U.S. patent application number 10/732114 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-30 for furniture system facilitating informal collaboration and presentations.
Invention is credited to Nobles, Joe A., Sorel, Jess A., Sorel, Todd J., Williams, Otto N..
Application Number | 20050140184 10/732114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34700375 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050140184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams, Otto N. ; et
al. |
June 30, 2005 |
Furniture system facilitating informal collaboration and
presentations
Abstract
A furniture system particularly adapted for informal
collaboration and presentations includes lounge seating units for
team members and a podium seating unit for a seated presenter. An
information display panel is attached to a rear of the podium
seating unit and extends vertically with its front surface being
reachable over a back of the podium seating unit. The back
terminates below a presenter's lumbar, but is deep enough to
discourage the presenter from leaning rearwardly against the
screen. By this arrangement, the seated presenter maintains level
eye contact with group members in an informal setting while
discussing and pointing to information. Accessories are provided to
enhance use of the system, such as a paper-and-drink tray for
resting on the seat cushion, an erasable board attachable to the
screen, bridge tables positionable between seating units, and
table-attached screens for promoting privacy.
Inventors: |
Williams, Otto N.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Sorel, Jess A.; (Oakland, CA)
; Nobles, Joe A.; (San Francisco, CA) ; Sorel,
Todd J.; (Hayward, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON, LLP
695 KENMOOR, S.E.
P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
34700375 |
Appl. No.: |
10/732114 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 13/00 20130101;
A47B 83/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/135 |
International
Class: |
A47B 039/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A furniture system adapted for informal collaboration and
presentations, comprising at least one lounge seating unit adapted
to supported seated group members in an informal setting; a podium
seating unit having a seat and a back for a seated presenter; and
an information display panel coupled to the podium seating unit and
located adjacent a rear of the podium seating unit, the display
panel extending above the seating unit with its front surface being
reachable over the back of the podium seating unit, whereby the
seated presenter can maintain level eye contact with group members
in an informal setting while discussing and pointing to information
on the display panel.
2. The furniture system defined in claim 1, wherein the display
panel includes a front surface suitable for use as a projector
screen for receiving a projected image.
3. The furniture system defined in claim 2, wherein the display
panel is attached to the podium seating unit.
4. The furniture system defined in claim 3, wherein the display
panel is attached to the back of the podium seating unit and
supported at least in part by the podium seating unit.
5. The furniture system defined in claim 4, wherein the display
panel includes a frame and a sheet covering the frame, and
including fasteners attaching the frame abuttingly against a rear
of the back.
6. The furniture system defined in claim 4, wherein the display
panel extends vertically and does not extend at a rearward angle to
the seat, so that the display panel is adapted to reduce distortion
of projected images from a projector supported user a height of the
seat and at a location in front of the podium seating unit.
7. The furniture system defined in claim 4, wherein the podium
seating unit includes a back that extends above the seat less than
a height of a seated presenter's underarm, such that the presenter
can comfortably rest their forearm on the back while pointing to a
spot on the display panel.
8. The furniture system defined in claim 4, wherein the display
panel includes an erasable surface.
9. The furniture system defined in claim 1, wherein the display
panel is attached to a rear of the podium seating unit, and
including a board releasably attached to the display panel that
includes a writable/erasable surface adapted to receive erasable
markings thereon.
10. The furniture system defined in claim 1, wherein the podium
seating unit includes a seat cushion on the seat, and a back
cushion on the back, the seat and back cushions defining a crevice
at their adjacent surfaces.
11. The furniture system defined in claim 10, wherein the podium
seating unit includes legs defining a height dimension not greater
than a height dimension of the seat cushion.
12. The furniture system defined in claim 10, wherein the back
cushion has a horizontal thickness dimension about equal to the
seat cushion.
13. The furniture system defined in claim 10, including a table
tray with a body shaped to rest on the seat cushion, and with a
rear flange configured to fit into the crevice.
