Abstract
A novel workstation which incorporates an acoustical dome for increased acoustic and visual privacy for the user. The workstation further is adjustable in height such that it can accommodate a range of users from the 5.sup.th percentile seated female to the 95.sup.th percentile standing male according to the dictates of ANSI/HFES100-2007 national ergonomic standard. The workstation is further designed to be in electrical and data communication with other workstations to optimize the workstation density in an open working environment without compromising user privacy.
Claims
1. A workstation, comprising; an adjustable height desk; an acoustical dome privacy shield, wherein said privacy shield selectively interconnects with said desk and wherein said privacy shield provides acoustic and visual privacy to the user; wherein said desk further includes a plurality of built-in accessories and is adapted to accommodate a multiple circuit electrical distribution system to permit the use of power strips, wherein said desk is further adapted to conceal various accessories, said accessories including at least one of transformers, LED lights, fans, and air purifiers, and wherein said acoustical dome privacy shield comprises a plurality of pieces, each piece comprising a plurality of sections, each section comprising at least one rectangular or trapezoidal element, wherein the sections of each piece are adapted to be securely affixed to one another by a connector.
2. The workstation of claim 1, further comprising a modesty shield interconnected to said desk.
3. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the acoustical dome privacy shield covers more than half of said work surface.
4. The workstation of claim 1, wherein said desk is adapted to allow the workstation to be in at least one of electrical and data communication with a plurality of other workstations, wherein said plurality of workstations are adapted to be interconnected using flexible cables.
5. A workstation, comprising: an adjustable height desk having a work surface, said desk configured to conceal from view at least two accessories selected from the group consisting of transformers, LED lights, fans, and air purifiers; an acoustical privacy shield configured to substantially cover at least half of said work surface, said privacy shield selectively interconnecting with said desk; wherein said desk is in electrical communication with a plurality of other workstations, wherein said plurality of workstations are interconnected by cables that protrude through an underside of said work surface at predetermined intervals, and wherein said acoustical privacy shield comprises a plurality of pieces, each piece comprising a plurality of sections, each section comprising at least one rectangular or trapezoidal element, wherein the sections of each piece are adapted to be securely affixed to one another by a connector.
6. The workstation of claim 5, further comprising a modesty shield interconnected to said desk.
7. The workstation of claim 5, wherein an angle of the work surface of said workstation is adjustable.
8. The workstation as set forth in claim 5, wherein the at least two accessories comprise a LED light and a fan.
9. The workstation as set forth in claim 5, wherein the dome privacy shield is insulated on an interior side of the dome privacy shield with sound absorbing material.
10. The workstation as set forth in claim 5, wherein the dome privacy shield is selectively removable from the work surface.
11. The workstation as set forth in claim 5, wherein said workstation has a temperature control.
12. A workstation, comprising: an adjustable height desk having a work surface, an acoustical dome privacy shield insulated on an interior side of the dome privacy shield with sound absorbing material, said acoustical dome privacy shield connected to the work surface and interconnected to said desk and configured to substantially cover at least half of said work surface; and a LED light connected to one of the dome privacy shield and the work surface, wherein said acoustical dome privacy shield comprises a plurality of pieces, each piece comprising a plurality of sections, each section comprising at least one rectangular or trapezoidal element, wherein the sections of each piece are adapted to be securely affixed to one another by a connector.
13. The workstation of claim 12, further comprising a modesty shield interconnected to said desk.
14. The workstation of claim 12, wherein said desk is in electrical communication with a plurality of other workstations, wherein said plurality of workstations are interconnected by cables.
15. The workstation of claim 12, wherein an angle of the work surface of said workstation is adjustable.
16. The workstation as set forth in claim 12, wherein the dome privacy shield is selectively removable from the work surface.
17. The workstation as set forth in claim 12, wherein said workstation has a temperature control.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;
(2) FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention without an acoustical dome;
(3) FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in use;
(4) FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the present invention at varying heights;
(5) FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the structural elements that construct an acoustical dome according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
(6) FIG. 6 shows an overhead view of one layout embodiment for the workstation embodiment of FIG. 1;
(7) FIG. 7 shows a plurality of layout embodiment diagrams for the workstation embodiment of FIG. 1;
(8) FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the raceway according to one embodiment of the present invention;
(9) FIGS. 9a and 9b shows one embodiment of the structural elements which construct the acoustical dome both separated and assembled;
(10) FIGS. 10a and 10b show a side view and perspective view of one embodiment of the desk portion of the workstation;
(11) FIGS. 11a and 11b show a bottom view and top view of one embodiment of the raceway with cables;
(12) FIG. 12 shows a top view of one embodiment of receptacle block mounting location and routing;
(13) FIGS. 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d show top, perspective, side, and end views, respectively, of the structural elements that construct an acoustical privacy shield according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
(14) FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d show top, perspective, end, and side views, respectively, of a workstation including an acoustical privacy shield according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13a through 13d;
(15) FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d show top, perspective, end, and side views, respectively, of one layout embodiment for workstations comprising acoustical privacy shields according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13a through 13d;
(16) FIGS. 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d show top, perspective, end, and side views, respectively, of a workstation including a selectively reconfigurable acoustical privacy shield according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the selectively reconfigurable acoustical privacy shield has been collapsed, lowered, or retracted;
(17) FIGS. 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d show top, perspective, end, and side views, respectively, of a workstation without an acoustical privacy shield according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(18) FIG. 18a is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a modesty skirt without an acoustical privacy shield, configured at a seated height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(19) FIG. 18b is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a modesty skirt without an acoustical privacy shield, configured at an intermediate height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(20) FIG. 18c is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a modesty skirt without an acoustical privacy shield, configured at a standing height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(21) FIG. 19a is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a fixed acoustical privacy shield, configured at a seated height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(22) FIG. 19b is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a fixed acoustical privacy shield, configured at an intermediate height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(23) FIG. 19c is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a fixed acoustical privacy shield, configured at a standing height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(24) FIG. 20a is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a collapsible acoustical privacy shield, configured at a seated height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(25) FIG. 20b is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a collapsible acoustical privacy shield, configured at an intermediate height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(26) FIG. 20c is an illustration of an adjustable-height workstation, including a collapsible acoustical privacy shield, configured at a standing height, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
(27) FIG. 21 is an illustration of fixation points at which segments of a fixed acoustical privacy shield are interconnected to each other, according to embodiments of the present invention;
(28) FIGS. 22a, 22b, and 22c are side views of a collapsible acoustical privacy shield in a collapsed position, an intermediate position, and a deployed position, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention;
(29) FIGS. 23a-23f are illustrations of a rotational bracket system interconnecting segments of an acoustical privacy shield, according to embodiments of the present invention.
