U.S. patent application number 14/822101 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for adjustable open space office system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Neuehouse LLC. Invention is credited to Cristina Azario, Alan Murray, David Rockwell, Michael Siporin, Nicholas Thatos.
Application Number | 20150345136 14/822101 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53763166 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150345136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murray; Alan ; et
al. |
December 3, 2015 |
Adjustable Open Space Office System
Abstract
The present invention relates to furniture and devices and a
system for forming working areas within open spaces. More
specifically, the present invention relates to furniture, devices
and systems that can be used to create individual working areas and
offices in an open space with the ability to create privacy similar
to an enclosed office without constructing permanent walls and
partitions. The invention includes a main support frame/structure
supported off the floor which receives and connects to component
panels also supported off the floor which function like office
walls. The configuration of the resulting compartments is
adjustable using different sized panels and by positioning panels
and opening in different locations. The system has an open top
configuration with an upward lighting system integral to the top
support member and inside it to provide upward lighting to the
space(s). A privacy door slidably connected to the top support
member provides the ability to create privacy like an office with
permanent walls.
Inventors: |
Murray; Alan; (New York,
NY) ; Azario; Cristina; (New York, NY) ;
Thatos; Nicholas; (Manhasset, NY) ; Siporin;
Michael; (New York, NY) ; Rockwell; David;
(New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Neuehouse LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53763166 |
Appl. No.: |
14/822101 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14265761 |
Apr 30, 2014 |
9103134 |
|
|
14822101 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/243.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/001 20130101;
E04B 2/7433 20130101; E04B 2002/749 20130101; E05D 15/063 20130101;
E04B 2/72 20130101; A47B 2200/01 20130101; E06B 3/4636 20130101;
E04B 2/721 20130101; E04H 1/125 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 2/72 20060101
E04B002/72; E04H 1/12 20060101 E04H001/12 |
Claims
1. A device for creating offices in an open space comprising: a
self-supporting main support frame comprising: a top support member
having four sides and four corners, said top support member
comprising a U-shaped cross sectional shape with an internal
channel, a top, a bottom and two sides; at least four support legs
each having an about rectangular cross-sectional shape, a top, and
a bottom; the bottom of said top support member at each corner
connected to the top of one of the at least four support legs; said
bottom of said top support member between said support legs
comprising a groove; at least one panel comprising a rectangular
shaped frame comprising at least one internal section made of
glass; said panel further comprising a tab at the top configured to
insert into said groove on the bottom of said top support member;
said panel further comprising at least two height adjustment screws
on the bottom of said frame.
2. A device for creating offices in an open space comprising: a
self-supporting main support frame comprising: a top support member
having four sides and four corners, said top support member
comprising a U-shaped cross sectional shape with an internal
channel, a top, a bottom and two sides; at least four support legs
each having an about rectangular cross-sectional shape, a top and a
bottom; the bottom of said top support member at each corner
connected to a top of one of the at least four support legs; said
bottom of said top support member between said support legs
comprising a groove; at least one panel comprising at least one
internal section made of glass; said panel further comprising a tab
at the top configured to insert into said groove on the bottom of
said top support member; said panel further comprising at least two
height adjustment screws on the bottom of said frame; at least one
door comprising a support bracket with rollers attached to the top
of the door, wherein said position of said door is offset under
said rollers, said rollers positioned on one side of said top
support member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims the
benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/265,761 filed on Apr. 30,
2014, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to furniture and devices and a
system for forming working areas within open spaces. More
specifically, the present invention relates to furniture, devices
and systems that can be used to create individual working areas and
offices in an open space with the ability to create privacy similar
to an enclosed office without constructing permanent walls and
partitions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cubicles or office workstations are partially enclosed
workspaces that are separated by partitions. The purpose of these
workspaces is to create working areas that, to an extent, isolate
office workers and reduce distractions in the open workspace
setting. They provide desk space so that workers may perform work
and focus on their work without too much interruption. Cubicles and
other types of open office spaces are a necessity in buildings
where there may not be enough private rooms for each individual to
have their own office. For economical reasons, and/or due to
preference, and/or due to necessity, companies rely on an open
office space/environment such as a warehouse or shared space where
other companies are using/renting space. In order to divide space
and provide office areas with partial walls, desks, and drawers,
and sometimes even different space for different companies, a
cubicle is needed.