14. The furniture system defined in claim 13, wherein the crevice
extends vertically, and the rear flange extends vertically into
engagement with the crevice.
15. The furniture system defined in claim 1, including a table tray
with a front flange configured to fit against a front surface of
the seat.
16. The furniture system defined in claim 1, wherein the at least
one lounge seating unit includes two spaced-apart lounge seating
units, and further including a bridge table attached between and
interconnecting the two lounge seating units.
17. The furniture system defined in claim 16, including a privacy
screen attached to a rearward edge of the bridge table and
screening an area between the two lounge seating units, the two
lounge seating units having backs extending to a height of the
privacy screen.
18. The furniture system defined in claim 1, wherein the seat of
the podium seating unit includes a lockable drawer for storing
items therein.
19. The furniture system defined in claim 1, wherein the back of
the podium seating unit is at moat about 8 inches above a top
surface of the seat.
20. A podium seating unit adapted for informal collaboration and
presentations, comprising a podium seating unit having a seat and a
back for a seated presenter; and an information display panel
attached to the podium seating unit and located adjacent a rear of
the podium seating unit, the display panel extending above the
seating unit with its front surface being reachable over the back
of the podium seating unit, whereby the seated presenter can
maintain level eye contact with group members in an informal
setting while discussing and pointing to information on the display
panel.
21. The podium seating unit defined in claim 20, wherein the
display panel includes a front surface suitable for use as a
projector screen for receiving a projected image.
22. The podium seating unit defined in claim 21, wherein the
display panel includes a frame and a sheet covering the frame, and
including fasteners attaching the frame abuttingly against a rear
of the back.
23. The podium seating unit defined in claim 22, wherein the
display panel extends vertically or at a forward angle toward the
podium seating unit, and does not extend at a rearward angle to the
seat, so that the display panel is adapted to reduce distortion of
projected images from a projector setting at a height of the seat
and at a location in front of the podium seating unit.
24. The podium seating unit defined in claim 22, wherein the podium
seating unit includes a back that extends above the seat less than
a height of a seated presenter's underarm, such that the presenter
can comfortably rest their forearm on the back while turning and
pointing to a spot on the display panel.
25. The podium seating unit defined in claim 22, wherein the
display panel includes an erasable surface.
26. The podium seating unit defined in claim 20, wherein the
display panel is attached to a rear of the podium seating unit, and
including a board releasably attached to the display panel that
includes a writable/erasable surface.
27. The podium seating unit defined in claim 20, wherein the podium
seating unit includes a seat cushion on the seat, and a back
cushion on the back, the seat and back cushions defining a vertical
crevice at their adjacent surfaces.
28. The podium seating unit defined in claim 27, wherein the podium
seating unit includes legs defining a height dimension not greater
than a height dimension of the cushion.
29. The podium seating unit defined in claim 28, wherein the back
cushion has a horizontal thickness dimension about equal to the
seat cushion.
30. The podium seating unit defined in claim 27, including a table
tray with a body shaped to rest on the seat cushion, and with a
rear flange configured to fit into the crevice.
31. The podium seating unit defined in claim 27, wherein the
crevice extends vertically, and the rear flange extends vertically
into engagement with the crevice.
32. The podium seating unit defined in claim 26, wherein the table
tray includes a front flange configured to fit against a front
surface of the seat cushion.
33. The podium seating unit defined in claim 20, wherein the back
of the podium seating unit is about 8 inches above the top of the
seat.
34. A seating unit comprising: a base; a seat and a back supported
on the base; and a projector screen attached to one of the base,
back and seat; the screen extending above the back and the back
having a height allowing a user sitting on the seat to reach over
the back and point to projected images on the screen.
35. The seating unit defined in claim 34, including a board
releasably attached to the display panel that includes a
writable/erasable surface.
36. The seating unit defined in claim 34, wherein the back has a
front spaced away from the projector screen and a low height below
a lumbar height of the seated user which discourages the seated
user from leaning rearwardly against the projector screen.