(30) FIGS. 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d show top, perspective, end, and side views, respectively, of the structural elements that construct an acoustical privacy shield according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
(31) FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of sections of a piece of an acoustical privacy shield according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 24d.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(32) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the acoustical dome workstation 1. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the acoustical dome workstation 1 comprising a base 2, a body 3, and an acoustical dome 4. The base 2 is interconnected to a bottom surface of the body 3 such that the body 3 is level to provide an optimal working environment for a user. The body 3 further includes a level work surface 31, a “modesty skirt” 32, and a raceway 33. The raceway 33 further includes a track 34 which is adapted to selectively interconnect with the acoustical dome 4. The acoustical dome 4 is comprised of a plurality of geometric pieces 41 which selectively interconnect to form the acoustical dome 4. While FIG. 1 shows only the structural frame of the dome 4, one having skilled in the art will recognize that the geometric pieces 41 utilized are not necessarily limited to frame elements. Rather, the geometric pieces 41 can be solid panel-like pieces constructed from a variety of materials, discussed in greater detail in the subsequent disclosure.
(33) FIG. 2 depicts the workstation 1 of FIG. 1 without the acoustical dome. As shown, the base 2 includes two telescopic legs 21 each further having a support structure 22. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that various base 2 structures may be used, including non-telescopic legs of various heights, a various number of legs, legs of various widths including legs which also serve as drawers, and wall-like legs. The base 2 and body 3 may be part of one integral workstation 1, or the base 2 and body 3 may be selectively connectable for easy transportation.
(34) The workstation 1 may further include a modesty skirt 32 which is connected to the perimeter of the body 3 and extends around the perimeter of the body 3. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the modesty skirt 32 may be of various lengths and does not necessarily have to extend around the entire perimeter of the body 3. The modesty skirt 32 may be comprised of a plurality of materials including but not limited to various plastics, fabrics, polymers, metals, cardboard, or other materials which provide privacy for the user. The modesty skirt 32 may be transparent, opaque, or may be designed such that the transparency may be chosen by the user. The height of the modesty skirt 32 may be varied depending on the needs of the user and based on the position of the workstation 1 relative to other workstations. Additionally, the modesty skirt 32 may be selectively removable or collapsible such that a user may remove it if the modesty skirt 32 is not necessary.
(35) The body 3 of the workstation 1 further includes a work surface 31. In a preferred embodiment, the work surface 31 is circular in shape having a 60″ diameter work surface 31. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that the shape and the diameter of the work surface 31 may be adjusted based on the needs of the user. For example, smaller work surfaces 31 may be employed for children or for small working spaces, while larger work surfaces 31 may be employed for high volume workers who require a higher surface area work surface 31 or for large open working spaces. Additionally, the work surface 31 may be a variety of shapes including rectangular, triangular, elliptical, etc. The work surface 31 may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic, metal, wood, polymer, and carbon fiber and may further include a laminate surface. In a preferred embodiment, this laminate surface may be an anti-microbial laminate. One such anti-microbial laminate includes Sharklet™ technology, described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,709 and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, may be employed to improve the anti-microbial properties of the workstation. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that any anti-microbial laminate may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, the circular work surface 31 may include a user cutout 35. This cutout 35 allows the user to move into or under the acoustical dome 4 for maximum acoustical effect and maximum privacy while maintaining efficient density. In a preferred embodiment, the cutout 35 is semi-circular in shape. However, one having skill in the art will recognize that the cutout 35 may be a variety of shapes including circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, etc. and may optionally be of the same shape as the work surface 31.
