WO1999063171A2

WO1999063171A2 - Modular furniture system

Info

Publication number: WO1999063171A2
Application number: PCT/US1999/011899
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Peart; Ross Lovegrove; Robert Insalaco; Gordon Stanus; Donald Karus; Eric Cammenga
Original assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
Priority date: 1998-06-01
Filing date: 1999-05-27
Publication date: 1999-12-09
Also published as: AU4218399A; WO1999063171A9; WO1999063171A3

Abstract

A furniture system (10) useful with a modular tile system (12), one aspect of which is a reconfigurable storage member (16). The storage member (16) includes a first side wall (112) and a second side wall (112). A plurality of opposing aligned apertures (140) are positioned within the first side wall and the second side wall (112, 112). First and second reconfigurable slide assemblies (160, 160) are mounted to the first side wall and second side wall (112, 112), respectively. An adjustable connection element (180) affixes the slide assemblies (160, 160) to the first side wall and the second side wall (112, 112). A drawer (174, 176, 178) is removeably attached to the slide assemblies (160) whereby the drawer (174, 176, 178) is moveable into and out of the storage member (16).

Description

MODULAR FURNITURE SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a modular furniture system. More specifically, it relates to a modular furniture system preferably for use with modular floor tiles.

Furniture systems are becoming increasingly complicated with the demands of contemporary work places. For example, present day furniture systems must be readily assembled and reconfigured. In addition, furniture elements such as work surfaces are often required to firmly support heavy loads such as those created by computers, monitors and printers. In order to support such loads, previous furniture elements have applied a number of approaches. One approach has involved mounting or hanging furniture elements such as work surfaces to a wall or panel in order to provide the required support. For example, office systems implementing a panel system provide support for furniture components in this manner. Panel systems using hang-on furniture arrangements are known by those in the field as "systems furniture." Another approach has included using a base having sufficient strength and size to support the furniture element. Often the material used in the base will be used throughout the furniture element for aesthetic purposes. These past office furniture elements suffer certain drawbacks. First, a wall or support panel is not always located in the area in which the furniture element is intended to be used. Moreover, even if a wall or panel is present, it must be of sufficient strength itself to provide support for the furniture element. Second, the use of base having the desired strength and size can be expensive and/or difficult to implement. Indeed, cost and space considerations may make such an alternative unattractive. Lastly, both of these alternatives suffer from a lack of flexibility. Both alternatives would require time and possibly significant effort in order to be reconfigured into a new arrangement. Therefore, there is a need for an improved furniture system that is capable of supporting heavy loads while being easily reconfigured to suit the needs of a particular user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a modular furniture system useful with a modular floor tile system. One aspect of the invention is directed to a reconfigurable storage member. The storage module includes a first side wall and a second side wall. A plurality of opposing aligned apertures are positioned within the first side wall and the second side wall. First and second reconfigurable slide assemblies are mounted to the first side wall and second side wall, respectively. An adjustable connection element affixes the slide assemblies to the first side wall and the second side wall. A drawer is removably attached to the slide assemblies whereby the drawer is movable into and out of the storage module modular tile and modular tile system.

According to another preferred embodiment, a reconfigurable work station is provided having a plurality of storage members capable of being connected one on top of another. Each storage member has a first side wall and a second side wall. A first set of opposing aligned apertures is located within the first side wall and the second side wall of the storage members. At least one of the storage members has opposing reconfigurable slide assemblies mounted to the first side wall and second side wall. Each slide assembly is connected to at least one of the apertures in the first set of apertures. A second set of opposing aligned apertures is located within the first side wall and the second side wall of the storage modules. A removable work surface is attached to at least one of the apertures in the second set. The work surface can be adjusted to a new height and reattached to other apertures in the second set.

According to another aspect of the invention, an adjustable utility member is provided. The utility member includes a base secured to a support surface. An adjustable power distribution member is attached to the base. Power distribution receptacles are mounted within an upper portion of the power distribution member. Power supply elements pass from beneath the support surface through the base to the power distribution member and the power receptacles. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a work surface having a plurality of integrally formed supporting polygons is provided. The work surface is formed from a translucent material.

