U.S. patent application number 12/772828 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for office system.
Invention is credited to Jon H. Lefors, Christopher A. Luomanen, Joe A. Nobles, David E. Simon, Jess A. Sorel, Todd J. Sorel, Bryan T. White, Max Williams, Otto N. Williams.
Application Number | 20100205868 12/772828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34083217 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100205868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Otto N. ; et
al. |
August 19, 2010 |
OFFICE SYSTEM
Abstract
A free-standing, partition-type furniture system adapted to
subdivide an open space of a room, comprising a plurality of first
partition panels, each including a first body portion having a pair
of side edges, and a first screen member operably coupled to the
first partition panel and laterally shiftable with respect to the
first partition panel such that the first screen member extends
from one of the side edges of the first body portion. The furniture
system also includes a plurality of second partition panels each
including a second body portion having an upper edge, and a second
screen member operably coupled to the second partition panel and
vertically shiftable with respect to the second partition panel
such that the second screen member extends from the upper edge of
the second body portion. The plurality of first and second
partition panels are operably coupleable and arrangeable so as to
subdivide the open space of a room.
Inventors: |
Williams; Otto N.;
(Berkeley, CA) ; Nobles; Joe A.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Sorel; Todd J.; (Hayward, CA) ; Sorel;
Jess A.; (Oakland, CA) ; White; Bryan T.;
(Freemont, CA) ; Luomanen; Christopher A.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Williams; Max; (Castro Valley,
CA) ; Simon; David E.; (Bainbridge Island, WA)
; Lefors; Jon H.; (San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON, LLP
695 KENMOOR, S.E., P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
34083217 |
Appl. No.: |
12/772828 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10835430 |
Apr 29, 2004 |
7707790 |
|
|
12772828 |
|
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|
60478052 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/36.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2200/12 20130101;
E04B 2/7416 20130101; E04B 2002/7483 20130101; E04B 2002/749
20130101; A47B 83/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/36.4 |
International
Class: |
A47F 10/00 20060101
A47F010/00; A47B 21/00 20060101 A47B021/00 |
Claims
1. A furniture system, comprising: a partition panel; a worksurface
supported from the partition panel; a second worksurface at least
partially underlying the first worksurface and laterally shiftable
with respect to the first worksurface; and, a support member
extending between the first worksurface and the second worksurface,
thereby supporting the first worksurface above the second
worksurface.
2. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
support member is fixedly coupled to a bottom surface of the first
worksurface and guides along a top surface of the second
worksurface.
3. The furniture system of claim 2, wherein the at least one
support member includes a pad member located at a distal end
thereof, thereby protecting the top surface of the second
worksurface from damage.
4. The furniture system of claim 3, wherein the pad member
comprises felt.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/835,430, filed Apr. 29, 2004, entitled
OFFICE SYSTEM, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/478,052, filed Jun. 12, 2003, entitled OFFICE
SYSTEM, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an office partition
furniture system, and in particular to a free-standing,
partition-type furniture system telescopingly expandable in both
the lateral and vertical directions, so to easily subdivide an open
space within a room, and to adjust to architectural conditions and
limitations.
[0003] The efficient use of building floor space is an ever growing
concern, particularly as building costs continue to escalate. Open
office plans have been developed to reduce overall officing costs,
and generally incorporate large, open floor spaces in buildings
that are equipped with modular furniture systems which are readily
reconfigurable to accommodate the ever changing needs of a specific
user, as well as the divergent requirement of different tenants.
One arrangement commonly used for furnishing open plans includes
movable or portable partition panels that are detachably
interconnected to partition off the open spaces into individual
workstations and/or offices. Such partition panels are configured
to receive hang-on furniture units, such as worksurfaces, overhead
cabinets, shelves, etc., and are generally known in the office
furniture industry as "systems furniture."
[0004] Numerous partition panel systems have been developed for
dividing office workspaces into smaller areas. Some of these
partition panel systems utilize prefabricated rectangular partition
panel members that have a unitary rigid perimeter frame with
decorative cover panels fastened opposite sides thereof. Each
perimeter frame member has a rectangular shape, and is fabricated
and shipped as a single unit, often with the decorative cover
panels pre-fastened to the frame. During installation, the
prefabricated perimeter frame of each panel member is fastened to
the perimeter frame of an adjacent panel member along the vertical
edges thereof, either directly, or by a separate fastener post.