(36) The body 3 of the workstation 1 further includes a raceway 33 which rests on the work surface 31. In a preferred embodiment, the raceway 33 may have multiple uses. First, the raceway 33 may act as an electrical distribution system and house a concealed 8 or 10 wire multiple circuit electrical distribution system. The raceway 33 includes cutouts at 30° intervals under the raceway to accommodate electrical/data and allow for various layout capabilities simply by rotating the workstation 1. These features will be discussed in greater detail in FIGS. 6-8.
(37) The raceway 33 may further act as a cable dump for excess cable which permits a clean and organized work surface 31 using standard length cables, eliminating the need for cable management accessories. Additionally, the raceway 33 may permit the use of regular 6 outlet power strips which may plug into the pre-engineered power distribution system and be used to power up a CPU, monitor(s), lighting including LEDs, fans, and various other accessories a user may deem necessary. The raceway 33 may further include one or more built in accessories 36. The accessories may include fans, USB chargers, standard outlets, lighting, air purification systems, and any other accessories a user deems necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the air purification system is a UVC light/fan type air purifier which can kill and minimize airborne germs. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that any air purification system may be utilized.
(38) The raceway 33 may further include a track 34 which extends a discrete distance into the raceway 33 and is adapted to receive an acoustical dome 4. The track 34 may be of a various shapes and depths, depending on the needs of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the track 34 is adapted to receive a geodesic acoustical dome 4 as show in FIG. 1. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the track 34 shape and depth may be altered to accommodate a different acoustical dome 4 shape and structure.
(39) FIG. 3 shows how the workstation 1 of FIG. 2 could be utilized in one embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the workstation 1 utilizes three monitors 37a, 37b, 37c, arranged side-by-side, which may be mounted to the work surface 31. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that the number and arrangement of monitors 37 utilized may be altered based on the needs of the user. By way of example and without intending to limit the scope of the present disclosure, a user may utilize one, two, three, or four monitors 37 in a side-by-side arrangement, and may further include a fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth monitors 37 arranged in a side-by-side arranged but stacked on top of first four monitors. Alternatively, the user may utilize a variety of other monitor 37 arrangement including a diamond shape, triangular shape, or rectangular shape arrangement. Further, the monitors 37 may be the same size, or could also be a combination of different size monitors 37. This customization allows the user to choose the monitors 37 and arrangement which meets the needs of the work for which they are being used. Additionally, while the monitors 37 may be mounted to the work surface 31, one skilled in the art will recognize they may also be mounted to the raceway 33 or may be freestanding. In a preferred embodiment, a fixed version of device found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,596,599, herein incorporated by reference, is utilized, allowing limited horizontal and vertical adjustment while using less space than a monitor arm and other traditional means of monitor mounting. In addition, while not shown in FIG. 3, the monitors 37 may also be integrated into the acoustical dome 4. FIG. 3 further illustrates other accessories which may be utilized with the expansive work surface 31. By way of example, the accessories may include a telephone, a keyboard, a mouse, speakers, utensil holder, file tray, stapler, hole punch, or any other accessory deemed necessary by the user. Additional optional components may be included, such as ventilation fans 6, speakers, USB charging ports, rheostats for dimming integral LED lights, adjusting fan speed, motor control for the adjustable height table, along with any additional accessories deemed necessary by the user.
(40) FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of the workstation 1 in which the height of the workstation 1 is adjustable. FIG. 4 shows the workstation 1 in three different height positions: a minimum height 1a, a medium height 1b, and a maximum height 1c. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the various heights 1a, 1b, 1c are only representative, and that the actual height of the workstation 1 may be any height between a minimum height 1a (5.sup.th percentile seated female) and a maximum height 1c (95.sup.th percentile standing male user). In a preferred embodiment, the workstation 1 is adapted to comply with the five requirements of ANSI/HFES100-2007 National Ergonomic Standard for computer workstations such that it enables individualized fit for all potential users from the 5.sup.th percentile seated female user up to the 95.sup.th percentile standing male user. The five requirements are keyboard height/elbow angle, monitor height/view angle, focal depth, primary reach zone, and user safety clearances. These ergonomic considerations allow the user to avoid the negative health consequences of sitting or standing all day, while achieving a customized ergonomic fit for their individual physical attributes.
(41) FIG. 4 further shows one embodiment of the acoustical dome 4. As shown, the acoustical dome 4 shields the user from other users who may be located adjacent to the workstation 1. The acoustical dome 4 is constructed from selectively interconnecting geometric pieces. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the pieces are triangular. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the pieces may be pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or any other geometric shape. Additionally, the acoustical dome may be created by a combination of two or more geometric pieces with a different geometric shape. Similarly, while an acoustical dome is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one having skill in the art will recognize that the acoustical privacy shield 4 may be a cube, pyramid, cone, ellipse, or other shape based on the needs of the user. As shown, the dome 4 is connected to the body 3 via the track in the raceway 33 and extends above and behind the user to improve privacy.
(42) In another embodiment, the monitors may be integrated into the acoustical dome 4. This can be done either by utilizing electronically interconnected geometric pieces which allow the geometric pieces to act as the monitors. Alternatively, the monitors may be built into the acoustical dome 4 design and surrounded by geometric pieces.
