U.S. patent application number 10/146718 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for workstation.
Invention is credited to Panse, Steven B., Seeley, Robert M., Weber, Jeffrey A..
Application Number | 20030005654 10/146718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26844231 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030005654 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weber, Jeffrey A. ; et
al. |
January 9, 2003 |
Workstation
Abstract
A workstation comprising a beam having a length and comprising
longitudinally extending first and second channels. The first
channel is spaced apart from the second channel in a substantially
parallel relationship therewith. A first component has an insert
portion disposed in the first channel, and the second component has
an insert portion disposed in the second channel. In one preferred
embodiment, a second beam is spaced apart from the first beam in a
substantially parallel relationship therewith. The second beam has
a length and comprises longitudinally extending first and second
channels, wherein the first channel of the second beam is spaced
apart from the second channel of the second beam in a substantially
parallel relationship therewith.
Inventors: |
Weber, Jeffrey A.;
(Minneapolis, MN) ; Seeley, Robert M.; (Zeeland,
MI) ; Panse, Steven B.; (Holland, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60611
US
|
Family ID: |
26844231 |
Appl. No.: |
10/146718 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60292112 |
May 18, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/239 ;
52/238.1; 52/36.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 19/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/239 ;
52/238.1; 52/36.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 014/00; E04H
003/00; E04H 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A workstation comprising: a beam having a length and comprising
longitudinally extending first and second channels, wherein said
first channel is spaced apart from said second channel in a
substantially parallel relationship therewith; a first component
having an insert portion disposed in said first channel, wherein
said first component is supported by said beam; and a second
component having an insert portion disposed in said second channel,
wherein said second component is supported by said beam.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said beam comprises a first
beam and further comprising a second beam spaced apart from said
first beam in a substantially parallel relationship therewith,
wherein said second beam has a length and comprises longitudinally
extending first and second channels, wherein said first channel of
said second beam is spaced apart from said second channel of said
second beam in a substantially parallel relationship therewith.
3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said first component extends
between said first and second beams, wherein said insert portion
comprises a first insert portion disposed in said first channel of
said first beam and wherein said first component further comprises
a second insert portion disposed in said first channel of said
second beam.
4. The invention of claim 2 wherein said lengths of said first and
second beams have a substantially horizontal orientation.
5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said first and second beams
have opposite ends, and further comprising a vertically extending
support member connected to at least one of said ends of said first
and second beams.
6. The invention of claim 4 wherein said first beam is an upper
beam and said second beam is a lower beam underlying said upper
beam, and wherein said first channel of said upper beam is
positioned below said second channel of said upper beam, and
wherein said first channel of said lower beam is positioned above
said second channel of said lower beam.
7. The invention of claim 1 wherein said first component comprises
a barrier member.
8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said second component comprises
a marker board.
9. The invention of claim 8 wherein said second component further
comprises a hanger having an insert portion engaging said second
channel, and wherein said marker board is disposed on said
hanger.
10. The invention of claim 7 wherein said second component
comprises a shelf.
11. The invention of claim 1 wherein said second channel has a
T-shaped cross-section.
12. The invention of claim 1 wherein said beam comprises a pair of
first and second channels positioned on opposite sides of said
beam, and further comprising a third component having an insert
portion disposed in one of said first and second channels on said
side of said beam opposite said side of said beam on which said
first and second components are disposed.
13. A workstation comprising: a support frame having a first and
second vertically extending and spaced apart support members; a
first horizontal beam extending between said first and second
support members, said first beam comprising longitudinally
extending first and second channels, wherein said first channel is
spaced apart from said second channel in a substantially parallel
relationship therewith; a second horizontal beam extending between
said first and second support members in a spaced apart
relationship with said first beam, said second beam comprising
longitudinally extending first and second channels, wherein said
first channel of said second beam is spaced apart from said second
channel of said second beam in a substantially parallel
relationship therewith; a first component extending between said
first and second beams and engaging said first channel on each of
said first and second beams; and a second component engaging at
least one of said second channels of said first and second
beams.
14. The invention of claim 13 wherein said first beam is an upper
beam and said second beam is a lower beam underlying said upper
beam, and wherein said first channel of said upper beam is
positioned below said second channel of said upper beam, and
wherein said first channel of said lower beam is positioned above
said second channel of said lower beam.
15. The invention of claim 13 wherein said first component
comprises a barrier member.
16. The invention of claim 15 wherein said second component
comprises a marker board.
17. The invention of claim 16 wherein said second component further
comprises a hanger having an insert portion engaging said second
channel, and wherein said marker board is disposed on said
hanger.