Each partition panel member includes two height adjustable feet or
glides along the bottom edge of each panel member, with one glide
being located adjacent each vertical panel edge. Since there are
two vertical frame members at each panel joint, this type of panel
construction results in structural redundancy. In addition, since
each glide must be properly adjusted for height, this configuration
requires adjustment of both glides at each panel joint during
assembly. Furthermore, although longer panels typically have a
lower cost per unit length, longer panels are difficult to handle,
which places a practical limit on the size of the partition panel
member that can be shipped and installed as a prefabricated
unit.
[0005] Other partition panel systems utilize prefabricated
rectangular partition panel members having a unitary perimeter
frame that attaches to a post member along each vertical panel
edge. Although this type of design may have a single glide at each
post, each panel-to-post connection has at least two vertical
structural members. Since only a single vertical member is needed
to provide support and height adjustment, this type of system has
redundant structure. In addition, the rectangular partition panel
members are manufactured and shipped as a unit, limiting the size
of the partition panel members that can be used.
[0006] A furniture system is desired that can be easily and quickly
assembled, may be easily rearranged and reconfigured to satisfy the
needs of a changing business environment in a particular setting,
provides a low-cost alternative to complicated partition panel
systems, and allows for reduced, as well as simplified ordering,
assembling, managing furniture assets and shipping costs while
simultaneously providing adequate room-dividing properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a
furniture system that includes a base member, a pedestal extending
upwardly from and supported by the base member, and a worksurface
supported by the pedestal. The furniture system also includes a
partition member extending upwardly from and supported by the base
member and including a vertically-shiftable screen member
extendable from an upper edge of the partition member, wherein the
partition member is spaced apart from the pedestal.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
furniture system that includes a worksurface, a partition panel
supporting the worksurface, and a screen member vertically
shiftably supported by the partition member such that the screen
member is extendable from an upper surface of the partition
panel.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
free-standing, partition type furniture system that includes at
least one partition panel configured to subdivide a space within a
room, and a screen member operably coupled to the partition panel
and laterally shiftable with respect to the partition panel, the
screen member including a first side and a second side opposite the
first side, wherein the first side of the screen member includes
and accessory unit.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
free-standing partition-type furniture system adapted to subdivide
a floor space of a room that includes a plurality of first
partition panels each including a first body portion having a pair
of side edges, and a first screen member operably coupled to the
first partition panel and laterally shiftable with respect to the
first partition panel such that the first screen member extends
from one of the side edges of the first body portion. The furniture
system also includes a plurality of second partition panels each
including a second body portion having an upper edge, and a second
screen member operably coupled to the second partition panel and
vertically shiftable with respect to the second partition panel
such the second screen member extends from the upper edge of the
second body portion. The plurality of first and second partition
panels are operably coupleable and arrangeable so as to subdivide
an open space of a room
[0011] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide
a furniture system that includes a cabinet member having a pair of
side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall and a rear wall that
cooperate to form a box-like structure having an open front, a
worksurface supported within the cabinet member, and a screen
member laterally shiftably supported within the rear wall such that
the screen member is extendable from one of the side walls of the
cabinet structure.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
plurality of work areas within an open space of a room, each work
area including at least one first partition panel, and at least one
desk assembly. Each first partition panel includes a first body
portion having a pair of side edges, and a first screen member
operably coupled to the first body portion and laterally shiftable
with respect to the first body portion such that the first screen
member extends from one of the side edges of the first body
portion. Each desk assembly including a first worksurface, and a
second worksurface overlapping the first worksurface and laterally
shiftable with respect to the first worksurface. The at least one
partition panel in the at least one desk assembly cooperate and are
reconfigurable so as to subdivide a given open space of a room.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
furniture system that comprises a partition panel, a first
worksurface supported from the partition panel, and a second
worksurface at least partially underlying the first worksurface and
laterally shiftable with respect to the first worksurface. The
furniture system further comprises a support member extending
between the first worksurface and the second worksurface, thereby
supporting the first worksurface from the second worksurface.
[0014] Still yet another aspect of the present invention is to
provide a plurality of work areas within an open space of a room,
each work area including two first partition panels each including
a first body portion having a pair of side edges, a first screen
member operably coupled to the first body portion and laterally
shiftable with respect to the first body portion such that the
first screen member extends from one of the side edges of the first
body portion. The at least two first partition panels cooperate and
are reconfigurable so as to subdivide a given open space of a
room.
[0015] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide
a freestanding partition panel assembly that comprises a body
portion having a pair of side edges, and a screen member operably
coupled to the body portion and laterally shiftable with respect to
the body portion such that the screen member extends from one of
the side edges of the body portion. The screen member comprises a
top frame member having at least one upper guide channel, a bottom
frame member having at least one lower guide channel, and at least
one divider that is slidably received within the upper guide
channel and the lower guide channel and is selectively horizontally
repositionable therein.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
furniture system that comprises a worksurface, and a partition
panel at least partially supporting the worksurface, wherein the
partition panel includes a top frame member having at least one
upper guide channel and a bottom frame member having at least one
lower guide channel. The furniture system also comprises at least
one divider shiftably received within the at least one upper guide
channel and the at least one lower guide channel of the partition
member and selectively horizontally repositionable therein.
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
connector assembly for freestanding partition-type office system of
the type including a plurality of panel members, each panel member
having at least one frame member, wherein the at least one frame
member has a pair of inwardly-extending channels. The connector
assembly comprises a pair of engagement members, wherein each
engagement member includes a pair of legs, an inner wall located at
and connected to a proximal end of the legs, a web portion located
along a length and connected to the legs, and a pair of tab
portions located at a distal end of the legs, wherein the inner
wall of at least one of the engagement members includes an aperture
extending therethrough. The connector assembly also includes an
actuator operably received the aperture of the inner wall of the
one of the engagement members such that selective actuation of the
actuator member forces the inner walls of the pair of engagement
members away from one another, and the tab portions to frictionally
engage a pair of channels of a frame member, thereby coupling a
pair of panel members together.
[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
freestanding partition-type system adapted to subdivide an open
space of a room, the system comprising a first panel member having
a first frame member extending along an edge thereof, wherein the
first frame member includes a pair of channels extending along a
length thereof, and a second panel member having a second frame
member extending along an edge thereof, wherein the second frame
member includes a pair of channels extending along a length
thereof. The system also comprises a pair of engagement members,
wherein each engagement member includes a pair of legs, an inner
wall located at and connected to a proximal end of the legs, a web
portion located along a length of and connected to the legs, and a
pair of tab portions located at a distal end of the legs, wherein
the inner wall of at least one of the engagement members includes
an aperture extending therethrough. The system further comprises an
actuator operably received within the aperture of the inner wall of
one of the engagement members such that selective actuation of the
actuator member forces the inner walls of the pair of engagement
members away from one another, and the tab portions of each
engagement member to frictionally engage one of the channels of the
frame member of each of the panel members, thereby coupling the
first and second panel members together.
[0019] The present inventive furniture systems provide an
uncomplicated design, can be easily and quickly arranged to
subdivide an open space of a room, and are therefore efficient in
use, provide a low-cost alternative to furniture systems that
include an arrangement of complicated and difficult to assemble
partition panels, and are particularly well adapted for the
proposed use.
[0020] These and other advantages of the invention will be further
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference
to following written specification, claims and appended
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a top view of a plurality of furniture systems
embodying the present invention, and cooperating to subdivide an
open space of a room;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the plurality of
furniture systems subdividing the space within the room;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first furniture system,
wherein a first partition member is shown including a laterally
shiftable screen member shown in a retracted position in solid
line, and an extended position in dotted line, a worksurface shown
in a first position in solid and a second position in dashed line,
and a vertically shiftable screen member shown in a retracted
position in solid line, and an extended position in dashed
line;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the laterally-shiftable
screen member including a plurality of accessory units;
[0025] FIG. 5 is an end view of the partition assembly and the
first screen member;
[0026] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional perspective view of a top frame
member of the laterally shiftable screen, taken along line VI-VI,
FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the top
member of the screen;
[0028] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a plurality of alternative
furniture systems including a first furniture system, wherein a
first partition member is shown including a laterally shiftable
screen member shown in a retracted position in solid line, and an
extended position in dotted line;
[0029] FIG. 7B is a top plan view of the plurality of alternative
furniture systems of FIG. 7A;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a sill assembly, taken
along the line VIII-VIII, FIG. 7;
[0031] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an end of a shelf
assembly of the sill assembly;
[0032] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a first
worksurface supported by a hanger assembly, taken of area X-X, FIG.
7;
[0033] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a first leg
assembly supporting the first worksurface, taken of area XI-XI,
FIG. 7;
[0034] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a second leg
assembly supporting the first worksurface above a second
worksurface, taken of area XII-XII, FIG. 7;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a second furniture system, showing the
laterally-shiftable screen member in a retracted position in solid
line, and an extended position in dashed line;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third furniture system
incorporating a height adjustable table therein;
[0037] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of an overhead
storage bin, taken of area XV-XV, FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a coupling
or connector assembly, taken along line XVI-XVI, FIG. 7;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
coupling or connector assembly;
[0040] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an adjustable power
assembly within the furniture systems;
[0041] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the adjustable power
assembly;
[0042] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a pocket screen within
a partition wall, taken along the line XX-XX, FIG. 7;
[0043] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pocket
screen within the partition panel, taken near the line XXI-XXI,
FIG. 7; and
[0044] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pocket
screen within the partition panel, taken near the line XXII-XXII,
FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 2. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations and step
sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is
also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the
claims expressly state otherwise.
[0046] The reference numeral 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) generally
designates a plurality of furniture systems embodying the present
invention, and cooperating to subdivide an open floor space 12 of a
room. In the illustrated example, a first furniture system 14 (FIG.
3) includes a partition assembly 16, and a first screen member 18
laterally shiftable with respect to the partition assembly 16. The
screen member 18 (FIG. 4) includes an outer frame 19 and a
supported skin 21. The frame 19 is preferably constructed of an
extruded aluminum, while the skin 21 is preferably constructed of a
woven polypropylene, wherein the weave of the PVC may be provided
loosely to allow for the passage of light, or tightly, thereby
providing an improved backdrop for purposes such as a projector
screen 18 includes a first side 20 and second side 22 opposite the
first side 20. The first side 20 (FIG. 4) includes a plurality of
accessory units 24, as discussed below. In use, the screen member
18 is laterally shifted from within the partition assembly 16, such
that the first side 20 of the screen member 18 is accessible,
thereby allowing access to the accessory units 24 located on the
first side 20 of the screen member 18. It should be noted that the
partition assembly 16 is preferably configured such that at least
some portion of the first side 20 of the screen member 18 is always
accessible.
[0047] The partition assembly 16 includes a first panel member 26
and a second panel member 28 operably coupled so as to form a
substantially orthogonal angle. The first panel member 26 includes
an upper edge 30, a lower edge 32, and a side edge 34. The first
and second panel members 26, 28 are supported above a floor surface
35 by a plurality of legs 36, however, it should be noted that the
lower edge 32 of the first panel member 26 may be directly
supported by the floor surface 35. The first panel member 26 and
the second panel member 28 are provided with a plurality of
apertures and/or mechanical fasteners (not shown) so as to support
devices such as an overhead storage unit 38, a marker board 40, and
the like therefrom. The upper edge 30 (FIG. 5) of the first panel
member 26 includes an upper channel 42, while the lower edge 32
includes a lower channel 34, wherein the upper and lower channels
42, 44 are configured to telescopingly receive the screen member 18
therebetween.
[0048] The screen member 18 includes the first side 20, the second
side 22, an upper edge 46, a lower edge 48, and a distal side edge
50. The screen member 18 further includes a top frame member 45, a
bottom frame member 47, a side frame member 49, and corner members
31 extending between and connecting the top and bottom frame
members 45, 47 with the side frame member 49. The top and bottom
frame members 45, 47 (FIG. 6A) are preferably extruded and include
a pair of T-shaped outer channels 51 and a T-shaped center channel
53. The top frame member 45 is oriented such that the channels 51,
53 are downwardly disposed, while the bottom frame member is
oriented such that the channels 51, 53 are upwardly disposed. The
screen member 18 is supported in part by a leg 52 extending
downwardly from the lower edge 48 and located proximate the distal
side edge 50. In assembly, the upper edge 46 and the lower edge 48
of the screen member 18 are telescopingly received within the upper
channel 42 and the lower channel 44 of the first panel member 26,
respectively, such that the screen member 18 can be laterally
shifted from within the first panel member 26 in a direction as
indicated and represented by a direction arrow 49, so as to
subdivide the space 12 of the room. Preferably, the screen member
18 will be positioned with respect to the first panel member 26 by
skilled personnel familiar with such furniture systems, and that
the screen member 18 will not be freely shiftable within the first
panel member 26 by a casual operator. It should be noted that while
the second side 22 of the screen member 18 is accessible when the
screen member 18 is recessed within the first panel member 26, it
is envisioned that the first panel member 26 may be configured such
that the first screen member 18 is completely received within the
first panel member 26 such that a portion of the second side 22
received within the first panel member 26 is not accessible.