(43) In embodiments, the workstation 1 and/or the acoustical dome 4 may include lighting elements, and in particular may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or strips or banks thereof, which may be affixed to any suitable portion of a work surface 31 and/or an inward-facing (work surface-facing) surface of the acoustical dome 4. It may be particularly preferable for lighting included on the work surface 31 and/or the acoustical dome 4 to be controllable by a user of the workstation 1, e.g. to allow a user to brighten, dim, and/or change the color of the LEDs or other lights. In this way, the user of an individual workstation 1 may be able to illuminate the workstation 1 to his or her individual preferences, which (in environments where a plurality of workstations 1, each having a separate user, is provided) may allow for a decrease in the amount of ambient light, e.g. to the degree needed to provide safe egress from the environment in an emergency. Thus, providing each workstation 1 with lighting controllable by the user of the workstation 1 may result in an overall reduction in electrical usage, thus providing an important advantage and benefit relative to the prior art.
(44) FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the geometric pieces 41 which make up the acoustical dome 4. Shown are component geometric pieces 41 from an embodiment in which the acoustical dome 4 is a geodesic dome comprising selectively interconnecting triangular geometric pieces 41. Two embodiments of the geometric pieces 41 necessary for construction of the dome 4 are shown. Eight large geometric pieces 41a and twenty small geometric pieces 41b are utilized to create the geodesic dome 4. In a preferred embodiment, the large geometric piece 41a is an equilateral triangle having a side length of 17.92 inches. Alternatively, the small geometric piece 41b is an isosceles triangle having a side length of 15.85 inches and a base length of 17.92 inches, wherein the angles between the base and the sides are both 55.57° and the angle between the two sides is 68.86°. While large 41a and small 41b geometric pieces are shown, one having skill in the art will recognize that the pieces may be a variety of sizes to either increase the number of pieces 41 or decrease the number of pieces 41 used in the dome 4.
(45) FIG. 6 depicts a novel workstation 1 layout for an open workspace environment utilizing the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the workstations 1 may be arranged in a zigzag or offsetting arrangement. This arrangement allows for an efficient use of workspace in order to maximize the density of users without degrading the privacy of the users. Moreover, as will be shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7-8, this arrangement utilizes the raceway of each workstation 1 to interconnect the units and cut down on “pile-up” of electrical cords. This arrangement also provides a unique office aesthetic when the workstations are positioned at different heights. This customization allows both the users and employers to fully optimize their work environments.
(46) FIG. 7 shows a plurality of alternative workstation 1 layouts and the electrical distribution pathways utilized to connect the workstations 1. These layouts may be described as zigzag opposing 71, zigzag offset 72, square 73, diamond 74, and oval 75. In a preferred embodiment, the zig-zag layouts 71, 72 are utilized. As shown, in each of the layouts 71,72,73,74,75 the electrical distribution pathway 76 is shown connecting the plurality of workstations 1. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical distribution pathway 76 makes a connection with each workstation no matter which layout 71,72,73,74,75 is utilized. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that a user may create unique layouts by utilizing two or more electrical distribution pathways 76 in one layout.
(47) FIG. 8 provides a more detailed look at the raceway 33 which allows for the unique layouts described in FIG. 6. Shown are two workstations 1 connected via an electrical distribution pathway 76. As shown, the pathway 76 travels through the raceway 33 of each workstation 1 wherein the pathway 76 connects to an electrical outlet 77 before continuing to the next workstation 1. The electrical outlets 77 comprise two connectors 78,79 on each end which connect to the pathway 76 and allow it to continue to the next workstation 1. The pathway 76 continues until it reaches the last workstation 1 in the chosen layout.
(48) FIGS. 9a and 9b show one embodiment of the geometric pieces 41 shown in FIG. 5. More specifically, FIG. 9a shows the two component pieces, before assembly, which may make up the geometric piece 41: the geometric frame 80 and the geometric body 81. As shown, the geometric has a recessed cavity 82 which allows the geometric body 81 to nest comfortably in the frame 80 and keep it in position. FIG. 9b shows the geometric body 81 securely nested in the recessed cavity 82. Additionally, the frame further has a plurality of apertures 83 for connecting one geometric frame 80 to another. In one embodiment, the geometric body 81 is composed of foam or fabric. However, one having skill in the art will recognize that the geometric body 81 can be any number of materials suitable for constructing the geodesic dome, including but not limited to, metal, plastic, polymer, wood, electronic material (including display screens), cardboard, and glass. Similarly, the frame itself can also be constructed from any one or more of several materials, including but not limited to, metal, plastic, polymer, foam, wood, cardboard, and glass.
(49) FIGS. 10a and 10b show two views of one embodiment of the present invention without the geodesic dome or raceway. The embodiment shown shows the workstation 1 with proper knee clearance 92 per ANSI Standards 8.3.2.1.2 for a 5% female in the seated position. FIGS. 10a and 10b further utilize an imaginary user clearance box 93 to visualize the required clearance for a 5% female in the seated position. Additionally, FIGS. 10a and 10b show cable receiving apertures 84. The raceway of the present invention rests on top of the work surface 31 such as to conceal the cable receiving apertures 84 and any cables which may be present.