According to a final aspect of the invention, a screen is provided. The screen includes a septum having opposing sides and an inner layer secured to the opposing sides. A fabric outer layer is secured to the opposing sides of the septum. The outer layer forms a plurality of column portions interconnected by compressed portions. The compressed portions are formed by the application of force and heat.

The term "work environment element" is meant to include elements such as work surfaces, panels, screens, storage cabinets, ramps and the like. Work environment elements could also include powered devices such as computers, lights, sound booms, powered panels, screens, work surfaces and the like.

The preferred present invention is modular in that it is configurable and can be quickly connected and re-connected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workstation implementing the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of a modular tile platform incorporating a preferred embodiment of a modular tile as shown in FIG 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a modular tile as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of a modular tile shown with an indexing member from a work environment element secured therein. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a storage device with a work surface shown exploded from the top of the storage device as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section illustrating a preferred embodiment of one of the storage devices as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 7 is a side view of one of the storage devices shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of one of the storage devices shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a top view of one of the storage devices shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a slide assembly that may be implemented with the storage devices shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a drawer that may be implemented with one of the storage devices shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of two storage devices and the connection mechanism. FIG. 13 is a cross-section taken through two storage devices illustrating the connection mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the connection mechanism illustrating the locking member in the unlocked position.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the connection mechanism illustrating the locking member in the locked position.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a work surface as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a top view of another work surface and an inlay as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the monitor lift assembly. FIG. 19 is an assembled view of the monitor lift assembly.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the adjustable utility member.

FIG. 21 is an assembled view of the adjustable utility member.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a wire management device.

FIG. 23 is a cross-section taken along the lines 23-23 of FIG 22. FIG. 24 is a front view of a screen as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a cross-section of the screen as shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an office environment 10 incorporating preferred embodiments of a furniture system in accordance with the present invention. A modular floor system 12 may be used with the preferred embodiments of the furniture system of the present invention. The modular floor system 12 is formed from a plurality of interconnected modular tiles 14. Modular storage members or cubes 16 are supported on the modular tiles 14. Worksurfaces 18, 20, 22 are supported above the modular floor system 12. Monitor 28 is adjustably supported on an adjustable support assembly or monitor lift 30 that is also supported by a modular tile 14. An adjustable utility member 32 extends from a modular tile 14 upward adjacent the large worksurface 20. The utility member 32 provides height-adjustable access to power and, optionally, data/communications. Screens 34 provide privacy for the user of the workstation shown as well as a sound barrier. While shown as an office environment, many of the individual office furniture elements may be implemented with or without the other elements.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the preferred embodiments of the floor system 12 and modular tiles 14 are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of modular tiles 14 may be arranged to cover a base or support surface 50. A carpet piece 51 is useful with each modular tile 14. FIG. 3 best illustrates an exploded view of the modular tile 14 including a base member 52 and a cover 54 . The base member 52 includes a plurality of standoff members 56 located on opposing corners 58 of the base member 52 . The standoff members 56 function to support the cover 54. In addition, the standoff members 56 include a cavity 60 that is covered by a seal 62. Connection members 66 are also located in the corners 58 of the base member 52.

The cover 54 is preferably made from a top portion 70 and bottom portion 72. The top portion 70, as best seen in FIG. 3, includes nine cross-shaped apertures 74. The cross-shaped apertures 74 are adapted to receive an indexing element 76 from the leg 78 of the work environment element. A plurality of corresponding openings 80 extend coaxially within the bottom portion 72 of the cover 54. The apertures 74 are arranged in three spaced-apart and parallel rows. However, other configurations may be implemented as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize.

FIG. 4 illustrates the connection of work environment elements such as work surface or screen to a modular tile 14 . The leg 78 of the work environment element includes an indexing member 76 that passes through an opening 80 in the carpet tile 51. The indexing member 76 extends through the apertures 74, 80 in the cover 54 and through the seal 62 into the standoff 56. As shown in this Figure, the standoff 56 includes a bottom portion 82 adapted to receive the lower portion 84 of the indexing element 76. In this manner, the work environment element is secured to the modular tile 14.

