U.S. patent application number 17/428547 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for modular office furniture for open, high light environment.
The applicant listed for this patent is HERMAN MILLER, INC.. Invention is credited to Jesse Hill, Sathishkumar Sampath.
Application Number | 20220192329 17/428547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220192329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hill; Jesse ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
MODULAR OFFICE FURNITURE FOR OPEN, HIGH LIGHT ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
An articulated light shade including a stand having a first
portion and a second portion, where the first portion is stiffer
than the second portion, and the first portion defines a
longitudinal axis. The second portion is flexible such that the
second portion is movable relative to the first portion. A screen
is coupled to the second portion of the stand, wherein the screen
is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and tiltable relative to
the longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
Hill; Jesse; (Baltimore,
MD) ; Sampath; Sathishkumar; (Holland, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HERMAN MILLER, INC. |
Zeeland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/428547 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
February 26, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2020/019949 |
371 Date: |
August 4, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62810622 |
Feb 26, 2019 |
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International
Class: |
A45B 23/00 20060101
A45B023/00 |
Claims
1. An articulated light shade comprising: a stand having a first
portion and a second portion, the first portion being stiffer than
the second portion, the first portion defining a longitudinal axis,
the second portion being flexible such that the second portion is
movable relative to the first portion; and a screen coupled to the
second portion of the stand, wherein the screen is rotatable about
the longitudinal axis and tiltable relative to the longitudinal
axis.
2. The articulated light shade of claim 1, wherein the screen is
adjustable between a first height and a second height.
3. The articulated light shade of claim 1, wherein the screen is a
rectangular shape.
4. The articulated light shade of claim 3, wherein the screen is
between 30 and 40 inches in length.
5. The articulated light shade of claim 4, wherein the screen is
between 20 and 30 inches in width.
6. The articulated light shade of claim 1, wherein the stand is
between 30 and 40 inches in height.
7. The articulated light shade of claim 6, wherein the second
portion of the stand is 1/2 or less than an overall height of the
stand.
8. The articulated light shade of claim 6, wherein the second
portion of the stand is 1/3 or less than an overall height of the
stand.
9. The articulated light shade of claim 1, wherein the screen is
coupled to the second portion of the stand at an off center
location on the screen.
10. The articulated light shade of claim 1, further including an
accessory hook disposed on the first portion of the stand.
11. The articulated light shade of claim 1, further including an
attachment member disposed on the first portion of the stand, the
attachment member configured to removably couple the stand to a
piece of furniture.
12. The articulated light shade of claim 1, wherein the light shade
is configured to be free-standing from a ground surface.
13. An articulated light shade assembly comprising: a base for
supporting the articulated light shade assembly; a first flexible
stand extending from the base; a first screen coupled to the first
flexible stand, wherein the first screen is movable relative to a
first axis; a second flexible stand extending from the base; and a
second screen coupled to the second flexible stand, wherein the
second screen is movable relative to a second axis, wherein the
second axis is spaced apart from the first axis, and wherein the
first axis extends parallel to the second axis.
14. The articulated light shade assembly of claim 13, wherein the
first flexible stand includes a first portion and a second portion,
the first portion being stiffer than the second portion, the first
portion defining the first axis, the second portion being flexible
such that the second portion is movable relative to the first
portion.
15. The articulated light shade assembly of claim 13, wherein the
first flexible stand and the second flexible stand have similar
heights.
16. The articulated light shade assembly of claim 13, wherein the
first screen is rotatable and tiltable relative to the first axis,
and wherein the second screen is rotatable and tiltable relative to
the second axis.
17. The articulated light shade assembly of claim 13, wherein the
first flexible stand is fixedly attached to the base.
18. The articulated light shade assembly of claim 13, wherein the
first screen and the second screen have triangular shapes.
19. An articulated light shade comprising: a stand having a first
end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the
first end and the second end, wherein at least a portion of the
stand between the first end and the second end is flexible; a
screen coupled to the first end of the stand, the screen being a
planar panel; and an attachment member coupled to the second end of
the stand, the attachment member configured to removably couple the
stand to a piece of furniture.
