Modular desk system

Abstract

A trading table handling dense arrays of cabling and connected data and voice communications hardware includes a main multi-function beam comprising the main structural connection between leg assemblies and support for the table top, the beam also providing support for vertical post assemblies to mount hardware and other equipment and a variety of support devices to support and organize wires and cabling for data and voice communications and power below the table top in a manner that readily facilitates access for installation, maintenance and repair. A pan assembly supplements the beam in providing support for the table top and also supports a tray arrangement positioned below the beam for supporting cabling.

1 . A table for use by one or more persons to receive, manipulate and send data and voice communications, the table including a base having pairs of supporting legs on opposite base ends, and a table top supported by and extending between the base ends, said table comprising: 
 a beam extending between the base ends and along one longitudinal edge of the table top, said beam providing interconnection of the base ends, support for said one longitudinal edge of the table top, and support for data and voice communication hardware and cabling;    a pan assembly attached to and extending between the base ends, the pan assembly including an upper support for the table top and a lower support for one edge of a horizontal tray extending between the pan assembly and the beam, said tray providing additional support for said cabling.    
   
   
       2 . The table as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said beam comprises a substantially closed box-like structure including horizontal top and bottom walls and vertical opposite side walls, openings spaced longitudinally along the horizontal top wall and sized to receive and provide lateral support for a vertical post assembly, and post connection locations spaced longitudinally along the horizontal bottom wall in vertical alignment with said openings to provide connection for a lower end of a post assembly.  
   
   
       3 . The table as set forth in  claim 2  wherein each post assembly includes a sleeve with a pair of threaded studs extending from the lower end, and each post connection location includes a pair of bolt holes for receipt of the studs.  
   
   
       4 . The table as set forth in  claim 3  wherein each post assembly includes a hardware support post received and supported in said sleeve.  
   
   
       5 . The table as set forth in  claim 4  including a clamping bushing for securing the support post within the sleeve.  
   
   
       6 . The table as set forth in  claim 4  including friction fit supports attached to said posts for adjustable vertical positioning.  
   
   
       7 . The table as set forth in  claim 2  including a channel member having a center web and opposite edge flanges, said channel member attached by the center web to one side walls, and said edge flanges having openings therein for receipt of cabling fasteners.  
   
   
       8 . The table as set forth in  claim 2  including a horizontal support lip attached to said one side wall of the beam to support said one longitudinal edge of the table top.  
   
   
       9 . The table as set forth in  claim 8  including a brush grommet attached to said one longitudinal edge and closing a space between said edge and said one side wall.  
   
   
       10 . The table as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the base includes a truss on each base end providing attachment for one pair of supporting legs and for one end of the beam.  
   
   
       11 . The table as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the pan assembly includes an upper flange providing the support for the table top and a lower flange providing the support for said one edge of the tray.  
   
   
       12 . The table as set forth in  claim 11  wherein the table top comprises a fixed outer section attached to the base ends and to the upper flange of the pan assembly, and a removable inner section, said inner section removably supported on said lip and on a support face coplanar with the upper flange of and attached to said pan assembly  
   
   
       13 . The table as set forth in  claim 11  including a second table top, a second support lip attached to the other side wall of the beam to provide support for one longitudinal edge of said second table top, and a second pan assembly having an upper flange for supporting an intermediate portion of said second table top.  
   
   
       14 . The table as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said second pan assembly includes a lower flange, and said tray rests along an opposite tray edge to the lower flange of said second pan assembly.  
   
   
       15 . The table as set forth in  claim 14  wherein said tray comprises a plurality of tray sections with each edge of said tray section having a vertically offset lip adapted to rest on the lower flange of one of said pan assemblies.  
   
   
       16 . The table as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said second table top comprises a fixed outer section attached to the base ends and to the upper flange of the second pan assembly, and a removable inner section supported on said second lip and on a support face coplanar with the upper flange of and attached to said second pan assembly.  
   
   
       17 . The table as set forth in  claim 16  wherein the inner section of each of said table tops includes a brush grommet for closing a space between a longitudinal edge of said table top inner section and said other side wall.  
   
   
       18 . The table as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said channel member comprises a plurality of channel sections each having parallel upper and lower edge flanges, each flange having a plurality of openings positioned to provide vertically aligned opening pairs in said flanges.  
   
   
       19 . The table as set forth in  claim 18  including a patch panel bracket demountably attached to said channel section.  
   
   
       20 . The table as set forth in  claim 19  wherein said patch panel bracket comprises a frame member for receiving a cable connection terminal, an upper leg and a lower leg extending respectively from an upper edge and a lower edge of the frame member, and pairs of vertically aligned connector tabs extending from said upper and lower legs for receipt in the opening pairs in said upper and lower edge flanges.  
   
   
       21 . A multi-use table to facilitate the receipt, manipulation and transmission of data and voice communications, the table including a base and supporting legs on opposite base ends, and a table top supported by and extending between the base ends, said table comprising: 
 a main beam extending between the base ends and along one longitudinal edge of the table top and providing interconnection of the base ends and support for one longitudinal edge of the table top;    a pan assembly attached to and extending between the base ends, the pan assembly providing support for one edge of a horizontal tray extending between the pan assembly and the beam; and,    the beam, the pan assembly and the tray defining a technology trough for the support and routing of data and voice communication cabling and connecting hardware.