[0004] Most existing cubicle systems are formed with partition
walls that allow for smaller, individual office spaces to be
created. These systems usually encompass short walls or panels that
form a square or cube structure with at least one open side. This
enables people to have their own small desk area for working, often
with a computer, while not taking up a substantial amount of space
in the building. These types of systems allow for more people to
work in an open environment. These existing systems, however, do
not offer the privacy of an enclosed office with walls. The panels
that divide each work setting are usually short and do not offer
privacy and security in the form of an enclosed roof with a door.
Due to the low walls or partitions and the instability of the
structures, it would not be possible to install a door. Lighting is
also often an issue, as such open space systems do not include
integral lighting. Permanent lighting needs to be installed over
the workspaces.
[0005] Most existing systems are uniform and simple. The partition
walls are commonly made of a metal frame material covered in fabric
and many of these systems include attachable desks or furniture
that match the partitions. In a large setting where many systems
are placed, the area can appear dull and unattractive.
[0006] Existing partition systems may be attached in some locations
to a permanent wall for stabilization. Some types of systems
include a floor track that is set up first and then panels are
inserted to create the desired shape of the work space. In many
buildings with open areas in which existing systems are placed,
concrete flooring may be uneven (sloped or wavy) causing the
partitions to be lopsided and/or uneven. This can negatively impact
the rest of the office system, causing any attached furniture or
desks to be lopsided/uneven.
[0007] There is a need for a device and system that is easily
installed in open spaces and adjustable to different
configurations. There is a need for a device that allows for the
location of privacy doors in any location on the structure, doors
that can be closed and locked. There is a need for an adjustable
open space office system that creates secure, private offices with
closable and lockable doors, offices with walls that are tall and
do not permit easy viewing inside over the top of the wall. There
is a need for an open space adjustable office system that provides
lighting for the space without installation of permanent light
fixtures on the ceilings above the compartments/offices. There is a
need for an easy to install and remove adjustable office system for
open office spaces that is sturdy and strong. There is a need for a
professional looking adjustable office system for creating office
spaces within an open area that looks professional, including one
with walls made, in part, from glass.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Applicant has invented a device and system for creating
offices that overcomes these and other shortcomings. While the
invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments,
it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those
embodiments. To the contrary, the invention includes all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0009] The present invention is an adjustable open space office
system that creates one or more offices within an open space
without the need for permanent walls and without the need for
permanent light fixtures on the ceiling above. The invention is
made from materials and in a manner that provides for the ability
to include removable and replaceable component panels which
function as walls, those panels including one or more panes of
glass for a professional and elegant appearance. The invention
allows for numerous spatial configurations and office sizes. The
invention permits installation of one or more privacy doors in any
location on the device. The invention also includes an up-lighting
system integral and concealed within the top of the structure to
provide lighting for the space(s).
[0010] The invention includes a main support frame/structure. Most
preferably, the main support frame is constructed from steel but
other materials of construction are also possible, such as, for
example, plastics and woods, composites, and combinations thereof.
The main support frame is a free standing structure comprising a
top support member and support legs.
[0011] For example, in simplest form, the top support member could
be a steel U-shaped bar configured into the space of a square with
four sides connected together at welded corners creating a top
support member. Alternatively, the corners of the top support
member could be connected together in a removable fashion using
bolts and nuts, screws and nuts, slots and fasteners (e.g., pins or
bolts), and the like. Welded connections at corners and other parts
where components of the main support connected together are
preferred for a stronger and more sturdy installation. Removable
and replaceable fastening systems such as bolts and nuts provide
for easier installation and removability. The support legs are
preferably steel columns located at each corner of the top support
member. Each support leg is connected at one if its ends to a
corner of the top support member, preferably at the underside of
the top support member. A compactable embodiment of the invention
includes pivoting connections between the top of each support leg
and the top support member (e.g., using pins) so that the support
leg can collapse during transportation prior to erection. Most
preferably, but not necessarily, the width of the support leg is
slightly narrower than the width of the main support member. The
bottom of each leg support preferably includes one or more flanges
that rests on the floor which helps to stabilize the leg on the
floor. In one embodiment of the invention, the flange(s) at the
bottom of the support leg includes bolt holes/apertures for
securing the bottom of the support leg (flanges) to the floor using
bolts, screws, anchors, or the like. It is preferred that each
support leg have an about square cross sectional shape.
[0012] When the main support is constructed/put together with one
end of each of the support legs attached to the top support member
and the structure is placed in position on a floor with the bottom
of each of the leg supports on the floor, the structure is self
supporting. If needed and desired, the bottom of one or more
support legs can be raised or lowered using shims or height
adjustment screws to level the top support member.
[0013] Depending on the dimensions between support legs chosen, one
or more individual panels/panes, or a door, can then be installed
between leg supports.
[0014] Frames for the panels/panes are preferably constructed from
steel but could also be made from other materials. The steel frame
panels/panes are constructed with a tab on top such that the top of
each panel/pane slides into a groove or channel on the underside of
the top support member located between support legs thereby
securing the top of each panel/pane in position at the top. Each
panel/pane is tightened into position, and held more securely in
position relative to the floor and the top support member, by
lowering the threaded support screw(s) located at the bottom of
each pane/panel. Raising each panel/pane for a tight fit between
the floor and the underside of the top support member channel
strengthens the entire structure, including each pane/panel.
Preferably, but not required, each pane/panel includes a solid
metal lower portion and a glass upper portion. The glass upper
portion preferably including a lower opaque glass portion and a
transparent upper glass portion.
[0015] The panels/panes can be made in any size, width and/or
height. The heights of each panels/panes are made about equal in
length (height) to the length (height) of the support legs, most
preferably slightly less to allow height adjustment and securement
using the threaded support screws on the panel/pane. Use of the
threaded support screws at the bottom of the panels/panes provides
the ability to adjust for an uneven or wavy floor.
[0016] Preferably, the height of the top of the main support is
about 7 or 8 feet off of the finished floor. In areas with tall
ceiling heights, e.g., 10 feet, the system results in an open top
configuration which allows for air flow, and thus heating and air
conditioning into and out of the compartment(s) yet functions like
a completely enclosed office with walls.
[0017] Two or three different pre-set panel/pane widths, e.g.,
24-inches, 36-inches, and 48-inches, enable different
configurations for the resulting compartment(s) and for location(s)
of openings for the doorway(s) into and out of the resulting
offices/compartment(s).
[0018] The system provides for a doorway in the location(s) where
no panel/pane is placed. A doorway can be left open and without any
door, or a door can be included. The door according to the
invention includes a barn door type roller support with wheels. The
wheels for the barn door support rest on one side of the U-shaped
top support member. When the door's roller support is on the
U-shaped top support member, the door is able to travel the entire
length of the top support member between support legs and in front
of or in back of the panel/panes with minimal clearance, e.g, less
than an inch of clearance.
[0019] In the preferred embodiment, once a doorway is selected and
a door is installed, the travel path of the door can be limited by
door stop pins or brackets on or in the U-shaped support member.
Preferably, the front edge of the door is permitted to pass past
the edge of the pane/panel such that a plunger lock can be used to
lock the door in a closed position between a door stop and the edge
of the pane/panel frame.
[0020] The system has an open top configuration with an upward
lighting system integral to the top support member and inside it to
provide upward lighting to the space(s). For example, an LED or
florescent string light can be placed within the U-shaped top
support member and connected/wired to an electrical junction box on
an adjacent wall or support column.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the general description of the
invention given above and the detailed description of an embodiment
given below, serve to explain the principles of the present
invention. Similar components of the devices are similarly numbered
for simplicity.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention shown in an assembled configuration with one
office/compartment, one doorway with one door, two panels on two of
the sides of the office/compartment, three panels on one side of
the office/compartment, and two panels and a door on the other side
of the office/compartment. The broken lines show that an indefinite
number of additional office/compartments can be added and
included.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the device
shown in FIG. 1 showing one front panel removed from the main
support in an exploded view. The Figure shows the different
sections of the panel separated from its frame. The threaded
support screws used for height adjustment are shown in the bottom
of the outer frame of the panel.