37. The seating unit defined in claim 34, wherein the back of the
podium seating unit is at most about 8 inches above a top surface
of the seat.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to furniture systems that
facilitate informal group discussions, and more particularly
relates to a furniture system including lounge seating units and a
presenter-specific seating unit, where the presenter-specific
seating unit is particularly adapted for supporting the activity of
a presenter, and for helping the presenter maintain eye contact
with his group and also to maintain control, while still keeping
the informality of the situation.
[0002] Lounge seating is known to promote an informal setting and
discussion, and is often used in lobbies and similar public places
where it is desirable to encourage people to relax and have
conversations. This contrasts to other furniture, such as task
chairs, which are intended to support and promote task-oriented
activity and movement, but in a more formal task-oriented way. The
differences are subtle but significant, since people act
differently in informal situations versus more formalized
task-oriented situations. Lounge seating tends to have thicker,
softer, deeper cushions, and tends to be more comfortable in
function and "warmer" in appearance. Lounge seating will often
include pillows, or pillow-like components, and often is not
adjustable. Historically, lounge seating is not used for doing
tasks, but instead is intended primarily for promoting informal
discussion, reading, or relaxation while doing little else.
Contrastingly, task chairs are intended to support the seated user
primarily in an upright position, and to facilitate reaching and
active movement while doing tasks. It is desirable to provide a
furniture system that includes features promoting an informal
setting and interactive discussion, so as to reduce the "cultural
guards and barriers" to good communication such as during sales
presentations, while at the same time supporting a presenter in a
manner helping him (or her) show information that the presenter
needs to present and also while supporting listeners in a manner
promoting active listening, active exchange and interaction, and
productive informal discussion and collaboration.
[0003] More specifically, it is desirable to provide furniture that
promotes informal collaboration during presentations, so that a
group of listeners feel more relaxed and more inclined to react and
interact positively and participatively to presentations (rather
than rigidly and stoically). At the same time, it is desirable to
provide furniture that is specific to the presenter and
sufficiently flexible in use to support the presenter's activities
and meet speaker and leader needs. Furniture is needed that does
not "remove" the presenter from the group, nor that unnecessarily
separates the presenter from the group, nor that places the
presenter in an "authoritative" domineering position that
discourages participation and interaction. The furniture must help
prevent clutter and circumstances where the presenter becomes
disheveled and disorganized. The furniture must hold and support
information, such as charts, graphs, projected images and the like,
at locations where the presenter can easily point to them, without
the presenter having to constantly move back and forth to "get out
of the way" so that listeners can see the information. The
furniture must provide places to hold water or beverages, markers
and pencils, papers and sheets of information, while at the same
time providing the "deep" soft cushions and aesthetic "look" that
are characteristic of lounge seating units.
[0004] Thus, a furniture system having the aforementioned
advantages and solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a furniture system
adapted for informal collaboration and presentations includes at
least one lounge seating unit adapted to support seated group
members in an informal setting, and a podium seating unit having a
seat for a seated presenter. An information display panel is
coupled to the podium seating unit and located adjacent a rear of
the podium seating unit. The display panel extends above the
seating unit with its front surface being reachable over a back of
the podium seating unit. By this arrangement, the seated presenter
can maintain level eye contact with group members in an informal
setting while discussing and pointing to information on the display
panel.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a podium seating
unit adapted for informal collaboration and presentations includes
a podium seating unit having a seat for a seated presenter, and an
information display panel attached to the podium seating unit and
located adjacent a rear of the podium seating unit. The display
panel extends above the seating unit with its front surface being
reachable over a back of the podium seating unit. By this
arrangement, the seated presenter can maintain level eye contact
with group members in an informal setting while discussing and
pointing to information on the display panel.
[0007] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a seating
unit includes a base, and a seat and a back supported on the base.
A projector screen is attached to one of the base, back and seat.
The screen extends above the back, and the back has a low height
allowing a user sitting on the seat to reach over the back and
point to projected images on the screen.