For further explanation as to the use and operation of the modular floor system 12, reference is made to the co-pending application filed in the names of Stephen Peart, Ross Lovegrove and Robert Insalaco on June 1 , 1998 and entitled "Modular Tile and Floor System", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring generally to FIGS. 5-12 and particularly to FIGS. 5 and 12, the storage members 16 include a top surface 110, two side surfaces 112 and a bottom surface 114. The storage member 120 includes four drawers 122(FIG. 5). The bottom cube 126 includes an arrangement having two drawers 128. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the side and rear surfaces 112, 136 are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 7, the side surface 112 includes a first set of apertures 1 0 and a second set of apertures 142. The first set of apertures 140 comprises nine sets of horizontally-spaced groups of three apertures. In the preferred embodiment, the apertures 140 have a diameter of approximately.14 inches, and are spaced apart approximately 6 inches from each other. The apertures 140 are arranged in three vertically-extending rows. The second set of apertures 142 includes five sets of apertures each set having two apertures. In the preferred embodiment, the apertures 142 have a diameter of 1.5 inches and are spaced apart 7 inches from one another. The apertures 140 function to receive connection elements useful with the work surfaces 18, 20 and 22. The apertures 142 function to receive connection members useful with slide assemblies 160, 162 that may be mounted within the interior of an individual storage member 16. FIG. 8 illustrates the rear surface 136 of the storage member 16. As shown in this figure, a plurality of apertures 150 are arranged therein. The apertures 150 correspond in size with the apertures 140. The apertures 150 once again include a set of nine apertures having groups of three apertures or two apertures. The top two groups of apertures 150 include only two apertures in order to provide an opening for a handle 156.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the storage member 16. The side walls 112 and the rear wall 136 have curved portions 166 that curve inward from the end portion 168. More specifically, the curved portions 166 extend inward adjacent the set of apertures 142 on the side walls 112. The curved portions 166 are spaced slightly apart from the apertures 150 on the rear wall 136.

Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-section through a storage member 16 having three drawers 174, 176, 178 is illustrated . Each drawer 174, 176, 178 is mounted to two opposing slide assemblies 160 attached to side walls 112 of the storage member 16. The slide assemblies 160 are attached to the side walls 112 through a connection member 180 that is secured to the apertures 142. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section of the slide assembly 160 in this preferred embodiment. The slide assembly 160 includes a fixed rail 182 and two movable or slidable rails 184, 186. The movable rails 184, 186 are interconnected with ball bearings 188. A support bracket 190 is connected to the outermost rail 192. The connection member 180 includes a resilient member 194 that encircles a threaded shaft 196 that extends outward from the slide assembly 160. A threaded head 198 mates with the threaded shaft 196. The head 198 includes the angled surface 200. In operation as the head 198 is rotated toward the slide assembly 160, the angled surface 200 forces the resilient member 194 outward. When positioned within the apertures 142, the resilient member 194 engages the wall surrounding the aperture thereby securing the slide assembly to the storage member 16. By rotating the head away from the slide assembly 160, the resilient member 194 returns to the shape shown in FIG. 10 and can then be removed from the aperture 142. The slide assembly 160 can then be easily repositioned for use with a drawer of different size of removed altogether from the storage member 16.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate preferred slide assembly 162. The slide assembly 162 includes a connection member 180 that operates in essentially the same manner as does the embodiment of FIG. 10. However, the slide assembly 162 includes a hook-shaped portion 210 that engages a lip 212 on the drawer 112. The lip 212 is slidable within the passageway 214.

One embodiment of the drawer 112 is best seen in FIG. 11. The lip 212 is illustrated as used with the slide assembly 162. With respect to the slide assembly 160, channels 214 are illustrated. The channels 214 extend upward from the bottom of the drawer. The channels 214 are adapted to receive the support bracket 190 in order to connect the drawer 112 to slide assembly 160. The drawer 112 is dropped down on the bracket 190 with channels 214 engaging the bracket 190. A bearing surface at the end each channel 214 prevents the drawer from being pushed downward past the positions shown in FIG. 6. The drawer 112 is then secured to the slide assembly 160. The drawer 112 may be removed by simply pulling upward on the drawer 112 until the channels 214 disengage from the bracket 190.