[0024] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device shown
in FIG. 2 showing the top support member and one support leg under
a corner of the top support member. FIG. 3 also shows the support
groove into which a tab at the top of the panel is inserted.
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device shown
in FIG. 1 showing the bottom portion of one support leg and a
bottom corner of a panel. A support flange with apertures is shown
at the bottom of the support leg and a threaded support screw used
for height adjustment is shown in the bottom of the outer frame of
the panel.
[0026] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device shown
in FIG. 2 showing a corner of the top support member and the top of
one support leg under a corner of the top support member. FIG. 5
also shows the U-shaped configuration of the top support member and
the resulting channel therein.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken at line 6-6 in FIG.
5. FIG. 6 shows the channel in the U-shaped top support member with
the lighting inside the channel. FIG. 6 also shows a partial cross
section of the top of a pane including the support tab in the
groove.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken at line 7-7 in FIG.
1. FIG. 7 shows the channel in the U-shaped top support member with
the door and door mount bracket having rollers on a side of the
U-Channel. FIG. 7 also shows a partial cross section of the top of
a pane including the support tab in the groove.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a design for the
invention. The dashed enclosed areas could include any design or
material.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the design shown in FIG.
8.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a left side elevation view of the design shown in
FIG. 8.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the design shown in FIG.
8.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a right side elevation view of the design shown
in FIG. 8.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of the design shown in FIG.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Reference is being made in detail to presently preferred
embodiments of the invention. Selective embodiments are provided by
way of explanation of the invention, which is not intended to be
limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may
appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the
present drawings that various modifications and variations can be
made.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention shown in an assembled configuration with one compartment
(but showing the structure continues for additional compartments),
one doorway and one door 60, two panels 50 on two of the sides of
the compartment, three panels 50 on one side of the compartment
(the side opposite the door), and two panels 50 and a door 60 on
the other side of the compartment. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
1, each of the panels 50 include three sections, a lower section
52, a middle section 54, and an upper section 56. In FIG. 1, the
lower section 52 is a opaque material (e.g., metal), the middle
section 54 comprises two pieces of glass and the upper section 54
comprises two pieces of glass. Most preferably, the middle section
54 of each panel includes an opaque glass, e.g., frosted glass
and/or wired glass as shown in the figures for privacy up to the
height of the middle section within the compartment.
[0037] Top support member 15 is U-shaped in cross section with a
bottom and two sides. It is shown in an about square (rectangular)
shape with four straight pieces/sides connected together at welded
mitered corners (welded butt end are also possible and included in
the scope of the invention). The top support member 15 creates an
open top compartment (without any ceiling on or within the top
support member) with an upward facing U-channel/aperture 17 inside
the top support member 15 formed by the two sides of the U-shaped
top support member 15. Alternatively, the corners of the top
support member 15 could be connected together in a removable
fashion with bolts and nuts, screws and nuts, slots/groove and tabs
or fasteners (e.g., pins or bolts), and the like. Welded or bolted
connections at corners and other parts where parts/components of
the invention connect to the main support are preferred for a
stronger and more sturdy device. Removable and replaceable
fastening systems such as bolts and nuts provide for easier
installation and removability.
[0038] The support legs 20 are preferably steel columns located
under each corner of the top support member 15. Each support leg 20
is connected at one end (its top) to a corner of the top support
member 15, preferably at the underside of the top support member
15. For larger systems with larger dimensions (e.g., longer lengths
of top support member 15), one or more additional support legs 20
may be included under a straight section of the top support member
15 for additional support. Most preferably as shown in FIGS. 1 and
6, but not necessarily, the width (W.sub.L) of the support leg 20
is less than the width (W.sub.T) of the top support member 15. The
bottom of each support leg 20 preferably includes one or more
flanges 23 as shown in FIG. 4 that rests on the floor. The support
flange 23 helps stabilize the support leg 20 (and thus the device)
on the floor. In one embodiment of the invention, the flange(s) 23
at the bottom of the support leg 20 include(s) bolt holes/apertures
for securing the bottom of the support leg 20 to the floor using
bolts, screws, anchors, or the like. It is preferred that each
support leg 20 have an about square cross sectional shape but other
cross sectional configurations are possible and included in the
scope of the invention.
[0039] When the main support 10 is constructed with the support
legs 20 attached to the top support member 15 and the main support
structure 10 is placed on a floor with the bottom of the support
legs 20 on the floor, the structure is self supporting. If needed
and desired, the bottom of one or more support legs 20 can be
raised or lowered using shims or height adjustment screws to level
the top support member 15.
[0040] Depending on the dimensions between two support legs 15, one
or more individual panels 50, or a door 60, or a door 60 and panels
50, can then be installed between support legs 20.
[0041] The panels 50 consist of a rectangular shaped frame,
preferably constructed from steel/metal but it could also be made
from other materials including composites. The top of each panel
includes a tab 59, (if desired for a tighter fit, preferably
including a felt or other compressive covering), that slides into a
groove 59a in the underside of the top support member 15 between
support legs 20. The groove 59a can be created as shown in FIG. 7
using L-brackets 19 attached to the underside/bottom of the top
support member 15. Alternative embodiments include slots in the
bottom of the U-channel into which tab(s) 59 are inserted.
[0042] When installing a panel 50, tab 59 is slipped into the
groove 59a. The panel 50 is then plumbed beneath the top support
member 15 and the foot supports 43 are lowered thus raising the top
of the panel 50 up into the groove 59a against the top support
member 15. Creating a tight fit for a panel 50 between the floor
and the top support member 15 makes for a strong and secure
structure. Where the outside frame of two adjacent panels 50 abut
(meet) as shown in FIG. 1, fasteners can be added through
holes/openings/apertures 90 in the frame of the panels 50 for
securing two or more panels together.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the lower section 52 of a panel
50 includes a metal sheet, the middle section 54 includes an opaque
glass, and the upper section 56 includes a clear glass. Most
preferably, the height of the top of the middle section is at least
six feet high so that people passing by cannot see into the
compartment.
[0044] The panels 50 can be made in any size, width and height,
although for a specific main support frame 10, the height of each
panel 50 is made about equal in length (height) to the length
(height) of the support legs 20, most preferably slightly smaller
to allow height adjustment using the threaded support screws 43 at
the bottom of the panel 50 frame. Use of the threaded support
screws 43 at the bottom of the panels 50 also provides the ability
to adjust for an uneven or wavy floor.
[0045] Preferably, the height of the top of the main support frame
10 is at least seven feet, more preferably seven or even eight
feet, off of the finished floor. In areas with tall ceiling
heights, e.g., 9 or 10 feet, the device creates an open top
configuration with space between the top of the main support frame
10 and the ceiling which allows for air flow into and out of the
compartment(s), and thus heating and air conditioning into and out
of the compartment(s).
[0046] Two or three different panel 50 widths, e.g., 24-inches,
36-inches, and 48-inches, enable different configurations for the
resulting compartment(s) and for location(s) of openings for the
doorway into and out of the compartment(s).
[0047] The invention allows for the creation of a doorway in any
location(s) under the main support frame between support legs 20 by
simply leaving out a panel 50. A doorway can be left open without
any door, or a door 60 can be included. The door 60 according to
the invention includes a barn door type roller support with wheels
67 and an offset bracket support 63. The wheels 67 for the barn
door support roll on the top of one side of the U-shaped top
support member 15. When the wheels of the door's 60 roller support
is on the U-shaped top support member 15, the door 60 is free to
travel the entire length of the top support member 15 between
support legs 20 and in front of (or in back of if desired) the
panel(s) 50 with minimal clearance, e.g, less than an inch of
clearance.
[0048] In the preferred embodiment, once a doorway location is
selected and a door 60 is installed, the travel path of the door 60
on the top support member 15 can be limited by door stop pins or
brackets on or in the U-shaped support member (not shown in the
figures). Preferably, the front edge of the door is permitted to
travel past the edge of the panel(s) 50 frame such that a plunger
lock 68 can be used to lock the door 60 in a closed position
between a door stop and the edge of the panel 50 frame.
[0049] The invention includes an upward lighting system integral to
the top support member 15 and inside it to provide upward lighting
to the space(s). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an LED or
florescent string light 80 can be placed within the U-shaped top
support member 15 and connected/wired to an electrical junction box
on an adjacent wall or support column (not shown).
* * * * *