(50) FIGS. 11a and 11b show a bottom view and top view, respectively, of one embodiment of the present invention without the geodesic dome. FIGS. 11a and 11b show, by way of non-limiting example, how the cable receiving apertures 84 are utilized in the present invention. FIG. 11a shows cables 85 extending from a first electronic device 86. The cables 85 extend through the cable receiving apertures 84 on the underside of the work surface 31 and emerge from the cable receiving apertures 84 on the top side of the work surface 31, shown in FIG. 11b. The cables 85 then extend from the cable receiving apertures 84 until they reach a second electronic device 87, third electronic device 88, fourth electronic device 89, and so on depending on the number of electronic devices utilized. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of cables 85 and electronic devices utilized can be adjusted based on the needs of the user.
(51) FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention without the geodesic dome in which a receptacle block 90 is utilized. As shown, a first cable portion 85a which connects multiple workstations together extends up through the cable receiving aperture 84 and proceeds until it connects with a receptacle block 90. The cable 85b then continues where it extends down through the cable receiving aperture 84 where it goes on to connect to another workstation. The use of the cables 85 places the workstations in electrical and data communication with one another. The receptacle block 90 may be a power strip having any number of electrical outlets which are utilized to connect one or more electronic devices based on the needs of the user.
(52) FIGS. 13a through 14d show one embodiment of the acoustical dome 4 and of the geometric pieces 41 that make up the acoustical dome. The acoustical dome 4 shields the user from other users who may be located adjacent to the workstation 1. The acoustical dome 4 is constructed from selectively interconnecting geometric pieces 41. Shown are an acoustical dome 4 and component geometric pieces 41 thereof from an embodiment in which the acoustical dome 4 is a dome comprising arcuate pieces 41 which may, or may not, interconnect and/or be in flush physical contact with one another; in some embodiments, it may be desirable for the acoustical dome 4 to be constructed with gaps between at least one pair of adjacent pieces 41, e.g. to allow ambient light and/or airflow to enter the area of the workstation 1 from above the dome 4 while still maintaining visual and acoustic separation of the workstation 1 from the surrounding environment. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13a through 14d, each piece 41 comprises a plurality of rectangular or trapezoidal elements arranged in series; the pieces 41 are constructed such that each rectangular or trapezoidal element is disposed at a slight vertical angle relative to the succeeding rectangular or trapezoidal element, and such that a width or depth of each rectangular or trapezoidal element generally increases from the edge of the piece 41 toward the center. The overall effect of this construction is to provide each piece 41 with a generally arcuate shape that is narrowest at its edges (i.e. the lowest point, or “bottom,” of the piece 41, disposed toward a periphery of the piece 41 and thus of the workstation 1) and widest at its center (i.e. the highest point, or “top,” of the piece 41, disposed toward a center of the piece and thus of the workstation 1). However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the pieces 41 may be pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or any other geometric shape. Additionally, the acoustical dome may be created using a combination of two or more geometric pieces 41 with a different geometric shape, as in FIGS. 13a through 14d (where each piece 41 is a combination of rectangular elements and trapezoidal elements having varying shapes). Similarly, while an acoustical dome is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one having skill in the art will recognize that the acoustical privacy shield 4 may be a cube, pyramid, cone, ellipse, or other shape based on the needs of the user, and that the pieces 41 may be of a variety of sizes to either increase or decrease the number of pieces 41 used in the dome 4. As shown, the dome 4 extends above, and optionally behind, the user to improve privacy.
(53) FIGS. 15a through 15d depict a novel workstation 1 layout for an open workspace environment utilizing the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the workstations 1 may be arranged in a zigzag or offsetting arrangement. This arrangement allows for an efficient use of workspace in order to maximize the density of users without degrading the privacy of the users. Moreover, this arrangement utilizes the raceway of each workstation 1 to interconnect the units and cut down on “pile-up” of electrical cords. This arrangement also provides a unique office aesthetic when the workstations are positioned at different heights. This customization allows both the users and employers to fully optimize their work environments.
(54) FIGS. 16a through 16d depict an embodiment of the acoustical dome 4 illustrated in FIGS. 13a through 14d in which the acoustical dome is selectively reconfigurable between an expanded, raised, or extended configuration (as in FIGS. 13a through 14d) and a collapsed, lowered, or retracted configuration (as in FIGS. 16a through 16d). The selective reconfiguration of the acoustical dome 4 may be accomplished by a user of the workstation 1 by any suitable means; by way of non-limiting example, one or more pieces 41 of the acoustical dome 4 may be constructed so as to allow the user to move the pieces 41 by hand, and/or the acoustical dome 4 may be provided with one or more electrical and/or mechanical means (e.g. a servo motor) by which the pieces 41 may be moved between the configurations upon operation by the user of a button, switch, or other user input device of the workstation 1. It is to be expressly understood that, in some embodiments, the acoustical dome 4 and/or one or more pieces 41 thereof may, but need not, be reconfigurable into any number of positions intermediate between the fully expanded/raised/extended configuration (FIGS. 13a through 14d) and the fully collapsed/lowered/retracted configuration (FIGS. 16a through 16d). In many embodiments, it may be advantageous for the pieces 41 to be configured to “nest” within each other when in the fully collapsed/lowered/retracted configuration, as shown in FIGS. 16a through 16d, such that the pieces 41 occupy a minimal depth and/or area of the work surface 31 of the workstation 1.
