 on the frame 132. The apertures 204 of the beam 180 align with the plurality of apertures 200 of the main body 192 when the beam 180 rests on the main body 192. The frame subassembly 164 includes one or more fasteners 288 (e.g., threaded fasteners, such as bolts) to couple the beam 180 to the first vertical frame member 144. The fasteners 288 extend through the apertures 204 of the beam 180 and into the plurality of apertures 200 of the main body 192.

[0038]FIG. 12 illustrates the table mount 188 spaced from the frame subassembly 164. The frame subassembly 164 includes a nut plate 292 that secures the table mount 188 to the beam 180. In the illustrated construction, the nut plate 292 is received within the beam 180. The nut plate 292 includes a plate body 296 and nuts 300 coupled to the plate body 296. In the illustrated construction, the plate body 296 is comprised of stamped metal and the nuts 300 are coupled thereto. For example, the nuts 300 may be welded or otherwise secured to the plate body 296. Alternatively, the nuts 300 may be integrally formed or machined with the plate body 296 as a single piece. The illustrated nut plate 292 also includes two nuts 300 corresponding to the two apertures 184 in a set of apertures 184 of the beam 180. In other embodiments, the nut plate 292 may only include one nut 300 (corresponding to a single aperture 184 of the beam 180) or may include more than two nuts 300 (e.g., if each set of apertures 184 includes more than two apertures 184). The plate body 296 defines a first end 304 and a second end 308 with the nuts 300 disposed on the plate body 296 between the first end 304 and the second end 308. The first end 304 of the plate body 296 includes a collar 312 that is perpendicular relative to a portion of the plate body 296 with the nuts 300. The second end 308 of the plate body 296 includes a step 316. In the illustrated construction, the step 316 is similar to the step 240 of the body 228. The first slots 272 in the beam 180 are T-shaped slots that provide adequate clearance for the step 316 to enter the beam 180. The frame subassembly 164 further includes fasteners 320 (e.g., threaded fasteners, such as bolts) that are configured to couple the table mount 188 to the beam 180.

[0039]FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the table mount 188 coupled to the beam 180 via the nut plate 292. To couple the table mount 188 to the beam 180, the nut plate 292 is inserted into the beam 180 through the first slot 272. Specifically, the step 316 of the plate body 296 is inserted into the beam 180 by passing through the T-shaped first slot 272. In the illustrated construction, the collar 312 of the nut plate 292 is too large to fit through either the first slot 272 or the second slot 280. As such, the second end 308 or the step 316 is inserted into the beam 180 first (e.g., through the first slot 272). As illustrated in FIG. 14, a majority of the plate body 296 is received in the beam 180. The step 316 is configured to extend into the second slot 280 and engage the lower side 284 of the beam 180 near to the second slot 280. The step 316 locates (e.g., aligns) the nuts 300 relative to two apertures 184 of the plurality of apertures 184. The fasteners 320 extend through the table mount 188, through the apertures of the plurality of apertures 184, and engage the nuts 300 to secure the table mount 188 to the beam 180. As illustrated in FIG. 14, an axial gap G1 is defined between the upper side 276 of the beam 180 and the collar 312. The axial gap G1 provides space for a user to grasp the collar 312 in the instance that the nut plate 292 is moved to a different slot of the plurality of first slots 278 on the beam 180. The nut plate 292 is alternately insertable into each of the plurality of first slots 278 to alternately position the nut plate 292 in alignment with each set of apertures 184 of the plurality of apertures 184 at the desired location along the length of the beam 180. As such, the beam 180 does not need to include nuts or threaded apertures at each aperture. Instead, the frame subassembly 164 only needs to include the same number of nut plates 292 as table mounts 188, and the nut plates 292 can be positioned where needed along the length of the beam 180.

[0040]To attach the HAT 104 (e.g., a strut of the HAT 104) to the panel 128 of the plurality of panels 108, the panel insert 140 is removed from the frame 132 prior to coupling the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176 to the frame 132. Removing the panel insert 140 exposes the first vertical frame member 144 and the second vertical frame member 148. In some scenarios, the panel insert 140 may not have been installed before the first and second frame mounts 172, 176 are coupled to the frame 132. The first frame mount 172 is coupled to the first vertical frame member 144 between the first end 160 and the second end 162. The second frame mount 176 is coupled to the second vertical frame member 148 between the first end 160 and the second end 162. The beam 180 is coupled to the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176 by sliding the beam 180 on the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176. The beam 180 is fixed to the first frame mount 172 and the second frame mount 176 via the fasteners 288 extending through the beam 180 and the main body 192.