18. The invention of claim 15 wherein said second component
comprises a shelf.
19. The invention of claim 13 wherein said second channel of said
first and second beams has a T-shaped cross-section.
20. The invention of claim 13 wherein said first and second beams
each comprise a pair of said first and second channels positioned
on opposite sides of said first and second beams respectively, and
further comprising a third component extending between said first
and second beams and engaging said first channel on said side of
each of said first and second beams opposite said side of said
first and second beams on which said first component is engaged
with said first channels on each of said first and second
beams.
21. A method for configuring a workstation comprising: providing a
first horizontal beam comprising longitudinally extending first and
second channels, wherein said first channel is spaced apart from
said second channel in a substantially parallel relationship
therewith; a second horizontal beam comprising longitudinally
extending first and second channels, wherein said first channel of
said second beam is spaced apart from said second channel of said
second beam in a substantially parallel relationship therewith;
disposing a first component between said first and second beams and
engaging said first channel on each of said first and second beams
with said first component; and engaging at least one of said second
channels of said first and second beams with a second
component.
22. The invention of claim 21 further comprising sliding said
second component within said at least one of said second channels
of said first and second beams.
23. The invention of claim 21 further comprising disengaging said
second component from said at least one of said second channels of
said first and second beams and engaging at least one of said
second channels of said first and second beams with a third
component.
24. The invention of claim 21 further comprising engaging at least
one of said second channels of said first and second beams with a
third component.
25. The invention of claim 24 wherein said second component is
engaged with said second channel of said first beam and wherein
said third component is engaged with said second channel of said
second beam.
26. The invention of claim 21 wherein said first component
comprises a barrier member.
27. The invention of claim 21 wherein said second component
comprises a marker board.
28. The invention of claim 21 wherein aid second component
comprises a shelf.
29. The invention of claim 21 wherein said second channel of said
first and second beams has a T-shaped cross-section.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a workstation,
and in particular, to a workstation capable of being configured
with various components.
[0002] Workspace systems or workstations, including for example,
various wall panel systems typically include wall panels that are
connected with various connectors. Typically, the wall panels used
in such wall panel systems are not transparent and define a closed
space or workstation, such that the user cannot see to the other
side of the wall panel. As such, these types of systems do not
promote open communication between various personnel stationed at
one or more workstations. In addition, various components, such as
shelving, are typically connected to the connectors positioned at
the ends of the wall panels, such that the components are supported
only at specific discrete locations, rather than being moveable
along the length of the panel at various off-module positions.
[0003] Other workspace systems may include a portable cart or
workstation that is configured with a display wall. Such
workstations can be particularly suitable for various group
meetings or classroom settings where a temporary display wall is
necessary to facilitate discussions. Often, such workstations are
also configured with various storage components, including for
example cabinets and shelving, to provide space for various office
supplies, including for example writing implements. Often, such
workstations can be heavy, and may be difficult to move from one
location to another. In general, the display wall is configured as
one of a blackboard, a marker board or a tackable surface. As such,
the display wall may not be suitable for concurrently displaying
various papers, for example by tacking to a tackable surface, while
at the same time providing a writing surface, such as a marker
board, for real time commentary.
SUMMARY
[0004] Briefly stated, the invention is directed to a workstation
comprising a beam having a length and comprising longitudinally
extending first and second channels. The first channel is spaced
apart from the second channel in a substantially parallel
relationship therewith. A first component has an insert portion
disposed in the first channel, and the second component has an
insert portion disposed in the second channel.
[0005] In one preferred embodiment, the first component is a
barrier member. In another preferred embodiment, the second
component is a marker board.
[0006] In another aspect, the beam comprises a pair of first and
second channels positioned on opposite sides thereof. In one
preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and second channels
has a T-shaped cross-section.
[0007] In yet another aspect, the workstation includes a support
frame having a first and second vertically extending and spaced
apart support members. A first horizontal beam extends between the
first and second support members, and comprises longitudinally
extending first and second channels. The first channel is spaced
apart from the second channel in a substantially parallel
relationship therewith. A second horizontal beam extends between
the first and second support members in a spaced apart relationship
with the first beam, and comprises longitudinally extending first
and second channels. The first channel of the second beam is spaced
apart from the second channel of the second beam in a substantially
parallel relationship therewith. A first component extends between
the first and second beams and engages the first channel on each of
the first and second beams. A second component engages at least one
of the second channels of the first and second beams.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for
configuring a workstation includes disposing a first component
between first and second beams and engaging a first channel on each
of the first and second beams with a first component. In a
preferred embodiment, the method further includes engaging at least
one second channel on one of first and second beams with a second
component. In another preferred embodiment, the method further
includes sliding the second component within at least one of the
second channels of the first and second beams.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention further comprises
disengaging a second component from at least one of the second
channels of the first and second beams and engaging at least one of
the second channels of the first and second beams with a third
component.
