Variable Configuration Desk Having Worksurface Locking Feature

Abstract

A furniture assembly has a worksurface and worksurface support structure. The furniture assembly is constructed such that the worksurface support structure is not locked into a desired configuration until the worksurface is secured to the worksurface support structure. The worksurface support structure includes a pair of leg assemblies between which a panel extends. The angular relationship between the leg assemblies and the panel can be adjusted, and engagement of the worksurface with the leg assemblies and the panel functions to maintain the panel in engagement with the worksurface and to lock the position of the leg assemblies relative to the panel.

1 . A furniture assembly comprising:
 a worksurface;   a pair of worksurface support members;   a transverse member connected to the pair of worksurface support members; and   wherein the connection of the transverse member to the pair of worksurface support members is not locked until the worksurface is connected to the worksurface support members.   
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein each worksurface support member includes:
 a front leg assembly;   a rear leg assembly; and   an apron connected to the front leg assembly and the rear leg assembly.   
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 2  wherein each worksurface support member has a slot and the transverse member has a first tooth and a second tooth sized to be received within respective slots of the pair of worksurface support members. 
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 3  wherein the first tooth and the second tooth are loosely retained by the respective slots until the worksurface is connected to the worksurface support members. 
   
   
       5 . The assembly of  claim 4  wherein the first tooth and the second tooth may each be positioned at one of a number of angular positions relative to the respective slots and locked at a given angular position when the worksurface is connected to the worksurface support members. 
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 2  wherein the front leg assembly and the rear leg assembly each include:
 an outer tubular member;   an inner tubular member extendable from the outer tubular member; and   a locking mechanism that secures the inner tubular to the outer tubular member at a desired point of extension.   
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the transverse member is a modesty panel. 
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a tray connected to the transverse member and the pair of worksurface support members. 
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a pair of gussets connected to the worksurface and the pair of worksurface support members. 
   
   
       10 . A desk comprising:
 a worksurface defining an underside;   a pair of worksurface supports connected to the worksurface, each worksurface support having a first slot;   a panel connected to the worksurface and having a pair of projections, each projection sized to be engaged within a respective first slot; and   wherein the underside of the worksurface engages the pair of worksurface supports and the panel to secure the projections in the slots.   
   
   
       11 . The desk of  claim 10  wherein each worksurface support has a second slot, and further comprising a pair of gussets connected to the worksurface and each having a projection sized to be fixedly retained in a respective second slot of a worksurface support by the underside of the worksurface. 
   
   
       12 . The desk of  claim 10  wherein the projections and the slots are configured to provide adjustment in the position of the worksurface supports and the panel, and wherein engagement of the underside of the worksurface with the worksurface supports and the panel functions to lock the positions of the worksurface supports and the panel. 
   
   
       13 . The desk of  claim 10  wherein each worksurface support includes:
 an adjustable front leg;   an adjustable rear leg; and   an apron connected to the front leg and the rear leg.   
   
   
       14 . The desk of  claim 13  wherein each apron has a plurality of perforations. 
   
   
       15 . The desk of  claim 10  further comprising a pair of gussets connected to the worksurface and the pair of worksurface supports. 
   
   
       16 . The desk of  claim 10  wherein the worksurface has a generally trapezoidal shape. 
   
   
       17 . A furniture assembly comprising a worksurface and a plurality of worksurface support elements that are connected using a projection and slot construction, and in which the worksurface locks the plurality of worksurface support elements together by preventing the projections from moving within respective slots within which the projections are engaged. 
   
   
       18 . The furniture assembly of  claim 17  wherein each projection is lockable at a non-right angle relative to a respective slot. 
   
   
       19 . The furniture assembly of  claim 17  wherein the worksurface support elements and the worksurface are arranged as a student desk. 
   
   
       20 . The furniture assembly of  claim 17  wherein the plurality of worksurface support elements includes:
 a pair of side leg assemblies;   a modesty panel connected in a first tooth/slot connection with the pair of side leg assemblies; and   a pair of gussets, each of which is connected to a side leg assembly in a second tooth/slot connection.