Patent Grant
10194743
The present invention relates to an acoustical workspace module for improving privacy and employee production.
In the United States and abroad, many companies employ an open office design. In addition to optimizing office space, this design was intended to foster teamwork between employees. However, this design has led to the rise of a layout which is derisively known as a “cubicle farm.” Cubicle farms are often seen as a symbol for the monotony of corporate life and are often used in movies and television as a plot device for a main character wherein they must escape their mundane life, epitomized by their job at a corporate cubicle farm.
Perhaps more importantly to a company, cubicle farms actually lower productivity in the workplace and have a negative impact on employees, affecting everything from personal privacy to health. Studies have shown, for example, that conversations between employees in a cubicle farm can lead to a 5 to 10 percent decline in performance by employees not involved in the conversations. Similarly, global studies show that, on average, people sit an average of 7.7 hours per day, with some people sitting as much as 15 hours a day. As a result of all this sitting, scientists have coined the term “sitting disease” which can cause obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, depression, and various other maladies. While many attempts have been made to remedy these problems, the modern office environment has remained relatively unchanged.
One such change to the modern office environment is the move from cubicles to “desking.” Desking is the concept of replacing cubicles and cubicle walls with freestanding desks, often with desk mounted screens of various materials which provide a limited “fence” around an individual's workspace. However, while desking may do away with the perception of a “cubicle farm,” it fails to address the present privacy and health concerns present in the modern office environment. Furthermore, desking does not prevent the so-called “prairie dog effect,” in which some employees are standing while others are sitting, further reducing privacy among employees.
To remedy the health problems with excessive sitting, one obvious solution has been to increase standing during the work day. Studies have shown that even just taking breaks during periods of prolonged sitting may lower the health risks of sitting. A number of patents have been pursued which attempt to utilize the health benefit of intermittent standing.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,003,979 shows one example of a stand-alone standing desk, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '979 patent provides a desk which may be utilized in the standing position in an effort to reduce some of the common side effects with prolonged sitting. However, this particular desk only allows for working in a standing position, which may not be practical for all employees, as it could lead to joint compression, muscle fatigue, and various other health problems. Additionally, the use of a standing desk in a typical open office environment may not be optimal as it would require the purchase of new desks for employees and lead to the above-mentioned “prairie dog effect.” Furthermore, the above standing desk fails to create a workstation which is ergonomically appropriate for more than a single individual. Standing for a 5th percentile female user differs completely from standing for a 95th percentile male. Accordingly, the above standing desk fails to provide an ergonomic solution for the modern office environment.
Another attempt to address the stand-sit balance are adjustable support structures which do not require the purchase of an entirely new desk for an employee, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,785, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '785 patent provides an adjustable support structure which may be mounted on an existing desk and allows employees to sit and stand at their discretion. However, these desks still do not address the “prairie dog effect” problem, and further, these support arm structures are often only able to carry a certain amount of weight. Thus, if an employee is utilizing dual monitors or various other features, the arm may not be able to remain in the standing position. Furthermore, typical non-adjustable desks such as the above stand at approximately 28″-29″ which is the seated height for a male in the 95th percentile. Accordingly, anyone smaller than a male in the 95th percentile will find it impossible to achieve a proper seated position according to ANSI/HFES100-2007.
Similarly, there have been many attempts to remedy the privacy concerns of the open office design. U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,078 is representative of this effort, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '078 patent discloses an integrated and adjustable privacy enclosure for workspace environments. However, the invention disclosed does not differ greatly in terms of privacy considerations from the typical cubicle walls commonly employed. Additionally, utilizing the privacy wall structures in conjunction with standing or sit-stand desks completely negates the added privacy as employees would be able to see over the privacy barriers.
Other attempts to remedy privacy concerns involve the use of partial visual shields, as exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 8,845,016. The '016 patent relates to mountable visual and/or acoustic privacy features which at least dampen the audio and visual pollution a user receives. However, the device presented in the '016 uses shades or panels that can only be used to block out audio/visual from the sides or audio/visual from the front. However, when used on the sides, a user is completely exposed from the front and back. Similarly, when used in front of the user, they are susceptible to noise and visual pollution from both sides and the back.
