U.S. patent application number 10/735263 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for furniture system.
Invention is credited to Iacovoni, Joseph, Katje, Michael, Ohrling, Joseph, Roetman, Jeffrey, Smith, Gary, Weber, Jeffrey.
Application Number | 20050126447 10/735263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34653576 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050126447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith, Gary ; et
al. |
June 16, 2005 |
Furniture system
Abstract
A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an
otherwise open area is provided. The system includes a rigid spine
extending upward from a base surface. At least one worksurface is
connected to the spine and extends outward therefrom. A support
structure for the worksurface is connected to the spine and the
worksurface. The support structure is capable of being adjusted in
size to support worksurfaces of different sizes.
Inventors: |
Smith, Gary; (Holland,
MI) ; Weber, Jeffrey; (Minneapolis, MN) ;
Katje, Michael; (Grand Haven, MI) ; Iacovoni,
Joseph; (Grand Rapids, MI) ; Ohrling, Joseph;
(North Muskegon, MI) ; Roetman, Jeffrey; (West
Olive, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
34653576 |
Appl. No.: |
10/735263 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/050.02 |
International
Class: |
A47B 037/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an
otherwise open area comprising: a rigid spine extending upward from
a base surface; at least one worksurface connected to the spine and
extending outward therefrom; a support structure for the
worksurface connected to the spine and the worksurface, the support
structure capable of being adjusted in size to support worksurfaces
of different sizes.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the support structure includes a
support frame and a stringer.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the support frame is connected to
the spine and the stringer connected to the support frame.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the stringer is capable of
connected to the support frame at multiple locations
therealong.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the stringer is capable of being
connected on a first side or a second side of the support frame,
the first and second sides being opposite sides.
6. The system of claim 5 further comprising a stringer connection
member that interconnects the stringer and support frame.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein stringer connection member engages
one of a plurality of apertures within the support frame.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the stringer connection member is
formed from a flexible material.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the stringer is connected to a leg
which supports an end of the worksurface.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the leg includes a first portion
and a second leg portion, the first and second leg portions being
angularly adjustable.
11. A screen for use adjacent to a worksurface comprising: a
framework having a top member, a bottom member and a first side
member and an opposing second side member and substantially hollow
interior; a spanning element connected to the framework and
covering the interior of the framework.
12. The screen of claim 11 wherein the spanning element is formed
from a fabric.
13. The screen of claim 12 wherein the spanning element fits
substantially over the framework.
14. The screen of claim 11 wherein the spanning element is
connected to less than all of the top member, the bottom member,
the first side member and the second side member.
15. The screen of claim 14 wherein a portion of the spanning
element is fit within the interior and is formed from a single
piece of fabric.
16. The screen of claim 11 wherein the spanning element includes a
clip that interconnects the spanning element to an interior portion
of framework.
17. The screen of claim 16 wherein spanning element includes a
rigid element.
18. The screen of claim 17 wherein the rigid element is a marker
board.
19. The screen of claim 18 wherein the screen is a tackable
material.
20. A work system capable of supporting a variety of work tools
comprising: a work surface having a top surface; a framework
connected to the worksurface and extending above the worksurface; a
work tool support structure connected to the framework and
including a foot is supported by the top surface of the
worksurface.
21. The work system of claim 20 wherein the work tool support
structure is shaped generally like a ladder.
22. The work system of claim 21 wherein the foot is height
adjustable.
23. The work system of claim 22 wherein work tool support structure
includes two opposing sides and a plurality a spaced apart support
rods that interconnect the two opposing sides.
24. The work system of claim 23 further a work tool connected to
the work tool support structure.
25. The work system of claim 24 wherein the work tool comprises a
paper tray.
26. The work system of claim 24 wherein the work tool comprises a
file folder.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of PCT application No.
PCT/US02/19191, filed Jun. 17, 2002, which claims priority to U.S.
provisional application No. 60/298,361, filed Jun. 16, 2001, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a furniture
system for use within an open office. In particular, this invention
relates to a furniture system adapted to provide improved
functionality in an open collaborative work environment and in the
proximate workspace of a user while providing an enhanced aesthetic
appearance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Because the concept of an appropriate working environment is
rapidly changing, it is necessary that any system of arranging and
defining work areas be capable of many different configurations
allowing rapid changeover from one arrangement to another. Such
systems must be flexible enough to accommodate different work
activities and tools. In addition, such systems must be easily
assembled or reconfigured into a plurality of space-efficient
plans.
[0004] Previous systems have failed to adequately provide a
flexible and efficient use of an open area workspace. For example,
it has been known to erect permanent or semi-permanent
space-dividing walls and then to furnish each individual work area
created by these walls with furniture. The furniture used in these
systems has been of the conventional type, entirely or
substantially independent of the walls. Such arrangements were
tolerable under circumstances in which the requirements of the
activities performed within the work spaces remained relatively
static over long periods of time. Also, furniture of the
conventional type is static in design, often usable only for a
single purpose. When not in use, conventional furniture is bulky
and requires substantial storage space.
