Furniture

Abstract

The invention provides a storage furniture unit ( 20 ) for use in conjunction with a furniture item ( 40 ) providing a worksurface ( 42 ), the storage furniture unit ( 20 ) having a first storage portion ( 22 ) which is arranged below the worksurface ( 42 ) in use, and a second storage portion ( 24 ) which is arranged above the worksurface ( 42 ) in use.

1 . A storage furniture unit for use in conjunction with a furniture item providing a worksurface, the storage furniture unit having a first storage portion which is arranged below the worksurface in use, and a second storage portion which is arranged above the worksurface in use, wherein the second storage portion comprises an internal storage area, and wherein access to the internal storage area is transverse to the main longitudinal axis of the storage furniture unit. 
     
     
         2 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 1  which is generally in the form of a mobile pedestal unit. 
     
     
         3 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 1  in which the first storage portion comprises at least one of a drawer, cupboard, shelf and cubbyhole. 
     
     
         4 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 1  in which the second storage portion provides external storage. 
     
     
         5 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 4  in which the second storage portion comprises a shelf. 
     
     
         6 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 4  in which the second storage portion includes at least one of a drawer, cupboard, cubbyhole, stationery accessory container, and stationery holder. 
     
     
         7 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 1  in which the second storage portion includes a lid. 
     
     
         8 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 1  in which the second storage portion is arranged to receive additional storage means. 
     
     
         9 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 8  in which the second storage portion is arranged to receive a box or similar storage means. 
     
     
         10 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 1  in which the second storage portion is arranged to provide screening between adjacent users. 
     
     
         11 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 10  in which the second storage portion includes a screening element which can be extended upwardly. 
     
     
         12 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 11  in which the screening element is provided by a lid which is hinged along one edge of the second storage portion so that when the lid is opened it extends vertically along that edge. 
     
     
         13 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 11  in which the screening element is fixed to an upper surface of the second storage portion. 
     
     
         14 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 1  in which the first and second storage portions are spaced apart whereby the worksurface of a furniture unit is received in a gap between the first and second portions of the storage furniture unit in use. 
     
     
         15 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 14  in which the first and second storage portions are spaced apart by a supporting element of the storage furniture unit. 
     
     
         16 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 15  in which the supporting element comprises a panel which covers the gap between the first and second portions of the storage furniture unit. 
     
     
         17 . A combination of a storage furniture unit in accordance with  claim 1  and a furniture unit having a worksurface such as a desk or table. 
     
     
         18 . A storage furniture unit for use in conjunction with a furniture item providing a worksurface, the storage furniture unit having a first storage portion which is arranged below the worksurface in use, and a second storage portion which is arranged above the worksurface in use; wherein the second storage portion is arranged to provide screening between adjacent users, includes a screening element which can be extended upwardly, and wherein the screening element is provided by a lid which is hinged along one edge of the second storage portion so that when the lid is opened it extends vertically along that edge. 
     
     
         19 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 18 , wherein the screening element is coupled to an upper surface of the second storage portion. 
     
     
         20 . A storage furniture unit according to  claim 19 , wherein the first and second storage portions are spaced apart by a supporting element of the storage furniture unit and the supporting element comprises a panel which covers the gap between the first and second portions of the storage furniture unit.