[0049] The accessory units 24 (FIG. 3) of screen member 18 include
utilitarian items such as a marker board 54, a segmented paper
organizer or "ladder" 56, a hook 58 suitable to hangingly receive
garments such as a coat thereon, and other accessory units
compatible for use within an office environment. Alternatively, a
plurality of slidable dividers 77 (FIG. 6A) may replace the
accessory units 24. Specifically, the dividers 77 include a pair of
opaque, mesh-screen dividers 79 slidably received within the outer
channels 51 of the top and bottom frame members 45, 47, and a
translucent divider 81 slidably received within the center channel
53. Alternatively, an extruded slider support 400 (FIG. 6B) is
inserted into each of the channels 51, 53. Each slider support 400
is C-shaped and includes a pair of outwardly-extending support legs
402 for supporting the support 400 within the associated channel
51, 53, and a pair of inwardly-extending support legs 404 that are
adapted to support an upwardly-located loop 406 of a screen member
408, and a roller assembly 410 for supporting a utility board 412,
such as a white-board, a tack-board, or the like.
[0050] The plurality of furniture systems 10 also include a second
furniture system 98 that includes a partition member 100, a
worksurface 102 at least in part supported by the partition member
100, and a cabinet member 104 including a plurality of slidably
extendable drawers 106, wherein the worksurface 102 is in part
supported by the cabinet member 104. A screen member 108, similar
to screen member 84, is telescopingly adjustable from within the
partition member 100 in a direction as indicated and represented by
directional arrow 110. The partition member 100 is supported by a
distally-located support leg 112, while the worksurface 102 is at
least in part supported by a distally-located support leg 114.
[0051] Alternatively, the second furniture system 98 is replaced by
a third furniture system 120 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) that includes a
partition member 122, a worksurface 124 at least in part supported
by the partition member 122, and a cabinet member 126. The
partition member 122 includes a top frame member 128, a bottom
frame member 130, a pair of side frame members 132, and corner
members 133. The top and bottom frame members 128, 130 are
preferably extruded to include outer and central channel members
similar to those described above with respect to the top and bottom
frame member 45, 47 of the screen member 18, and that are
configured to slidably support translucent panels 135 and an opaque
panel 137 therein, as further detailed below.
[0052] The partition member 122 further includes a sill assembly
134 (FIG. 8) that includes an extruded central frame member 136
extending between and fixedly coupled to the side frame members 132
and having a pair of T-shaped channels 138 extending longitudinally
along the side thereof, an upwardly-disposed T-shaped top channel
140 extending longitudinally along a top thereof, and a
downwardly-disposed, T-shaped bottom channel 141 extending
longitudinally along a bottom thereof. The sill assembly 134
further includes a pair of sill shelf assemblies 142 (FIGS. 8 and
9) supported in a cantilevered manner from the central frame member
136. Specifically, each sill shelf 142 is preferably extruded and
includes a top surface 144, a plurality of hollow interior
compartments 146, a longitudinally-extending and upwardly-opening
channel 148, a rearwardly-located and downwardly-extending hook
member 150, and a downwardly-extending abutment flange 152.
[0053] In assembly, each sill shelf 142 is supported from the
partition member 122 by inserting the hook member 150 of the
associated sill shelf 142 into the top channel 140 of the central
frame member 136 and allowing the sill shelf 142 to rotate
downwardly in a direction as indicated by directional arrow 153
until the abutment surface 152 of the sill shelf 142 abuts a side
surface 154 of the central frame member 136. An adhesive 156, such
as a double-sided adhesive tape, is placed between points of
contact between the associated sill shelf 142 and the central
member 136. The sill shelf assembly 146 also includes end caps 158
that cover the exposed end of the compartments 146, and which are
held in place by one-way push-in fasteners such as buttons 160.
[0054] The worksurface 124 includes a top surface 161 and a bottom
surface 162. The worksurface 124 is supported by a pair of hanger
assemblies 164, a leg assembly 166 and leg assembly 180. Each leg
assembly 166 (FIG. 10) engages one of the side channels 138 and the
bottom channel 141 of the central frame member 136. The
construction and manner of engagement of the hanger assemblies 164
are fully described and disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/087,324, entitled POST AND BEAM FURNITURE SYSTEM, the
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. It should be noted that the hanger assemblies 164 allow
adjustment of the relative height of the worksurface 124 with
respect to the partition member 122. The leg assembly 166 is
telescopingly adjustable and extends from the floor 135 and is
fixedly attached to the bottom surface 162 of the worksurface 124.
The leg assembly 166 (FIG. 11) includes an outer portion 168 having
a circular cross-sectional configuration, an inverted T-shaped
relief 170, and a threadably actuated clamp 172 spanning the relief
170. The leg assembly 166 further includes an inner portion 174
having a circular cross-sectional configuration with a diameter
slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the outer portion 168,
and telescopingly received within the outer portion 168. The leg
assembly 166 further includes a support plate 176 fixedly connected
to a distal end of the inner portion 174 and fixedly connected to
the bottom surface 162 of the worksurface 124 by a plurality of
mechanical fasteners such as screws 178. The relative height of the
worksurface 124 above the floor surface 35 may be adjusted by
loosening the clamping mechanism 172, thereby allowing the relief
170 of the outer portion 168 to expand and the inner portion 174 to
telescope within the outer portion 168. The height of the
worksurface 124 above the floor surface 35 is then secured by
tightening the clamping assembly 172, such that the relief 170 is
contracted and the inner portion 174 is tightly secured within the
outer portion 168.
[0055] The leg assembly 180 is fixedly attached to the bottom
surface 162 of the worksurface 124 and extends downwardly to and is
supported by a worksurface 184 of the cabinet member 126.
Specifically, the leg assembly 180 (FIG. 12) includes an upper
portion 186 having a circular cross-sectional configuration and an
internal thread 188, a support plate 190 fixedly secured to an end
of the upper portion 186 and fixedly attached to the bottom surface
162 of the worksurface 124 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners
such as screws 190, and a lower portion 192 having a circular
cross-sectional configuration and an external thread 194 that
threadably mates with the internal thread 188 of the upper portion
186, thereby allowing the overall length of the leg assembly 180 to
be threadably adjusted. The leg assembly 180 further includes a
guide pad 196 fixedly secured to a distal end of the lower portion
192. The guide pad 196 is preferably constructed of a felt
material, or other material suitable for such applications. In
operation, the guide pad 196 abuts and protects a top surface 198
of the worksurface 184 when the relative location of the
worksurface 124 and the worksurface 184 are changed with respect to
one another.
[0056] An armoire-type workstation 60 (FIG. 13) includes a cabinet
member 62 having a top wall 59, a bottom wall 61, a pair of side
walls 63, and a planar rear wall 64. The rear wall 64 includes an
upper channel 65 and a lower channel 67 that telescopingly receive
an upper edge 69 and a lower edge 71 of a screen member 73 therein,
such that the screen member 73 is laterally shiftable within the
cabinet member 62 in a direction as indicated and represented by
directional arrow 66 in similar manner as described above. The
screen member 73 is at least in part supported by a
distally-located leg 75 when the screen member 73 is extended from
within the cabinet member 62. The workstation 60 includes a
laterally-shiftable worksurface 70 located therein and which is
moveable in a direction as indicated and represented by directional
arrow 72. The work station 60 is utilized and cooperates within the
plurality of furniture systems 10 to subdivide the space 12 within
the room.
[0057] Another second furniture system 74 (FIG. 14) includes a base
member 76 supportable on the floor surface 35, a pedestal extending
upwardly from and supported by the base member 76, and a
worksurface 80 supported by the pedestal 78. The furniture system
74 also includes a partition member 82 extending upwardly from and
supported by the base member 76. As illustrated, the pedestal 78
and the worksurface 80 are preferably spaced apart from the
partition member 82. The partition member 82 includes a
vertically-shiftable screen member 84 that is extendable from an
upper edge 86 of the partition member 82. In the illustrated
example, the screen member 84 is telescopingly received within the
partition member 82 and is telescopingly slidable between a
retracted position 88, and an extended position 90 in a direction
as indicated and represented by directional arrow 92. Preferably,
the screen member 84 is constructed of a translucent material,
however, other materials may be utilized.
[0058] The worksurface 80 is also preferably vertically adjustable
in the direction 92 between a lowered position 94 and a raised
position 96. As illustrated, both the partition member 82 and the
screen member 84 are arcuately shaped to match the arcuate shape of
the worksurface 80, however, other configurations may be utilized.
It should be noted that both the screen members 84 and the
worksurface 80 may be provided in numerous geometrical
configurations and complementary layouts.
[0059] The overhead storage unit 38 (FIG. 15) includes a housing
200 having a top wall 202, a bottom wall 204, a pair of side walls
206, and a rear wall 208 that cooperate to define an opening 210
that allows access to an interior of the housing 200. Each side
wall 206 includes an inverted U-shaped track 212 extending inwardly
into an inner surface 214 of the sidewall 206. A roll-away style
door 216 is slidably received within the track 212 of each side
wall 206, and is operable between a closed position, wherein the
opening 210 is covered by the door 216, and an open position
wherein the interior of the housing 200 is accessible. The overhead
storage bin 38 also includes a plurality of shelves 218 spaced
along the vertical length of the housing 200. The shelves 218 are
supported by the side walls 206 and are configured so as to provide
a gap 220 between a rear edge 222 of each shelf 218 and the rear
wall 208 of the housing 200, thereby allowing space for the door 16
to be positioned when the door 216 is in the open position. The
storage bin 38 further includes a plurality of shelving units 224
extending rearwardly from the rear wall 208 of the housing 200 and
each including a side wall 226, a rear wall 228 and a bottom wall
230. The storage unit 38 is supported above the floor surface 35 by
the partition assembly 16. The configuration and orientation of the
storage unit 38 reduces the amount of floor space typically
required for overhead storage bins, while simultaneously maximizing
the storage space available both in and around the unit 38.
[0060] A connector assembly 232 (FIG. 16) is utilized to couple
multiple panel members 26 together, as is illustrated in FIG. 7.
Specifically, the connector assembly 232 engages side frame members
234 of each panel member 26. More specifically, the side frame
member 234 of each panel member 26 includes a pair of
inwardly-extending slots or channels 236 extending along the length
of the associated side frame member 234. Each channel 236 extends
outwardly at a relative 45.degree. angle with respect to an outer
surface 238 of the side frame member 234. The connector assembly
232 includes a pair of engagement members 242 each having a pair of
legs 243, a substantially planar inner wall 244 located at and
integrally connected to a proximal end of the legs 243, a flexibly
U-shaped web portion 246 located along a length of and integrally
connected to the legs 243, and a pair of tab or engagement portions
248 located at a distal end of the legs 243. A plurality of
threaded apertures 250 extend through the inner wall 244 and are
spaced along the length of one of the engagement members 240. A
plurality of access apertures 252 extend through the web portion
246 and are coaligned with the apertures 250. A plurality of
mechanical fasteners such as screws 254 are threadably received
within the aperture 250 of the inner wall 244.
[0061] In assembly, the engagement members 240 are positioned so
that the tab or engagement portions 248 of the engagement members
240 are located within the channels 236 of the side frame members
234 of a pair of adjacent panel members 26. The plurality of screws
254 (FIG. 17) are then accessed through the apertures 252 and are
threaded into the associated apertures 250 such that each screw 254
abuts the inner wall 244 of the remaining engagement member 240,
thereby forcing the engagement members 240 away from one another in
a direction as indicated by directional arrow 255, the web portion
246 of each engagement member 240 to flex, and the tab or
engagement portions 248 of each engagement member 240 to
frictionally engage the channels 236 of the side frame members 234
and coupling the panel members 26 to one another. It should be
noted that the connector assembly 232 allows vertical misalignment
of panel members 26 with respect to one another when coupled
together, thereby alleviating the necessity of exact alignment
between the panel members 26 due to an uneven supporting surface,
and the like.
[0062] The partition assembly 16 and the furniture system 120 (FIG.
7) further include an adjustable power assembly (FIG. 18). The
power assembly 260 includes a plurality of power modules 262
slidably coupled with a plurality of track members 264, that are in
turn fixed to the floor 35 via a plurality of floor plates 266.
While the floor plates 266 may be permanently affixed to the floor
35, the floor plates 266 may also be removably coupled with the
floor by adhesives, carpet hooks, and the like. The power modules
262 are connected in series with one another via a bendable wire
harness 268. In assembly, a connector post 270 having a hollow
interior 272 and extending upwardly from an associated floor plate
266 are spaced between the partition assembly 16 and a furniture
system 120. Alternatively, the connector post 270 may be included
within the construction of the partition assembly 16 and/or the
furniture system 120, similarly to side frame member 234. In
assembly, the wire harness 268 is received within the interior 272
of a connector post 270, and extends between and provides
electrical communication between the power modules 262. At least
one power module 262 within the assembly is connected to a power
supply, such as a floor infeed 274, or a ceiling infeed (not
shown). At least one power module 262 is in turn coupled with a
power utility box 276 mounted to an underside of a sill assembly
134 and accessible to a user.
[0063] In operation, the power assembly 260 allows the screen
member 18 to be horizontally shifted with respect to the panel
member 16 while maintaining the power supply to the power modules
260 and the end utility box 276. Specifically, as the distance the
screen member 18 is withdrawn from the panel member 16, the power
modules 262 are allowed to slidably move with respect to the track
member 264 and the floor plates 266. As the distance between the
power modules 262 increases, the extra length of wire within each
wire harness 268 is drawn from within the interior 272 of the
associated post 270, thereby keeping the power modules 262 in
electrical communication with one another.
[0064] The plurality of furniture systems 10, as illustrated in
FIG. 7, further includes a furniture system 300 having a partition
panel member 302, a pocket screen 304 slidably received within the
panel member 302, and a desk assembly operably coupled to the
partition panel 302. The panel member includes an outer frame
assembly 306, including a top frame member 308, a bottom frame
member 310, and a pair of side frame members 312. The frame
assembly 306 is covered by a pair of planar outer skins 314 that
cooperate with the frame assembly 306 to define an enclosed
interior 316. At least one of the side frame members 312 includes a
slot defined aperture 318 that slidably receives the pocket screen
304 within the interior 316 in a direction of movement as
represented by directional arrow 320. The pocket screen 304
includes an outer frame assembly 322 having an upper frame member
324, a lower frame member 326, and a pair of side frame members
328. The frame assembly 322 is covered by an outer skin 330 that is
preferably opaque. The pocket screen 304 is slidably supported by a
lower roller or wheel 332 (FIG. 21) pivotably coupled to the lower
frame member 326 by a pivot pin 334, and that guides along a
V-shaped lower guide rail 336 that extends along with the lower
frame member 310 of the panel member 302. The pocket screen 304 is
further supported by a wheel or castor 338 that guides along the
floor surface 35, and is operably coupled to the lower frame member
326 of the pocket screen 304 by a downwardly-extending leg 340. The
top of the pocket screen 304 is slidably or rollably guided by a
pair of upper rollers or wheels 342 (FIG. 22) pivotably coupled to
the upper frame member 324 by a pivot pin 344, and that guide along
a V-shaped upper guide rail 346 that extends along with the upper
frame member 308 of the panel member 302.
[0065] In operation, the pocket screen 304 is slidably operated by
grasping a handle relief 348 within the pocket screen 304, and
sliding the pocket screen 304 in a selective direction 320. The
cooperation of the lower roller 332 and the upper rollers 342 with
the V-shaped lower and upper guide rails 336, 346 serve to center
the pocket screen 304 with respect to the partition panel member
302 and the aperture 318, thereby eliminating the necessity of
other centering devices.
[0066] As is best illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of furniture
systems 10 cooperate to organize an subdivide or bifurcate the
space 12 within a room. The present inventive furniture systems
provide an uncomplicated design, can be easily and quickly
assembled to subdivide an open space of a room, and are therefore
efficient in use, provide a low-cost alternative to furniture
systems that include an arrangement of complicated and difficult to
assemble partition panels, allow for simplified ordering, assembly
and managing of furniture assets and are particularly well adapted
for the proposed use.
[0067] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
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