Workstation System and Workstation with Multiple, Adjustable Height, Work Tops

Abstract

A module is disclosed. The module includes a pair of uprights, each being of adjustable-height. The module is used in a grouping of two or more with an equal grouping of work tops. In the grouping, which forms a workstation, the modules and the worktops are secured to one another in alternating relation such that each work top is supported at its ends by a respective pair of modules and is independently height-adjustable. A modular furniture system based on the module is also disclosed.

1 . A workstation comprising:
 two or more work tops, each work top having a pair of ends; and   two or more modules secured to the work tops in alternating relation such that each work top is supported at its ends by a respective pair of modules,   wherein the modules are adapted so as to support the work tops in a manner which permits the horizontal elevation of the work tops to be independently adjusted.   
     
     
         2 . A workstation according to  claim 1 , wherein each module comprises:
 a pair of uprights, each supporting a respective work top end and including an inner leg and an outer leg assembled for telescopic movement relative to one another to provide for said horizontal adjustability of the work top having the end which said each upright supports; and   a bridge rigidly securing the pair of uprights to one another.   
     
     
         3 . A workstation according to  claim 2 , wherein the inner legs are operatively secured to the work tops; and, in each module, the outer legs are rigidly secured to one another. 
     
     
         4 . A workstation according to  claim 2 , wherein each upright includes an elevation mechanism for causing telescopic movement of the inner and outer legs thereof. 
     
     
         5 . A workstation according to  claim 4 , wherein, of the uprights supporting each work top, one of the uprights has an actuator for selectively driving the elevation mechanism of said one upright to provide for said telescopic movement. 
     
     
         6 . A workstation according to  claim 5 , further comprising a transmission element for each work top, said transmission element operatively coupling the elevation mechanisms of the uprights supporting said each work top such that
 operation of the actuator of the one upright causes telescopic movement of   the uprights supporting said each work top and horizontal movement of said each work top.   
     
     
         7 . A workstation according to  claim 5 , wherein the actuator is a crank. 
     
     
         8 . A workstation according to  claim 6 , wherein the two or more work tops consists of two work tops arranged back-to-back and the transmission element is a linear, rigid shaft. 
     
     
         9 . A workstation according to  claim 6 , wherein the two or more work tops is a plurality of work tops arranged in a closed loop and the transmission element is a pair of shafts coupled by a universal joint. 
     
     
         10 . A module comprising:
 a pair of uprights, each being of adjustable-height,   said module being used in a grouping of two or more with an equal grouping of work tops, wherein said modules and worktops are secured to one another in alternating relation such that each work top is supported at its ends by a respective pair of modules and is independently height-adjustable.   
     
     
         11 . A module according to  claim 10 , wherein each upright comprises an inner leg and an outer leg assembled for telescopic movement relative to one another to provide for said height adjustability. 
     
     
         12 . A module according to  claim 11 , wherein the outer legs are rigidly secured to one another and, in use, the inner legs are operatively secured to the work tops. 
     
     
         13 . A module according to  claim 11 , wherein each upright includes an elevation mechanism for causing telescopic movement of the inner and outer legs thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A module according to  claim 13 , wherein one of the uprights has an actuator for selectively driving the elevation mechanism of said one upright to provide for said telescopic movement. 
     
     
         15 . A module according to  claim 14 , wherein the actuator is a crank. 
     
     
         16 . A modular furniture system wherein the elements comprise:
 a module according to  claim 14 ;   a work top;   a transmission element,   wherein,   in use, work tops are securable to modules in alternating relation such that, in use, each work top is supported at its ends by a respective pair of modules; and   each transmission element, in use, operatively couples the elevation mechanisms of the uprights supporting said each work top in use such that operation of the actuator of the one upright causes telescopic movement of the uprights supporting said each work top and horizontal movement of said each work top.