[0005] Open plan office systems or systems furniture typically
provide a series of rigid panels which are in turn rigidly
connected together at facing edges to divide work spaces into work
or task areas. The panels are coupled together at facing edges for
straight line rectangular coupling. Vertical slots are provided at
the facing edges to support brackets for hanging cabinets, shelves
and worksurfaces to efficiently use the space. However, many
previous system furniture designs failed to work in an optimal
manner in open collaborative work settings. In addition, these
systems sometimes failed to provide an efficient proximate
workspace environment for a user. This issues related to a user's
proximate workspace have become more pronounced as the size of a
user's work area decreases.
[0006] Although traditional systems furniture remain a viable
solution for many office environments, some business organizations
have functional and aesthetic requirements which cannot be
practically or commercially met by such a product. In particular,
the increasing use of computer equipment and work teams results in
the need for an extremely flexible system. In addition, the
decreased size of many work environments creates the need for an
enhanced proximate workspace.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a system that provides an
improved collaborative and proximate functionality in the workspace
with an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to an improved furniture
system with an increased efficiency and flexibility over previous
open plan furniture systems.
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a
system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise
open area is provided. The system includes a rigid spine extending
upward from a base surface. At least one worksurface is connected
to the spine and extends outward therefrom. A support structure for
the worksurface is connected to the spine and the worksurface. The
support structure is capable of being adjusted in size to support
worksurfaces of different sizes.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a screen for
use adjacent to a worksurface is provided. The screen includes a
framework having a top member, a bottom member and a first side
member and an opposing second side member and a substantially
hollow interior. A spanning element is connected to the framework
and covers the interior of the framework.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a work
system capable of supporting a variety of work tools is provided.
The system includes a work surface having a top surface. A
framework is connected to the worksurface and extends above the
worksurface. A work tool support structure is connected to the
framework and includes a foot that is supported by the top surface
of the worksurface.
[0012] As used herein the term "work tool(s)" is intended to be
interpreted broadly and to include elements such as signage,
organizers, paper trays, display trays or storage trays, personal
shelves, document holders, pencil or pen holders, disk holder or
document grippers and other known elements.
[0013] As used herein with respect to the spanning element, the
phrase "covers the interior of the framework" is intended to
include elements that either fill in the interior or cover the
interior of the framework.
[0014] The present invention, together with attendant objects and
advantages, will be best understood with reference to the detailed
description below in connection with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture system in
accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a preferred embodiment of
the support structure for a worksurface as shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a preferred
embodiment of the connection between a support frame and the
stringer;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the a
worksurface and the adjustable legs;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view of the adjustable legs in a first
position;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of the adjustable legs in a second
position;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a freestanding
worksurface having adjustable legs;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a first screen assembly;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a second screen assembly;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a third screen assembly;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a enlarged view of a tool rail attached to a
screen assembly; and
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-section of a foot of the tool rail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The invention is described with reference to the drawings in
which like elements are referred to by like numerals. The
relationship and functioning of the various elements of this
invention are better understood by the following detailed
description. However, the embodiments of this invention as
described below are by way of example only, and the invention is
not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It
should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and in
certain instances details have been omitted which are not necessary
for an understanding of the present invention such as conventional
details of fabrication and assembly.
[0028] The present invention is directed to a unique system 10 that
divides up space into a plurality of work areas 12. Once assembled,
the system 10 is self-supporting and does not depend on
architecture or interior design elements of the space for
stability. It should be recognized that the system 10 illustrated
in FIG. 1 is one of many possible configurations for the system.
The system 10 is capable of creating a plurality of workspaces of
identical characteristics or unique characteristics and is also
extremely effective in achieving high room densities for users. The
system 10 is also useful to increase the proximate work environment
for a user by increasing the accessibility for a seated worker to
various work tools 18 such as files, pens and pencils. The vertical
storage members 20 also increase the accessibility of the files,
papers or other work tools stored therein. In addition, the
vertical storage members 20, 22 and the various tiles 24 allow
light from the surrounding environment to penetrate the workspace
more efficiently than in the past. In particular, the vertical
arrangement of the storage members 20 allows more ambient light
into a user's workspace than would exist with a traditional
horizontally aligned storage member. In addition, the various tiles
24 are designed with openings to allow light to more readily pass
therethrough. For a fuller description of the tiles 24 and many
other features useful with the present system 10, reference is made
to the U.S. patent application filed Jun. 16, 2001 in the name of
"Remelts et al." and entitled "Accessories For A Workspace", the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0029] FIG. 1 also illustrates various screen assemblies. For
example, a combination privacy screen and modesty screen 38 is
shown. In addition, a number of smaller privacy screen 39 are
connected to the top of the spine 40 and particularly a monorail
useful with the system. Again, reference is made to U.S. Patent
Provisional Application filed Jun. 16, 2001 in the name of "Remelts
et al." and entitled "Accessories For A Workspace" for fuller
description of the monorail. Additional screen assemblies will be
discussed herein.