20. The articulated light shade of claim 19, wherein the screen is
a rectangular shape.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a furniture system for use
in an open office environment which has plentiful natural light.
The furniture system includes components which help to reduce or
eliminate glare arising from plentiful natural light present in
modern open office environments. The furniture system also includes
components designed to provide a measure of privacy for office
workers to improve concentration while working in an open
environment.
SUMMARY
[0002] Various embodiments and aspects of the invention are
described in the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
[0003] In one embodiment an articulated light shade is provided
herein including a stand having a first portion and a second
portion, where the first portion is stiffer than the second
portion, and the first portion defines a longitudinal axis. The
second portion is flexible such that the second portion is movable
relative to the first portion. A screen is coupled to the second
portion of the stand, wherein the screen is rotatable about the
longitudinal axis and tiltable relative to the longitudinal
axis.
[0004] In another embodiment an articulated light shade assembly is
provided herein including a base for supporting the articulated
light shade assembly, a first flexible stand extending from the
base, a first screen coupled to the first flexible stand, where the
first screen is movable relative to a first axis. An articulated
light shade assembly further includes a second flexible stand
extending from the base, and a second screen coupled to the second
flexible stand, where the second screen is movable relative to a
second axis. The second axis is spaced apart from the first axis,
and the first axis extends parallel to the second axis.
[0005] In yet another embodiment an articulated light shade is
provided herein including a stand having a first end, a second end,
and a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the
second end, where at least a portion of the stand between the first
end and the second end is flexible. A screen is coupled to the
first end of the stand, where the screen is a planar panel. An
attachment member is coupled to the second end of the stand, where
the attachment member is configured to removably couple the stand
to a piece of furniture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade
according to one embodiment where the articulated light shade is
coupled to a desk.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade
shown in FIG. 1 shown without the desk.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade
shown in FIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is bent in a
forward direction.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade
shown in FIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is rotated
towards a first side.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade
shown in FIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is rotated
towards a second side.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the articulated light
shade shown in FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of the articulated light shade
shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates the articulated light shade of FIG. 1
being tilted to the left and to the right.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the articulated light shade
shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates the articulated light shade of FIG. 1
being tilted forwards and backwards.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade
according to another embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade
according to yet another embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the articulated light shade
of FIG. 12.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the articulated light shade
of FIG. 12.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the articulated light shade of
FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
[0022] Modern work spaces are often designed to create naturally
lit spaces by allowing sunlight to travel throughout a work
environment. Rather than creating workspaces that are separated by
either closed offices or a tall partition walls, many workspaces
are designed with an open concept. These workspace designs may
include free standing desks with minimal office walls, or low
partition walls. While the open concept workspaces have certain
benefits, such as allowing natural light to flow through the work
environment, there are also certain drawbacks. For example, the
lack of individual office spaces and tall partition walls enables
light to shine on work screens (i.e., computers, laptops, smart
screens, etc.) from many angles, creating a glare that can be
bothersome to the eyes. This light may include natural sunlight, as
well as light illuminated from overhead lights or desk lamps.
Accordingly, light shades may be useful to help block at least a
portion of the light that may create a glare on a work screen.
[0023] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate an articulated light shade 10 in
accordance with one embodiment. The articulated light shade 10
includes a screen 12 for casting shade in a desired portion of a
user's workspace. The screen 12 is supported by a vertical mast or
stand 14. In some embodiments, the stand 14 can be clamped to a
desk 16 or tabletop. The stand 14 is bendable (i.e., like a
gooseneck) and can be bent and pivoted in any direction to adjust
the position and attitude of the screen 12 over the user's
workspace.