[0008] The present furniture system serves as an excellent focal
point for a lounge-based meeting, where informal communication and
collaboration is desired. The podium lounge seating unit provides
comfortable seating for the presenter along with a handy tablet
arm, secured storage, and a projection surface. A lockable storage
drawer is available to secure projection equipment or presentation
tools. The fixed tablet arm provides a surface for presenter's
notes, laptop computer, or wireless mouse. Also, a cushion-engaging
service tray accessory nests securely on the benches and podium
seating units for food service and to support projection equipment
in a lounge-based meeting space, and is movable along the cushions
for optimal positioning. The podium seating unit includes an
integrated projection screen attached to its rear area and which
extends up above its low-height back. The projection screen is a
fine white mesh, and provides a cleanable surface that allows light
to filter through when the screen is used to divide space. The
projection screen also accommodates Steelcase's Huddleboard.TM.
marker board, which is an erasable board that can be hung on the
screen and easily written on by a presenter sitting on the podium
seating unit. The Huddleboard.TM. marker board is removable, and
also is slidable along the screen for optimal positioning relative
to the seated presenter. The back of the podium seating is
particularly constructed to reduce a tendency to recline against
the back screen, such as by its low height (which does not fully
support a seated user's lumbar, and hence tends to cause a seated
user to sit upright and/or forwardly) and also by its fore-to-aft
thickness (which is sufficient to space a seated user away from the
screen while still permitting full access for pointing or writing
thereon).
[0009] The present furniture system further includes "bench" lounge
seating units, which are more conventional in nature. Bridge tables
are provided that extend between and interconnect adjacent bench
lounge seating units, and which provide a place for users to rest
food, writing supplies, and materials. Also, privacy screens are
provided that attach to rear edges of the bridge tables, and that
extend along linear tables or around corners defined by corner
tables.
[0010] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIGS. 1-3 are three perspective views showing three
different collaborative environments formed by the present
furniture system;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the podium lounge
seating unit shown in FIGS. 1-3;
[0013] FIGS. 5-8 are top, front, right side, and rear views of the
podium lounge seating unit of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the rear-mounted screen shown in
FIGS. 4-8;
[0015] FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of a connector joining
abutting ends of the tubular frame for the screen; and
[0016] FIGS. 11-13 are perspective, end and side views of the
accessory tray shown in FIGS. 1-4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] A furniture system 20 (FIG. 1) particularly adapted for
informal collaboration and presentations includes "bench" lounge
seating units 21 for team members and a podium lounge seating unit
22 for a seated presenter. An information display panel (i.e.
screen 23) is attached to a rear of the podium lounge seating unit
22 and extends vertically with its front surface being easily
reachable over a low-height back 24 of the podium lounge seating
unit 22. By this arrangement, the seated presenter "P" (FIG. 2)
maintains level eye contact with group members "G" in an informal
setting while discussing and pointing to information 23A projected
by projector 23B on the screen 23. Additional accessories are
provided to enhance use of the system, such as a
paper-and-drink-and-proj- ector tray 26 for resting on the seat
cushion, an erasable board 27 (called a Huddleboard.TM. marker
board) (FIGS. 3-4) attachable to and hangable on the screen 23,
bridge tables 28 and 29 (FIG. 2) positionable between bench lounge
seating units 21 to interconnect the seating units 21, and
table-attached screens 30 and 31 (linear and corner-attached) for
promoting privacy. Also, the podium lounge seating unit 22 can
include additional features and options, such as an end tablet 32
(FIG. 1) or a lockable drawer 33 (FIG. 4), as described below.
Also, an end table or coffee table 34 is configured to match the
decor of the seating units 21 and 22, and also is constructed to
receive the tray 26. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, these seating units and
accessories can be arranged in a variety of different
configurations.
[0018] The back 24 is low in height (such as only about 6" to 8"
above a top surface of the seat, or more preferably about 7" to
7-1/2") and terminates at or below a presenter's lumbar. The back
24 is further deep enough (such as about 6" to 8", or more
preferably about 6-1/2") such that it acts as a "curb" to
discourage the presenter from leaning rearwardly against the screen
23. The back 24 has a rearwardly angled front surface, making it
look somewhat like a curb, and is positioned at a height usable as
an armrest by the presenter. The back (also called a "bolster")
exists as a stop or barrier or curb positioned in front of the
screen 23. Ergonomically speaking, its height was determined, in
part, to fit the small of a person's back to enhance a "perching"
posture, and to serve as an arm rest. It also makes a clear
distinction from traditional sofa backs which welcome a "lounging"
posture. Surprisingly, the back height of less than 8 inches
achieves a surprising, unexpected and beneficial result in that the
lumbar of a seated user is not fully supported, yet the result is a
more upright (yet comfortable and informed) seating posture of the
seated presenter.
[0019] Briefly, the bench lounge seating units 21 (FIG. 1) include
a box-like base frame 40 supported on two or more leg frames 41,
each having a front leg and a rear leg 42 connected by a horizontal
tube section 43 supporting the base frame 40. (See FIG. 1.) A
generously deep seat cushion 44 is placed on the base frame 40, and
a mid-level back 45 is positioned on the base frame 40 behind the
seat cushion 44. The seat cushion 44 and back 45 are generously
cushioned, but crisp clean lines are maintained along corners of
the cushions to help provide a hint of a structured activity-based
working environment. A visual screen 46 is attached to a rear of
the back 45, and extends considerably above the back, for providing
a visual screen for creating a semi-private area and informal
discussion. A more detailed discussion of a lounge seating unit
similar to the bench lounge seating unit 21 can be found in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,447,067 and Des No. 476,819, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
[0020] The podium lounge seating unit 22 (FIG. 4) includes a
tubular frame 50 with legs supporting a couch-like base 51, and
includes seating cushion 52 supported on the base 51. The back 24
is cushioned and upholstered, but is sufficiently stiff so that it
functions to hold seated presenters away from the screen 23, in a
manner that tends to prevent presenters from leaning on the screen
23. The back 24 is attached to the base 51, and defines a vertical
crevice 53 between itself and the seat cushion 52. This allows
flanges on the tray 26 to fit securely into the crevice 53 for
stability, yet allows the tray 26 to slide along the seat
(including the crevice) to an optimal position of use. As noted
above the back is about 6-8 inches high, and more preferable is
71/2 inches high, and is about 6-8 inches deep, and more preferably
is about 61/2 inches deep. The back 24 has an angled front surface,
giving it a "curb" shape not unlike the shape of a curb on a
street. The illustrated back 24 terminates about 5 inches short of
ends of the seat cushion 52. The base 51 and seating cushion 52 are
relatively squared off with flat surfaces and clean, crisp
corners.
[0021] The tablet 32 (FIGS. 5-8) is supported on a tubular
post-like upright 55 that extends from the tubular frame 50 at a
front corner of the seating cushion 52. A tablet top 56 is attached
to a top of the upright 55. The illustrated tablet top 56 is round
and includes a durable finish, but it is noted that different
shapes, sizes, and materials can be used. The lockable drawer 33
(FIG. 6) is positioned in a pocket located at a left front of the
base 51. Drawers are well known in the art for releasably securing
the drawer in its closed position. The illustrated drawer 33 has a
flat front that matches the shape of the opening in the base 51,
and that lines up flush with the front of the base 51. A lock 57 is
shown in the upper left corner of the drawer 33.
[0022] An end table 34 (FIG. 3) is provided that is similar in
shape and appearance to the base 51 and seat cushion 52. The end
table 34 includes a tubular frame 59 similar to the seating unit
frame 50, and further includes a base 60 that is similar to the
base 51 on the seating unit 22. The size and shape of a top surface
61 of the end table 34 is similar to the top surface of the seat
cushion 52, so that the tray 26 can fit securely on the table 34.
