Steelcase Inc.

Phillip D Carino

Thomas G Feldpausch

Frederick S Faiks

David M DeBoer

Samuel J Ellison

Daniel N Siegrist

Peter Ehling

Steven C Deer

Kevin M Stanley

David A Walz

Alan F Mauer

Gareth H Hendricks

Michael J Everhart

Paul A DenHartigh

A modular mounting system for the delivery of office utilities from a utility distribution system of an office partitioning system to a worksurface positioned in an individual workspace includes a mounting rail having an upper portion shaped for abutting attachment to a bottom surface of the worksurface and further includes a lower mounting portion defining at least one mounting aperture therein. A utility distribution bracket is abutted to the lower mounting portion wherein the bracket includes a base and an upper frame connected to the base defining therein a cavity shaped to closely receive a utility distribution block. The base and frame further define at least one aperture for user access to the utility distribution block. The utility distribution bracket further includes an engagement member extending through the mounting aperture and closely engaging the lower mounting portion of the mounting rail in a fastenerless fashion wherein the utility distribution bracket is disengagable from the mounting rail and interchangeable with others of like utility distribution brackets.

Modular utility distribution mounting system

A lock system for casegoods, such as desks, cabinets, storage units, wardrobes and the like, includes an elongated, flexible tape or lock member having a plurality of spaced lock studs positioned thereon. A lock actuator moves the tape between unlocked and locked positions. Catches are mounted on the drawers, doors and the like of the article. When the flexible tape is moved to the locked position, the lock studs block or prevent opening movement of the drawers or doors due to contact with the catches. The flexible tape is routed through channels or other mounting structure formed in panels and tops of the article of furniture. An interlock mechanism, which may be integrated with the lock member, includes a lock lever, a cable attached to the lock lever and a plurality of interlock cams. Control members on the drawers rotate the cams to take up the cable causing the interlock lever to pivot and engage the lock member, thereby moving the lock member to a locked position. The interlock mechanism may include a plurality of force generating members which act upon the lock member upon the opening of a drawer. The force generated by each of the members is insufficient in and of itself to move the tape to the locked position. The force generated by two of the members is, however, sufficient to move the tape to a locked position, thereby preventing opening of a second drawer.

Lock system for casegoods

Growing community of inventors

Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America

Phillip D Carino