[0024] The screen 12 is a light-weight screen 12 that can be easily
supported by the stand 14. The screen 12 may be composed of a foam
board, plastic panel, fabric panel, or any other light-weight
material capable of being supported above a user's workspace and
casting shade on a user's workspace. Referring to FIG. 2, the
illustrated screen 12 is a rectangular screen 12. The illustrated
screen 12 is also a planar or flat panel. In the illustrated
embodiment, the screen 12 has a length L and a width W that is less
than the length L. The length L may be, for example, between 30 and
40 inches. The width W may be, for example, between 20 and 30
inches. However, in other embodiments, the screen 12 may be various
shapes and sizes such as circular, triangular, curvy, etc.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the screen 12 may not be shaped
as a flat panel. For example, the screen 12 may have a curved shape
or may have edges extending around its perimeter.
[0025] The illustrated screen 12 is coupled to the stand 14 at a
location offset from the center of the screen 12. More
particularly, the stand 14 is coupled to the screen 12 at a
location midway between the long edges of the screen 12, but closer
to one of the short edges of the screen 12. Such an arrangement
allows a majority of the screen 12 to be positioned over a user,
but still somewhat balanced over the stand 14. In some embodiments,
the screen 12 may be coupled to the stand 14 at the center of the
screen 12. In other embodiments, the screen 12 may be coupled to
the stand 14 at or near an edge of the screen 12.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the stand 14 is an elongated
cylindrical tube. However, in other embodiments, the stand 14 and
the screen 12 may have other shapes and sizes. For example, the
stand 14 can be a height that is appropriate for use on top of a
work surface, as shown in FIG. 2, or may be a height that is
appropriate for use as a floor standing shade, as shown in FIG. 12.
For example, when used as a tabletop light shade 10, the stand 14
may have an overall height of between 30 and 40 inches. When used
as a floor standing light shade 10, the stand 14 may have an
overall height of between 60 and 90 inches.
[0027] The stand 14 includes a first portion 18 that is stiff and
supportive and a second portion 20 that is flexible and movable
relative to the first portion 18. The first portion 18 and the
second portion 20 may have various ratios relative to one another.
For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 18 and the
second portion 20 may be approximately equal lengths (e.g., the
second portion 20 is 1/2 the height of the stand 14). In other
embodiments, the second portion 20 may be greater than or less than
the length of the first portion 18. For example, the second portion
20 may be 1/3 the height of the stand 14. In some embodiments, the
second, flexible portion 20 may be the entire stand 14 such that
the stand does not include a first, stiff portion. In further
embodiments, the second, flexible portion 20 may be a middle
portion of the stand 14 positioned between two stiff portions of
the stand 14.
[0028] The first portion 18 is composed of a stiff material that
maintains a generally straight (i.e., non-curvy) shape.
Accordingly, the first portion 18 defines a longitudinal axis A
extending along its length. For example, the first portion 18 may
be composed of steel, aluminum, wood, hard plastic, or other
material that can be used to support the second portion 20 and the
screen 12 in an upright position. In other embodiments, the first
portion 18 may have other shapes that retain their shape (i.e.,
non-flexible shape) in order to provide support for the second
portion 20. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 18
may have a curvy shape that is fixed and non-flexible. In this
embodiment, the axis A of the first portion 18 is defined by a line
extending between a first end and a second end of the first portion
18.
[0029] The second portion 20 of the stand 14 is flexible relative
to the first portion 18 of the stand 14 and can be used to adjust
the position and the orientation of the screen 12. For example, the
second portion 20 can extend upwards in a generally straight
direction along the axis A defined by the first portion 18, as
shown in FIG. 2. When the second portion 20 is aligned along the
axis A of the first portion 18, the screen 12 is positioned at its
tallest height H1, for example, above the desk 16. The second
portion 20 can also be bent, twisted, rotated, or otherwise
adjusted to move or reorient the screen 12. For example, as shown
in FIG. 3, the second portion 20 is bent over into a u-shape in
order to create a gooseneck support for the screen 12. When the
second portion 20 is bent into a u-shaped, the screen 12 is lowered
to a second height H2, which is lower than height H1.