[0030] The spine 40 extends the length of the system 10. A
plurality of worksurfaces 44 are connected to the spine 40 and
extend outward therefrom. The spine 40 and the worksurfaces 44 are
constructed generally in accordance with the disclosure in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,685,255, entitled "Work Space Management System" and
issued in the name of "James. O. Kelley", the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0031] The support structure 48 supports the worksurface 44 in the
first work area 50. The support structure 48 includes a support
frame 54 and a stringer 56 as best seen in FIG. 2. The support
frame 54 includes a conventional fastening element 58 that includes
a plurality of teeth that engage corresponding slots in the spine
40. The support frame 54 includes an upper bar 60, a middle bar 62,
and a lower bar 64 that interconnect a first side 68 and a second
side 70. An angled cross-brace 71 interconnects the upper bar 60
and the middle bar 62. The second side 70 includes a leg 72 that
extends upward from a base surface. Levelers 73 are connected to
the bottom of the spine 40 and the leg 72. The upper bar 60 and the
middle bar 62 include a plurality of spaced apart apertures 74. A
plurality of corresponding apertures are located on the opposite
sides (not shown) of the upper bar 60 and the middle bar 62. A
height-adjustable support column 78 extends upward from the second
side 70 with bracket 79 connected to a bottom of the worksurface
44. A stringer connection member 80 interconnects the stringer 56
to the support frame 54. The stringer 56 includes an upper rod 84
and lower rod 86 that engage the upper bar 60 and the middle bar
62, respectively. The upper rod 84 and the lower rod 86 are
connected to the leg assembly 90.
[0032] The stringer 56 can be adjustably positioned along the
support frame 54, and particularly along the upper bar 60 and the
middle bar 62. Accordingly, the support structure 48 is useful to
support worksurfaces 44 of varying sizes. In the preferred
embodiment, the apertures 74 span a distance of 18 inches to
thereby accommodate worksurfaces that have a range in length of 18
inches. Moreover, the stringer 56 may be connected to the other
side (the side opposite to the illustration of FIG. 2) of the
support frame 54 in order to accommodate a different worksurface
configuration. As a result, the support structure 48 can
accommodate right-handed and left-handed work surface
configurations. In addition, the use of the support structure 48
obviates the need for many different parts to be in inventory to
accommodate different size work surfaces.
[0033] The stringer connection member 80 is best illustrated in
FIG. 3. The stringer connection member 80 includes a head portion
82 and a body portion 84. The stringer connection member 80 is
formed from a flexible PVC material. The flexible nature of the
stringer connection member 80 allows the stringer 56 to be
angularly adjusted relative to the support frame 54. In a preferred
embodiment, the stringer connection member 80 has a range of motion
up to approximately 30 degrees. The stringer connection member 80
allows the same support structure 48 to be used to accommodate
different worksurfaces, e.g., worksurfaces that extend straight off
the spine 40 or corner worksurfaces.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 4, the leg assembly 90 is connected
to a bottom surface 91 of one of the worksurfaces 44. More
specifically, the column 92 is connected to the worksurface
connector 94. The column 92 includes a plurality of apertures 98
that engage a fastening element within the leg assembly 90 to
properly support the worksurface 44 at the selected height. The
apertures 98 extend along a length of the column 92, e.g., five
inches, in order to readily accommodate a range of heights. The leg
assembly 90 also includes adjustable feet 100.
[0035] The adjustability of the leg assembly 90 is best illustrated
in FIGS. 4-6. The leg assembly 90 includes a first leg member 102
and second leg member 104. The first leg member 102 includes a neck
portion 108 and the second leg member 104 includes a neck portion
110. The neck portions 108, 110 include mating collar or hinge
portions 114, 116, respectively. The collar portions 114, 116 have
a tubular-shaped channel extending therethrough. The column 92
passes into the tubular-shaped channel and is secured therein. The
first leg member 102 and second leg member 104 are connected in an
angularly adjustable manner. In particular, with reference to FIG.
5, the first leg member 102 and the second leg member 104 form
approximately a ninety degree angle. With reference to FIG. 6, the
first leg member 102 and the second leg member 104 form
approximately a one hundred and eighty degree angle which is
particularly useful with a large worksurface. It should be
recognized that the leg assembly may be adjusted to provide a wide
variety of additional angles.
[0036] While the leg assembly 90 is discussed with reference to the
worksurface 44, they are also useful with the freestanding
worksurface assembly 120 of FIGS. 1 and 7. The freestanding
worksurface assembly 120 also includes a worksurface 124, a support
rod 125 and castors 126. The castors 126 provide for easy movement
of the worksurface assembly 120 across a base surface.
[0037] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate some of the screen assemblies for use
with the system 10. FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a pillow
screen assembly 150. The pillow screen assembly 150 includes a
pillow shaped fabric cover 152. The fabric cover 152 includes
spaced apart opposing sides that slide over the framework 158. The
framework 158 (preferably formed from conventional materials such
as steel) includes a top bar 160, a bottom bar 162 and a first side
bar 164 and a second side bar 168. The framework 158 defines a
hollow interior 169. The bottom bar 162 includes pegs 170 that fit
within the apertures 172 of the first and second side bars 164,
168. The first side bar 164 and the second side bar 168 include end
portions 176 and 178, respectively. Clamps 190 (preferably formed
from die cast aluminum) are used to connect the screen assembly 150
to a worksurface. The end portions 176 and 178 fit within the
channel 192 in each clamp 190. Fastening elements such a set screws
(not shown) fit in the apertures 200 in order to secure the screen
assembly 150 to the clamp 190. While the upper set of apertures 200
is useful to secure a privacy screen assembly such as the screen
assembly 150 as shown in FIG. 1, a modesty screen assembly 201 may
be also connected to the clamp 190 in the same general manner. The
clamp 190 includes a clamping surface 202 and a set screw 204 that
is rotated upward to be secured to the edge of a worksurface 44
(and/or 124). A pad 210 may also be used to prevent any damage to
the worksurface. Accordingly, the clamp 190 is a versatile element
that can connect a privacy screen, a modesty screen, or both to a
worksurface 44 (and/or 124).
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a banner screen
assembly 240. The banner screen assembly 240 operates in the same
general manner as does the pillow screen assembly 150 and includes
the same framework 158 and clamp 190. However, the banner screen
assembly 240 is different through the use of the banner insert 250.
The banner insert 250 includes a top tube 260 and a bottom tube 262
that slip over the top bar 160 and the bottom bar 162. The corners
270, 272 are removable to allow for the banner insert 250 to be
slipped over the top and bottom bars 160, 162. The banner insert
250 also includes a body portion 264 formed from a single sheet of
material.
[0039] The fabric used to form the fabric cover 152 and banner
insert 250 can include conventional materials. In addition,
materials such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application filed
Jun. 15, 2001 in the names of "Loser et al." and entitled "Methods
and Apparatus For Decorating Interior Environments", which is
hereby incorporated by reference, may also be used.
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of an insert screen
assembly 280. The insert screen assembly 280 operates in the same
general manner as does the pillow screen assembly 150 and includes
the same framework 158 and clamp 190. However, the insert screen
assembly 280 is different through the use of the insert members
280, 282 (only one used at a time). The insert 280 is formed from a
marker board material and the insert 282 is formed from a tackable
material. A retaining clip 286 is connected to either insert 280,
282 in order to secure the insert 280, 282 within the interior 169
of the framework 158. The retaining clip 286 includes a top member
290, a bottom member 292, a first side member 294, a second side
member 296 and corner members 298. Each member forming the
retaining clip 286 includes a concave outer edge adapted to engage
the inside edge of the framework 158. Each member of the retaining
clip also includes a slot adapted to receive one of the inserts
280, 282. It should be recognized that additional types of material
could be used to form the insert e.g., a transparent plastic
material. Moreover, materials having other functional purposes
could also be used to form the insert.
[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the tool rail
300 connected to the worksurface 44 via the clamp 190. The tool
rail 300 includes a bent top connection member 302. The top
connection member 302 is connected to the framework 158 and
particularly, the top bar 160. The tool rail 300 includes sides 304
and crossbeams 306. Work tools can be attached to the crossbeams
306 and secured thereto. Work tools include signage, organizers,
paper trays, display trays or storage trays, personal shelves,
document holder, pencil or pen holders, disk holder or document
gripper and other known elements. The base of the tool rail
includes feet 320. The sides 304 extend downward into channels 322
in each of the feet 320. The feet 320 support the tool rail 300
upward from the worksurface 44. The feet 320 are adjustable upward
or downward to properly meet the worksurface 44. An screw 324 can
be adjusted upward or downward within a threaded slot 326.
Accordingly, the screw 324 pushed upward on the a side 304 on lets
the side 304 come downward further into the slot 326. In essence,
the distance between the each foot 320 and the lowest crossbeam is
controlled by the adjustment of screw 324. Accordingly, the tool
rail 300 can be loaded with work tools without causing a deflection
in the screen assembly 150 because the feet 320 bear substantially
directly on the worksurface 44.
[0042] The embodiments described above and shown herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is
indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description
and attached drawings. The invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, these and any other changes which come within the
scope of the claims are intended to be embraced herein.
* * * * *