(55) Acoustical domes 4 and pieces 41 thereof according to any of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 13a through 16d may be constructed of any one or more suitable materials, including but not limited to carbon fiber, cardboard, electrically conductive materials (e.g. for a display screen), fabrics, foams, glass, metals, plastics, polymers, wood, and combinations and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for at least one, and optionally all, of the pieces 41 to be constructed primarily of a semi-rigid material to prevent deformation of the pieces 41, which may be particularly desirable, e.g., where the acoustical dome 4 is selectively reconfigurable and/or where the arrangement and relative position of the pieces 41 provides a particular functionality (e.g. to allow ambient light and/or airflow to enter the area of the workstation 1 from above the acoustical dome 4). Additionally or alternatively, it may be advantageous in some embodiments, e.g. where a cost or environmental footprint of manufacturing of the acoustical dome 4 is to be minimized, for at least one, and optionally all, of the pieces 41 to be constructed primarily of a recycled material, e.g. a recycled plastic or polymer. Those of ordinary skill in the art, in view of this disclosure, will understand how to select an appropriate material for a desired application.
(56) FIGS. 17a through 17d depict the workstation 1 of FIGS. 16a through 16d without the acoustical dome. As shown, the base 2 includes two telescopic legs 21 each further having a support structure 22. However, one skilled in the art would recognize that various base 2 structures may be used, including non-telescopic legs of various heights, a various number of legs, legs of various widths including legs which also serve as drawers, and wall-like legs. The base 2 and body 3 may be part of one integral workstation 1, or the base 2 and body 3 may be selectively connectable for easy transportation. For example, in FIG. 14d, the angle 5 of the work surface 31 of the workstation 1 can be adjusted.
(57) The workstation 1 may further include a modesty skirt 32 which is connected to the perimeter of the body 3 and extends around the perimeter of the body 3. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the modesty skirt 32 may be of various lengths and does not necessarily have to extend around the entire perimeter of the body 3. The modesty skirt 32 may be comprised of a plurality of materials including but not limited to various plastics, fabrics, polymers, metals, cardboard, or other materials which provide privacy for the user. The modesty skirt 32 may be transparent, opaque, or may be designed such that the transparency may be chosen by the user. The height of the modesty skirt 32 may be varied depending on the needs of the user and based on the position of the workstation 1 relative to other workstations. Additionally, the modesty skirt 32 may be selectively removable or collapsible such that a user may remove it if the modesty skirt 32 is not necessary. Additionally or alternatively, the modesty skirt 32 may serve as a structural support for an acoustical dome 4; by way of non-limiting example, a bottom or lower portion of the acoustical dome 4 may rest atop and/or interconnect with the modesty skirt 32, and/or, in embodiments in which the acoustical dome 4 is selectively reconfigurable as shown in FIGS. 16a through 16d, the modesty skirt 32 may serve as a back or rest for pieces 41 of the acoustical dome 4 when the acoustical dome 4 is selectively collapsed, lowered, or retracted. In embodiments in which the acoustical dome 4 is selectively reconfigurable and constructed of pieces 41 of generally arcuate shape with increasing width toward the center, e.g. as shown in FIGS. 13a through 14d, the modesty skirt 32 may have a similarly arcuate shape with an increasing height toward the center, such that pieces 41 of the acoustical dome 4 “fit” with, i.e. rest flush against and do not protrude above, the modesty skirt 32 when the acoustical dome is selectively collapsed, lowered, or retracted.
(58) FIGS. 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b, 19c, 20a, 20b, and 20c show three adjustable-height embodiments of workstations 1 according to the present invention—one including only a modesty skirt 32 without an acoustical dome 4 (FIGS. 18a-c), one including a fixed acoustical dome 4 (FIGS. 19a-c), and one including a collapsible acoustical dome 4 (FIGS. 20a-c)—configured at a seated height (FIGS. 18a, 19a, 20a), an intermediate height (FIGS. 18b, 19b, 20b), and a standing height (FIGS. 18c, 19c, 20c). In these embodiments, the vertical height of the workstation 1 may be continuously adjustable, or discretely adjustable between predefined positions or “stops,” by any suitable user-operable means, e.g. an electronic control, a hand crank, one or more gas springs, one or more mechanical springs and/or any suitable user-operable means for height adjustment.
(59) FIG. 21 shows the workstation 1 comprising a fixed (non-collapsible) acoustical dome 4 illustrated in FIGS. 19a-c, and particularly the fixation points 42 at which each segment 41 is interconnected to adjacent segment(s) 41. It is to be expressly understood that such interconnections can be accomplished via any suitable means known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to dowels, screws, bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.
(60) FIGS. 22a-c show a side view of the collapsible acoustical dome 4 illustrated in FIGS. 20a-c in the collapsed position. As illustrated in FIG. 22a, a curved bracket 221 connects to the innermost of the dome segments, rotates on pivot 225, and passes through a slot in the work surface 31 to connect with a linkage system 227. An actuator 224, shown in a fully retracted position, is configured, when operated by a user, to push and/or pull the linkage at point 226 to rotate the innermost dome segment 222 between collapsed and deployed positions.
