Patent FR907072A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5628257A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5628257A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Furniture worksurface unit and method
Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc
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Filing: 1996-04-08
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Granted: 1997-05-13
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Expires: 2016-04-08
Abstract
Abstract A furniture worksurface unit for desks, tables, computer supports, etc. has a unique modular construction, comprising a top assembly with a skeleton-like top frame and a worksurface skin mounted on the upper side thereof. Leg frames are attached to the opposite ends of the top frame, and support the worksurface unit freestanding on a floor surface. Inner and outer leg covers enclose the leg frames, and underbelly covers are provided to enclose any exposed portions of the lower side of the top frame to facilitate manufacturing the worksurface unit in different widths from common parts, and provide aesthetic flexibility. Removable edges are mounted on the sides of the top frame, and are provided in assorted shapes and sizes to construct various top configurations.
Inventors
- 👤 John P. Conner
- 👤 Paul Haigh
- 👤 James W. Ross
- 👤 William C. Small
- 👤 Bradley D. Youngs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:22
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B21/00; A47B21/03; A47B13/00; A47B13/08; A47B37/00; A47B2037/005; A47B2200/00; A47B2200/0001; A47B2200/0005; A47B2200/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A worksurface unit, comprising: a top having at least one side edge; a support connected with said top and having a lower end thereof shaped for abutting support on a floor surface; a removable edge shaped to mate with the side edge of said top, and including a normally upwardly facing surface having a first shape, and a normally downwardly facing surface having a second shape that is different from said first shape; a fastener detachably connecting said edge to said top, and being symmetrically arranged to permit said edge to be connected to said top in an upside down orientation, with said second shape facing upwardly, to facilitate forming various top configuration; and wherein said top includes a marginal frame on which said edge is mounted; said marginal frame includes horizontally oriented mounting apertures; and said fastener includes at least two pins shaded for close reception in said mounting apertures, and being mounted in said edge for axial rotation to facilitate mounting said edge in both orientations.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A worksurface unit, comprising: a top having at least one side edge; a support connected with said top and having a lower end thereof shaped for abutting support on a floor surface; a removable edge shaped to mate with the side edge of said top, and including a normally upwardly facing surface having a first shape, and a normally downwardly facing surface having a second shape that is different from said first shape; a fastener detachably connecting said edge to said top, and being symmetrically arranged to permit said edge to be connected to said top in an upside down orientation, with said second shape facing upwardly, to facilitate forming various top configuration; and wherein said top includes a marginal frame on which said edge is mounted; said marginal frame includes horizontally oriented mounting apertures; and said fastener includes at least two pins shaded for close reception in said mounting apertures, and being mounted in said edge for axial rotation to facilitate mounting said edge in both orientations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said top and said support include a tab and slot interconnection to permit knock-down storage and transport of said worksurface unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 2, including: at least one underbelly cover positioned over a lower side of said top to cover at least a portion of the same.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 3, wherein: said support includes a structural leg frame, an outer leg cover connected with an exterior side of said leg frame, and an inner leg cover connected with an interior side of said leg frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 4, including: a plurality of said removable edges having different shapes and sizes to facilitate constructing various top configurations.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 1, including: at least one underbelly cover positioned over a lower side of said top to cover at least a portion of the same.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said support includes a structural leg frame, an outer leg cover connected with an exterior side of said leg frame, and an inner leg cover connected with an interior side of said leg frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A worksurface unit as set forth in claim 1, including: a plurality of said removable edges having different shapes and sizes to facilitate constructing various top configurations.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-05-12 | 2000-11-11 | 2001-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-05-12 | 2004-11-11 | 2005-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-05-12 | 2008-11-11 | 2009-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |