Modular furniture.

This invention relates to. furniture and, in a more particular way, to a modular office furniture.

After years of designing furniture and office equipment on a purely functional basis, designers have realized that the use of advanced technology does not necessarily emphasize maximum productivity. On the contrary, people are more productive when, in addition to using mobi • · · · · · · · · · · ·

Xiario and modern devices, are motivated by psycho-physical conditions agxopied. Thus, the functional aspect of an office, even though it is necessary, is not enough. .....

* »· · · · ·

It is well known that human behavior * is influenced by environmental conditions. The disonado- · *.

. ' Modern office systems can solve functional problems, but they must also create conditions that psychologically induce "a." *.

• · · · worker's productivity. It can be achieved by giving each *. ·.

• · ·.

employee feeling of security and importance, both from the individual point of view and that of an element of the group to which it belongs.

The main task of the furniture designer is to create a personal workplace or habitat that avoids uniformity and monotomir .. At the same time, the furniture must be flexible to ensure maximum freedom in the organization of a department. In summary, the furniture must be designed to adapt the workplace to the individual in any office space.

The office furniture of the present invention offers a very high degree of freedom in the placement of furniture in the swords of an office. It is achieved by designing and manufacturing the furniture components in a number of interchangeable and interopen modules. While offering all the advantages,

-2d © the modular construction, the furniture of the present 'ijrven ·. · ·:

tion also offers maximum employee independence, both from an individual and collective point of view. For.

_to · · Further improve the psychological well-being of employees, the **** • · · · · · modules are statically pleasing.

According to the present invention, the basic element of the modulser construction is a structural stringer element 6b * n • • • • • • • integrated electrical installation. '··' • · · ·

To adapt it to the needs of realization.eLél · -t¿a. · · ·. · · Low and other human factors, several elements of length can be rigidly joined in a longitudinal and / or lateral direction by means of appropriate connecting elements to create the best possible arrangement that adapts to the circumstances of the moment. The spar elements comprise gutters for the installation of electrical power cables and control to the point of use in an efficient manner and without obstruction.

Stringer elements are supported by as many modular vertical supports as necessary. The vertical supports can be placed almost anywhere under the stringers. The vertical supports comprise a variety of attractive seating configurations that are adapted to the placement of the supports and 8 aesthetic requirements. The vertical supports are rigidly fastened to the elements of the roof by solid, easily assembled modular brackets and brackets. The vertical supports comprise pear channels

-3a to take the services of electrical energy and control from the outlets of the room to the elements of horizontal beams, thus eliminating the clogging of cables by the edges of. *

*. · ·.

the work surfaces. The work surfaces are ..pr.ej -... available in various sizes and modular shapes. They are designed to adapt them to the stile configurations, a ·, les.

• · C · · that are mounted rigidly by forks and modular brackets.

• ·. ·

The work surface modules are manufactured in a variety of attractive materials, including wood, glass, and plastic. To minimize the exposure of the wiring to electrical appliances, the work surfaces • •.

they contain suitably located so that the conductors pass from the stringer elements to the strings.

The modular construction of the furniture of the present invention comprises cabinets for keeping objects and files that are rigidly suspended from the stringer elements by modular suspension components. Cabins can be placed ca. if in any convenient place along the stringer elements. They are manufactured in different sizes, shapes and materials. The office furniture of the present invention also comprises numerous attractive modular accessories, such as sections for data processing, electrical service modules, light fixtures, telephone sets, and trays for documents. The modular construction of the components of

-4movable allows a great flexibility when combining the cjiv ^ r * · •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The rigidity of the stringer elements and other structural components · '·.' assures them that the furniture system offers stable and pleasant "def · · · · · work sections. In addition, the modular construction allows changes to be made quickly and easily to adapt ... ·, · · · the furniture in exchange without the needs of the staff. '·' .. · '

Other objects and advantages of the invention will result

». ·······.

evident in the following description in which the following is made:.

• ·.

• · · ·

Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a combined combination of office furniture modules of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view taken along the lines of section 2-2- of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top view of a longitudinal connection between two longitudinal members of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a view taken along section lines 4-4 of Figure 3 ·

Figure 5 is a top view of a lateral connection between two modular length elements.

Figure 6 is a view taken along section lines 6-6 of Figure 5 ·

-5 Figure 7 is a top view of a connection. J. ateral between three modular elements of larguro.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken through the · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · vertical component of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a view taken along section lines 9-9 of Figure 8. * ···· .. '.

• s · • · ·

Figure 10 is a view taken along the * á lines * · · · of section 10-10 of figure 1. ·· .. *.

Figure 11 is a view taken along the. l <ss • • of section 11-11 of figure 10.

• · · ·

Figure 12 is a view taken along the * VP^easof section 12-12 of figure 1.

Figure 13 is a view taken along the cut lines 13-13 of Figure 1; Y

Figure 14 is a view taken along the cut lines 14-14 of Figure 13 «

Although the description set forth herein has sufficient detail and accuracy for the person skilled in the art to be able to practice the invention, the described physical embodiments merely serve as an example of the invention that can be incorporated into another specific structure. The

The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. '·' * ·

Figure 1 represents a combination of a number _to«» Of almost infinite combinations possible with the modules that we had ·; turn on the office furniture of the present invention ·. · The · ·., ·. The basic element of all combinations of modules is a generally horizontal strut element 1. The element. d * e, the eagle serves as a fundamental structural unit that links the modules to a rigid and integrated set. The .'e'fcejnen • O • • • • • • • "stringer coughs can be straight or curved. You can .Confine the desired number of beams in straight, curved and laterally joined sections. The versatility of the placed 4 '. of

*. * · · · The stringer elements allow maximum flexibility to design a furniture configuration that follows the work program and meets the employee's environmental needs.

The members of stringer 1 are supported on the ground by a plurality of vertical supports 51 "The vertical supports can be placed under the stringer elements and attached thereto virtually anywhere, thus complementing the flexibility of the elements of the stringer. crossbar·

The variations of the basic vertical support include the number and placement of the feet. For example, the vertical supports 55 have two feet. The vertical support 55 has one foot and the vertical support 57 comprises simply a support column

-7vertical without or is it.

* · ·

Figure 1 illustrates six modular work surfaces 501 that can be rigidly connected to the stringer elements 1 in virtually any convenient location. The work surface is designed in conjunction with the stringer elements ** to effectively utilize the office space.

wearable, taking into account the psychological needs * · · · of the emepleadcs. In figure 1, the six surfaces · <ié tra · · k * low comprise four different modules; that is: two motees.

• · ·.

rectangular 503, two working surfaces of keypad · 505 ',' · •

a round head working surface 507 and a superturface for keyboard apparatus 510 associated with each key tread surface 305. Although the work surface can be placed almost anywhere on the spar elements, normally the edges of the adjacent work surfaces are butted together. · In figure 1, the work surfaces are represented with spaces of separation between them for clarity of illustration, although it is understood that the work surfaces not attached to stop are also included within the intention of the present invention. Some work surface modules are intended to receive a variety of functional service modules and

attractive For example, the work surface 503 and 305 with have one or more identical openings into which a light apparatus module 151 or other module can be inserted · If it is not ne ««

If the light apparatus or other module is required, an attractive cover plate 309 is placed in the opening of the supraphile. «I work for you.

In addition to supporting work surface 301, the * * • · · · ·. v * · · "stringer elements 1 may also carry one or more rows of cabinets or drawers 201. The cabins or drawers are rigidly suspended from the stringer elements by means of suspension modu * * • • • • • • • • 203. Roofing device surfaces • · »·

310 are suspended from the spar elements in a * if- * form.

z · "*. · · · Similar to the suspension of the cabins or drawers. · · *. *

Turning now to figure 2, the census "· ·" traction of the modular stringer elements 1 will be described. Each stringer element comprises generally parallel rectangular tubular stringers 3 separated by generally U-shaped plates 5 and united by them The stringers 3 can be straight or curved. The plates 5 are preferably shorter than the stringers 3, so two or more plates are usually used with each stringer per. In the illustrated embodiment, the spars are fabricated with depressions 29 and 30 in the upper and lower walls, respectively. The preferred material for the lengths and plates is the sidewalk, so the plates are usually welded to the lengths. It will be seen in figure 2 that the depth of the stringers is relatively large compared to the width.

-9X A way of joining the two stringer elements 1 is illustrated in figures 3 and 4. Only tubular stringer 5 of each adjacent stringer element would be illustrated, because both stringers 3 are joined in the same way · A co-element.

........ Z.

Nexion 7 has a opposite side of four-sided tabs 9 which fit inside the longitudinal members. The tabs • • • • • • extend from a central bus 11 that has a perimeter • • • that corresponds in general to the external dimensions of the * · · ».

stringers. To connect two stringer elements lon ^ itudifel · '·' · · * *.

The tongues of the connecting element 7 are inserted into adjacent spars and the spars are joined until their spans. In order to securely fasten the beams to the connecting element, a key with head 15 8 is inserted through a slotted opening 15 in the upper and lower walls of each spar and a corresponding slot. 17 on the tabs. The grooves 17 are tapered inward from the opposite surfaces of the tongue. This decreasing section helps to create a strong and rigid bond between adjacent beam members. To disarm a union and unify a combination of stringer elements, it is simply necessary to remove the cha "" veins 15 and strip? of the stringers separating them from the connecting elements?

Figures 5 and 6 show the lateral joining of two stringer elements 1 and 1 'placed at an angle of 90 ° ·

Two angle brackets 19, each having a tongue 21 and using clamp 25, are used to rigidly join the stringer element 1 * to the stringer member 1 in any desired position along the length of the loughether. of the element, stringer 1 »Ies Tabs 21 are inserted in the interior-« the stringers 5 * until the ends of the stringers impinge * on ·. · * ·. * The lugs of the angled clamps 25 · Chaves are used 13 to rigidly fix the angle clamps on the. stringers 3 * «as described above in relation to • · ♦« «e the longitudinal connection elements .7. rare fasten them open angle * 7 • • angle elements 7 the stringer element 1 * to the element of * * *. * Stringer 1, each clamp 23 is provided with a hook'2V which * · *> '· * **.

coincides, with a superior depression of the crossbar 29 y'ftn * pxs * * ► r »opposite the hook 27 · Ceda foot contains a hole rosqqdp • *.

in which a screw 33 is placed. If the screw has the necessary size to adapt to the lower depression of the spar 30 · When the screws 35 are tightened, the ridge is compressed between the hooks 7 and the screws, thus rigidly joining the elements of stringer 1 7 1 * ·

The reference numeral 34 indicates a tray for pens that can be inserted in a detachable manner between the stringers 3 in a space of separation between * adjacent work surfaces, as indicated in figure 1.

Figure 7 illustrates a side connection element 35 for joining three stringer elements 1 intersecting at an angle of 120 ° · The connecting element comprises three short heather elements 36 and a plate of three projections 57 which are similar in size to vertical cross section to Is place in the form of Ü 5 * 9 (see Figure 2). Each short arm element 56 is "welded" by welding a plate 5 between two short sections 39 of the normal spar gnration near one end of the sections.

nes. The other ends of the short arm sections * are ** - suels * face the plate 57 · For the short arm elements 56 to fit together in an aesthetic way, the butt joint ends are made with bevels 43. The connection between the lateral connecting element 35 and the stringer elements 1 is / hjsce co_w · * * * ·· * «mo has been described previously, that is, using element d &

»» »* · _ Connection 7 and keys 13, (see figures 3 and 4). '

It will be understood that a vertical support 51 will normally be placed under the connecting element 35 "Pars that can lead the lead wires from the vertical support to the arm members, as will be described in more detail later" openings 45 are provided on the plate . Although not described in detail herein, it is evident that a lateral connecting element for joining four stringer elements that intersect at a 90 ° angle is within the scope of the present invention.

To improve the appearance of the stringer elements 1, a resilient decorative cover 49, illustrated in Figure 14, is pressed under the open ends of the stringers 50, which will be seen in Figure 1.

The construction of the vertical supports 51 for supporting the modular furniture of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. The structural elements that support the weight of the beams 1 and the work surfaces 301 comprise a nedestal 61, two columns 63 a fork 65 and ^ P^s · Brackets 66 and 67 · If vertical support can be provided with one or more feet 68 · £ 1 preferable material for vertical structural support elements is the sinminium « _t

Column 63 is preferably constructed as a tube * _Λ · Rectangular with relatively thin walls 69. The lower ends of the walls of the column fit over the salisan "·. · ·>

raised rectangular sections 71 formed on the pedestal 61. io's- 'upper ends of the walls of the column are just on rectangular projections extended downwards 73 on the keel 65 · To join the fork, the pedestal and the columns in a bonded unitary structure, a long screw 75 is inserted into the pedestal and the fork, with the fork having a rose-colored hole to accommodate the screw thread ·

The fork-65 comprises a channel 76 defined by a per side of sides 77 and a floor 78. The sides 77 s® join by a point SO and have vertical surfaces facing each other 79 spaced distance slightly larger than the space between the vertical surfaces outside of the stringer element 1 · In this way, the stringer element rests on the ground 78 of the strut 80 and adapts with enough slack in the channel 76 · To rigidly position the longitudinal fork

-13 and laterally on the stringer element, the fork is constructed with two pairs of separate vertical lugs 81 which are inserted into correspondingly separate slots 47 in the lower walls of the 5p long legs, two lugs projecting into each other.^one* * - 9 * · gives stringer. The grooves 47 are similar to the grooves 15 previously described for longitudinally joining two elements.

- J of largnero; they are located at separate intervals along the "*" stringers.

A flat horizontal surface 85 will be machined to,.;

upper end of each side 77 · Surfaces 85 offernspo.

I to the brackets 66 and 67 through the surfaces inferió? »

Corresponding Vs 85 of the brackets. The brackets 66 and / 67 •>

they are practically identical in construction, except for the length of the wing portions 91 and 95, respectively; therefore, it is considered sufficient to give a description of a bracket. The surfaces 85 are machined in the lower parts of the sides 84, which have vertical surfaces 86 corresponding to vertical surfaces of the fork 79 · To longitudinally position the brackets to the element of the fork.

2nd stringer 1, each bracket has a pair of lugs extended below 8? projecting from the horizontal surface 88 into corresponding spaced slots 48 in the upper walls of the longitudinal members 5 · The screws 89 join the fork and the brackets together. In this way, the stringer element is vertically restricted on its surface

-14 upper 88 and the floor 78 and restricted longitudinally and laterally by the lugs 81. The brackets are restricted vertically by the surfaces 85 and the screws 89 and longitudinally and laterally by the jets 87. The screws 95 join the su • • • · · Recess surface 501 to the bracket.

The versatility of the modules allows a vertical support 51 to be placed in the longitudinal connection of two larguero elements 1. In order to carry out this operation, the fork 65 and the brackets 66 and 67 are used instead of the connection elements 7 and the keys 15 , figures 3 and 4, to longitudinally join two stringers elements in addition to supporting vertiealm.eñte the • elements of the stringer.

• · ·

If desired, the vertical supports 51 can.-purchase • one or more feet 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the feet are fabricated as thin-walled box structures, preferably aluminum. If two feet are used, each one is welded to a column 65 7, of this moUQ, they serve for the functional purpose of giving greater stability to the vertical support.

If aa wish to use more than two feet, two will weld the column and the additional feet will be attached to the pedestal 61 by a known dovetail device, not illustrated, to offer an attractive but non-functional appearance.

Although the present invention offers great flexibility in the placement of the vertical supports 51, the joining of a work surface 501 to a stringer element 1 does not remain

-15limitsdo 8 the position of the vertical supports · The brackets 66 and 67 can be used with a modified fork to hold a work surface at intermediate points in the vertical supports · The modified fork is very similar to the fork 65, but they are omitted the ledges 73 directed. · to the ahajo, so that the lower contour of the fork. follow the imaginary line 96 of figure 8.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the modules are designed to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance, in the preferable construction of the vertical supports 51, the "structural elements 63 and 68 are covered by dps. Types" of embellishments that increase notably the attractiveness of the vertical • The first type of embellisher is * úh ele- * · · · ** · · · ment hollow columnar 97 composed of a vertical section. 7 7 a foot section 101. The interior of the hollow vertical section 99 has the size and shape necessary to fit over the column 63 and the foot section 101 fits over the "top and sides of foot 68. Each interior wall 102 of hollow section 99 terminates above and below, respectively, of the projections 71 7 73 of the pedestal 61 7 the fork 65 »respectively · The second type of trim is relatively flat and covers the length of the column 63, indicated by the reference numeral 105, figurs 9. Emb1 trim 103 comprises hooks 105 protruding inside 107 if vertical support · Hooks 105 are flexibly attached to rails 105

-Shoes 109 formed on the inside sides of the hue trim. co 97 · To further improve the appearance of the vertical supports, the trims 105 are recessed in steps 111 of the trims 97 7 corresponding steps in the fork • ·

65 · If you wish to use 5 or 4 feet, the non-functional feet are incorporated in a decorative trim similar to * 1-a * «foot section 101. emb1 trim 103 is then modified to finish the top surface of the foot section no.f & pcionsl.

Simply by way of illustration, the exterior decorative surfaces of the 97 7 103 trims can have the shape of grooves or grooves 113. The preferable material for the trims is a strong but flexible plastic • • • •

In order to serve for functional purposes, the work surface 301 can have a wide variety of sizes and shapes, as indicated in more detail in Figure 1. However, all work surfaces are mounted on the members of spar 1 for the fork € 5 or a modified fork and brackets 66 and 6 ?, as described above as illustrated in figures 6 and 9 «The work surfaces are made of attractive materials and functional, including smoked glass, wood and plastic laminates. A particularly attractive working surface »is composed of a plastic laminate with a removable decorative wooden bezel 519 which is fastened to the edges of the working surfaces by means of eapi gas 321 and corresponding holes,

-17 The stringer elements 1 are sufficiently strong and rigid to hold the filing cabinet 201 suspended therefrom, figure 1. The suspension mechanism 205 is illustrated in more detail in figures 10 and 1L Each stringer 3 supports an element of suspension 205 that has a hook 07 * on its upper end. The suspension element is constructed with projections 209 having a generally vertical opening for the housing of the screw 211. The head of the screw *** 3e rests against the projection. The threads are fitted into a transverse threaded hole in a pin 213 having grooves • · ·

214 that are housed in slots of holgara 215 in the patsrs / separates.

217 of the suspension element. The pin 213 is also fitted with openings 219 in the vertical walls of a rod * 1.221.

• * ·

The lower wall 223 of the channel is fastened to the upper wall 225 of the filing cabinet 201 by means of clamping elements of the normal type, for example screw and nut assemblies 227 ·

To suspend the filing cabinet 201 of the larg element, ro 1, the filing cabinet is attached to the channel 221 · The pins 213 are inserted through the openings of the trouser 219 · The hooks 207 are placed in the upper depressions 29 of the stringers 3 · The filing cabinet is raised using any convenient method up to a short distance from the underside of the stringer element 1, so that the slot 215 of the suspension element 205 is placed on the grooves of the pins 214. A screw 211 is then inserted through of the opening

-18 on the projection 209 of cade suspension element to be coupled to the corresponding weigher thread. When the screws are tightened they raise the channel and the filing cabinet until the super ·. · * ·:

Upper surface 229 of the channel makes contact with the underside • · · ·>

of the stringer element. At this point, as the screws are tightened, the suspension mechanism is rigidly fastened to the stringer element.

Can the file cabinet be easily repositioned in another position along the stringer element by loosening the screws 211 slightly and sliding the filing *? and the • · suspension mechanism along the stringer element • ·.

until a new position. When retightening again, the stiffener is rigidly fastened to the stringer element. A slight modification of the suspension mechanism 205 of FIGS. 10 and 11 allows the stringer member 1 to have a surface for keyboard apparatus 310 suspended. As shown in FIG. 1, 1 surface for keyboard apparatus is used. together with a keyboard working surface 303. The versatility of the modules of the present invention allows horizontal placement of the su-. perfieie for the keyboard apparatus almost in any desired relationship with respect to Xa keyboard work surface. Referring to Figure 12, the member of stringer 1 is illustrated.

• 19trs with suspension elements 205, pins 215 and an elongated tiring 251 · The channel 251 extends practically more alie of the stringer element to support the surface of the keyboard apparatus 510 which is held in the convenient position by

I, • • means of fasteners of the normal type 255 · The surface of the keyboard work is indicated by the reference 505, together with the decorative molding 519 · Also shown in figure 12 are the brackets 66 and 67 and the modified fork " previously described in relation to the assembly of the stringer element on vertical supports 51 (see figures 8 and 9 ·> ················································)

As illustrated in Figure 1, some work surfaces 201 contain openings designed to accommodate small, raised service modules. For example, in Figure L, '. * A light apparatus module 151 is mounted on one of the keyboard working surfaces 505. · Other modules, all with interchangeable connections to the work surface, comprise trays for telephones and baskets for documents. As an additional example of the versatility of the modules, a light apparatus module may contain a radio apparatus and / or a clock.

2o Returning to figures 13-14 the apparatus for mounting the light apparatus module 151 is illustrated in detail in these figures · It will be understood that the light apparatus module serves merely as an example; other raised modules use the same device ·

20Un Notch 155 is formed on work surface 301 from the end. The groove is grooved along opposite sides, coughing as indicated by reference 157 "A thin-walled four-sided housing 159, having tongues 151," corresponding to grooves 157, is pushed into the housing. . notch before placing decorative trim 319 ·· A column base 163 that has four vertical sides. .164 and an upper wall 165, resiliently placed under pressure 'in the housing 159. The wall 165 comprises two ribs * • for rows 167 extending upwardly from its upper surface • Column 169 of the module 151 it is manufactured as * uü. ele • · · · ment of three thin-walled sides c. that is placed * on • · · the ribs 167 »The open side of the column 169 is covered with a cover placed under pressure 168 · The inside of the two opposite walls of the column 169 is made with opposite grooves 170, figure 15, to hold the wings 171 of a rectangular tube 175 · The height of the tube 175 can be adjusted inside the column. The tube contains a pair of threaded holes for accommodating screws 175 * By tightening the screws 175 against the rear wall 176 of the column the tube is fixed to the column · To anchor the column in place on the bottom of the column, insert a screw 177 vertically through the tube, and through an opening 1? 8 in the wall 165 and is threadedly housed in a threaded bar 179 confined to a channel 181. The bar 179 and the channel 181 encompasses the dies,

-21 To help combine functionality with a pleasant environment, 18 column 169 can support a telephone module 153 or other devices that improve productivity. As illustrated in Figure 13, © 1 module 153 is mounted in a • •

Adjustable in the column 169 by means of the tube 1S3 provided with wings 161 * which slide in grooves 170. Tightening · -the screws 175 * was fixed / the tube 183 to the column at the desired height. The tube comprises a button 185 projecting from the center and supporting it pivotally, for example by means of a shoulder screw and nut device 187, • • • • • a fork 189 »The fork can be configured for .are. mon • · · * tar a receptacle 191 for items commonly used in the office, such as telephones and papers.

• · ·

If it is not desired to use a service module, the notches 155 are covered with decorative covers 309, FIG.

The covers are very similar to the base of the column 163, but lack the ribs 167 and openings 178 »

The cover pegs may be provided with a decorative hinged cover 193 if the conductor cables are allowed to pass through the plate, as will be explained later.

To preserve the aesthetic qualities of the present invention, cover 163, column 169, column base 163, hinged cover 193 and cover plate 309 are made of plastic material of the same color as the embos ** · Makers 97 and 103 of the vertical supports. In addition,

Surface textures, such as, for example, the grooves 113 illustrated in relation to the coverings 97 and 103 of FIG. 10, are incorporated in a similar way into the components of light apparatus modules 168, 169, 163, 195 and 309.

According to the present invention, means are provided for • · · · · the neat and effective use of the electrical and control installation used in relation to office furniture.

The installation is hidden inside the furniture modules but taking them to the required position ·

In the preferred construction, the installation of the office network sockets penetrates the modular movable set of the present invention through a vertical support in a vertical support. · For example, the cabl'i ?? ·. of the • · .

installation can penetrate the vertical support 55 »· through an opening 115 in the lower end of the embed.

leader 103, figure 9 *. To help separate the cables 251, 253, 255 7 257 inside the vertical support, a four-lobe plastic divider is used. 259 · The separation of the cables is important if, for example, there is a need for conductors for alternating current of 120 volts. and for computer data transmission in the furniture set. The conductor divider 259 has a hollow central opening to accommodate the fixing screw of the vertical support 75. The conductors weigh the lever of the strut 80 of the fork 65 for penetration 25 in the dinner! 76, figure 8 and move along the stringer elements 1.

-23 Returning once more to figure 2, the plastic duct 261 is illustrated mounted on the bars 5 of the stringer elements 1. The illustrated duct contains four ducts 263 that are open at the top. Cone the .5 work surface 30 *. they are usually the last modules that are assembled, -the conductors 251, 253, 255 7 257 se. they can be easily installed in the gutters from above, thus eliminating the need to pull the cables through closed conduits.

In figure 13, the cable 257 can be a power supply cable for the lamp 200 of the light source module 151 (see Figure 1). The cable * 357 co- • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

By the grinding wheel 155, it passes through the opening of 1 $ · base of the column 178 and goes up to the normal type terminals, not shown in the lamp 200. Similar installation configurations are used for radio, clock service and telephone.

In addition to the support column 169, the base of the column 163 also serves as a convenient means of transporting the conductors from the stringer element to the point of use on the work surface. With this⁹ purpose, an articulated three-sided cubierts 193 pivots within the base of the column about a horizontal axis by means of weighers 7 holes of known construction,

-24ilustrsdos in figure 15 «. The cover 195 comprises a decorative cover 195 7 two sides 197 · Thus, the cover 195 can be opened sufficiently for the weight of a cable, as indicated by reference 199 * from the element of lar · · · ·

· · ··· güero 1 the upper part of the work surface is enough <· 9 fc ·

501 »If no cable is present, the cover is closed so that the cover 195 is flush with the base of the column and the work surface»

Males electrical office equipment, such as for example typewriters, are provided with an electric socket * * 264 • • • at the end of an electric cord as indicated by reference 199- To supply power to electric appliances. For a well-presented and convenient way, a 'normal type female socket 265' figure 15 can be installed on the trough 261 inside the longitudinal element 1 »21 using an extension cord 267 allows the use of the same plug module Hem bra for all the working surfaces 501. Extending cord leads to a common joint not illustrated, located inside the stringer element near the vertical support that connects the conductors of the intakes of the office network.

Therefore, it is evident that, according to the invention, modular office furniture with an integrated wired installation that flatly satisfies the objects, purposes and advantages set forth above is provided. Although the invention has been described in relation to specific modalities

-2510 of the system, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to the experts in the matter in view of the previous description · Therefore, it is intended to understand all those alternatives, or modifications and variations that are included within the • · spirit and general scope of the sdjutít'aé claims.

«