In an attempt to provide complete privacy, completely self-contained modules have been suggested, a representative example of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in entirety. The '014 patent describes a self-contained activity module, which includes a work desk and chair enclosed in a housing, but open on both sides. However, while this design incorporates a number of features to improve the comfort of the user, it is still susceptible to audio and visual pollution from the sides. Perhaps more importantly, this design is not practical in an open office environment. The bulky nature of the design would make for an inefficient use of office space, and the cost per employee would be high.
Thus, there is a need for a desk which provides privacy to the user in both a sitting and standing position as well as to the other employees in the office, and which is designed to be used in an open office environment without compromising the efficient use of office space. Other problems in the field which need addressing include cabling concerns; lack of personalized lighting, air flow, and temperature controls; no individual customization; environmental considerations including improving employee attitude, creating fun and exciting work environments, and reducing stress.
Consistent with the above-mentioned needs, the present invention provides an adjustable height workstation having a selectively removable acoustical dome for providing privacy to both the user and the surrounding users. Additionally, the present invention aims to provide a complete health and fitness environment for the user to improve work productivity and reduce work-related illnesses.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a desk in which the height can be adjusted. To accomplish this, the desk is designed such that it meets or exceeds the five elements proscribed in the current National Ergonomic Standard ANSI/HFES100-2007 for the 5th percentile seated female to the 95th percentile standing male user. These elements include: keyboard height, monitor view angles, primary reach zone, foot and leg clearances, and focal depth requirements. In a preferred embodiment, the height adjustment is accomplished through the use of telescopic legs, which may either be adjusted manually or through the use of automated means known in the art. While the use of telescopic legs is envisioned, one skilled in the art will recognize that any adjustable height means may be utilized with the present invention.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for managing a plurality of accessories and cords. To accomplish this, there is provided a cable management raceway. In a preferred embodiment, this raceway may house a modular third party vendor's multiple circuit electrical distribution system as well as additional optional components such as ventilation fans, 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. The raceway serves to eliminate the common problem of a “rat's nest” of cabling found in most computer intensive workplace environments through an easy to access “cable dump” channel. The “cable dump” channel further employs a “no tools” cap which can simply be lifted off the top of the raceway for access to plug in a component or to simply hide or conceal excess cabling.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide increased acoustical and visual privacy to a user. This is accomplished through the use of a selectively removable acoustical dome or privacy shield. In a preferred embodiment, the dome is a geodesic dome based on the concept first introduced by R. Buckminster Fuller (although one of skill in the art will appreciate a vast variety of shapes for such enclosure, including but not limited to polygonal tiles, ovals, or curved pieces). The dome can be made in a variety of sizes and out of a variety of materials based on the needs of the user. In this regard, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0016651 to Domash is incorporated herein by this reference, demonstrating the variety of visual/acoustic privacy features that may be desired. The dome acts to block the view from individual workstations and eliminates the potential for a “prairie dog effect” when some users are seated and others are standing. In addition, the interior surface of the dome may be modified to provide unique interfaces to the users or to incorporate features for the benefit of an employer.
In one embodiment, the acoustical dome is comprised of a plurality of triangular pieces which are selectively interconnected to one another to create the acoustical dome. In addition, the triangular pieces are interchangeable, which allows for user customization, in terms of transparency, color, or acoustical and light transmittance characteristics. The triangular pieces can be a variety of sizes depending on the needs of the user. In another embodiment, the pieces are pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or any other geometric shape. Additionally, the acoustical dome may be created through the use of a combination of two or more geometric pieces.
In one embodiment, the geometric pieces are made of fiberglass. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the pieces may be made of plastic, glass, metal, wood, polymers, carbon fiber, or other building materials. Additionally, the pieces can be composed of multiple materials. In other embodiments, the dome may be pre-constructed and sized to fit in a groove on the desk surface. For example, there may be an outer metal rim surrounding glass, creating a modern aesthetic similar to that present in the Louvre glass pyramid. Furthermore, the pieces can be made out of a variety of electrically conductive materials or computerized screens which may provide digital environments to the user or may allow a user to “frost” the glass of their acoustical dome for added privacy. Other materials which may also be employed as geometric pieces in the acoustical dome, selected for one or more of the characteristics set forth below: weight, color, transparency, sound absorption qualities, digitization, or structural properties.
Once the dome is assembled, the outer appearance can vary greatly depending on the desire of the user or employer. For example, the dome may be transparent or opaque based on the materials used. However, a user may further customize the outer appearance of the dome. For example, the dome may be painted or have a print on it. For example, the outer surface of the dome may provide a tree pattern, which, in conjunction with other acoustical domes may give the impression of a desired visual depiction, e.g. a coast, a beach, a forest, a jungle, etc. In addition, the outer surface of the dome may be a variety of colors, patterns, moving patterns, light arrays, or may even change colors or themes in a rotation.
Similarly, the interior surface of the acoustical dome can also vary greatly. For example, depending on the materials used, the interior surface may be suitable for a digital projection of a beach or other relaxing environment to boost user productivity. It may thus be varied to the desires of a user to customize a personal working environment to avoid claustrophobia issues, to vary a worker's attitude or alertness, to conform to other environmental modifications, such as sounds (e.g. waves or a beach to coincide with the interior depiction of a sea shore; wind sounds to coincide with fanned air; a moving visual depiction such as a looped reel of a ½ hour video of a deserted beach with moving waves, tress, etc.) The interior surface can also be any number of colors, patterns, moving patterns, light arrays, or any combination of these. The interior surface is envisioned to be completely customizable for the user or employer.
While the above describes the shell as an acoustical dome, one skilled in the art will recognize that the shell may be a variety of geometric shapes including a cube, a pyramid, an ellipse, or a custom shape selected by the employer and unique to that work environment. It is another object of the present invention to provide a spacious user workspace. In a preferred embodiment, this is accomplished through a 60″ diameter work surface which incorporates a user cutout designed to move the user into the acoustical dome for maximum acoustical effect while maintaining efficient workstation density. In one embodiment of the present invention, the workspace is provided with anti-microbial laminates for killing or resisting the presence of germs on the work surface. This anti-microbial laminate, in conjunction with a UV-C air purifier, works to reduce a high percentage of both surface and airborne germs, lessening the spread of sickness at work, reducing the number of sick days, and therefore increasing productivity and health in the workplace. Various standard anti-microbial laminate may be employed, for example, 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.
It is another object of the present invention to allow for novel and unique workstation layout designs in an open office space. This is accomplished in part through the use of the above-mentioned cabling/electronic connector raceway. In a preferred embodiment, the raceway further includes access holes routed through the work surface, at the bottom of the raceway and concealed from view, preferably located at a specified angle of 30° to enable the creation of multiple layouts. The raceway holes located at 30° intervals also provide an entry point for the various cables emanating from the back of the CPU which is hung under the “wing” of the table on either the right or left side of the user. These cables could be USB to control both the keyboard and the mouse, the power cord for the CPU itself, headset or speaker jacks, network cables, and monitor cables. This provides an extremely neat and organized cable array on the back of the CPU—excess cable is stored in the above surface raceway hidden from view, yet easily accessible for service. Additionally, this design also allows for achieving a maximum density of users without compromising ergonomics, acoustical performance, or other features provided for in the design. The raceway can further include a fully integrated commercially available multiple circuit electrical distribution system which further prevents the creation of a “rats nest” from excess cords and cabling. In yet another embodiment, the raceway can further include a built in air purifier, USB ports, electrical outlets, lights, speakers, webcams, or a variety of features deemed beneficial by the user or employer.
In one embodiment, the workstations are isolated from one another, further improving the acoustical and visual privacy. In another embodiment, the workstations are placed in “clusters” wherein two or more workstations are interconnected. In preferred embodiments, the workstations are all selectively connectable via the raceway, which allows for cords to travel from one workstation to another in a predetermined configuration designed to maximize the efficient use of space, cords, etc. In one embodiment, the workstations are connected in a zig-zag fashion incorporating as many workstations as is necessary to fill the workspace. In another embodiment, the workstations are clustered in groups of four, and placed in an efficient packing design throughout the open workspace. In yet another embodiment, the workstations are clustered in varying sizes and oriented in various directions to create an aesthetically pleasing workspace. In another embodiment, the workstations are clustered in an offset layout which helps to reduce visual distractions and enables users to be more productive. In yet another embodiment, the workstations can be placed in a geometric layout. For example, the workstations may be placed in concentric circles, further improving the aesthetics of the office.
In addition, the aesthetics of the workspace are further improved by the varying heights of the desks in combination with the acoustical domes. The presence of some desks in a standing position while others are in a seated position creates a unique “treetop” effect wherein the acoustical domes are all at different heights, giving the impression of looking out at trees of different heights. The “treetop” effect can be even more effective when the acoustical dome exterior is chosen with a jungle or forest pattern. In combination with the varying heights of the desks, the office may take on an urban jungle feel. Another example is a “skyscraper” effect in which the shell is a cube shape with an exterior pattern resembling a variety of buildings. When placed in an open work environment at different heights, this may create a cityscape or skyline effect.
It is yet another object of the present invention to allow the desk to be compatible with the “I-Fit” software control concept, described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0198374, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The I-Fit software allows for automated user ergonomic adjustments and individual usage history. In a preferred embodiment, users are enabled to set timers to remind them to change their working position regularly to avoid the negative effects of sitting or standing all day while working. In another embodiment, the I-Fit software can be integrated with a treadmill desk, a bicycle desk, or other exercise equipment to maintain or achieve fitness levels while working.
Additionally, the I-Fit software will track a number of fitness metrics including but not limited to calories burned, distance traveled, pace, time, etc. In one embodiment, one workstation including a treadmill or bike would be included in a cluster of several workstations, allowing individuals, in conjunction with the I-Fit software, to rotate through the treadmill or bike station as it is available. The I-Fit software would keep track of each individual's history of seated versus standing work as well as treadmill data includes miles, calories burned, etc., regardless of which workstation was used. The software could also exchange data through a “Bluetooth” connection or other electronic means and automatically synchronize with “smart watches” and other personal fitness monitors to provide a complete and comprehensive record of an individual's complete physical activity both at work and in time away from work. For example, in one embodiment devices described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0165633 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0230761, herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, could be utilized as a component of the fitness goals of the workstation.
The primary benefit and concept of the I-Fit software is to enable a proactive ergonomics program in which each user can occupy any workstation on the network and through the use of an RFID card, a fingerprint identifier, or the simple act of logging in to the network that individual is identified and their optimal working postures in either sitting or standing is automatically achieved by simply clicking and holding on an on-screen icon until the predetermined adjustment is reached. Additionally, the user's history is maintained, and management can “coach” individuals into a more healthful working routine. Additionally, a health coach could be hired to counsel and train users on the benefits associated with postural rotation (sitting and standing intervals), use of the treadmill/bike, and review each individual's fitness quotient.
Further description of advantages, benefits, and patentable aspects of the present disclosure will become evident from the accompanying drawings and description herein below. All novel aspects of the disclosure, whether mentioned explicitly in this Summary section or not, are considered subject matter for patent protection either singly or in combination with other aspects of this disclosure. Accordingly, such novel aspects disclosed herein below and/or in the drawings that may be omitted from, or less than fully described in, this Summary section are fully incorporated herein by reference into this Summary. In particular, all (any) claims of the Claims section herein below are fully incorporated herein by reference into this Summary section.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/247,317, filed Aug. 25, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,949,562, issuing Apr. 24, 2018), which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/210,845 filed on Aug. 27, 2015. The entire disclosure of the prior applications are considered to be part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and are hereby incorporated by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 15247317 | Aug 2016 | US |
| Child | 15949163 | US |