[0010] The present inventions provide significant advantages over
other work space assemblies, including various workstations. For
example, the invention provides a workspace or workstation that can
be easily and quickly reconfigured by engaging or disengaging one
or more components with one or more channels in one or more support
beams. Moreover, the components are infinitely adjustable along the
length of the beams and can be easily moved to various desired
positions therealong.
[0011] In addition, the workstation can be simultaneously
configured with different types of components. For example, a first
component may comprise a barrier member, which may be tackable, and
a second component may comprise a marker board, which may overlie
portions of the barrier member such that the components can be
accessed and used concurrently.
[0012] The beams provide structure for the assembly such that the
barrier member and other components can be made of lightweight
non-structural materials, such as fabrics and the like. As such,
the workstation can be easily transported from one location to
another.
[0013] The present invention, together with further objects and
advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workstation.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the workstation.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an end view of the workstation.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an end view of a beam.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a partial end view of a portion of a barrier
member.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partial end view of another portion of the
barrier member.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial end view of a portion of a
barrier member.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of a hanger member.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front view of the hanger member.
[0023] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the hanger
member.
[0024] FIG. 11 is an end view of a beam with a component engaged
therewith.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring to the drawings and as best shown in FIGS. 1-4, a
workstation 2 includes a frame 4 having a pair of vertically
extending support members 6. Each support member includes a pair of
spaced apart and parallel tubes 8 joined at one end with a curved
tube portion 10. An inner and outer plate 12, 14 are nested in the
curved portion and form an upper support 16, with the inner plate
12 having an opening 18 formed therein. A pair of plates 12, 14
also are connected between a lower portion of the tubes and form a
lower support 38, with the inner plate 12 having an opening 18
formed therein. Preferably, the plates 12, 14 and tubes 8, 10 are
formed of a metal, such as steel or aluminum.
[0026] Each vertical support member further includes a leg assembly
20 having a pair of legs 30 having an upper portion 22 joined with
a cross member 32, preferably configured as a L-shaped bracket, for
example by welding. Each leg 30 includes a middle portion 24 angled
outwardly from the substantially vertical upper portions 22, and a
lower substantially vertical portion 26. A caster 28 or other wheel
structure, which is preferably lockable, is connected to the lower
portion 26 and is supported on a floor or other support surface.
Preferably, the upper portion 22 of the legs is configured with a
tubular insert portion that is dimensioned to be received in the
lower end of the tubes 8. A shelf 34 extends longitudinally between
and is connected with the cross members 32 to provide a
substantially horizontal support surface.
[0027] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the
vertical support members can comprise poles, as disclosed for
example in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/104,101, filed Oct.
13, 1998, and PCT application PCT/US99/23794, filed Oct. 13, 1999,
both entitled "Work Space Management and Furniture System," the
entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0028] An upper and lower beam 40, 42 extend longitudinally between
and are connected to the vertical support members 6, and in
particular to the upper and lower supports 16, 38. The terms
"longitudinal" as used herein means of or relating to length or the
lengthwise direction or dimension. Preferably, the upper and lower
beams 40, 42 have a substantially horizontal orientation and are
spaced apart in a substantially parallel relationship to define an
opening 44 therebetween. Alternatively, it should be understood
that the support members 6 could have a horizontal orientation, or
some other angled orientation, and the beams 40, 42 could have a
vertical orientation, or some other angled orientation. The beams
40, 42 preferably have the same cross-section and are preferably
extruded. The beams also are preferably made of aluminum, but may
be made of any structural material such as wood, steel, hard
plastic, fiberglass, etc.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, each beam 40, 42 preferably includes a
substantially flat portion 46 forming an outwardly facing channel
along the length of the bottom and top of the beams 40, 42,
respectively, and an opposite curved portion 48. The openings 18
formed in the inner plates 12 of the upper and lower supports 16,
38 are shaped to receive the ends 50 of the beams 40, 42, with the
mating non-symmetrical shape of the beams 40, 42 and the opening 18
acting as a key combination that prevents rotation of the beams 40,
42 in the openings 18. A rib 52 extends between the members and
includes a socket 54 formed in the middle thereof. A fastener 56
extends through the outer plates 14 of the support members 16, 38
and threadably engages the socket 54 on opposite ends 50 of the
beams.
[0030] Each beam 40, 42 includes a pair of first and second
channels 58, 60 formed on opposite sides of the beam. The first and
second channels 58, 60 preferably run the length of the beam,
although it should be understood that they could have a shorter
extent, and are preferably spaced apart in a substantially parallel
relationship. The second channel 60 preferably has a T-shaped
cross-section. When secured to the upper supports, the upper beam
40 is oriented with an outer surface of the curved member 48 facing
upwardly such that the second channels 60 on each side of the beam
are positioned above the first channels 58. Conversely, when
secured to the lower supports, the lower beam 42 is oriented with
the outer surface of the curved member 48 facing downwardly such
that the second channels 60 on each side of the beam are positioned
below the first channels 58.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7, a component, shown as a
barrier member 70, is disposed in the opening 44 between the beams
40, 42 and is secured to the upper and lower beams. In particular,
the barrier member 70 includes a sheet material 72 and a strip 74,
75 secured along the upper and lower edges 76, 78 of the sheet
material with stitching, adhesive or other know attachment devices.
Although the strips are shown as having substantially the same
length as the sheet material it should be understood that the strip
can be shorter than the sheet material, or that a plurality of
strip members, or clips or other hanger members, can be secured to
the edge of the short material. In a preferred embodiment, the
sheet material 72 preferably comprises a fabric or other flexible
material. It should be understood that the barrier member can
comprise a foam, board, mat, or other material that is preferably
tackable.
[0032] It should be understood that the term "component" refers to
any device that is secured to the beam, including for example, a
barrier member, a shelf or tray, various holding devices, including
for example and without limitation, pencil and document holders,
storage devices, including for example and without limitation
cabinets, worksurfaces, CPU holders, racks, dividers, lights,
screens, clips and other known office furniture components.
[0033] The strips 74, 75 preferably comprise as a hook, which
includes an insert portion 80 that is shaped to be received in the
first channels 58 on the upper and lower beams 40, 42. Preferably,
the edges 76, 78 of the sheet material include a fold 82 that is
secured to the strips 74, 75 and is folded back on the sheet
material 72 so as to hide the end of the strip and/or the stitching
or other devices for attaching the strip to the sheet material.
Preferably, the bottom hook 75 is coextruded as a one-piece member
from two different materials. The upper section 77, which is
attached to the edge 78 of the sheet material, and the lower hook
79 are preferably made of a hard plastic, such as PVC (Prime 4070),
to provide stiffness and strength to allow the sheet material to be
stitched, or otherwise attached thereto, and also for connecting
the sheet material to the beam. A middle portion 81 is made of a
relatively flexible material, such as TECHNOR Apex Flex Alloy
9100-35UV, which can be stretched to maintain tension in the sheet
material and to accommodate various tolerances. As stated above,
the sheet material itself can be made of a stretchable material,
such as an elastomeric material, which can be stretched as it is
installed on the beams so as to maintain the sheet material in
tension. Tension of the sheet material can improve the appearance
thereof by eliminating any wrinkles, and can stabilize the sheet
material as various objects are attached thereto, for example by
tacking.
[0034] When installed, the barrier member 70 can be stretched
between the upper and lower beams 40, 42 as the hook members 80 are
inserted in the first channels 58 of the upper and lower beams on
one side of the workstation. A similar or different component,
comprising for example another a barrier member 70 as shown in FIG.
3, can also be disposed between and secured to the upper and lower
40, 42 beams on the opposite side thereof as the hooks 80 of the
barrier member are engaged with the first channels 58 on that side
of the upper and lower beams. Because the upper and lower beams 40,
42 are a mirror image of each other, the outer second channels 60
are left exposed above the first channels of the upper beam and
below the first channels 58 of the lower beam 42, even if a
component, such as a barrier member, has a portion disposed in and
engaged with the first channels 58. In this way, various components
can be simultaneously installed in and engaged with the first and
second channels 58, 60. It should be understood that the although
the barrier member 70 is shown as preferably extending the length
of the upper and lower beams 40, 42, it could be made shorter, such
that it extends along only a portion of the length of the beam
members. In such a configuration, the barrier member can be moved
along the length of the beams to different positions as the insert
portions are slid in the first channels. It should also be
understood that no components, and in particular no barrier
members, need be installed in the first channels such that at least
a portion of the opening 44 is left exposed. It also should be
understood that components other than the barrier member can be
installed in the first channels, concurrently therewith, depending
on the length of the barrier member, or by themselves.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 8-10, another component is
shown, and is configured as a marker board 84. It should be
understood that the term marker board refers to any member having a
surface capable of being marked or written on, whether erasable or
not, and including for example and without limitation, a slate
member, blackboard, paper (including paper flip charts), and/or
white board. For example, an erasable white board, preferably a
hi-gloss laminate or dry-wipe laminate, is shown in the Figures.
The marker board 84 preferably has a length substantially the same
as the barrier member, such that the marker board extends between
and covers the opening or space 44 formed between the upper and
lower beams 40, 42. Preferably, the marker board 84 has at least a
pair of holes 86 formed adjacent a top edge 88 thereof The
component further includes a pair of hanger members 90 each having
a laterally extending insert portion 92, preferably having a
T-shape such that it can be received in the second channel 60 of
the upper beam 40, a hanging strap portion 94 extending from the
insert portion and a post portion 96 extending laterally from the
opposite end of the strap portion. The strap portion 94 is
preferably slightly curved so as to conform to the curved outer
surface of the beam 40, although it should be understood that the
weight of the marker board or other component, may pull the hanger
member in tension such that it conforms to the outer surface of the
beam.
[0036] The post portion 96 includes a cap portion 98 on the end
thereof In operation, the post portion 96 is inserted through one
of the openings 86 in the marker board, such that the cap portion
98 snaps through the opening and captures the marker board on the
post 96. The hanger member 90 further includes a bumper portion 100
extending from an inner surface of the strap member proximate to
and across from the end of the T-shaped insert portion 92. The
bumper portion 100 rides along the outer surface of the beam 40
below the second channel 60, which reduces the wear and friction on
the strap portion. The hanger member 90 is preferably made a
plastic, such as a 100% ABS, or alternatively, 30% or 33%
glass-filled Nylon (ABS). The insert portion 92 is initially
inserted through an opening 83 or cutout communicating with the
channel 60 and which is dimensioned and shaped (preferably
circular) to receive the insert portion. The hanger member 90 can
then be slid in the channel 60 to the desired location, thereby
allowing other hanger members to be inserted through the opening 83
into the channel.
[0037] Preferably, the marker board 84 is secured or connected only
to the upper beam 40, although it should be understood that it
could also be secured to the lower beam. Preferably, the marker
board 84 has a width that is less than the length of the beams 40,
42, such that it can be slid along the upper beam 40 as the hanger
member insert portion 92 slides in the second channel 60. Since the
second channel 60 is positioned above the first channel 58, the
marker board 84 can be disposed over the barrier member 70, or
other underlying component, in and overlying relationship
therewith. Therefore, for example, a portion of the barrier member
can be accessible to a user, for example for tacking, with the
marker board covering another portion of the barrier member. It
should be understood that a plurality of components, meaning more
than one, can be secured within any one of the first or second
channels 58, 60. Likewise, it should be understood that one or more
components can be secured within the channels 58, 60 on both sides
of the beams. It also should be understood that the components can
be configured to engage either the first or second channels.
Therefore, for example, the barrier member can be secured in one or
more of the second channels, while a marker board, or one or more
other components, can be secured in one or more of the first
channels.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 11, yet another component is shown, and is
configured as a shelf 102, which means any support surface, such as
a tray or worksurface, typically horizontal, that is capable of
supporting one or more objects. The shelf 102 includes an upwardly
extending insert portion 104 that is shaped and configured to be
inserted into the upstanding portion of the T-shaped second channel
60 on the lower beam 42. The shelf 102 further includes a support
portion 106, configured as a truss, having a rear support surface
108 that engages the outer surface 62 of the lower beam 42 below
the second channel 60. The shelf 102 further includes a tray
portion 110 extending horizontally outward from the support portion
106 in a cantilevered configuration. The tray 110 preferably
includes an upturned lip portion 112 formed along the peripheral
free edge of the tray and a plurality of longitudinally extending
ribs 114, which both provide increased resistance to bending, as
well as various stops or steps for engaging documents and the like
that may be rested or supported on the tray portion. Preferably the
shelf component is made of PVC plastic. Although the orientation of
the insert portion 104 and support portion 106 are configured to
engage the lower beam 42, it should be understood that those
aspects could also be shaped and configured to engage the second
channel 60 in the upper beam 40 above the first channel 58, or
either of the first channels.
[0039] 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.
* * * * *