A storage member 16 quick connection mechanism 300 is best illustrated in FIGS. 12-15. The top storage member 302 includes a top aperture 170 and a bottom aperture 304 in the bottom surface 306. In the bottom storage member 310, a lower collar 312 is secured within the top aperture 170 of the top surface 110. The collar 312 includes a rim 314 that mates with an abutting surface 316 on the bottom storage member 310. The upper storage member 302 includes an upper collar 320 and an insert 322 mounted within the bottom aperture 304 in the bottom surface 306. The upper collar includes a lip 324 that mates with an abutting surface 330 in the aperture 304 of the top storage member 302. A locking member 332 is slidably attached to the upper collar 320 . More specifically, the locking member 332 extends around the downwardly extending surface 336. The surface 336 includes a horizontally extending lip that secures the locking member 332 thereto. The locking member 332, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14-15, is preferably a generally rectangularly shaped wire having an opened end and curved front end 342.

The insert 322 is best seen in FIG. 12. The insert 322 includes a top surface 350 having a finger hole 352. Two side walls 354 extend down from the top surface 350. A projecting surface 360 extends downward from the top surface 350. An outwardly projecting surface (not shown) extends from the an end of the projecting surface 360. Two angled surfaces 364 extend downward from the side walls 354. The angled surfaces 364 extend downward adjacent the locking element 332.

In operation, as the insert 322 is pushed downward to the position illustrated in FIG. 13, the angled surfaces 364 press the locking element 332 outward to the position illustrated in FIG. 15. When in the position illustrated in FIG. 15, the outer edges 370 pass outward beneath the rim 372 of the lower collar 312. In this position, the outer edges 370 would engage the rim 372 if the upper storage member 302 was lifted away from the lower storage member 310. However, the upper storage member 302 is rotatable with respect to the lower storage member 310. The locking element 332 would simply rotate along the rim 372. By lifting the insert 322 upward, the angled surfaces 364 press the locking element 332 back to the position illustrated in FIG. 14. The outer edges 370 are no longer beneath the rim 372. Accordingly, the upper storage member 302 may be removed from the lower storage member 310.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate two worksurface embodiments as shown in FIG. 1. With particular reference to FIG. 1 , the worksurface 18 includes a rounded end 400 and a substantially flat end 402 and two sides 404. The worksurface 18 is formed with a plurality of integrally formed polygons 408 located beneath a top surface 410. The polygons 408 are primarily hexagons. However, as shown in FIG. 16, portions of hexagons are also incorporated into the worksurface 18. It should be recognized that other polygon configurations could also be implemented. The polygons 408 have an open bottom surface. A centrally positioned aperture 416 is used to connect the worksurface 18 to the storage member 16. An alternative worksurface configuration 20 is shown in FIG. 17. The worksurface 20 is constructed in essentially the same manner as that of FIG. 16 except that it has a different configuration. The worksurface 20 is designed for use in the corner of a workstation as shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of cutout portions 440 for use with the utility pole 32 are positioned along the outer edge 442. A plurality of apertures 446 are also located along the outer edge 442. As shown in FIG. 17, an inlay 460 may be implemented with the worksurface 20 of the present invention as well as the other worksurface 18, 22. The inlay 460 fits substantially on top of the top surface 462 of the worksurface 20 and within an area defined by the lip 466. In this manner, the inlay 460 is secured to the top surface 462 while also being removable therefrom.

The inlay 469 is preferably formed from a durable material to prevent scratching of the worksurface 20. The inlay may be formed from a colored or a simulated wood-like material for decoration purposes. Materials such as plastic may be used. The worksurfaces 18, 20, 22 are preferably formed from ABS plastic using a low pressure molding process. In addition, as shown in the Figures, the worksurfaces 18, 20, 22 are preferably formed from a translucent material in order to allow light up into the work environment from beneath the worksurface. The hexagons 408 have a wall thickness of approximately .25 inch. The opposing walls of the hexagons are generally approximately 1.5 inches apart. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an exploded view and assembled view of the support assembly 30 for use with the monitor 28. A motor 500 is used to drive the monitor support surface 502 upward or downward. The motor includes a conventional toggle switch that can be activated to turn the motor on or off. The motor 500 is also attached to a power supply. The base 504 includes bolts that are secured within apertures 508 of the support plate 510. The support plate 510 may include an indexing element such as that shown in FIG. 4 , in order to secure the support assembly 30 to the floor system 12. A rotatable drive screw 514 extends upward from the base 504 of the motor 500. An upper portion 516 of the screw 514 is threaded. One preferred motor is available from Hubbell Special Products of Kenosha, Wl under model no. MC 42-100 7L.

The rotatable drive screw 514 extends into a hollow portion of the first tube 520. A threaded plastic insert (not shown) mates with the rotatable drive screw 514. An insert 524 having a centrally threaded aperture 526 is secured within the upper portion 528 of the first tube 520. The bushing 532 is around the bottom portion 534 of the first tube 520 in order to provide a smooth connection between the first tube 520 and the second tube 540. Bushings 542, 544 and 546 are used to secure the rod 548 to the first tube 520 and the second tube 540. The bushings include attachment elements in order to secure the rod 548 thereto. The interconnection of the first tube 520 and the second tube 540 prevents the first tube 520 from rotating when the drive screw 514 is rotated. The bushing 542 is attached to the top of the second tube 540. The bushing 544 is attached to the bottom of the second tube 534. The bushing 546 is attached to slot 548 in the bottom portion 528 of the first tube 520. The cover tube 560 is secured over the first tube 520 and the second tube 540. The plate 562 together with the sides 564 form an enclosure for an enclosure for the screw 514. The top collar 570 includes a threaded central aperture 572 that mates with a correspondingly threaded upper portion 574 of the second tube 540.

In operation, as the drive screw 514 is rotated, the first tube 520 is pushed upward or downward through the cooperation of the drive screw 514 and the threaded insert of the first tube 520. Because the first tube 520 is connected to the second tube 540, the first tube 520 cannot rotate. Therefore, it is pressed upward or pulled downward depending upon the direction of rotation of the drive screw 514.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate an exploded and assembled view of an adjustable utility pole 600. A three part base 602 is connected to base member 52 of the modular tile 14. Two outer shell members 604, 606 are connected to base rectangular tube 608. Connection member 610 has a head 612 and threaded end 614. The threaded end 614 passed through the aperture 620 in the outer shell member 604. A threaded plastic insert fits within the aperture 620 in the base tube 608. The outer shell member 606 includes apertures 630 that mate in snap fit arrangement with fingers that project outward from the base tube 608. The outer shell member 606 includes a curved upper surface 632 that extends outward from the base tube 608. A collar 640 is affixed to a top portion of the base tube 608 using a conventional fastening mechanism such as screws. Slidable or movable tube 650 can move upward or downward within the base tube 608. The slidable tube includes apertures 652 adapted to receive conventional power receptacles. A cover 660 having an aperture 662 is positioned within the top portion 670 of the slidable tube 650.

A data access cover 670 is removably mounted to the cover 660. More specifically, the cover 670 includes a downwardly projecting rounded surface sized to engage the aperture 660 in the cover 670. Conventional data receptacles are mounted within an opening 672.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a wire management element 680 that may be secured to the utility pole above the curved upper surface 632 of the outer shell member 606. The wire management element 680 includes a plurality of parallel tracks 682 formed by outwardly projecting fingers 684. The wire management element is formed from a rigid PVC back 688 with the fingers 684 formed from a flexible or resilient PVC. The wire management element 660 is particularly useful with data access cabling.

In operation, the slidable tube 650 includes conventional power cabling as described in the copending application entitled "Modular Floor Tile and Floor System" and available from AMP, Inc. The power cabling passed up through the apertures 690 in the lower portion 692 of the base tube 608 to power receptacles mounted in the apertures 652. The slidable tube 650 is locked into a selected position by the threaded end 614 of the connection member 610 which can pass though the aperture 620 in the base tube 608. By rotating the threaded end 614 into engagement with the slidable tube 650, it can be secured at a selected height. Data cabling can also pass from the modular floor tiles between the base tube 608 and the outer shell 606. The data cabling can then run within the tracks 682 of the wire management element 680. The data cabling can then pass into the data access cover 670 and gain access to the data access receptacle. The data access cover 670 includes an opening through which the data cabling can pass. The data access cover 670 is removable and may be optionally inserted into the apertures 446 in the worksurface 20.

FIGS. 24 and 15 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the screen 34. As shown in the front view of FIG. 24, the screen 34 includes curved portions 700 and substantially flat or linear portions 702. The curved portions 700 and the flat portions 702 extend from the top 706 of the screen 36 to the bottom 708 of the screen 36. As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 25, each side of the screen 36 includes an outer layer 720, and an inner layer 722 attached to a septum 724. In the preferred embodiment, the outer layer 720 is formed from a fabric including polyester, nylon or polyester blend materials. Such materials are available from suppliers such as Miliken, Gilford or Quantum. The inner layer 722 is preferably formed from a nonwoven polyester. The septum 724 is preferably formed from nonwoven pressed polyester. An adhesive is used to secure the outer layer to the inner layer and the inner layer to the septum. A latex adhesive is preferably used.

The screen 36 is assembled through the application of a heated bar that is pressed across the screen 36 in order to form the flat portions 702. The heat and amount of pressure can vary depending upon the materials being used. A temperature of 250-350° may be used with pressures of 300-400 PS I over a period of time ranging from approximately 10 seconds -20 seconds. In this manner, the screen is bonded together as a one-piece assembly.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A reconfigurable storage member comprising: a first side wall and a second side wall; a plurality of opposing aligned apertures positioned within the first side wall and the second side wall; a first slide assembly and a second slide assembly, the first and the second slide assemblies mounted to the first side wall and second side wall, respectively; a first connection element and a second connection element affixing the first and the second slide assemblies to the first side wall and the second side wall, respectively, each connection element insertable into and removable from one of the apertures; and a drawer removeably attached to the first and the second slide assemblies whereby the drawer is moveable into and out of the storage member.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the slide assembly includes a drawer attachment element.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein the drawer includes a channel adapted to receive the attachment element.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein another storage member is removeably attached to the storage module.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein the connection element comprises a resilient member and compression member.

6. The invention of claim 5 wherein the resilient member has a curved outer surface and the compression member includes a threaded surface and mating element, the resilient member substantially surrounding the threaded surface.

7. The invention of claim 6 wherein the first side wall and the second side wall have outer edge portions that extend outward from an intermediate portion.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein the first side wall and the second side wall each include five pairs of spaced apart apertures.

9. A reconfigurable work station comprising: a plurality of storage members capable of being connected one on top of another, each storage member having a first side wall and a second side wall, a first set of opposing aligned apertures located within the first side wall and the second side wall of the storage members; at least one of the storage members having a first slide assembly and a second slide assembly mounted to the first side wall and second side wall, respectively, each slide assembly being connected to at least one of the apertures in the first set; a second set of opposing aligned apertures located within the first side wall and the second side wall of the storage members; and a removable work surface attached to at least one of the apertures in the second set, whereby the work surface may be adjusted to new height and reattached to another aperture.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein a support bracket interconnects the removable work surface to one of the storage modules.

1. The invention of claim 11 wherein the first set of aligned apertures comprises five pairs of spaced apart apertures on each of the fist side wall and the second side wall.

12. The invention of claim 11 wherein the second set of aligned apertures comprises nine groups of aligned apertures on each of the fist side wall and the second side wall.

13. The invention of claim 12 wherein the second set includes groups of two apertures and three apertures.

14. The invention of claim 13 wherein the first set and the second set have different sized apertures.

15. The invention of claim 14 wherein the work surface comprises a substantially planner top surface and a plurality of integrally formed supporting polygons positioned beneath the top surface, the work surface being formed from a translucent material.

16. The invention of claim 15 wherein the storage members are rotatably connected to one another.

17. A plurality of stacked adjustable storage members comprising; an upper storage member removeably and rotatably connected to and a lower storage member, the upper storage member having a bottom wall and the lower storage member having a top wall; an aperture centrally located in the bottom wall of the upper storage member and the top wall of the bottom storage member; and a lock interconnecting the upper storage member and the bottom storage member, the lock adapted to secure the upper storage member to the lower storage member while allowing relative rotation the upper storage member and the lower storage member.

18. The invention of claim 17 wherein the lock includes a first collar, and a slidable portion attached to the aperture in the top wall of the upper storage member, the first collar adapted to fit within the aperture of top wall of the bottom storage member, the slidable portion capable of being moved into and out of engagement with a bearing surface on the bottom wall of the lower storage member.