The table 34 could include a cushioned top surface if desired. A
pocket 83 is formed in the base 60 for receiving magazines. The
pocket can also be used to store the tray 26.
[0023] The screen 23 includes a tubular perimeter frame 63 (FIGS.
8-9) attached to a rear of the base 51. The tubular frame 63
includes a tube section bent into a rectangular shape with radiused
corners, with ends of the tube joined with an internal coupler 64
(FIG. 10). A flexible sheet 65 of light-colored material, such as
fine white mesh material suitable for use to receive a projected
image, is stretched across and attached to the tubular frame. The
attachment can be by any means known, including by wrapping and
sewing an edge flap of material to the tubular frame, or by
adhering the sheet to the frame, or both, or by other fastening
means. The two lower outer corners 66 of the sheet 65 are cut-away,
to leave the lower outer corners of the frame 63 exposed. As
illustrated, threaded fasteners 67 (FIG. 3) extend through the
exposed corners of the tubular frame 63 and interconnect the screen
23 to the base 51 of the podium lounge seating unit 22. It is
contemplated that panels or boards can also be used in place of the
frame 63 and sheet 65.
[0024] A marker board 27 (FIG. 4) is provided with a stiff panel 69
having an erasable front surface 70, and two spaced-apart hooks 71
shaped to releasably engage a top edge 72 of the screen 23. The
marker board 27 can be slid along the top edge 72 for optimal
positioning of the board 27.
[0025] One (or more) linear bridge tables 28 (FIG. 2) and corner
bridge tables 29 are provided for interconnecting adjacent in-line
and corner-forming seating units 21, respectively. The tables 28
and 29 each include a tubular frame 73 (FIG. 3) with legs (not
unlike the frames of seating units 21 and 22), and include a table
top conforming to the shape needed to interconnect the seating
units. Specifically, the linear table 28 includes front and rear
edges that are spaced about equal to or slightly above the seats to
continue the front and rear visual lines formed by the seat
cushions of the seating units 21. The table 28 is positioned
in-line. The corner-forming table 29 includes a pointed front
corner (where the visual front edge of adjacent seat cushions 44
meet) and a rounded rear edge (which leads from the rear edge of
one seating unit to the rear edge of the adjacent seating
unit).
[0026] Table-attached linear screens 30 and table-attached corner
screens 31 are attached to the rear edge of respective tables 28
and 29 and supported thereon by screen supports 30A, 31A, and 31B
(FIG. 2). The screens 30 and 31 are given a curved shaped by
table-attached screen-supporting brackets having a curved rear edge
and inverted U-shaped bent-wire supports. The structure and
function of these screen, supports, brackets, and tables are
disclosed more fully in a patent application entitled,
"TABLE-MOUNTED SCREEN AND SCREEN SUPPORT", filed on even date
herewith, commonly assigned and co-invented, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein in its entirety. A
downwardly-extending angled shelf (FIG. 3) can be attached along a
front bottom edge of the table top of table 28. the angled shelf
provides both a useful function by supporting magazines and the
like, but also provides an aesthetic function as a front visual
shield prevented one from seeing under the table 28 where the
tubular support frames 73 are and where utilities (such as data,
voice, power) may be.
[0027] The tray 26 (FIGS. 11-13) is bent from sheet metal, and
includes radiused corners and deburred and treated edges to reduce
sharpness. The tray 26 includes a large flat panel 75, up flanges
76-79 at each edge, and down flanges 80-81 at the front and rear
edges 76 and 77. The down flanges 80-81 extend below the flat panel
75, and are spaced apart the same distance as the front-to-rear
dimension of the seat cushion 52 (and of the end table 34). By this
arrangement, the tray 26 will rest on the seat cushion 52, with its
front and rear flanges 80-81 fitting into the crevice 53 and
against the front surface of the seat cushion 52 (see FIGS. 1 and
4). The tray 26 will also fit on the end table 34, and will fit
into the pocket 83 (FIG. 3) formed under a center of the end
table's top surface.
[0028] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *