U.S. patent application number 11/763981 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for office workstation assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Apaxis Systems, Inc. Invention is credited to Alexander Cruz.
Application Number | 20080134601 11/763981 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38832919 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080134601 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cruz; Alexander |
June 12, 2008 |
OFFICE WORKSTATION ASSEMBLY
Abstract
One example embodiment disclosed herein includes a modular
office furniture arrangement wherein the arrangement is circular
with desks in each workstation area facing toward the outside
circumference of the circle and fixed partition walls extend
radially outward from a center of the circular arrangement to
provide pie-shaped workstation areas. A sliding partition wall may
be provided in some embodiments. The sliding partition may slide
out of a pocket in the fixed partition wall to provide additional
portioning of the workstation areas. The sliding portion may slide
to extend vertically in some embodiments and may slide to extend
horizontally in other embodiments.
Inventors: |
Cruz; Alexander; (Castle
Rock, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Apaxis Systems, Inc
|
Family ID: |
38832919 |
Appl. No.: |
11/763981 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60805067 |
Jun 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/236.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/7433 20130101;
E04B 2/7422 20130101; E04H 1/1272 20130101; E04B 2002/7483
20130101; E04B 2/827 20130101; A47B 83/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/236.2 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/12 20060101
E04H001/12 |
Claims
1. Apparatus comprising: a circular assembly having a center frame
member and a circumference; at least two fixed partition walls
extending radially outwardly from the center frame member to
partition the assembly into at least two semi-circular-shaped
workstation areas; at least one desk in each workstation area,
wherein the desk has a front portion that faces the circumference
of the assembly so that a worker seated at the desk faces away from
the center frame member.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a sliding
partition that extends from a stowed position in a pocket in at
least one of the fixed partition walls to a deployed position that
is at least partially extended radially outward from the stowed
position.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a raised floor
extending from the circumference of the assembly to the center.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a lighting
fixture assembly extending at least in part upwardly from the
center frame member.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least two fixed
partition walls include three or more fixed partition walls to
partition the assembly into at least three pie-shaped workstation
areas.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a sliding partition
that raises from a stowed position in a pocket in at least one of
the fixed portioned walls to a deployed position that is at least
partially extended upward from the stowed position.
7. An office furniture kit comprising: a center frame member; at
least three partition walls adapted to be fastened to the center
frame member on an inside end; at least three desks each with a
arcuate front edge; instructions for assembling the center frame
member, at least three partition walls, and at least three desks so
that the at least three fixed partition walls extend radially
outwardly from the center frame member to partition the assembly
into at least three pie-shaped workstation areas, and so that there
is at least one desk in each workstation area, wherein the desk has
a front portion that faces the circumference of the assembly so
that a worker seated at the desk faces away from the center frame
member.
8. A kit according to claim 7 further including a sliding partition
that extends horizontally from a stowed position in a pocket in the
fixed partition wall to a deployed position that is at least
partially extended radially outward from the stowed position.
9. A kit according to claim 7 further including a sliding partition
that raises vertically from a stowed position in a pocket in at
least one of the fixed portioned walls to a deployed position that
is at least partially extended upward from the stowed position.
10. A kit according to claim 7 further including a raised floor
extending from the circumference of the assembly to the center.
11. A kit according to claim 7 further including a lighting fixture
assembly extending at least in part upwardly from the center frame
member.
12. A modular office furniture partition wall comprising: a pocket
formed integrally within the modular office furniture partition
wall; and a sliding partition within the pocket slidable to
increase a size of the modular office furniture partition wall.
13. The modular office furniture wall of claim 12, wherein the
sliding partition is slidable in a vertical direction.
14. The modular office furniture wall of claim 12, wherein the
sliding partition is slidable in a horizontal direction.
15. The modular office furniture wall of claim 12 including a
horizontal portion and a vertical portion, wherein: the horizontal
portion includes the pocket formed integrally therein to house the
sliding partition; and the vertical portion includes a track
extending along a vertical dimension of one side of the vertical
portion to guide the sliding portion when deployed vertically from
the pocket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/805,067, filed on Jun. 16,
2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject matter herein relates generally to the field of
furniture, and more particularly to modular office furniture.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Modular office furniture, commonly taking the form of
"cubicles", is in widespread use throughout the industrialized
world. Such cubicles, however, may be cramped and may lack actual
if not a feeling of privacy for the occupant. At the same time,
other cubicles provide so much privacy that they make occupants
feel cramped. Office worker productivity, on the other hand, may be
enhanced if the office worker's working environment provides a more
psychologically enjoyable space with an efficient arrangement.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one example embodiment disclosed herein
includes a modular office furniture arrangement wherein the
arrangement is circular with desks in each workstation area facing
toward the outside circumference of the circular area and flexible
partition walls. The partition walls in some embodiments extend
radially outward from a center of the circular arrangement to
provide semi-circular, pie-shaped workstation areas. A sliding
partition wall may be provided and slide out of a pocket in the
fixed partition wall to provide additional portioning of the
workstation areas. The sliding partitions, in various embodiments,
may slide in horizontal or vertical directions. In some embodiments
including sliding partitions that slide in a vertical direction,
the partition wall extends radially outward from the center of the
circular arrangement, but only provides half-height walls. These
half-height walls include the sliding partition which may be raised
and lowered to provide more privacy or more openness. These and
various other example embodiments of the inventive subject matter
are disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one example embodiment of the inventive
subject matter disclosed herein.
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of the
inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates another example embodiment of the
inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
[0008] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of one example
embodiment of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
[0009] FIGS. 7-20 illustrate various other views of the embodiments
described in FIGS. 1-6.
[0010] FIG. 21 illustrates a partition wall with a sliding
partition that slides horizontally.
[0011] FIG. 22 illustrates a partition wall with a sliding
partition that slides vertically.
[0012] FIG. 23 illustrates a partition wall with a sliding
partition that slides vertically.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In the following detailed description of the invention,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the
drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components
throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural or
other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0014] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, there is illustrated an
example embodiment of modular office furniture according to the
inventive subject matter disclosed herein. A circular modular
office furniture arrangement 100 includes three workstation areas
110. Areas 110 are separated by partition walls 120. Partition
walls 120 are disposed radially from a center column member 130.
Shelves 140 are mounted to the column member 130 and the partition
walls 120. A cabinet 150 is also mounted to column member 130 and
partition walls 120, and includes a pair of doors 155 and a top
156. A desk (or table) 160 having a work-surface 165 is positioned
with an outer edge extending along a circumference 170 of the
arrangement 110. Modular desk-top organizers 180 may be positioned
on the work-surface 165, or stacked. In one example embodiment, the
organizers 180 may include sound insulation foam placed inside them
to help minimize ambient and work related sound.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 6, the frame system 200 for the
arrangement 100 is illustrated. Floor-stand components include
three base members 210, each with a V-shaped end 215 adapted to
abut one another at the center point of the frame system 200. In
one embodiment, members 210 may be formed of milled metal. Base
members 210 are fastened together using a circular collar member
230, which includes three legs 235 that fit between the base
members 210 and are sized to extend to the floor underneath the
frame. A plurality of through-holes are provided in collar member
230 to extend from the top of the member 230 down into
corresponding holes in the base members 210 to allow for the
members to be bolted together with nuts and washers on the
underside of the members 210, which may include a recess for the
same. In addition, in one example embodiment, the frame 200
includes three track members 224 which are joined at an inner end
to respective ones of base members 210 and on an outer end to
respective ones of arcuate wiring conduits 226 adapted to cover
wiring running from the inside of track members 224 through
conduits 226 to reach underneath the desks 160. Accordingly wiring
may be brought safely from an access point inside the perimeter of
the arrangement to a location under the desks 160.
[0016] A center frame member 240 that takes the form of a tubular
member in one example embodiment, includes three square notches 242
on the bottom end thereof, and has an inside diameter sized to fit
over collar member 230. Through-holes are provided on the bottom of
frame member 240 to align with corresponding through holes on
collar member 230. Fasteners such as bolts may be passed through
the corresponding through holes to fasten the collar member 230 to
the center frame member 240. Two arcuate floor mount brackets are
further provided and may be fastened to the floor between two of
the base members 210. Mounting plates 260 are inserted into
corresponding slots 212 in base members 210, and include transverse
through-holes arranged to align with corresponding transverse
through-holes on base members 210. Fasteners, such as but limited
to bolts, may be inserted through the base members 210 and plates
260 to secure them in place.
[0017] According to one example embodiment, partition walls 120
include a slot or recess 122 on the bottom 124 thereof sized to
snugly receive the plates 260 and support the walls 120 in a
vertical position. In addition, walls 120 include mounting brackets
124 that are sized to fit into corresponding mounting slots 246 in
center frame member 240. During assembly of the arrangement 100,
walls 120 may be lifted and slid into place with brackets 124
fitting into mounting slots 246, and the slots 122 slid over the
mounting plates 260. Shelves 140 include mounting pins or dowels
142 sized to fit snugly into corresponding mounting holes 125 in
walls 120 and center frame member 240. Each side of cabinet 150 is
mounted to the walls 120 using two door frame members 156 that
include hinges 157 connected to doors 155. Top and bottom members
of cabinet 150 each include mounting pins or dowels and is mounted
to walls 120 and center frame member 240 in the same manner as the
shelves 140. Desk 160 may be assembled by fastening the
work-surface 165 to a front side 167 and to leg members 168.
Modular desk-top organizers 180 may be assembled by fastening top
182, side 184 and front 186 members together, using any suitable
fastening system. In one example embodiment, work surface 165 and
organizer top 182 include holes through which computer or
electrical wiring may be fed.
[0018] According to still another example embodiment, the partition
walls 120 include a pocket 127 to receive a sliding partition
member 300 which includes wheels or rollers 310 on the bottom
thereof to slide in a guide channel 320 formed in base members 210
and track members 224. Sliding partition members 300 may thus be
slid or rolled between a stowed position substantially inside the
pocket 127 and a fully or partially deployed position. When fully
deployed, the sliding partition member 300 may extend to the end of
a track member 224, to provide more privacy for an occupant of
workstation area 110.
[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 4, there is illustrated an alternate
example embodiment 400 of the modular arrangement described with
respect to FIGS. 1-10, with the inclusion of a raised floor 400.
Raised floor 400 includes a plurality of floor members 410
supported on floor support frame members 420 that may be assembled
with fasteners or otherwise fastened together by any suitable
means. Frame members 420 include at least one unobstructed path 430
from the inner end 440 of the frame to an outer end 450, to allow
for wiring to pass under the floor members 410. In one embodiment,
floor members 410 are pie-shaped, but other shapes may be used.
Although the embodiment of FIG. 4 includes a raised floor, not all
embodiments include a raised floor.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated still other
example embodiments wherein lighting fixtures or other devices are
mounted in a center mounting tower 500. Tower 500 may include a
circular frame structure 510 supporting a plurality of lighting
fixtures 520 that may include lighting elements 530 such as
fluorescent bulbs. A plurality of translucent lenses 540 are
provided to cover the lighting elements, and may be snap fit into
place on the frame 510 or otherwise fastened in place.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 7-20, there are illustrated various other
views of the embodiments of the inventive subject matter including
alternate views of the embodiments described above.
[0022] FIG. 21 illustrates a partition wall 2102 with a sliding
partition 2106 that slides horizontally. The partition wall 2102
includes a pocket 2104 formed integrally therein. The sliding
portion 2106 is operable to slide in and out of the pocket 2104
back and forth in a horizontal direction. The partition wall 2102
also includes a coupling track 2108 or other connection arrangement
to connect with other partition walls or other modular office
furniture or stationary walls of a structure to form partitioned
workspaces, such as cubicles. The partition wall 2102 may be
installed to allow a workspace occupant to adjust the workspace
size, openness, and privacy.
[0023] FIG. 22 illustrates a partition wall 2202 with a sliding
partition 2206 that slides vertically. The partition wall 2202
includes a pocket 2204 formed integrally therein. The sliding
portion 2106 is operable to slide up and down in a vertical
direction. The partition wall 2202 also includes a coupling track
2208 or other connection arrangement to connect with other
partition walls or other modular office furniture or stationary
walls of a structure to form partitioned workspaces, such as
cubicles. The partition wall 2202 may be installed to allow a
workspace occupant to adjust a workspace and sightlines in and out
of the workspace for privacy or openness.
[0024] FIG. 23 illustrates a partition wall 2302 with a sliding
partition 2306 that slides vertically. The partition wall 2302
includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The
horizontal portion includes a pocket formed integrally therein to
allow sliding portion 2306 so be moved into and out of sight in a
vertical direction. The vertical portion includes a track 2308 that
the sliding portion 2306 is guided by. The partition wall 2302
includes a coupling track 2310 or other connection arrangement to
connect with other partition walls or other modular office
furniture or stationary walls of a structure to form partitioned
workspaces, such as cubicles. The partition wall 2302 may be
installed to allow a workspace occupant to adjust a workspace and
sightlines in and out of the workspace for privacy or openness.
[0025] Thus, as describe above, at least one example embodiment
disclosed herein provides a modular office furniture arrangement
wherein the arrangement is circular with desks in each workstation
area facing toward the outside circumference of the circle and
fixed partition walls extend radially outward from a center of the
circular arrangement to provide pie-shaped workstation areas. A
sliding partition wall may be provided and slide out of a pocket in
the fixed partition wall to provide additional portioning of the
workstation areas. When the sliding partitions are retracted in the
stowed position, the arrangement provides easy access to the
adjacent workstation areas, and when fully deployed increase the
privacy of the occupant. Further, by placing the desk 160 facing
outwardly, the user of the workstation area may enjoy a greater
sense of security or comfort as other personnel cannot approach
them unexpectedly from the rear.
[0026] According to another example embodiment, the above described
parts may be placed into a kit along with instructions for
assembly. The kit may be contained in one or more boxes, crates or
other container for shipping to the desired location. According to
another example embodiment, the kit further instructions for
instructions for assembling the center frame member, the three
partition walls and the three desks so that the at least three
fixed partition walls extend radially outwardly from the center
frame member to partition the assembly into at least three
pie-shaped workstation areas, and so that there is at least one
desk in each workstation area, wherein the desk has a front portion
that faces the circumference of the assembly so that a worker
seated at the desk faces away from the center frame member kit.
[0027] According to another example embodiment, various components
and members of the furniture arrangement disclosed herein may be
formed using aluminum or steel. In one example embodiment, the
floor, shelves and desk panels may be made of plywood or laminated
particle board. In another embodiment, snap-on wall panels may be
made of various fabrics wrapped tightly around aluminum frame.
Sound absorbing materials may be used, such as sound absorbing foam
or fabric.
[0028] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the
same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown.
This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations
of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above
description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.
Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will
be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. The scope of the invention includes any other
applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods
are used. The scope of the invention should be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled
* * * * *