[0030] Additionally, the second portion 20 of the stand 14 can be
twisted in order to rotate the screen 12 to different positions
about the axis A. For example, twisting the second portion 20 may
rotate the screen 12 from a forward facing position, as shown in
FIG. 4, towards the right (e.g., a first rotational direction R1)
or towards the left (e.g., a second rotatoinal direction R2), as
shown in FIGS. 4-6. These same orientations are also possible when
the second portion 20 is aligned along the axis A and the screen 12
is positioned at height H1.
[0031] Furthermore, the second portion 20 of the stand 14 may be
bent in order to tilt the screen 12 to different angles. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, when the second portion 20 is
aligned along the axis of the first portion 18, the screen 12 is
oriented parallel to a plane P1, where P1 is defined as the plane
extending perpendicular to the axis A. However, as shown in FIGS.
4-6, the second portion 20 may be bent in order to reorient the
screen 12 to an angle that is not parallel to the plane P1. For
example, the screen 12 may be tilted (i.e., a first tilt direction
T1) relative to the plane P1.
[0032] Similarly, the second portion 20 of the stand 14 may be used
to shift the screen 12 on or off-axis. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 9, when the second portion 20 of the stand 14 is
aligned along the axis A of the first portion 18, the screen 12 is
also positioned along the axis A. However, the second portion 20
can be moved relative to the first portion 18 of the stand 14 in
order to shift the screen 12 off-axis. For example, referring to
FIG. 8, the second portion 20 of the stand 14 can be shifted
towards the right or left of the axis A in order to shift the
screen 12 towards the right (i.e., a first shift direction 51) or
left (i.e., a first shift direction S2). Likewise, referring to
FIG. 9, the second portion 20 of the stand 14 can be moved forwards
or backwards relative to the axis A in order to shift the screen 12
in a forwards direction (i.e., a forward shift direction S3) or
backwards direction (i.e., a rearward shift direction S4). As will
be understood by a person of ordinary still in the art, the
flexible second portion 20 enables the screen 12 to be rotated,
tilted, and shifted to positions in between the example positions
described herein such that the movement of the screen is not
limited to discrete positions.
[0033] The positions and the orientations described can also be
used in conjunction with one another in order to adjust the screen
12 to the user's desired shade position. For example, the second
portion 20 of the stand 14 may shift the screen 12 off-axis while
also tilting the screen 12 to an angle that is not parallel to the
plane P1 defined by the axis A of the first portion 18 of the stand
14. The ability of the screen 12 to be positions and oriented in a
variety of angles allows a user to adjust the screen 12 to block
more or less light from reaching a work screen 12 or work area. In
addition, this flexibility allows the screen 12 to be repositioned
to track movement of the sun throughout the day.
[0034] The light shade 10 may also include an attachment member 22
that enables the light shade 10 to be removably coupled to a desk
16 or a tabletop. The attachment member 22 is coupled to an end of
the stand 14 opposite from the screen 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, the attachment member 22 is an edge clamp that grips
the edge of a worksurface. In other embodiments, the attachment
member may include threaded connections, weights, or other
connections capable of removably coupling the light shade 10 to a
desk 16. In some embodiments, the light shade 10 may be coupled to
the desk 16 by magnets or an adhesive. In further embodiments, the
light shade 10 may be coupled to the desk 16 by a dedicated or
universal receptacle (e.g., a threaded hole, an accessory track,
etc.) of the desk 16. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the light
shade 10 may be permanently fixed to a desk 16.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 12 is directly
connected to the second portion 20 of the stand 14 without any
joints, hinges, or the like therebetween. In some embodiments, the
stand 14 may be rotatably connected to the clamp assembly 22
through a ball joint, hinge, or other pivotable connection.
Similarly, in some embodiments, the stand 14 may be rotatably
connected to the screen 12 through a ball joint, hinge, or other
pivotable connection.
[0036] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the stand 14 may include
an accessory hook 24 for hanging accessories such as headphones,
keys, a water bottle, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the
accessory hook 24 is a single post extending in an upward direction
from the first portion 18 of the stand 14. In other embodiments,
the accessory hook 24 may include a plurality of posts for hanging
multiple accessories.
[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates a light shade assembly 100 according to
another embodiment in which the light shade assembly 100 includes a
base 126 supporting a plurality of light shades 110. The
illustrated light shade assembly 100 may be a tabletop (or desk
116) light shade assembly 100 in which the base 126 is designed to
support the light shades 110 on a desk 116. Alternatively, the
illustrated light shade assembly 100 may be a floor standing light
shade assembly 100 in which the base 126 is designed to support the
light shades 110 from a ground surface. Alternatively, the base 126
may be replaced by a clamp or other suitable coupling means to
couple the light shade assembly 100 to a desk or tabletop. The base
126 may be different sizes and shapes in order to suit the tabletop
design and the floor standing design.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 126 supports a first
light shade 110A and a second light shade 110B spaced apart from
one another. In other embodiments, the light shade assembly 100
includes a greater number of light shades 110. With continued
reference to FIG. 11, the base 126 supports a first flexible stand
114A extending upward from the base 126 and a first screen 112A
coupled to the first flexible stand 114A. The light shade assembly
100 further includes a second flexible stand 114B extending upward
from the base 126 and a second screen 112B coupled to the second
flexible stand 114B. The first stand 114A defines a first
longitudinal axis B1 and the second stand 114B defines a second
longitudinal axis B2. The axes B1, B2 are generally parallel to one
another. The first screen 112A and the second screen 112B can move
relative to one another to block light emitted from different
directions.
[0039] The light shades 110 illustrated in FIG. 11 may include the
features described above with respect to the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-10. For example, each of the first stand 114A and the
second stand 114B may include a first portion 118A, 118B and a
second portion 120A, 120B that is adjustable relative to the first
portion 118A, 118B. Accordingly, the first screen 112A and the
second screen 112B may be independently adjusted relative to the
first stand 114A and the second stand 114B, respectively, in order
to create shade as desired by the user(s).
[0040] FIGS. 12-15 illustrate a light shade assembly 200 according
to another embodiment in which multiple screens 212 extend from a
single stand 214. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the
light shade assembly 200 includes a base 226, a stand 214, and a
plurality of screens 212. The stand 214 extends upward from the
base 226 and defines a central longitudinal axis C. The plurality
of screens 212 each extend outwardly from the stand 214 at an
oblique angle relative to a plane P2 defined as the plane extending
perpendicular to the axis C. In some embodiments, the screens 212
are adjustable relative to the stand 214 and relative to each other
such that they may be pivotated or rotated to different
orientations in order to create the desired shade. In other
embodiments, the screens 212 are fixed relative to the stand 214
and may not be adjusted.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the light shade assembly 200
include three screens 212, which each have the same size and shape.
Specifically, each of the screens 212 has a triangular shape of the
same size. The illustrated screens 212 are generally spaced
circumferentially apart in equal amounts. However, in other
embodiments, the screens 212 may have other sizes and shapes. For
example, the screens 212 may be rectangular, circular, organic,
etc. Likewise, the screens 212 may each have a different size and
shape relative to one another. Moreover, in some embodiments, the
light shade assembly 200 may include a greater or fewer number of
screens 212.
[0042] Similar to the light shade assembly 200 illustrated in FIG.
11, the light shade assembly 200 illustrated in FIGS. 12-15 may be
a table top (or desktop) light shade assembly 200 in which the base
226 is designed to support the light shades on a table top.
Alternatively, the illustrated assembly may be a floor standing
light shade assembly 200 in which the base 226 is designed to
support the light shades from a ground surface. The base 226 may be
different sizes and shapes in order to suit the tabletop design and
the floor standing design.
[0043] Various features and advantages of the invention are set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *