Support rail assembly for office accessories

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/304 162, filed Apr. 30, 1999.

[0003] This invention relates to a support rail assembly for mounting along the edge of a worksurface such as a table, or for mounting on an upright panel or wall adjacent the worksurface, which support rail assembly is adapted to mount thereon various work-related accessories in a location convenient to the user.

[0004] The modern office environment has ever increasing demands with respect not only to the availability of effective work space particularly in association with a worksurface, but also the efficient or effective utilization of space around a worksurface. The demands and space requirements for computers and telecommunication equipment, as well as the demands for various office tools or accessories which are typically supported on the top of a worksurface, generally result in excessive clutter on the worksurface thus limiting the available work space. In an effort to increase the available work space, attempts have been made to position many of the accessories or tools on adjacent supporting elements, such as by mounting the accessories on an adjacent wall. This alternative not only renders the wall structure more complex, but is not available in those situations where the worksurface is not disposed adjacent a wall. As a further alternative, some worksurface or table tops are provided with upright structures secured along the rear edge of the worksurface which project upwardly so as to provide additional storage compartments and the like, although even this alternative greatly increases the overall complexity of the worksurface arrangement and in particular significantly interferes with openness and visibility around the worksurface, thereby severely interfering either with aesthetics or team working functions. Constructions of this latter type also typically have little flexibility or adjustability.

[0005] In recognition of the disadvantages associated with conventional structures of the type briefly summarized above, the present invention relates to a support rail assembly which includes a generally horizontally elongated rail supported in upwardly spaced relationship from the worksurface by one or more upright support arms or stanchions, but alternatively can be supported from an adjacent wall or panel. The rail extends generally along the rear edge of the worksurface and defines therein a pair of slots which open outwardly through a common access opening or mouth. Various tools or accessories are readily mountable on or removable from the rail via the slots and mouth therein, and can be positioned essentially at any desired location longitudinally along the rail so as to greatly facilitate the convenient use thereof. In addition, the various accessories, such as document supporting trays, may be mounted on the rail at an angle with respect to the worker to provide optimum visibility of documents or other items supported thereon.

[0006] The present invention also relates to a support rail assembly including an elongated rail adapted for mounting an accessory thereon and a support arm connected to the worksurface for stationarily positioning the rail above the worksurface and generally along the rear edge portion thereof. The support rail assembly includes a mounting arrangement which enables the rail to be slidably and sidewardly mounted on the support arm to releasably but fixedly secure the rail thereto.

[0007] Further, the present invention relates to a support rail assembly including an elongated rail adapted for mounting an accessory thereon and an upright support arm having an upper end releasably connected to the rail to position same above the worksurface. The support rail assembly additionally includes a mounting arrangement for securing the support arm and rail to the worksurface, the mounting arrangement having a first leg portion which overlies the support arm and a second leg portion which projects under the worksurface. The first leg portion defines therein a slot which cooperates with a pin member which projects outwardly from the support arm and a fastening member is associated with the second leg portion and is adjustable to wedge the pin in the slot and fixedly but releasably secure the support arm and rail to the worksurface.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a support rail assembly including a horizontally elongated support rail defining a pair of slots in communication with one another and opening outwardly through a common access opening. An office-type accessory is supported in its entirety on the support rail to be free of supportive engagement with the worksurface via a mounting part which projects through the access opening and into one of the slots to secure the accessory to the support rail, and a support arm is disposed adjacent the rear edge of the worksurface for positioning the support rail thereabove. A mounting arrangement is also provided for removably mounting the support arm adjacent the rear edge of the worksurface.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention relates to a support rail assembly for use with a worksurface which includes an elongate support rail adapted for mounting an accessory thereon, an upright support rail having an upper end releasably connected to the support rail to stationarily position same above the worksurface and a lower end which bears upon the upper surface of the worksurface. A mounting arrangement is provided for securing support arm and support rail to the worksurface, which mounting arrangement includes a mounting structure having a first leg portion which overlies the rear edge portion of the worksurface and which engages a portion of support arm and a second leg portion fixed to the first leg portion and projecting from a lower end thereof so as to extend under the worksurface, and a fastening member associated with second leg portion and being adjustable to exert a generally downwardly directed force on first leg portion to secure the support arm and the support rail to the worksurface.

[0010] A further aspect of the invention relates to an office accessory arrangement for use with a worksurface having an enlarged upper surface. The arrangement includes an elongate support rail configured to mount an office-type accessory thereon so as to be free of supportive engagement with the worksurface, and a pair of freestanding uprights supported on the upper surface of the worksurface in sidewardly-spaced relation from one another. The uprights have upper ends configured for slidably releasably supporting the support rail thereon to position same in upwardly-spaced relation from the upper surface of the worksurface, and lower ends which respectively mount thereon base portions which project generally horizontally and forwardly from lower ends and bear upon the upper surface to support the respective uprights in a freestanding manner on the worksurface without the need for positive attachment thereto.

[0011] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a support rail assembly for use with a worksurface includes an elongate support rail adapted for mounting an accessory thereon, an upright support structure having an upper end slidably and releasably connected to the support rail and a lower end which bears upon the upper surface of the worksurface, the support structure defining a recess therein which opens generally sidewardly and rearwardly toward the rear edge portion of the worksurface. A clamping arm projects into the recess of upright support structure. A mounting bracket is provided and has a first leg which at one end is releasably engaged with the clamping arm and overlies the rear edge portion of the worksurface, and a second leg which is joined to an opposite end of the first leg and projects partially under the worksurface. The second leg rotatably mounts thereon an elongate fastening member which is adjustable so as to exert a generally downwardly directed force on the clamping arm to secure the upright support structure and support rail to the worksurface.

[0012] The desirable constructional and functional features of the present invention, as well as other operational advantages thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view which illustrates a fragment of a horizontally enlarged worksurface having a support rail assembly according to the invention mounted at a rear edge the e f;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view similar t FIG. 1 depicting the slidable mounting of the rail with port arm;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, end elevational view showing a document support tray mounted on the rail and additionally showing the rail mounted on the worksurface;

[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary view which illustrates the area of engagement between the document support tray he support rail;

[0017] FIG. 5 perspective view of the support arm and mounting an arrangement;

[0018] FIG. 6 is enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line 6—6 in FIG. 5;

[0019] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end cap taken generally along line 7—7 in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, sectional end elevational view of a modification of the support arm and mounting arrangement therefor;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further modification of the invention including a wall-mountable support rail assembly which illustrates a fragment of a horizontally enlarged worksurface and an adjacent wall;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary end elevational view of the wall-mountable support rail assembly of FIG. 9 with the arm cover removed;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a view of the wall-mountable support rail assembly taken generally along line 11—11 in FIG. 10 and including the arm cover;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a further modification of the invention including a wall panel-mountable support rail assembly which illustrates a fragment of a horizontally enlarged worksurface and an adjacent upright panel;

[0025] FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of the panel-mountable support rail assembly of FIG. 12 which illustrates a connector post of a wall panel system in cross-section;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally a long line 14—14 in FIG. 13;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 14, but illustrating a modified support bracket;

[0028] FIG. 16 is fragmentary, end elevational view showing a document support tray mounted on the rail and additionally showing the rail mounted on the worksurface by a further embodiment of the support arm and mounting arrangement;

[0029] FIG. 16A is a cross sectional view taken generally along line 16A—16A in FIG. 16;

[0030] FIG. 17 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the support arm and mounting arrangement of FIG. 16;

[0031] FIG. 18 is a rear elevational view of the support arm of FIG. 16,

[0032] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line 19—19 in FIG. 18;

[0033] FIG. 20 is an end elevational view of the support arm and a further mounting arrangement;

[0034] FIG. 21 is a respective view of the mounting arrangement of FIG. 20;

[0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective view which illustrates the rail supported adjacent an edge of the worksurface by a pair of the mounting arrangements of FIGS. 20-21; and

[0036] FIG. 23 is an end elevational view of the support arm and yet further embodiment of the mounting arrangement.

[0037] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly” and “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The word “front” will also be used to refer to the edge of the worksurface adjacent the worker and “rear” will refer to the edge which is normally remote from the worker. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

[0038] Referring to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated part of a generally horizontally oriented worksurface 11. The worksurface 11 defines thereon an enlarged and generally horizontal upper surface 12, with the worksurface 11 terminating in a longitudinally extending rear edge 13 which is remote from the side of the worksurface 11 which is normally closest to the worker. The worksurface 11 can be provided with legs (not shown) so as to function as the top of a table, or can be mounted on support arms which project outwardly from a wall 10 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3) which would be positioned closely adjacent the rear edge 13 of the worksurface 11. The worksurface 11 mounts thereon a support rail assembly 14 adjacent the rear edge 13. The support rail assembly 14 includes one or more support arms or stanchions 15 which mount on and project upwardly from the worksurface 11 and support a generally horizontally elongate support rail 16 adjacent the upper end thereof, which rail 16 is disposed in upwardly spaced relation from the worksurface 11 and extends generally longitudinally parallel to the rear edge 13 thereof.

[0039] The support rail 16 is of a generally shallow and inverted V-shape configuration in transverse cross-section, and includes a rear leg 20 which is generally horizontal in the front-to-back direction of the worksurface 11 (FIG. 3). This rear leg 20 in turn is joined to a front leg 21 which, as it projects forwardly from its junction with the rear leg 20, is angled downwardly so that the legs 20 and 21 define the shallow V-shape configuration. The rear leg 20 is defined by generally parallel and horizontal top and bottom walls 22 and 23, respectively, the latter being joined by a curved edge wall 24 at the rearward edges thereof. The walls 22 and 23 are vertically spaced so as to define a narrow slot 25 therebetween. This slot 25 extends lengthwise throughout the horizontal length of the rail 16 and in addition opens horizontally forwardly so as to terminate at a mouth 26. The top wall 22, on the bottom surface thereof, is provided with a small, downwardly projecting rib 30 which extends lengthwise of the rail and is disposed closely adjacent the rear closed end of the slot 25 for a purpose to be explained hereinafter.

[0040] The front leg 21 of the support rail 16 is of similar construction in that it is defined by spaced-apart and substantially parallel top and bottom walls 31 and 32, respectively, which are joined at their front edges by a curved edge wall 33. These walls thus define a slot 34 therebetween which extends lengthwise throughout the rail 16, and opens generally rearwardly through the mouth 26. The slot 34 preferably extends at an angle relative to both the horizontal and the vertical, whereas the slot 25 extends horizontally. The top wall 31, on the inner surface thereof, is also provided with a small rib 35 which extends lengthwise of the rail 16 and projects downwardly therefrom in the vicinity of the closed rear end of the slot 34.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the included angle defined by the front and rear legs 20 and 21 is preferably greater than 90° and may be between about 100° and about 130°, and in the illustrated embodiment is about 115°. The above angular values are presented only by way of example and other angles are within the scope of the invention.

[0042] The support rail 16 also has a rib 36 (FIG. 4) extending lengthwise thereof along the undersurface of the rail 16 substantially at the apex of the V as defined by the bottom walls 23 and 32. This rib 36 is of narrow width and projects outwardly only a limited extent, and at its outer end is joined to a lengthwise extending mounting rod 40 which is of increased cross-sectional size as compared to rib 36, and extends along substantially the entire length of the rail 16. The mounting rod 40 in the illustrated embodiment is generally cylindrical in cross-section.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the support rail 16 is supported in upwardly spaced relation along the rear edge 13 of the worksurface 11 by at least one, and typically two or more, support arms or stanchions 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the support arm 15 includes a main tower or body part 41 which bears on the upper surface 12 of the worksurface 11, and is cantilevered upwardly therefrom. This main body part 41 at its upper end terminates in front and rear support plates 42 and 43, respectively, which are angled with respect to one another and have upper surfaces which supportingly bear directly under the respective rail bottom walls 32 and 23 of rail 16. Rear support plate 43, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, defines therein a generally rectangular and rearwardly opening recess 43A.

[0044] The body part 41 additionally includes a generally cylindrical guide tube 44 fixed thereto and extending generally horizontally and in parallel relationship with the rear edge 13 and the lengthwise extent of support rail 16. The guide tube 44 defines therein a longitudinally extending and generally cylindrical channel or slot 45 which opens upwardly at an elongate and narrow access opening 46 defined by the opposed inner longitudinal edges of the front and rear support plates 42 and 43, and which slot 45 is also open at both ends. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 45 has a generally circular cross-section.

[0045] To secure the rail 16 and body part 41 together, the mounting rod 40 is sidewardly inserted into one of the open ends of slot 45 of guide tube 44 so as to be snugly supported therein, whereupon the rib 36 projects through the access opening 46 so that the bottom walls 32 and 23 of the front and rear legs 21 and 20 are thus positioned for respective engagement with the front and rear support plates 42 and 43.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the rod 40 may alternatively be provided on body part 41 between support plates 42 and 43 so as to project upwardly therefrom, and that the guide tube 44 may be provided along the underside of rail 16 so as to open downwardly.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 3, the body part 41 has a generally arcuate profile when viewed from an end thereof so as to project forwardly from the rear edge 13 of the worksurface 11 toward the front edge thereof.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the body part 41 includes a pair of generally parallel flanges 50 which project upwardly and extend along the rear side edges of body part 41. The flanges 50, along with an outwardly facing rear surface 51 (shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 3 and 4) of body part 41 together define a channel or recess 52 which extends along rear side of body part 41 for a purpose as discussed below.

[0049] The body part 41 is secured to the worksurface 11 by a generally L or J-shaped mounting part 53 (FIGS. 3 and 5). Mounting part 53 includes a generally vertically oriented leg 54 which is disposed in recess 52 between flanges 50 of body part 41 (FIG. 6), with the upper terminal edge 54A of leg 54 partially projecting into recess 43A of rear support plate 43. In this regard, the flanges 50 project outwardly from rear surface 51 by an amount similar to the thickness dimension of leg 54. Leg 54 overlies and is fixedly but removably secured to the rear surface 51 of body part 41 and has a shape which conforms to the generally arcuate configuration of rear surface 51. This securing of leg 54 to body part 41 is accomplished by at least one, and in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of generally cylindrical pins 55 securely mounted within body part 41 and having upper ends which project from the rear surface 51 of body part 41. The upper ends of pins 55 engage in correspondingly located and slightly elongated slots 56 which extend completely through leg 54 so as to permit fixed coupling of leg 54 to body part 41.

[0050] The vertical leg 54 extends downwardly so as to overlie the rear edge 13 of the worksurface 11 and has a small thickness which is a small fraction of the width of main body part 41 (as measured from front-to-rear) such that the rearward projection of the mounting arrangement is minimal. In one embodiment of the invention, the rearward projection of mounting arrangement is about equal to or less than one inch as measured rearwardly from the rear edge 13 of worksurface 11. The vertical leg 54 at its lower end terminates in and is rigidly joined to a generally horizontally projecting forward leg 60 which projects partially under the worksurface 11, and in the illustrated embodiment is spaced downwardly from the bottom 12A thereof. This forward leg 60 mounts thereon a manually adjustable fastening member 61, the latter being threadingly engaged with the forward leg 60 and at its lower end has an enlarged knob which can be manually gripped, or gripped by a tool, so as to enable the upper end of the fastening member 61 to move into clamping engagement with the bottom 12A of the worksurface 11 upon rotation of fastening member 61. This rotation of fastening member 61 exerts a downwardly directed force on legs 54 and 60 which serves to wedge the pins 55 against the upper edges of the respective slots 56 so as to secure the body part 41 tightly against the upper surface 12 of the worksurface 11.

[0051] The support arm 15 can be detached from the worksurface 11 by loosening fastening member 61 so as to disengage same from the underside 12A of the worksurface 11, and sliding the mounting part 53 slightly upwardly relative to the rear surface 51 of body part 41 to disengage the pins 55 from the upper edges of the respective slots 56 so as to allow pins 55 to pass therethrough as the mounting part 53 is moved away from the body part 41.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the opposite ends of the support rail 16 may be provided with a finished appearance by providing end caps 62 at the terminal ends of the rail 16. End caps 62 each include a generally horizontally extending V-shaped projection 63 which extends sidewardly into the sidewardly oriented open ends of the respective slots 25 and 34. The projections 63 include correspondingly located grooves therein (not shown) to accommodate ribs 30 and 35.

[0053] The rail 16 in the illustrated embodiment is formed in one piece, such as by being formed from a metal plate (for example, aluminum), which plate is appropriately deformed so as to define a hollow V-shaped wall which respectively defines the bottom walls 32 and 23 of the respective front and rear legs 21 and 20, with these bottom walls 32 and 23 then being bent through angles of about 180° so as to terminate in the respective top walls 31 and 22 which terminate short of one another so as to define the mouth 26 therebetween, which mouth 26 in turn communicates with the slots 34 and 25 defined between the spaced top and bottom walls of the respective rail legs 21 and 20.

[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates one type of accessory which may be utilized with the support rail assembly 14 according to the invention. The accessory illustrated in FIG. 3 is a document support tray 64 having a generally flat base or bottom wall 65, a pair of generally upright side walls 66 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 3), and a generally upright rear wall 70. Bottom wall 65 projects forwardly from rear wall 70 and terminates at a front edge portion 70A which dips slightly downwardly relative to the remainder of bottom wall 65.

[0055] With reference to FIG. 4, to secure the document support tray 64 to the support rail 16, the tray 64 has a mounting flange 71 associated with bottom wall 65 substantially centrally thereof. The flange 71 is spaced downwardly from bottom wall 65 by a small distance, and the flange 71 at one end (the forward end) is joined to the bottom wall 65 by an offset portion or leg 72 which extends generally vertically therebetween. The other or rearward end of the flange 71, as well as the side edges of the flange 71 are free of direct connection to the bottom wall 65 so that the flange 71 is cantilevered rearwardly from the offset portion 72 and thus functions similar to a stiff but resilient plate spring. The flange 71, adjacent the free end thereof, is provided with a raised rib 73 (or a detent channel) so as to create a detent-type engagement with the rib 30 of rear rail leg 20 when the support tray 64 is mounted on the support rail 16 as discussed in further detail herebelow.

[0056] Document support tray 64 may be constructed of a rigid but lightweight material and may be injection molded of a plastic material such as ABS, PP, or HDPE.

[0057] The document support tray 64 can be desirably supported on the support rail 16 by horizontally sliding the mounting flange 71 into the slot 25 of the rear rail leg 20 via mouth 26 so that the bottom wall 65 of the support tray 64 is securely and stably seated on the upper surface of the top wall 22, with this latter wall 22 being securely held between the bottom wall 65 and the mounting flange 71. The bottom wall 65 is properly positioned and seated on the support rail 16 when the mounting flange 71 is fully inserted into the slot 25 so that the front free edge of the top wall 22 substantially abuts the offset portion 72 and at the same time the rail rib 30 is located forwardly of the rib 73 so as to prevent accidental forward separation of the document support tray 64 from the support rail 16. As illustrated in FIG. 3, by positioning the flange 71 in the rear rail slot 25, the support tray 64 is oriented generally horizontally so as to permit, for example, stacking of documents thereon. Further, the support tray 64 can be readily positioned longitudinally along the rail 16 at any position convenient to the worker, for example by sliding same along the lengthwise extent of rail 16, or by removing the tray 64 and reinstalling same at the desired longitudinal position on rail 16 in the manner discussed above.

[0058] The support tray 64 may be rotated approximately 180° from the position illustrated in FIG. 3 to the position as indicated in dotted lines therein. More specifically, the support tray 64 may be supported on the upper surface of the front leg top wall 31 by fully inserting the mounting flange 71 into the front rail slot 34 so that the rear or upper edge of top wall 31 substantially abuts the offset portion 72 and at the same time the rib 35 of top wall 31 is located rearwardly or upwardly of rib 73. By positioning the mounting flange 71 in the front rail slot 34, the support tray 64 is oriented so as to angle upwardly and rearwardly away from the worker. This orientation of the support tray 64 is advantageous for supporting a document or documents (i.e., so that the lower edges thereof are supported on wall 70) so as to provide visual access to a document or other item supported on tray 64 from the vantage point of the worker who will typically be seated adjacent the front edge of the worksurface 11.

[0059] It will be appreciated that the above-discussed support tray 64 is presented only as an example of one type of accessory which may be mounted on the support rail 16, and other types of accessories may be utilized with the rail 16, provided that the accessory includes thereon a mounting member having a configuration capable of cooperation with the front and/or rear rail slots 34 and 25. Examples of such accessories usable in accordance with the invention are described in detail in copending application Ser. Nos. 09/304,161, 09/304,166, 09/304,163 and 29/104,256, all filed on Apr. 30, 1999, respectively entitled “SLOTTED DIVIDER ARRANGEMENT”; “GRIP CLIP”; and “RAIL-MOUNTED HANGING FILE ARRANGEMENT”; and “IN-OUT PAPER TRAY”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates a variation of a support arm for supporting the rail 16 in upwardly spaced relation along the rear edge of a worksurface 11A. The same reference numbers are utilized in FIG. 8 for components identical to those discussed above, and similar components to those discussed above are identified with the same reference numbers plus an “A”. The support arm or stanchion 74 shown in FIG. 8 includes a main tower or body part 75 having a lower and generally horizontally extending base portion 76 which bears upon and is supported by the upper surface 12A′ of the worksurface 11A. Base portion 76 defines therein a downwardly opening, generally semi-circular recess 77 adjacent the rear edge 78 thereof for a purpose as discussed below. Further, base portion 76 is secured to main body part 75 via a threaded fastener 79 which extends into base portion 76 from the rear edge 78 thereof.

[0061] The uppermost end of main body part 75 is essentially identical to the upper end of the support arm 15 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and cooperates with the support rail 16 in an essentially identical manner. That is, amin body part 75 includes front and rear support plates 42A and 43A which are angled with respect to one another and supportingly bear directly under the rail bottom walls 32 and 23, respectively. Main body part 75 also includes a guide tube 44A for cooperation with mounting rod 40 of rail 16.

[0062] The rear edge 13A of worksurface 11A (which worksurface is illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 8) has a recess 80 which extends inwardly toward the front edge of the worksurface 11A for a purpose as discussed below. Recess 80 is defined by a pair of opposed edge walls 81 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 8) and an elongate edge wall 82 which extends therebetween. This recess 80 may have a generally rectangular configuration when viewed from above, or may have other configurations such as an arcuate configuration. An elongate support bracket 83 extends longitudinally along and overlies the edge walls 81 and 82 along substantially the entire lengthwise extent of rear edge 13A. Bracket 83 has a generally J-shaped cross-section defined by front and rear walls 84 and 85 which are joined at their lower edges by a curved edge wall 86. Front and rear walls 84 and 85 along with edge wall 86 define an upwardly and sidewardly opening channel 90 which extends along the lengthwise extent of support bracket 83. The support bracket 83 is secured to worksurface 11A via a plurality of threaded fasteners such as screws 91 which extend through corresponding holes in the front wall 84 provided in suitable locations along the lengthwise extent thereof.

[0063] The uppermost terminal end of front wall 84 in the illustrated embodiment includes a lug 92 having a lower and generally flat surface 93 which bears upon the upper surface 12A′ of worksurface 11A, and an upper rounded surface 94 which engages in recess 77 of base portion 76. Preferably, the lug 92 extends along the entire lengthwise extent of support bracket 83 so that the support arm 74 can be mounted at any desirable longitudinal location along rear edge 13A.

[0064] The main body part 75 in the illustrated embodiment has a generally arcuate configuration when viewed from one end thereof so that same projects forwardly of the rear edge 13A of the worksurface 11A. Main body part 75 additionally includes a lowermost terminal end part 95 which mounts thereon one or more vertically extending and spaced apart ribs 96. The main body part 75 is secured to the worksurface 11A via the terminal end part 95 and ribs 96 which project downwardly into channel 90 between front and rear walls 84 and 85. The support bracket 83 is preferably constructed of a rigid extruded material, such as aluminum, and the width of channel 90 (in a front-to-back direction of worksurface 11A) is somewhat less than the combined thicknesses of the end part 95 and ribs 96 so that an interference-type fit is achieved when the lower end part 95 of main body part 75 is inserted into channel 90. Thus, to install the support arm 74 on the rear edge 13A of the worksurface 11A, the support arm 74 is lowered toward worksurface 11A and recess 77 of base portion 76 is positioned over lug 92 to engage same therein while simultaneously inserting the end part 95 and ribs 96 fully into channel 90.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the mounting arrangement (including the lower end part 95 and ribs 96 of main body part 75 and support bracket 83) projects rearwardly only partially into recess 80 of the worksurface 11A, so that cabling or wiring associated with various work-related items such as a computer or telecommunication equipment can be fed downwardly through recess 80, i.e. rearwardly of rear wall 85 of support bracket 83. In this regard, it is thus possible to position the rear edge 13A of worksurface 11A immediately adjacent a wall, if desirable or necessary, while still providing an access opening through which cables can pass. The same is true if the worksurface 11A is of a type which mounts directly to a wall panel of a conventional space-dividing panel.system.

[0066] It will be appreciated that the limited rearward projection of support arms 15 and 74 and also the associated mounting arrangements allows the support rail assembly according to the invention to be utilized either with a worksurface having a rear edge which lies closely adjacent a wall, or with a worksurface which is attached to a panel of a conventional space-dividing panel system. In addition, the mounting arrangements associated with the support arms 15 and 74 enable mounting of same from above and below the worksurface, which is particularly advantageous since the space between the rear edge of the worksurface and the associated wall or panel is often limited (and can typically be one inch or less), and this thus avoids having to move the worksurface away from the adjacent wall, or having to disconnect the worksurface from a panel. For example, with regard to the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the vertical leg 54 can be slid upwardly or downwardly (if space permits) between the rear edge 13 of the worksurface 11 and an adjacent wall 10 (FIG. 3) and the fastening member 61 can then be tightened from below the worksurface 11. With regard to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8, the support arm 74 is simply lowered toward the worksurface 11A from above until the lower end thereof is seated in bracket 83.

[0067] Alternatively, with regard to the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the mounting part 53 can be positioned sidewardly of edge 13 and moved laterally along edge 13 with leg 54 positioned slightly rearwardly of edge 13 and leg 60 positioned beneath worksurface 11. Once the mounting part 53 is located at the desired horizontal position along edge 13, the leg 54 can be fitted on arm 15 and fastening member 61 can then be tightened.

[0068] The support arms 15 and 74 discussed above may be constructed of a rigid material such as metal, for example, aluminum.

[0069] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a further variation of the support arm according to the invention, which includes a support arm or stanchion 100 for supporting the rail 16 in upwardly spaced relation along the rear edge of the worksurface 11B, which support arm 100 is mountable in a cantilevered manner from a wall 10 positioned adjacent the worksurface 11B. The same reference numbers are utilized in FIGS. 9-11 for components identical to those discussed above, and similar components to those discussed above are identified with the same reference numbers plus a “B”.

[0070] The support arm 100 includes a main body 102 which is cantilevered outwardly from wall 10. The main body 102 includes a generally flat top wall 103 which extends in a generally horizontal manner, a bottom wall 104 having a generally arcuate configuration which curves upwardly as it projects forwardly from the wall 10, a side wall 105, and front and rear walls 106 and 107 which extend between and interconnect the top, bottom and side walls.

[0071] The forward end of support arm 100 is essentially identical to the upper end of support arm 15 illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 and cooperates with the support rail 16 in an essentially identical manner. That is, the forward end of support arm 100 mounts thereon front and rear support plates 42B and 43B which are angled with respect to one another and supportingly bear directly under the rail bottom walls 32 and 23, respectively. Rear support plate 43B is positioned on top wall 103, and front support plate 42B is positioned along a lower angled portion 112 of front wall 106. Guide tube 44B interconnects front and rear support plates 42B and 43B and is secured to an outwardly opening and generally concave portion 113 of front wall 106 for cooperation with mounting rod 40 of rail 16.

[0072] The rear wall 107 of support body 102 in the illustrated embodiment is positioned inwardly of the rear edges 114, 115 and 116 of the respective side top and bottom walls 105, 103 and 104, and includes holes therein for receiving threaded fasteners 117, such as screws (FIGS. 10 and 11). The fasteners 117 in the illustrated embodiment are inserted into the wall 10 from the outwardly facing side of rear wall 107 so as to fixedly secure the support arm 100 to wall 10. Other types of fastenings may be utilized to secure the support arm 100 to the wall 10, and the above is presented as an example of one type of fastening which may be utilized.

[0073] To provide the support arm 100 with a finished appearance, an arm cover 118 may be provided as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. Cover 118 may be provided with a ring-like flange 119 which engages with the inwardly facing surfaces of the top, bottom front and rear walls to secure cover 118 to arm 100.

[0074] With reference to FIG. 9,,one or more support arms 100 may be mounted along the wall 10 to support the rail 16. The rail 16 is mounted on the support arms 100 in a similar manner as that discussed above with regard to the worksurface mounted support arms, and is usable with the document support tray 64 and other office-type accessories. In this regard, the support arm 100 preferably projects forwardly from the wall 101 a sufficient distance so as to permit the horizontal mounting of an accessory such as document support tray 64, for example as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the document support tray 64 may be rotated 180° and mounted so as to angle upwardly and away from the user typically positioned adjacent the front edge of the worksurface 11B.

[0075] FIGS. 12-15 illustrate an additional variation of a support arm 120 according to the invention, which support arm 120 is adapted for use with conventional panel-type space dividing systems 121 typically used to define individual work areas in an office-type environment. Components shown in FIGS. 12-15 which are similar to components discussed above have the same reference numbers plus an “A”. FIG. 12 shows the support arm 120 mounted in a cantilevered manner from an upright post 122 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 12) which is utilized to join two adjacent and upright panel members 123. The support arm 120 supports the rail 16 in upwardly spaced relation along the rear edge of a worksurface 124 which will typically be attached to at least one of the panel members 123.

[0076] The support arm 120 illustrated in FIGS. 12-15 is a two-piece component constructed of left and right vertical halves which are mirror images of one another, and which right half corresponds to the support arm 100 depicted in FIGS. 9-11. More specifically, the two vertical halves of support arm 120 are arranged and suitably fastened together so that the inner side edges abut one another to define top, bottom, front and rear walls 103A, 104A, 106A and 107A, respectively, with a pair of upright side walls 105A extending therebetween. The top, bottom, front, rear and side walls together define a generally hollow interior. The forward end of support arm 120 is essentially identical to the forward end of support arm 100 and cooperates with rail 16 in an essentially identical manner.

[0077] To securely but removably mount the support arm 120 to the post 122, a support bracket 125 is provided which is mounted in a generally upright manner to rear wall 107A (FIGS. 13 and 14). Support bracket 125 in the illustrated embodiment is preferably constructed of a rigid material such as metal, and includes: a front leg part 126 which overlies the rear wall 107A; a side leg part 127 joined to one end of front leg part 126 and projecting rearwardly therefrom in a generally perpendicular manner; a rear leg part 128 which projects from a rear end of side leg part 127 and is spaced from and generally parallel to front leg part 126; and a pair of vertically aligned hooks 129 which project rearwardly from rear leg part 128 and are generally perpendicular thereto. Front leg part 126 is securely attached by screws or other fasteners (not shown) to rear wall 107A. The hooks 129 engage within corresponding slots 130 formed within the connector post 122, which slots 130 are typically utilized to mount accessories such as shelves and extend in a vertical row along opposite sides of the connector post 122. One example of a space-dividing panel system which utilizes such connector posts is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,466, entitled “SEPARABLE POST/PANEL SYSTEM”, and also U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/185,689 entitled “POST-PANEL CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT”, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0078] To assemble the support arm 120 on the connector post 122, the hooks 129 are aligned with the slots 130 in post 122 and inserted thereinto, and the support arm 120 is then lowered so as to allow the hooks 129 to engage the lower end of slots 130. The rail 16 is mounted on forward end of support arm 120 in an essentially identical manner as discussed above.

[0079] The rigid and sturdy construction of the support arm 120 allows the use of a single support arm 120 for supporting the rail 16, which is advantageous since there is typically limited space associated with work areas defined by space-dividing panel systems. In this regard, rails 16 of varying lengths may be utilized depending upon the space requirements of the work area in accordance with this embodiment, and also the above-discussed embodiments. For example, rail lengths of approximately 24 to 30 inches or less may be supportable by a single worksurface-mounted support arm 15, 74, or a single wall-mounted support arm 100, 120, while rails of a greater length than about 30 inches would typically require two or more support arms.

[0080] FIG. 15 illustrates a modified support bracket which may be utilized with space-dividing panel systems in which the slots for mounting office accessories are located vertically along the edge rails which define the respective upright end edges of each panel member. One example of this type of panel system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,204 entitled “ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR WALL PANELS”, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. The upright edge rails of two adjacent panel members are typically connected to one another via an elongate fastening member and the adjacent edge rails, and thus the respective vertical rows of accessory slots, are spaced-apart from one another by a small distance. To accommodate this type of panel arrangement, the support bracket arrangement 135 depicted in FIG. 15 is embodied by a pair of generally L-shaped support members 136 and 137. The support members 136 and 137 each have a forward leg 140 which overlies rear wall 107A and is securely fastened thereto, and a pair of vertically aligned hooks 141 (essentially identical to hooks 129) which project outwardly from the inner end of the respective forward leg 140. The hooks 141 of support member 136 engage within correspondingly located slots (not shown) in the edge rail of a panel member, and the hooks 141 of the support member 137 engage in the mating edge rail of an adjacent panel member. Thus, the support arm 120 including support brackets 136 and 137 mounted thereon is assembled to the panel members by aligning the hooks 141 with the corresponding slots in the adjacent upright edge rails, and then lowering the support arm 120.

[0081] With regard to both types of support brackets 125 and 135 discussed above, if a particularly lengthy rail 16 is desirable or necessary, it will be appreciated that additional support arms 120 may be utilized to support same, and may be mounted on adjacent upright connector posts 122 utilizing support bracket 125 in the manner described above, or alternatively the support arms 120 may be mounted on adjacent pairs of edge rails of mating panel members utilizing support bracket arrangement 135.

[0082] It will be appreciated that the support arm 100 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 may alternatively be provided with hooks similar to hooks 129 and 141 for mounting on a panel member as discussed above, and one or more of such support arms may be provided to support the rail 16.

[0083] Further, it will be appreciated that the support arms 100 and 120 depicted in FIGS. 9-15 may be constructed of a rigid, lightweight metal, such as aluminum. In addition, the support arm 120 shown in FIGS. 12-15 in the illustrated embodiment is constructed of mating, mirror-image halves as discussed above, however, the support arm 120 may instead be constructed as a one-piece member.

[0084] FIG. 16 illustrates a variation of a support arm for supporting rail 16 in upwardly spaced relation along the rear edge of a worksurface 11. The same reference numbers are utilized in FIG. 16 for components identical to those discussed above, and similar components to those discussed above are identified with the same reference numbers with the suffix “C”. One or more support arms or stanchions 15C mount on and project upwardly from the worksurface 11 and support the support rail 16 adjacent the upper end thereof.

[0085] With reference to FIGS. 16-18, the two-piece support arm 15C includes a main tower or body part 151 which at a lower end thereof bears on the upper surface 12 of worksurface 11 and cantilevers upwardly therefrom, and a clamping arm or foot 183. The body part 151 terminates at its upper end in front and rear support plates 42C and 43, respectively, which are angled with respect to one another and have upper surfaces which supportingly bear directly under the respective rail bottom walls 32 and 23. The front plate 42C has at least one threaded aperture which receives a threaded fastener or set screw 154 therein. The fastener 154 extends upwardly through the aperture and is rotatably adjustable so as to bear upon the opposed bottom wall 32 of the rail 16. The fastener 154 presses upwardly against the rail 16 but the mounting rod 40 positioned in the slot 45 holds the rail on the main body part 151. In this position, the fastener 154 securely but releasably fastens the rail 16 relative to the support arm 15C thereby preventing the rail 16 from rocking and/or sliding horizontally relative thereto. With the fastener 154 in a lowered position where same is spaced from the lower surface of bottom wall 32, the rail 16 can be horizontally slidably positioned relative to the support arm 15C.

[0086] With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the body part 151 has a generally arcuate profile when viewed from the side thereof so as to project upwardly and forwardly from the rear edge 13 of the worksurface 11 toward the front edge thereof.

[0087] With reference to FIGS. 17-19, the body part 151 includes a pair of opposed and upright side walls 161, 162 joined at the forward edges thereof by a short web 163 and spaced apart at the rear edges thereof. The side walls and web 161, 162 and 163 thus define a rearwardly open and elongate recess or slot 164, which is generally triangular-shaped in transverse cross-section. The upper ends of side walls 161, 162 are fixed to the support plates 42C, 43. In the illustrated embodiment, a buttress 166 is fixed to the web 163 and projects rearwardly therefrom so as to effectively bisect the included angle defined by the side walls 161, 162. The buttress 166 is semi-cylindrical and extends generally perpendicularly to the guide tube 44 and slot 45 to supportingly reinforce the plates 42C, 43 intermediate the side walls 161, 162.

[0088] A bottom wall 168 is fixed at the lower ends of side walls 161, 162 with the rear edge of the bottom wall being recessed forwardly of the aligned rear edges of the side walls and with the top surface of the bottom wall being generally parallel to the upper surface 12 of the worksurface 11. The bottom wall 168 has one or more fastener-receiving recesses 171 opening through the lower surface thereof for a purpose as discussed further below.

[0089] The rearwardly open recess 164 of body part 151 removably accommodates therein a clamping arm or foot 183 having an outer profile or shape which is similar to the shape of recess 164. In the illustrated embodiment, arm 183 defines therein a pair of keyhole-shaped slots 188 which extend completely through a vertically oriented rear wall 188A and communicate with a downwardly opening recess 185 defined within arm 183.

[0090] FIGS. 16, 16A and 17 illustrate a mounting arrangement for securing the support arm 15C and rail 16 to the worksurface which cooperates with clamping arm 183. This mounting arrangement includes a generally J-shaped mounting part 181 defined by a generally vertically oriented leg 184 which is generally planar and has a minimal thickness. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg 184 defines therein a pair of threaded and sidewardly spaced apertures 186 adjacent the free end thereof, which apertures 186 respectively receive mounting pins such as threaded fasteners 187 therein so that same project generally horizontally and forwardly from leg 184.

[0091] The vertical leg 184 extends downwardly so as to be sidewardly adjacent or positioned in juxtaposed relation with the rear edge 13 of worksurface 11 and at its lower end terminates in and is rigidly joined to a generally forwardly projecting horizontal leg 189. Leg 189 defines a threaded aperture therein adjacent its free end through which a manually adjustable fastening member 191 is received. Member 191 has a manually or tool engagable knob 193 at its lower end and a wobble contact plate 194 secured at the upper end for contact with the lower surface 12A of worksurface 11.

[0092] The arm 15C is mounted to the worksurface 11 as follows. Leg 184 is moved behind the rear edge 13 of the worksurface 11 with the horizontal leg 189 and fastening member 191 positioned beneath the lower surface 12A of the worksurface 11. This positioning of leg 184 behind rear edge 13 can be achieved, for example, by positioning mounting part 181 below the worksurface 11 and then moving leg 184 (without fasteners 187 connected thereto if the space behind rear edge 13 is extremely limited, for example) upwardly along rear edge 13 and intermediate the side edges of worksurface 11. Alternatively, leg 184 can be positioned so that same is generally parallel to and spaced slightly rearwardly of the rear edge 13 and outwardly of a side edge of the worksurface 11. The leg 184 can then be slid laterally along the rear edge 13 into the desired position. The support arm 15C with the clamping arm 183 resting upon the upper surface of bottom wall 168 (so that rear wall 188A faces upper leg 184) is then moved rearwardly toward upper leg 184 and the enlarged heads of the pins 187 are inserted into the enlarged upper areas of the respective keyhole slots 188 of clamping arm 183. Clamping arm 183 is now positioned above the worksurface 11 to such an extent that the bottom wall 168 of arm 15C is positioned vertically between the arm 183 and the upper surface 12 of worksurface 11. Thereafter, the knob 193 is rotated causing fastening member 191 to advance upwardly toward the lower surface 12A of the worksurface 11. Once the upper end of member 191 or plate 194 contacts the lower surface 12A of the worksurface 11, continued rotation of the fastener 191 will cause the clamping arm 183 to move downwardly against wall 168 (which causes the shafts of pins 187 to move downwardly into the narrow lower portions of the respective slots 188). In the installed state, the bottom wall 168 and worksurface 11 are clamped between arm 183 and plate 194.

[0093] It will be appreciated that although in the illustrated embodiment pins 187 are removably mounted on leg 184 for convenience in assembly, particularly when limited space is available between the rear edge 13 of the worksurface 11 and an adjacent fixed wall or portable wall panel, alternatively, one or more pins may be permanently attached to leg 184 since the horizontal projection of pins 187 from leg 184 is relatively small and in many cases would still permit insertion of leg 184 upwardly between the rear edge 13 of worksurface 11 and an adjacent upright wall or panel.

[0094] It will be appreciated that pins 187 may instead be mounted on rear wall 188A of arm 183 so as to project horizontally outwardly therefrom and slots 188 may be provided in leg 184 of mounting part 181. Further, arm 183 may also be fixed to, or a permanent part of mounting part 181 to provide same with a generally C-shaped configuration, however, this arrangement would be somewhat disadvantageous from an assembly standpoint since the horizontal projection of arm 183 would present difficulties when space between the worksurface edge and an adjacent wall is limited, for example.

[0095] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, a further structure for mounting the support arm 15C on the worksurface 11 is shown. An elongate base or foot 201 is fixed to the lower end of the support arm 15C and rests or bears upon the upper surface 12 of worksurface 11. More specifically, the base 201 includes a recess 203 that is generally shaped like the outer profile of the lower end of support arm 15C and the arm 15C rests therein. One or more through apertures 204 are positioned along the longitudinal center axis of the base 201 for receiving a fastener 206 therethrough. The fastener 206 engages within respective fastener-receiving recesses defined in the support arm to fix the base 201 to the lower end of the support arm 15C such that same engages within recess 203 of base 201. In this assembled state, the base 201 extends forwardly of the support arm 15C with its forwardmost point projecting horizontally and forwardly beyond the support plates 42C, 43 located at the upper end of the support arm 15C. The base 201 rests on the upper surface 12 of the worksurface 11 and may have nonmarring feet 208 on the bottom thereof to prevent scuffing or/damage to upper surface 12.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 22, two or more support arms 15C each with a base 201 mounted thereon may be used, in one embodiment of the invention, as freestanding units without positive attachment to the worksurface 11. Such freestanding units support the rail 16 in upwardly spaced relation from the worksurface 11 (on which accessories can be mounted as discussed above) with a minimal footprint on the upper surface 12 of the worksurface 11. These freestanding units thus are easily removed from the worksurface 11 when desired. In the alternative, if the accessory mounted to either the support arm 15C or rail 16 is large or top heavy, for example a storage cabinet as disclosed in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/561 397, entitled “Storage Cabinet Removably Mounted on a Worksurface by Support Stanchions” and filed on Apr. 28, 2000, then the support arms 15C, each with a base 201, can also be positively attached or clamped to the worksurface 11. This clamping of the support arms 15C is achieved in the manner described above, i.e. with clamping arm 183 and mounting part 181.

[0097] With reference to FIG. 23, a further structure for mounting support arm 15C on a worksurface is shown which cooperates with the worksurface in a manner similar to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8. A terminal end part or angled bracket 210 is fixed to the lower end of the support arm 15C and secures support arm 15C to the worksurface 11A. Specifically, bracket 210 includes a base portion 211 having one or more (and here two) vertical through apertures 212 defined therein, and a vertical leg 213 extending generally perpendicularly to base portion 211. Fasteners (not shown) extend upwardly through respective apertures 212 and are received in the respective recesses 171 of bottom wall 168 thereby fixing the bracket 210 to support arm 15C with leg 213 extending downwardly from the adjacent rear edge of support arm 15C. Leg 213 is generally planar except for a rearwardly protruding, horizontally extending rib 215 adjacent a free lower end thereof.

[0098] The support arm and bracket assembly 15C and 210 are secured to the worksurface 11A by inserting the limb 213 into bracket 83C. More specifically limb 213 is downwardly inserted into the upwardly open channel 90C defined between the front and rear walls 84C and 85C and curved edge wall 86C (which closes the lower edge of the channel) of the bracket 83C. As described above, the bracket 83C is fixed by a fastener 91C to the rear edge 13A of the worksurface 11A. The horizontal projection of rib 215 is somewhat greater than the width of the channel 90C (as measured in front-to-back direction of worksurface 11A) so that an interference-type fit is achieved when leg 213 and rib 215 are inserted into the channel 90C. This interference fit holds the bracket 210 and arm 15C in place on the upper surface 12A of the worksurface 11A.

[0099] The support arm 15C and mounting structures discussed above are preferably constructed from a rigid material such as metal, for example aluminum. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to construct these elements from other sufficiently rigid materials, for example rigid plastics.

[0100] Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.