19. The invention of claim 18 wherein a second collar is attached around the aperture of the lower storage member and adapted to receive the collar and slidable portion of the lock in the upper storage module.

20. The invention of claim 19 wherein the second collar includes a bearing surface adapted to engage the slidable portion.

21. The invention of claim 20 wherein the slidable portion of the lock is a generally C-shaped wire.

22. The invention of claim 21 wherein a vertically moveable plug is connected to the first collar and the lock.

23. The invention of claim 22 wherein the plug includes an angled surface adjacent the lock.

24. The invention of claim 23 wherein the plug is capable of resting flush with the bottom surface of the upper storage member.

25. The invention of claim 24 wherein the lock is capable of rotating around the bearing surface of the second collar.

26. A work surface comprising: a substantially planner top surface and a plurality of integrally formed supporting polygons positioned beneath the top surface, the work surface being formed from a translucent material.

27. The invention of claim 26 wherein the polygons are primarily hexagons.

28. The invention of claim 27 wherein the polygons have an open lower end.

29. The invention of claim 28 wherein the work surface includes an apertures along a periphery.

30. The invention of claim 29 wherein the works surface includes a ring extending around the periphery.

31. The invention of claim 30 further comprising a removable insert capable of being positioned on top of the substantially planar top surface.

32. The invention of claim 31 wherein the insert is formed from a durable material.

33. The invention of claim 32 wherein the insert is formed from a colored material.

34. The invention of claim 33 wherein the insert is formed from plastic.

35. The invention of claim 34 further comprising a support member extending upward from a base surface and having a mating portion positioned within one of the polygons.

36. The invention of claim 35 wherein the mating portion includes a resilient portion adapted to engage a plurality of walls that form the polygon.

37. An adjustable utility member comprising: a base secured to a support surface; an adjustable power distribution member attached to the base; power distribution receptacles mounted within an upper portion of the power distribution member; a power supply element passing from beneath the support surface through the base to the power distribution member and to the power receptacles.

38. The invention of claim 37 further comprising a work surface supported by the support surface, the utility member being supported by the support surface adjacent the work surface.

39. The invention of claim 38 wherein the power receptacles are positioned slightly above the work surface.

40. The invention of claim 39 wherein a data receptacle is attached to the power pole above the power receptacle.

41. The invention of claim 40 wherein the data receptacle is removably attached to the power pole.

42. The invention of claim 41 wherein a data supply cord passes up from beneath the support surface along the base member and the power distribution member to the data receptacle.

43. The invention of claim 42 wherein the utility member includes an indexing member adapted to the received within a mating member in the support surface.

44. The invention of claim 43 wherein a screw secures the base member to the power distribution member.

45. An adjustable support assembly comprising: a support surface; a moveable support column; a motor operable to move the support column upward or downward; and an indexing member attached to the assembly and received within a mating member in a support surface.

46. The invention of claim 45 wherein the motor includes a drive screw and the movable column includes a bushing sized to mate with the drive screw.

47. The invention of claim 46 wherein the support surface is adapted to receive a monitor.

48. The invention of claim 47 wherein the indexing member is cross- shaped.

49. The invention of claim 48 wherein the mating member in the support surface is part of a series of interconnected modular tiles, each tile having a plurality of mating members.

50. A screen comprising: a septum having opposing sides; an inner layer secured to the opposing sides; and a fabric outer layer secured to the opposing sides of the septum, the outer layer forming a plurality of column portions interconnected by compressed portions, the compressed portions are formed by the application of force and heat.

51. The invention of claim 50 wherein the inner layer is formed from a nonwoven material.

52. The invention of claim 51 wherein an adhesive is used to secure the inner layer to the septum.

53. The invention of claim 52 wherein an adhesive is used to secure the outer layer to the inner layer.

54. The invention of claim 53 wherein the compressed portions are substantially linear.

55. The invention of claim 54 wherein the septum is formed from a nonwoven polyester.

56. The invention of claim 54 wherein the fabric comprises a material selected from the group comprising polyester, polyester blends, or nylon.

57. The invention of claim 55 wherein the nonwoven material comprises a polyester material.