[0041]Depending on the location of the table mount 168 of the first leg 118, the table mount 188 of the frame subassembly 164 is positioned at a desired location along the length of the beam 180 adjacent an aperture of the plurality of apertures 184. The nut plate 292 is inserted into the beam 180 via the first slot 272 near to the aperture of the plurality of apertures 184 corresponding to the position of the table mount 188. The table mount 188 is coupled to the beam 180 via the fasteners 320 extending through the table mount 188 and the beam 180 and into the nuts 300 of the nut plate 292.

[0042]Prior to attaching the panel insert 140 on the frame 132, the position and size of the table mount 188 is marked on the panel insert 140. The mark is used for measuring a cutout 324 that is defined on the panel insert 140, as shown in FIG. 15 (panel insert 140 shown in FIG. 15). The cutout 324 is sized to accommodate a portion of the table mount 188 that extends through the panel insert 140. In the illustrated construction, the table mount 188 includes a spacer 328 and a support 332. The spacer 328 directly contacts the beam 180 and is sized to extend through a thickness of the panel insert 140 such that the support 332 does not overlap with the panel insert 140 (e.g., extend through the panel insert 140). That is, the spacer 328 extends through the cutout 324. In some constructions, the table mount 188 includes an optional bezel 336 that is disposed between the spacer 328 and the support 332. The bezel 336 is configured to cover the cutout 324 for cosmetic appearance.

[0043]After the cutout 324 is formed (e.g., cut) in the panel insert 140, the panel insert 140 can be attached to the frame 132. In some constructions, the table mount 188 is too large to fit through the cutout 324. As such, the table mount 188 is unthreaded from the nut plate 292 and removed from the beam 180 and the panel insert 140 is attached to the frame 132. After the panel insert 140 is attached to the frame 132, the table mount 188 is coupled to the nut plate 292 such that the table mount is coupled to the beam 180. The first strut 122 can be coupled to the table mount 188 such that the HAT 104 and the panel 128 are connected. Similar assembly steps can also be performed for the second table mount and the second strut 124.

[0044]The frame subassembly 164 thereby allows the HAT 104 to be attached to the panels 128 of the workstation assembly 100 at various horizontal locations between the vertical frame members 144, 148 of the panels 128. As such, an assembler is not constrained to only mounting the HAT 104 at locations that align with the vertical frame members 144, 148. In addition, the frame subassembly 164 is configured to be usable with frames of existing panels such that the frame subassembly 164 can be retrofitted into existing panels to add a table to a workstation assembly that is already installed.

[0045]FIG. 16 illustrates the connection between the first strut 122 with the beam 180 and the first leg 118. Specifically, the first strut 122 couples to the table mounts 168, 188 (FIGS. 3-5). The table mount 168 includes a support 340 that is coupled to the first leg 118. In the illustrated construction, the support 340 is welded to the first leg 118. In the illustrated construction, the support 340 includes a first bracket 340A and a second bracket 340B that are welded together. The first bracket 340A has a C-shape and the second bracket 340B extends between the opening defined by the first bracket 340A. In other constructions, the support 340 is a single part (e.g., monolithic construction).

[0046]The table mount 188 includes the support 332 that is coupled to the beam 180 (FIG. 13). In the illustrated construction, the support 332 is fastened to the beam 180 with the fasteners 320. In the illustrated construction, the support 332 includes a first bracket 332A and a second bracket 332B that are welded together. The first bracket 332A has a C-shape and the second bracket 332B extends between the opening defined by the first bracket 332A. In other constructions, the support 332 is a single part (e.g., monolithic construction).

[0047]The first strut 122 includes apertures 344 that enable access to the table mounts 168, 188 when the strut 122 is received by the table mounts 168, 188. The first strut 122 includes alignment brackets 348 that are disposed on each side of the first strut 122. In the illustrated construction, each of the brackets 348 has a C-shape and are coupled (e.g., welded) to the first strut 122 such that the brackets 348 are fixed relative to the first strut 122. The table mount 168 includes a fastener 352 that extends through a bracket of the brackets 348 to fix the bracket to the support 340. The table mount 188 includes a fastener 356 that extends through a bracket of the brackets 348 to fix the bracket to the support 332. The fasteners 352, 356 are accessible through the apertures 344 such that the connection between the supports 332, 340 and the brackets 348 can be tightened or loosened.

[0048]Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred constructions, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure as described.