(61) FIG. 22b shows the collapsible acoustical dome 4 in a position intermediate between the collapsed position and the deployed position. In FIG. 22b, the actuator 224 is pushing the linkage to rotate the innermost dome segment 222. When the innermost dome segment 222 has reached a predefined rotational position relative to the second-innermost dome segment 223, a groove and pin system in the dome brackets 221 engages and begins to rotate dome segment 223 into place.
(62) FIG. 22c shows the collapsible acoustical dome 4 in a fully deployed position. Actuator 224 is fully extended, having rotated the innermost segment of the dome 222 into its fully deployed position. The innermost segment 222 lifts the second-innermost segment 223 and third-innermost segment 228 into their fully deployed positions when the pins in each segment of the brackets engage with the end of each slot in the adjacent bracket.
(63) In embodiments, a linkage system may be provided on both sides of the acoustical dome 4, only one of which comprises an actuator, and the linkages may be interconnected by a bar that spans the work surface 31 and transfers the rotational force to the non-actuated side and linkage. This allows for symmetrical and even rotation of the innermost segment on both sides of the desk. Alternatively, synchronized actuators can be provided on each side of the dome (i.e. in association with each linkage system) for symmetrical rotation of the innermost segment.
(64) FIG. 23a through 23f show the rotational bracket system which interconnects the dome segments. The innermost bracket 231 moves through a slot 232 in the work surface 31 to connect the innermost dome segment 222 to the actuated linkage system 227. A pin 233 attached to the innermost bracket 231 and protruding through the innermost dome segment 222 into the adjacent bracket and dome segment moves rotationally through a slot 234 in the second-innermost bracket 235 until it reaches the end of the slot, where the rotational movement of the innermost bracket is transferred to the second-innermost bracket 235. As the second-innermost bracket 235 rotates, a pin 236 fixed to the second-innermost bracket 235 rotates in a slot 237 in the third-innermost bracket 238 until it reaches the end of the slot 237, whereupon it transfers the rotational movement into the third-innermost bracket 238. The length of the slots establishes the rotational offset between segments, thereby assuring the correct position of each segment when the acoustical dome 4 is in the fully deployed configuration.
(65) It is to be expressly understood that, although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22a-23f is depicted as having three dome segments and thus a linkage system comprising three brackets, the same construction of dome segments and brackets can be utilized, mutatis mutandis, to provide a dome having any suitable number of segments and corresponding brackets. By way of non-limiting example, the number of segments (and thus brackets) in an adjustable acoustical dome 4 may be two, three, four, or any integer more than four, within the scope of the present invention.
(66) In embodiments of the acoustical dome 4 according to the present invention, part or all of the acoustical dome 4 and/or associated components (e.g. the modesty skirt 32) may be partially or entirely made of a sound-absorbing material, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET). By way of first non-limiting example, at least an outer (environment-facing) surface of the acoustical dome 4 may comprise a sound-absorbing material to reduce the degree of ambient noise perceived by a user of the workstation 1. By way of second non-limiting example, at least an inner (work surface-facing) surface of the acoustical dome 4 may comprise a sound-absorbing material to reduce the degree of noise generated by the user (e.g. by typing, conducting phone calls, etc.) perceived by persons in the environment surrounding the workstation 1. It is particularly advantageous for such sound-absorbing materials to be partially or entirely recycled or recyclable materials, which provides superior environmental benefits relative to the solutions of the prior art. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand how to select an appropriate sound-absorbing material for a desired application, based at least in part on budgetary considerations and a desired configuration or layout of workstation(s).
(67) Embodiments of the acoustical dome 4 according to the present invention may take any of several suitable forms. By way of first non-limiting example, the acoustical dome 4 may be a single acoustical or visual barrier integrally affixed to the workstation 1 (e.g. similar to the modesty skirt 32). By way of second non-limiting example, the acoustical dome 4 may be a dome of fixed configuration, height, and/or orientation. By way of third non-limiting example, the acoustical dome 4 may be a collapsible dome actuated manually (i.e. by hand by a user). By way of fourth non-limiting example, the acoustical dome 4 may be a collapsible dome actuated by any of several mechanical means, including but not limited to one or more electrically operated linear actuators, a gear system, a gas spring, a mechanical spring, or any other suitable mechanism for reconfiguring the acoustical dome 4. In some collapsible embodiments of the acoustical dome 4, individual segments of the acoustical dome 4 may be interconnected to one another via any one or more suitable affixation means (e.g. bracket(s), a pin-and-slot mechanism(s), etc.), such that movement of only a single segment of the acoustical dome 4 between a collapsed position and an extended position (or vice versa) causes other segments of the acoustical dome 4 to be repositioned thereby. It is to be expressly understood that these and other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
(68) FIGS. 24a through 24d show one embodiment of the acoustical dome 4 and of the geometric pieces 41 that make up the acoustical dome, and FIG. 25 shows the sections 240a,b,c and connectors 241 of a single piece 41 of this embodiment in exploded view. The acoustical dome 4 shields the user from other users who may be located adjacent to the workstation 1. The acoustical dome 4 is constructed from selectively interconnecting geometric pieces 41. Shown are an acoustical dome 4 and component geometric pieces 41 thereof from an embodiment in which the acoustical dome 4 is a dome comprising arcuate pieces 41 which may, or may not, interconnect and/or be in flush physical contact with one another; in some embodiments, it may be desirable for the acoustical dome 4 to be constructed with gaps between at least one pair of adjacent pieces 41, e.g. to allow ambient light and/or airflow to enter the area of the workstation 1 from above the dome 4 while still maintaining visual and acoustic separation of the workstation 1 from the surrounding environment. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25, each piece 41 comprises a plurality of rectangular or trapezoidal elements arranged in series; the pieces 41 are constructed such that each rectangular or trapezoidal element is disposed at a slight vertical angle relative to the succeeding rectangular or trapezoidal element, and such that a width or depth of each rectangular or trapezoidal element generally increases from the edge of the piece 41 toward the center. The overall effect of this construction is to provide each piece 41 with a generally arcuate shape that is narrowest at its edges (i.e. the lowest point, or “bottom,” of the piece 41, disposed toward a periphery of the piece 41 and thus of the workstation 1) and widest at its center (i.e. the highest point, or “top,” of the piece 41, disposed toward a center of the piece and thus of the workstation 1). However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the pieces 41 may be pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or any other geometric shape. Additionally, the acoustical dome may be created using a combination of two or more geometric pieces 41 with a different geometric shape, as in FIGS. 24a through 25 (where each piece 41 is a combination of rectangular elements and trapezoidal elements having varying shapes). Similarly, while an acoustical dome is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one having skill in the art will recognize that the acoustical privacy shield 4 may be a cube, pyramid, cone, ellipse, or other shape based on the needs of the user, and that the pieces 41 may be of a variety of sizes to either increase or decrease the number of pieces 41 used in the dome 4. As shown, the dome 4 extends above, and optionally behind, the user to improve privacy.
(69) Acoustical domes 4 and pieces 41 thereof according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25 may be constructed of any one or more suitable materials, including but not limited to carbon fiber, cardboard, electrically conductive materials (e.g. for a display screen), fabrics, foams, glass, metals, plastics, polymers, wood, and combinations and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for at least one, and optionally all, of the pieces 41 to be constructed primarily of a semi-rigid material to prevent deformation of the pieces 41, which may be particularly desirable, e.g., where the acoustical dome 4 is selectively reconfigurable and/or where the arrangement and relative position of the pieces 41 provides a particular functionality (e.g. to allow ambient light and/or airflow to enter the area of the workstation 1 from above the acoustical dome 4). Additionally or alternatively, it may be advantageous in some embodiments, e.g. where a cost or environmental footprint of manufacturing of the acoustical dome 4 is to be minimized, for at least one, and optionally all, of the pieces 41 to be constructed primarily of a recycled material, e.g. a recycled plastic or polymer. Those of ordinary skill in the art, in view of this disclosure, will understand how to select an appropriate material for a desired application.
(70) The embodiment of the acoustical dome 4 illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25 differs from the embodiment of the acoustical dome 4 illustrated in FIGS. 13a through 14d in that the pieces 41 that make up the acoustical dome 4 are not of unitary construction, as in FIGS. 13a through 14d. Rather, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25, each piece 41 comprises a plurality of sections, in this case three sections 240a,b,c, which are joined together after manufacture by connectors 241. This alternative construction provides several important advantages and benefits. Particularly, the present inventors have discovered that where the acoustical dome 4 is intended to be used in conjunction with a particularly wide workstation 1, e.g. a workstation 1 including two or three large computer monitors arranged in a single row, it may be impossible or impractical to manufacture unitary pieces 41 having sufficient length to span the entire width of the workstation 1 out of a selected material. To remedy this, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25 allows each piece 41 to be manufactured as a plurality of sections, in this case three sections 240a,b,c, that are joined together after manufacture; this allows each section to have a length that is practical for manufacture. It is to be expressly understood that pieces 41 of acoustical domes 4 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25 may have any number of sections 240 equal to or greater than two, e.g. two, three, four, or greater than four.
(71) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25, the connector 241 is a substantially rigid elongate component that is “bent” or “kinked” at such an angle as to provide for a corresponding angle of engagement between adjacent sections 240a,b and 240b,c of each piece 41. One non-limiting example of such a connector 241, as illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25, is a “clip”-type connector that engages notches 242 provided in each section and thus slips onto each section 240 to a sufficient depth to hold each section 240 securely, but it is to be expressly understood that any suitable type of connector or fastener, as will be known in the art, may be employed to affix, fasten, or interconnect the sections 240 of each piece 41 to one another. One non-limiting example of a suitable method for manufacturing connectors 241 is injection molding, i.e. where the connector 241 is made of a plastic material, but any suitable material or manufacturing method for connector 241 may be employed; in all cases, however, connectors 241 should be constructed to have sufficient rigidity, tensile strength, etc. to hold the sections 240 of each piece 41 in place without breaking or otherwise failing as a result of the weight of each section 240.
(72) In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24a through 25, the outermost piece 41o of the acoustical dome 4 may be affixed, by any suitable means, to an outer edge of a perimeter of the body 3 of the workstation 1. Such a construction allows a bottom edge of the outermost piece 41o to extend below the work surface 31 to provide a modesty block for the operator and/or to better conceal cables or other electrical or mechanical components underneath the work surface 31.
(73) The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variation and modification commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiment described hereinabove is further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention as such, or in other embodiments, and with the various modifications required by their particular application or uses of the invention.
