Patent Grant
8402900
The present invention relates to workstations and workstation systems.
Office workers usually carry out their work at a workstation which comprises a desk top for supporting their computer, keyboard and other items and on which they can conduct their work. The desk top is supported by some type of support structure. Often, a number of such workstations are arranged in a modular fashion to provide a number of workstations for people to work in close proximity.
While such workstation systems provide a suitable space for an individual to carry out their tasks, the systems are not conducive to office workers carrying out work interactively or collaboratively. There is no suitable space on the desk tops for co-workers to easily interact. Often, this requires co-workers who wish to work collaboratively to leave their workstations and conduct their interactive work in another space, perhaps at a meeting table.
Is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a workstation or workstation system to assist with collaboration, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.
It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.
In one aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation adapted for use in combination with a corresponding workstation, the workstation comprising a desktop with a front edge, and at least one support adapted to support the desktop at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the front edge to comprise a first protruding surface providing a primary work area on the desktop, a first recessed portion adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface and a second recessed portion adjacent a second lateral side of the protruding surface, wherein each recessed portion is adapted to be arranged adjacent a corresponding recessed portion of a corresponding workstation, such that when arranged adjacent the recessed portion of the workstation and the corresponding recessed portion of the corresponding workstation provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people, and wherein the or each support is disposed to provide free space under the primary work area and the recessed portions to accommodate a user's legs under the primary work area and the recessed portions without impediment from the support(s), and to enable a user to readily move between the recessed portions with their legs under the desktop without impediment from the support(s).
Preferably, at least one support is adapted to provide at least some support for one or more further workstations.
Preferably, each recessed portion is adapted to be arranged adjacent a corresponding recessed portion in a side-by-side relationship forming a combined recessed area to provide the interactive work area.
Preferably, at least one support is disposed to provide a space to accommodate a user's legs under the area where a recessed portion abuts a corresponding recessed portion when arranged adjacent a corresponding recessed portion.
Preferably, each recessed portion is adapted to be arranged adjacent a corresponding recessed portion in an opposing relationship to provide the interactive work area.
Preferably, the desktop comprises: a side edge adjacent each recessed portion, a working edge corresponding to each recessed portion forming a section of the front edge, and a back edge comprising at least one substantially straight section, wherein the desktop comprises an auxiliary work surface adjacent each recessed portion bounded by the respective side edge and corresponding working edge and a least a portion of the back edge, wherein each recessed portion is adapted to be arranged adjacent a corresponding recessed portion in an opposing relationship by arranging at least a portion of the back edge of the desktop in an opposing relationship to at least a portion of a back edge of a desktop of the corresponding recessed portion to provide an interactive work area comprising two recessed portions which are separated by respective auxiliary work surfaces.
Preferably, a work top is provided supported above the desktop in the vicinity of a recessed portion to provide an interactive work surface.
Preferably, the protruding surface is profiled as a convex edge forming a section of the front edge of the desktop.
Preferably, each recessed portion is profiled as a concave edge forming a section of the front edge of the desktop.
Preferably, the support is adapted to adjust the vertical distance of the desktop above the ground.
Preferably, the desktop further comprises a back edge comprising two substantially straight sections arranged at an angle of substantially 120 degrees with respect to each other.
Preferably, the desktop further comprises a substantially straight bath edge.
Preferably, the part of each recessed portion that is adapted to be arranged adjacent a corresponding recessed portion of a corresponding workstation, defines the narrowest forward to rearward dimension of the desktop.
Preferably, the desktop comptises a side edge adjacent each recessed portion and a substantially straight back edge, wherein the side edges are substantially parallel to one another.
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system comprising: at least two workstations, each workstation comprising a desktop with a front edge and a back edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise a first protruding surface providing a primary work area on the desktop, a first recessed portion adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface and a second recessed portion adjacent second lateral side of the protruding surface, and at least one support adapted to support the desktops at a vettical distance above the ground, wherein the back edges of the desktops of the two workstations are arranged in an opposing relationship such that the protruding surfaces of the desktops extend in a substantially opposite directions and the recessed portions of one desktop are at least partially aligned with the opposing recessed portions of the other desktop to provide opposing recessed portion pairs, wherein each recessed portion pair provides an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a facing relationship, and wherein the or each support is disposed to provide free space under the primary work area and the recessed portions of each desktop to accommodate a user's legs under the primary work area and the recessed portions of the respective desktop without impediment from the support(s), and to enable a user to readily move between the recessed portions of the respective desktop with their legs under the desktop without impediment from the support(s).
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system comprising: at least two workstations, each workstation comprising a desktop with a ftont edge and a back edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise a first protruding surface providing a primary work area on the desktop, a first recessed portion adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface and having a side edge and a second recessed portion adjacent second lateral side of the protruding surface and having a side edge, and at least one support adapted to support the desktops at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the workstations are arranged such that the side edge of one recessed portion of a first of the workstations is adjacent the side edge of a corresponding recessed portion of a second of the workstations to provide an adjacent recessed portion pair, such that the respective recessed portions provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a side-by-side relationship, and wherein the or each support is disposed to provide free space under the primary work area and the recessed portions of each desktop to accommodate a user's legs under the primary work area arid the recessed portions of the respective desktop without impediment from the support(s), and to enable a user to readily move between the recessed portions of the respective desktop with their legs under the desktop without impediment from the support(s).
Preferably, there is at least partial visibility between each recessed portion of a recessed portion pair.
Preferably, between each recess is substantially free of objects that impede interactive work.
Preferably, each desktop comprises: a side edge adjacent each recessed portion, and a working edge for each recessed portion forming a section of the front edge, wherein the desktop also comprises an auxiliary work surface adjacent each recessed portion bounded by the respective side edge and corresponding working edge and a least a portion of the back edge, and wherein each opposing recessed portion pair provides an interactive work area comprising two recessed portions that are separated by respective auxiliary work surfaces.
Preferably, at least two supports, each support comprising a leg portion and at least two desktop supports wherein each desktop support is independently coupled to the leg portion, and wherein the supports are arranged in a spaced apart relationship and the first and second desktop support of a first support are coupled at a first position of the desktops of the first and second workstations respectively, and the first and second desktop supports of the second support are coupled at second position of the desktops of the first and second workstations respectively, wherein the desktop supports are moveable to independently adjust the vertical distance above the ground of the desktops of the first and second workstations.
Preferably, a third workstation is provided comprising a desktop with a front edge and a back edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise a first protruding surface providing a first work surface on the desktop, a first recessed portion adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface and a second recessed portion adjacent second lateral side of the protruding surface, wherein the desktop of the third work station is arranged such that a. first recessed portion is adjacent a corresponding recessed portion of the first desktop, such that the recessed portion of the third desktop and the corresponding recessed portion of the first desktop provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a side-by-side relationship.
Preferably, a fourth workstation is provided comprising a desktop with a front edge and a back edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise a first protruding surface providing a Era work surface on the desktop, a first recessed portion adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface and a second recessed portion adjacent second lateral side of the protruding surface, wherein the back edge of the desktop of the fourth workstations is arranged in an opposing relationship with the back edge of the desktop of the third workstation such that the protruding surfaces of the respective desktops extend in a substantially opposite directions and the recessed portions of the desktop of the fourth workstation ate at least partially aligned with the opposing recessed portions of the desktop of the third workstation to provide opposing recessed portion pairs, and wherein each recessed portion pair provides an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a facing relationship.
Preferably, the desktop of the fourth workstation is arranged such that a first recessed portion is adjacent a corresponding recessed portion of the second workstation, such that the recessed portion of the desktop of the fourth workstation and the corresponding recessed portion of the desktop of the second workstation provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a side-by-side relationship.
Described herein is a workstation system comprising: at least two workstations, each workstation comprising a desktop with front edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise a first protruding surface providing a first work surface on the desktop, a first recessed portion adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface and a second recessed portion adjacent second lateral side of the protruding surface, and at least one support adapted to support the desktops at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein a first recessed portion of one desktop is arranged adjacent a corresponding recessed portion of the other desktop to provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people, and wherein the at least one support is disposed to accommodate a user's legs under the first work surfaces of each desktop.
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system comprising at least two workstations, each workstation comprising a desktop with a front edge and a back edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise: a first protruding surface providing a first work surface on the desktop, a first lateral extension adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface to provide a first auxiliary work area, and a second lateral extension adjacent a second lateral side of the protrading surface to provide a second auxiliary work area, and at least one support adapted to support the desktops at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the back edge of each desktop comprises at least a first section and a second section that extend at an angle of substantially 120 degrees with respect to each other, and wherein the first section of the back edge of a first desktop is arranged in an opposing relationship with the second section of the back edge of a second desktop such that the first lateral extension of the first desktop is at least partially aligned with the second lateral extension of the second desktop to provide opposing work area pairs that provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a facing relationship.
Preferably, at least one support is disposed to accommodate a user's legs under the first work surface and the interactive area.
Preferably, there is at least partial visibility between auxiliary work areas of opposing work area pairs.
Preferably, between each recess is substantially free of objects that impede interactive work.
Preferably, for each desktop the portion forming the first lateral extension provides a first auxiliary work surface and the portion forming the second lateral extension provides a second auxiliary work surface wherein each opposing work area pair comprise respective auxiliary work surfaces.
Preferably, a third work station is provided comprising a desktop supported on at least one support and with a front edge and a back edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise: a first protruding surface providing a first work surface on the desktop, a first lateral extension adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface to provide a first auxiliary work area, and
a second lateral extension second lateral side of the protruding surface to provide a second auxiliary work area, and wherein the back edge of each desktop comprise at least a first section and a second section that extend at an angle of substantially 120 degrees with respect to each other, wherein the first section of the back edge of the third desktop is arranged in a opposing relationship with the second section of the back edge of the first desktop, and the second section of the back edge of the third desktop is arranged in an opposing relation with the first section of the back edge of the second desktop such that the first lateral extension of the third desktop is at least partially aligned with the second lateral extension of the first desktop to provide opposing work area pairs that provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate ar least two people in a facing relationship and the second lateral extension of the third desktop is at least partially aligned with the first lateral extension of the second desktop to provide opposing work area pairs that provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a facing relationship.
Preferably, at least three supports are provided, each support comprising a leg portion and at least two desktop supports, wherein each desktop support is independently coupled and moveable relative to the leg portion, and wherein the supports are arranged in a spaced apart relationship and first and second desktop support of a. first support are coupled at a first position of the desktops of the first and second workstations respectively, and first and second desktop supports of the second support are coupled at a second position of the desktops of the first and second workstations respectively, wherein the desktop supports are moveable to independently adjust the vertical distance above the ground of the desktops of the first and second workstations.
Described herein is a workstation system comprising: at least two workstations, each workstation comprising a desktop with front edge and a back edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise a first protruding surface providing a first work surface on the desktop, a first auxiliary work area adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface and a second auxiliary work area adjacent second lateral side of the protruding surface, wherein the first work surface comprises a working edge at which a person can be positioned to use the first work surface, and wherein the first and second auxiliary work areas have working edges at which a person can be positioned, wherein the working edges of the first and second auxiliary work areas are not colinear with the working edge of the first work surface, at least one support adapted to support the desktops at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the back edges of the desktops of the two workstations are arranged in an at least partially overlapping opposing relationship such that at least one auxiliary work area of one desktop is at least partially aligned with a corresponding auxiliary-work area of the other desktop to provide opposing work area pairs that provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a facing relationship.
Preferably, each desktop comprises an auxiliary work surface adjacent the working edge of each auxiliary work area and wherein each opposing work area pair provides an interactive work area comprising two respective auxiliary work surfaces.
Preferably, at least two supports are provided, each support comprising a leg portion and at least two desktop supports wherein each desktop support is independently coupled and moveable relative to the leg portion, and wherein the supports are arranged in a spaced apart relationship and the first and second desktop support of a first support are coupled at a first position of the desktops of the first and second workstations respectively, and the first and second desktop supports of the second support are coupled at second position of the desktops of the first and second workstations respectively, wherein the desktop supports are moveable to independently adjust the vertical distance above the ground of the desktops of the first and second workstations.
Preferably, a worktop is provided supported above the desktops of the first and second workstations in the vicinity of the interactive work area to provide an interactive work surface.
Preferably, at least one support is disposed to accomtnodate a user's legs under the first work surfaces of the first and second desktops.
Preferably, at least one support is disposed to accommodate a user's legs under the auxiliary work surfaces adjacent the working edge of each auxiliary work area.
Preferably, the back edge of each work station comprises two substantially straight sections arranged at an angle of substantially 120 degrees.
Preferably, ,three workstations arranged with respective straight sections arranged in an opposing relationship.
Preferably, the back edge is substantially straight.
Preferably, two pairs of workstations are arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each pair comprising two workstations arranged with back edges arranged in an opposing relationship.
Preferably, a work top is supported above the desktops in the vicinity of the interactive work area, and wherein the plurality of supports are adapted to support the desktops at an adjustable vertical distance above the ground, wherein the vertical distance above the ground of each desktop can be independently adjusted on the supports and the work top is fixed at a vertical distance above the ground to provide an interactive work top.
Preferably, the worktop comprises a work surface and at least one uptight support coupled to the work surface at one end and coupled to a support at the other end.
Preferably, the worktop comprises two upright supports that are rods.
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system comprising; at least two workstations, each comprising a desktop, at least one support adapted to support the desktops at a vertical distance above the ground, each leg support comprising: a leg portion with a foot portion adapted to rest on the ground, and at least two desktop supports, each desktop support coupled to a respective desktop, wherein each desktop support is independently coupled to the leg portion and is independently moveable relative to the leg portion to adjust the vertical distance above the ground of the respective desktop to which it is coupled.
Preferably, four workstations, are provided each comprising a desktop, and wherein at least one leg support comprises four desktop supports, each desktop support coupled to a respective desktop and independently coupled and moveable relative to the leg portion to adjust the vertical distance above the ground of the desktop to which it is coupled.
Preferably, each desktop is adjustable to an independent vertical distance above the ground.
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a leg support adapted for use in a workstation system comprising at least two workstations with respective desktops, the leg support adapted to at least partially support at least two desktops and comprising: a leg portion with a foot portion adapted to rest on the ground, and at least two desktop supports, each desktop support adapted to coupled to a respective desktop, wherein each desktop support is independently coupled to the leg portion and is independently moveable relative to the leg portion to adjust the vertical distance above the ground of a respective desktop to which it is coupled.
Preferably, each kg support comprises four desktop supports.
Preferably, each desktop support comprises: a body potion with a coupling for attachment to a desktop, and a threaded rod attached to the body portion, wherein the threaded rod is threadably engaged in a threaded portion coupled to the leg portion, whereby rotation of the threaded rod moves the body portion and coupling relative to the leg portion.
Preferably, the leg portion comprises an adjustment screw threadably engaged in a threaded portion coupled to the leg, and the leg support further comprises: a foot portion adapted to rest on. the ground, the foot portion slidingly engaged with the leg portion and comprising an upper end adapted to abut a first end of the adjustment screw or a block coupled to the adjustment screw, a spring attached to the leg portion and foot portion to bias the upper end of the foot portion into abutment with the first end of the adjustment screw or a block coupled to the adjustment screw, and at least one desktop support attached or coupled to the leg support, the desktop support adapted to be coupled to a respective desktop, wherein rotation of the adjustment screw in a first direction moves the screw through the threaded potion to slide the foot portion relative to the leg portion against the bias of the spring, and wherein rotation of the adjustment screw in a second direction moves the screw through the threaded portion allowing the foot portion to slide relative to the leg portion under bias of the spring.
Preferably, the adjustment screw comprises a coupling on at least one end for coupling to a handheld rotary tool for rotation of the adjustment screw.
Preferably, the foot portion is an extendable and retractable foot that can be extended from and retracted into the leg portion to provide a levelling adjustment.
Preferably, the foot portion comprises an adjustment screw one end of which is engaged in a block slideably engaged with a top surface of a foot via a coupling, wherein rotation of the adjustment screw causes longitudinal, movement of the block to retract or extend the foot and wherein the foot slides laterally with respect to the coupling during retraction or extension.
Preferably, the adjustment screw comprises a tool coupling on at least one end for coupling to a handheld rotary tool for rotation of the adjustment screw.
Preferably, the tool coupling on the end of the adjustment screw is a screwdriver fitting and the handheld rotary tool is a drill or an electric screw driver comprising a bit or coupling corresponding to the screwdriver fitting.
Preferably, the tool coupling is on the top end of the adjustment screw and can be accessed via an aperture in the top of an end cap of the leg support.
Preferably, the tool coupling is on the bottom end of the adjustment screw and can be accessed by an aperture on an underside of the leg support.
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system comprising: at least two workstations, each comprising a desktop, a workstation support structure supporting the desktops above the ground, the workstation support structure comprising: at least two supports adapted to support the desktops at a vertical distance above the ground, the supports positioned in a spaced apart relationship and each support comprising: at least one leg portion with a foot portion adapted to test on the ground, a beam support member, and at least two desktop supports, each desktop support coupling a desktop to a leg portion, the workstation support structure further comprising a beam extending between and coupled to the at least two beam support members to hold the supports in an upright position, and a support frame attached directly to the beam and not directly to the supports for supporting modular accessories above the desktops, the support frame comprising: one or more upright supports coupled to and extending from the beam, and wherein each upright support comprises at least one coupling for coupling to a corresponding coupling on a modular accessory, the configuration of the workstation support structure being such to at least partly mechanically isolate the desktops from a modular accessory when coupled to an upright support, to provide at least partial vibration isolation between the modular accessory and the desktops.
Preferably, the modular accessory is one or more of a: a shelf, a terrace, a cupboard, a cabinet, an opaque screen, a variable visibility screen, a bracket, a drawer.
Preferably, each modular accessory comprises a top surface and bottom surface each comprising a coupling, wherein the bottom surface coupling is for attachment to the corresponding couplings of an upright suppott or top surface coupling of another modular accessory and the top surface coupling is for coupling to the bottom surface coupling of another modular accessory.
Preferably, each coupling on the upright support comprises an aperture and the corresponding coupling on the bottom surface of a modular accessory comprises a corresponding protrusion.
Preferably, each coupling on the top surface of a modular accessory comprises an aperture.
Preferably, one or more modular accessories coupled to at least one upright support.
Preferably, further comprising: an overhead beam support structure attached to the beam for supporting an overhead services beam, the overhead beam support structure comprising one or more vertical supports coupled directly or indirectly to the beam, and an overhead services beam attached to the overhead beam support structure.
Preferably, the beam extending between and coupled to the at least two supports has a square or rectangular cross-section, the beam being oriented such at least two corners of the cross-section are aligned substantially vertically to provide rigidity in the workstation support structure.
Preferably, at least one cable tray attached to and extending along the beam.
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system providing multiple work areas, the system comprising a desktop with a first longitudinal edge and second longitudinal edge, and at least one support that supports the desktop at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the first longitudinal edge to comprise at least a first and second protruding surface providing respective first and second work surfaces on the desktop with respective first and second working edges, and the shape of the desktop is profiled along the second longitudinal edge to comprise at least a third and fourth protruding surface providing respective third and fourth work surfaces with respective third and fourth working edges on the desktop, and wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the first longitudinal edge to comprise at least one recessed portion between the first and second protruding surfaces to provide a first auxiliary work area with an auxiliary working edge that is not colinear with first and second working edges and the shape of the desktop is profiled along the second longitudinal edge to comprise at least one recessed portion between the third and fourth protruding surfaces to provide a second auxiliary work area with an auxiliary working edge that is not colinear with third and fourth working edges, wherein the first and second auxiliary work areas are positioned to be substantially aligned to provide an interactive work area.
Preferably, one or more further recesses along the first and second longitudinal edges to provide further interactive work areas.
In another aspect the present invention may he said to consist in a workstation system providing multiple work areas, the system comprising a desktop with a first longitudinal edge and second longitudinal edge, and at least one support that supports the desktop at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the first longitudinal edge to comprise at least a first protruding surface providing a first work surface on the desktop with a first working edge, and the shape of the desktop is profiled along the second longitudinal edge to comprise at least a second protruding surface providing a second work surface with a second working edge on the desktop, and wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the first longitudinal edge to comprise at least two recesses one either side of the first protruding surface to provide respective first and second auxiliary work areas with corresponding auxiliary working edges that are not colinear With first working edge and the shape of the desktop is profiled along the second longitudinal edge to comprise at least two recesses one either side of the second protruding surface to provide third and fourth auxiliary work areas with corresponding auxiliary working edges that are not colinear with second working edge, wherein the auxiliary work areas on the first longitudinal edge are positioned substantially aligned with corresponding auxiliary work areas on the second longitudinal edge to provide two respective interactive work areas.
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system providing multiple work areas, the system comprising a desktop with a first longitudinal edge and second longitudinal edge, and at least one support that supports the desktop at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the first longitudinal edge to comprise at least a first protruding surface providing a first work surface on the desktop with a first working edge and a second protruding surface providing a second work surface on the desktop with a second working edge, wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the first longitudinal edge to comprise at least one recess either side of each of the first and second protruding surfaces to provide interactive work areas.
In another aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system providing multiple work areas, the system comprising a desktop with a first edge, second edge, and a third edge and at least one support that support the desktop at a vertical distance above the ground,
wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the first edge to form a first protruding edge that protrudes in a first forward direction and that defines a first primary work area and two recesses one either side of the first primary work area to provide first and second auxiliary work areas with corresponding first and second auxiliary working edges, wherein the first and second auxiliary working edges diverge outwardly in the first forward direction from where they contact the first protruding edge,
wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the second edge to form a first protruding edge that protrudes in a second forward direction and that defines a second primary work area, and two recesses one either side of the first primary work area to provide third and fourth auxiliary work areas with corresponding third and fourth auxiliary working edges, wherein the third and fourth auxiliary working edges diverge outwardly in the second forward direction from where they contact the second protruding edge,
wherein the shape of the desktop is profiled along the first edge to form a first protruding edge that protrudes in a third forward direction and that defines a third primary work area, and two recesses one either side of the third primary work area to provide fifth and sixth auxiliary work areas with corresponding fifth and sixth auxiliary working edges, wherein the fifth and sixth auxiliary working edges diverge outwardly in the third forward direction from where they contact the third protruding edge,
and wherein the auxiliary work areas provide adjacent auxiliary work area pairs, each work area pair forming an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in opposed relationship.
Preferably, first and second upright supports are attached to opposing sides and towards one end of the vertical support, such that when the first and second upright supports are attached to the workstation support structure, the vertical support is supported on and extends from the workstation support structure.
Preferably, the first and second upright supports comprise support brackets for at least partially supporting a worktop disposed above a desktop and adjacent to a modular accessory supported by the support frame.
Preferably, further comprising: at least one terrace coupled to the support frame providing a surface for supporting work items, wherein the at least one terrace comprises a slot for receiving a dividing panel, for dividing the terrace into two separate adjacent surfaces for supporting work items.
Preferably, a dividing panel is inserted in the slot.
Preferably, the dividing panel extends below the terrace to provide a screen between the two adjacent surfaces above and/or below the terrace.
Preferably, two vertically spaced apart terraces are provided providing two surfaces for supporting work items wherein both surfaces comprise a slot for receiving a dividing panel, for dividing each terrace. into two separate adjacent surfaces for supporting work items.
Preferably, a cabinet is coupled to the support frame with a top and bottom terrace providing a storage space for supporting work items, wherein the top and bottom terrace each comprise a vertically aligned slot for receiving a dividing panel, for dividing the cabinet into two separate opposed compartments for storing work items.
Preferably, a dividing panel is inserted in the slots wherein the dividing panel comprises: a lower section that resides between the top and bottom terrace to divide the cabinet into two separate compartments, and an upper section that resides above the top terrace to divide a top surface of the top terrace into two adjacent surfaces, wherein the upper section provides a screen.
Preferably, the dividing panel extends below the bottom terrace to provide a screen between two adjacent surfaces above and/or below the terrace.
Preferably, the dividing panel is opaque to provide a screen.
Preferably, the dividing panel is configured to provide a variable visibility screen.
Preferably, a recessed portion of a desktop of the first workstation is arranged adjacent a first lateral extension of a desktop of the second workstation such that the first lateral extensions of the desktop of the second workstation is at least partially aligned with the recessed portion of the desktop of the first workstation to provide adjacent work area pairs that provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a side-by-side relationship.
In one aspect the present invention may be said to consist in a workstation system comprising: at least two workstations, each workstation comprising a desktop with a front edge and a back edge, the shape of the desktop being profiled along the front edge to comprise: a first protruding surface providing a first work surface on the desktop, a first lateral extension adjacent a first lateral side of the protruding surface to provide a first auxiliary work area, and a second lateral extension adjacent a second lateral side of the protruding surface to provide a second auxiliary work area, and at least one support adapted to support the desktops at a vertical distance above the ground, wherein the back edge of each desktop comprises at least a first section and a second section that extend at an angle of substantially 120 degrees with respect to each other, and wherein the fust lateral extension of the first desktop is arranged adjacent to the second lateral extension section of the second desktop such that the first lateral extension of the first desktop is at least partially aligned with the second lateral extension of the second desktop to provide adjacent work area pairs that provide an interactive work area adapted to accommodate at least two people in a side-by-side relationship.
Preferably, one or more further workstation systems are provided comprising four workstations, each workstation system arranged adjacent at least one other workstation system.
Preferably, one or more further workstation systems are provided comprising three workstations, each workstation system arranged adjacent at least one other workstation system.
Preferably, one or more of the terraces is fanned from two adjacently arranged plates to form the slot.
Preferably, a plurality of supports are provided.
Preferably, between each recess is substantially free of objects that impede interactive work.
The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.
To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.
Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings of which:
a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembled workstation system comprising four workstations,
b shows plan and elevation views of the workstation system,
c shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembled workstation system comprising two workstations,
a shows an exploded perspective view of the workstation system,
a-3c show three possible embodiments of a desktop used in the first embodiment of the workstation system,
d-3i show plan, elevation and perspective views of the respective desktops shown in
a,4b show possible embodiments of end desktops for use in the workstation system,
a shows a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of a leg support for the workstation,
b shows a plan cross-sectional views of the leg support,
c shows an exploded perspective view of the leg support,
d shows further detail of a foot portion of the leg support in extended and retracted positions,
e shows a second embodiment of the leg support,
f shows five possible embodiments of a coupling for the threaded rod and adjustable screw,
a, 6b show a table end,
a-9e show various views of the shelves for attachment to the workstation system
a and 10b show two possible screens for use with the work system
a-14c show plan, elevation and perspective views of a possible embodiment of a desk top used in the second embodiment,
a-18f show plan views of possible desktops,
a-26c and 27 show one embodiment of terraces for the workstation system,
a and 52b show various combinations of workstation systems.
Embodiments of a workstation system and the components comprising the workstation system will be described with reference to
In general terms the desk top comprises a profiled front edge, which comprises a protruding or convex portion with a working edge at which a person can sit. The person can use the work surface on the protruding portion of the desktop as a primary working surface for a keyboard, books, paper or the like. A second working edge is provided either side of the protrusion, which could be in form of a recessed portion in the front edge of the desktop, an extended portion or the like. The working edge either side is not co-linear with the first working edge. This provides several auxiliary work areas on the desktop for a worker. The work area either side of the protrusion are adapted to be aligned or arranged adjacent in some manner with a corresponding working edge on another corresponding desktop to provide an interactive work area.
First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the invention is shown in
The workstation system comprises a support structure 2, the legs of which are partially shown in
Each workstation of the system 1 comprises a desktop, eg. 3a-3d. Three possible shapes of a desktop for the first embodiment are shown in
Each desktop 3a-3d also comprises two auxiliary work areas e.g. 39a, 39b either side of the first work area or protruding work surface. Each auxiliary work area 39a, 39b comprises a working edge 34a, 34b that is not co-linear with the working edge 35 of the first work area or protruding surface 33. In this embodiment, to achieve this, the shape of the desktop is profiled along the front edge 30 to comprise two recessed portions 36a, 36b positioned laterally either side of the protruding work surface 33. Each auxiliary work area comprises a working edge 34a, 34b set back from the working edge 35 of the protruding surface 33 and bounded by a respective side edge 31a, 31b. Each working edge 34a, 34b comprises one section of the entire front edge 30 of the desktop 3a-3d. The auxiliary work area 39a, 39b of the desktop is adapted to be arranged adjacent a corresponding auxiliary work area of another desktop to provide an auxiliary working area pair to form an interactive work area e.g. 6a-6d that can accommodate at least two people. Each auxiliary work area comprises the auxiliary working edge 34a, 34b the area in front of the working edge 39a, 39b and/or the desktop surface 34c, 34d adjacent the auxiliary working edge alone or in combination. The desktop surface adjacent the auxiliary working edge provides an auxiliary working surface 34c, 34d. When the auxiliary working areas are arranged as a pair to form an interactive work area 6a-6d as described above, the corresponding auxiliary working surfaces 34c, 34d provide an auxiliary working surface pair.
In a preferred embodiment the protruding work surface 33 may have at least a partially convex front edge which blends into an at least partially convex auxiliary working edge at either side. The first working edge and auxiliary working edges may not be fully convexed or concaved but rather generally of that nature. Alternatively, the first working edge could be straight and comprise square straight sides that are adjacent straight auxiliary working edges. Many other variations on the general shape are possible. The important feature is that the auxiliary working areas are arranged in a manner such that when arranged adjacent a corresponding auxiliary work area they provide an interactive work area that can accommodate at least two people for interactive work activity.
Referring to
Referring first to desktops 3a, 3b, these are arranged in a side-by-side relationship, such that the edge 31b of desktop 3a is arranged adjacent the side edge 31a of desktop 3b. In this configuration, the auxiliary work area 39b of the first desktop 3a is arranged adjacent the auxiliary work area 39a of the second desktop 3b to form a pair. That is the corresponding recessed portions are arranged to provide a recessed portion pair. This provides a combined recess 36b, 36a that provides an interactive work area 6a comprising the two corresponding auxiliary work areas 39a, 39b. This recess provides a position that can accommodate up to two people in a side-by-side relationship. It also provides an auxiliary work surface pair 34c, 34d that provides an interactive work surface. The interactive work area 6a might comprise the recess 6a itself, or the recess and the corresponding adjacent work area surfaces on the desktops 3a, 3b. It can also comprise an interactive table 40 to be described later. In use, a person who is carrying work out on the protruding work surface 33 at the first working edge 35 can conduct interactive work with the person sitting in the workstation adjacent by moving to the interactive work area 6a. This provides a location where two people can sit in proximity to assist interactive working.
Similarly, an interactive work area can be formed in desktops arranged in an opposing relationship. For example, referring to desktops 3a and 3c, the back edges 32 of these are arranged adjacent in an opposing relationship, such that the respective protruding work surfaces 33 extend in substantially opposite directions. While the back edges of the desktops may abut, in the preferred embodiment there is a gap between them which includes a framework to be described later. The desktops 3a, 3c are arranged in the opposing relationship such that the auxiliary work areas 39a, 39b formed either side of the protruding surface are substantially or at least partially aligned. They are shown substantially aligned in
Referring to, for example, opposing and aligned work areas 39b and 39a of desktops 3a, 3c respectively, the arranged auxiliary work areas provide an interactive work area 6b comprising the recesses 36b, 36a and optionally also the combined work surface of desktops 3a and 3b extending between the auxiliary working edges 34b, 34a. It can also comprise the interactive table 40. This provides another type of interactive work area 6b which can accommodate two people in a face-to-face relationship. Interactive area 6b can also be considered to comprise auxiliary work areas 39a, 39b of desktops 3b, 3d respectively. The recesses 39b of desktop 3a, 39a of desktop 3b, 39a of desktop 3c and 39b of desktop 3d provide a narrow zone between work edges 34b, 34a to facilitate closer interaction. The narrow zone comprises the respective desktops and/or interactive table. The nature of the recessed auxiliary work area 39a, 39b that is set back from the first working edge 35 enables workers sitting opposite each other to come closer together when working in an interactive relationship in the interactive area 6b.
For example, ordinarily office workers will be working at the respective protruding work surfaces 35 on desktops 3a and 3c. When they wish to conduct interactive work they can both move to their respective auxiliary work areas 36b, 36a and be in a closer face to face arrangement that facilitates interactive work in interactive area 6a/6b. Clearly, they could also use the alternative auxiliary work areas 36a, 36b on the other side of their desks 3a, 3c respectively. This provides interactive area 6c. Another interactive area is provided at 6d. As can be seen, the interactive work area 6b comprising 36b of desk top 3a, 36a of desk top 3b, 36b of desk top 3d, and 36a of desk top 3c can provide an interactive work area 6a/6b for up to four people.
b shows only four desktops arranged in this manner, but it could be possible to have further desktops arranged in a side-by-side relationship either side of desktops 3a, 3c and/or desktops 3b, 3d. This would provide more interactive areas. It is also possible to have fewer than four desktops. For example, the workstation system might only have side-by-side desktop arrangements, such as 3a, 3b, or solely face-to-face desktop arrangements, such as 3a, 3b. Other combinations are also possible.
c shows a possibility where only two workstations are provided in a side-by-side relationship to provide a two desktop workstation system 7. The arrangement is identical to the side-by-side description in relation to the four desktop workstation described in relation to
Referring to
Referring back to
When attached to respective desktops, each leg support is attached so that it is positioned well clear of the respective primary and auxiliary work areas/work surfaces/working edges of the desktops to which it is attached. This enables a user to sit/stand at the primary and auxiliary work areas without any or minimal impediment to their legs. The legs are positioned in any suitable place to accommodate a user's legs under the primary/auxiliary work surfaces. For example, when sitting at a primary or auxiliary work area, the user can sit at the area and have their legs under the respective portion of the desktop. The leg supports might be positioned under the desktops to which they are connected in a suitable position to prevent impediments to users' legs. They might be fully or only partially under the respective desktops. That is, the legs might be positioned at least partially at a position not covered by the respective desktop. Alternatively, they might be positioned “remotely” so they are not covered at all by the desktops, for example by being slightly to the side or back of the respective desktops. In a preferred embodiment, the leg supports will be at least partially covered by the respective desktops to which they are coupled, as shown in the Figures. They will be connected to the desktops via couplings (to be described later) towards the back edge of the desktops, and towards the sides. Other arrangements will be possible also that provide free space under the primary and auxiliary work surfaces.
Where there are no additional desktops arranged adjacent, an end desktop 60 can be used. A possible embodiment of such a desktop is shown in
The workstation systems also preferably comprises one or more interactive work tops 40 or 41. Two possible embodiments of the interactive work top are shown in further detail in
The workstation 1 also preferably comprises or is adapted to be installed with a number of modular accessories eg. 90a. These accessories can be cabinets, shelves, cupboards or the like. Four cabinets 90a-90d are shown in
Preferably the workstation system 1 also comprises a number of screens eg. 100a-100d for providing privacy between workstations. The screens 100a-100d will be described in further detail with reference to
The support structure of the workstation system 1 will now be described with reference to
The support structure 2 comprises three leg supports 50a-50c arranged in a spaced apart relationship. The leg supports are spaced apart substantially at the same distance of the width of a desktop. The leg supports are arranged so they are not positioned in the area underneath the primary and auxiliary work areas. Or, they can be positioned near or under the primary/auxiliary work areas, but not in a manner to interfere with the legs of someone sitting at those areas. This allows a person to sit and work at each of the primary and auxiliary work areas on a chair or the like, and allows the legs of the user to be positioned underneath the primary and auxiliary work areas without obstruction. The leg supports are retained in their upright position by way of one or more support beams extending between the leg supports 50a-50c. The beams also support one or more frameworks for supporting the modular accessories 90a-90d, 100a-100d, along with vertical supports for supporting the overhead services beam 80. These will be described later. Each of the features of the support structure will now be described in further detail. The support structure is such that it at least partially mechanically isolates the desktops 3a-3d from the modular accessories and/or from the overhead services beam. This is because the desktops are supported on respective leg assemblies/desktop supports held by the beam. These are separate from the modular accessory and overhead services beam which are supported separate from the beam on their own vertical support. This means that there is at least partial vibration isolation, so that vibrations that occur in the modular accessories/overhead services beam, do not transfer to the desktops (and vice versa). This provides for a more stable working surface, in contrast to existing systems.
Referring to
The construction of the leg support will be described in more detail with reference to
Each leg support plate 507a, 507b is adapted to attach over a joiner bracket 511a, 511b of the beam support member 502. The beam support member 502 comprises a beam support structure 512 with a joiner bracket 511a, 511b extending vertically either side of the beam support structure 512. The beam support structure includes cross and angular beam networks to provide rigidity and also an angled recess 513 for receiving, supporting and coupling to a workstation support beam 70a, 70b.
The desktop support 506 comprises a body portion comprising a primary bracket 514 that comprises a slidable coupling 515 for slidable engagement in the channel 510a, 510b of the leg support. The coupling 515 is attached to one upright member 516 forming the bracket 514. The desktop support 506 further comprises a desktop coupling 517 supported by a cantilever member 518a extending from the upright member 516 and an angled member 518b extending from the other end of the upright member 516. The desktop coupling 517 is moulded to include four elongated bolt holes 519a-519b through which bolts can be located to couple the desktop support to a corresponding desktop.
The leg support coupling 515, which is slidably received in the channel 510a or 510b for leg support, is adapted to attach to a threaded portion 520 (seen in
The joiner brackets 511a, 511b positioned either side of the beam support member 512 comprise a flange extending from the beam support member, the flange being die cast to include an elongated channel 524, an upper cross member 525 and a U shaped opening 526. The bottom portion of the flange is angled commensurate with the angle between the upright 503 and the angled 504 portion of the leg support. The bottom of the flange includes a semi cylindrical recess 523b on each side which is adapted to abut against the corresponding semi cylindrical recess in the leg support plate, e.g. 523a to provide an aperture for receiving the end 522 of threaded rod 521. It will be appreciated that the semi cylindrical recess 523b actually corresponds to a semi cylindrical recess on the plate 507a which is hidden in
The leg support means includes a levelling foot 530 as shown in
When all components of the leg support are assembled, an end cap can be placed over the top of the leg support plates for closure. The end cap 560 comprises an opening for a rod for supporting a work top.
The adjustment mechanisms of the leg support 50a-50c will now be described. It is possible to manoeuvre the desktop support within the channel of the leg support 510b to place the desk support, and therefore the attached desktop at a desired height above the ground. This is achieved by rotating the respective threaded rod, eg. 521 to move the desktop support in a linear manner up and down relative to the leg portion. As the threaded rod is threadably engaged with the coupling 515 and because the coupling is retained and prevented from rotational movement in the channel 510b, rotation of the threaded rod will start a screw action in the screw portion 520 thus creating a linear force to move the coupling and therefore the attached desktop coupling linearly within the channel. Preferably the bottom end of the threaded rod 521 includes a screwdriver coupling or the like (such as flat head Phillips rex, torx or any other suitable coupling). Possible screwdriver couplings 570-575 are shown in
Similarly as shown in
Similarly by rotating the adjuster screw 536 in the opposite direction the levelling block will retract upwards towards the top of the leg support. The abutment portion 551 abuts to the levelling block 538 to prevent it twisting and therefore coerce it into linear movement upon rotation of the adjuster screw 536. As the levelling block retracts upwards the tension spring 540 will retain the foot 530 in abutment with the levelling block and in doing so retract the foot 530 into the leg support. The foot will be retracted to a maximum extent as determined by the bearing 532a that extends through the elongated aperture 533. The leg support plate 507b includes an aperture 552 that allows access to the coupling on the end of the adjuster screw 536 to allow rotation of the adjuster screw as required. Rotation can take place by a manual tool such as a screwdriver or other winding implement, or preferably by an electric drill or electric screwdriver with an appropriate coupling or bit corresponding to that in the adjuster screw. This enables the foot levelling means to be adjusted with an electronic tool. Alternatively a manual wind handle might be provided, or alternatively an electric motor which can automatically adjust the foot 530 upon actuation of the motor to the desired degree.
Preferably the top cap, joiner bracket, leg supports, desktop brackets are made from die cast aluminium. The foot levelling block is made from plastic along with the foot.
Packers might be provided within the leg support to fix the height of the desktop supports if required. The interactive work tables 40, 41 comprise two upright rods eg. 42a, 42b which are adapted to sit within the aperture eg. 580a, 580b of the end caps of the leg support 506. When the rods 42a, 42b are inserted in the apertures in the end caps the rods rest upon the cross portion eg. 525 thus retaining the interactive work table 40, 41 at a fixed position above the desktop. The rods are shown as cylindrical rods, but they could have an alternative cross-section shape, such as square.
Preferably, the leg supports are coupled towards the back edge of the desktops forming the workstation system, such that the desktops are cantilevered out from the leg supports.
The leg support described above relates to that used in a multi workstation configuration. As mentioned above with reference to
e shows of the leg support, eg 590a, that could be used in the one and two desktop workstation systems instead of the leg support 50a. Most features of the support 590a are the same as those described for leg support 50a. Only the differences will be described. All other features can be assumed the same. Attached to one beam support 502 is an angled leg portion 501a. Attached to the other side of the beam support 502 is a straight leg portion 591. This comprises two plates and is formed in exactly the same manner as the angled leg portion described with reference to
The desktop support of the leg support 590a might be the same as that for the first embodiment of the leg support 50a. Alternatively, another support 592 could be provided. This is similar to the desktop coupling 506, except that the body portion does not comprise an angled primary bracket 514. Rather, the desktop coupling 593 is attached directly to an upright portion 594 coupled to the leg portion 591. The desktop support 592 is coupled to the leg portion 591 in the same manner as the other desktop support 506, namely via threaded rod.
The beam 70a, 70b of the support structure will now be described with reference to
A channel section forming a cable tray 72 can be attached to the length of a beam. The cable tray is for retaining cabling for networking, communication, power and the like. The cable tray comprises a cross section including an upright barrier 72a, a floor portion 72b and an angular anchor portion 72c for attachment to the rotated beam 70a. The barrier 72a might also include a overhang or lip 72d if required. The cable tray can be attached to the beam by the anchor 72c in any suitable manner such as with bolts, rivets or the like. Another cable tray can be attached to the other side of the beam if required and likewise additional cable trays can be attached to additional beams to provide a conduit or similar channel for cables and the like for the entire length of the workstation assembly. The cable tray might have end caps splines to receive cables etc and feed them into the channels from the ceiling or floor. There may be clips on the back leg support that run cable up into the channels. Lower parts of the end caps may have openings.
As shown diagrammatically in
The overhead services beam can also include a lighting canopy 87 that is supported on protrusions 86 extending above the modular portions: The lighting canopy 87 contains LED integrated lighting or other light source for illumination of one or more workstations. Preferably the lighting canopy 87 is curved to diffuse and direct the light in the appropriate manner. Power for the lighting in the canopy can be provided by way of cables running through the cable tray 72 up through the vertical supports 81 and along the horizontal support 84. As can then seen a number of modular accessories, such as shelves, and/or also the lighting canopies can be attached at various positions along the overhead services beam as required.
a-9e show various views of one possible modular accessory that can be used in the workstation system T. In this case, the modular accessory is a storage cabinet or shelf, such as 90a shown in
By way of the angle recess foot members 908a, 908b the support is adapted to engage along the tilted main beam 70a, 70b and be attached thereto. This provides an upright support that extends from the main beam 70a, 70b between the back edges of two opposing arranged desktops to provide a support for modular accessories to be supported above the desktops.
A number of these supports portions 903 can be arranged along the length of the beam or beams 70a, 70b of the workstation system providing multiple installation points for modular accessories such as accessories 90a-90d shown in
In one embodiment of a modular accessory 90a, a lower terrace 901 that comprises a flat panel and apertures 916a, 916b corresponding to the apertures 915a, 915b in the uprights 906a, 906b is arranged in alignment with the apertures on the uprights. An elevated terrace 902 is then attached to the lower terrace 902 and the support. The elevated terrace comprises two side panels 917a, 917b each comprising a protrusion 918a, 918b adapted to be received in the apertures 915a, 915b, 916a, 916b. A back panel 919a, 919b is attached between the side panels 917a, 917b and a top panel 920 attached to all three components. The elevated terrace 902 can then be assembled by inserting the protrusions 918a, 918b into the apertures 915a, 915b, 916a, 916b thus attaching the top terrace 902 to and through the lower terrace 901 and to the support 903. The components clip into place to provide a storage cabinet or area. The terraces 902, 903 can be attached to the support 903 after it has been installed on the beam 70a, 70b in the workstation system. Alternatively, it can be installed as one unit. It will be appreciated that various configurations of the unit 90a is possible. The bottom terrace 901 could be omitted, and likewise the top terrace 902 omitted so that only a flat panel shelf is provided. Yet other modular accessories are also possible such as shelves, cabinets and cupboards.
The top panel 920 comprises additional apertures 921a, 921b for receiving additional modular assembly protrusions. In this manner multiple levels of the modular assemblies eg. 90a can be attached and stacked up on the support 903.
In general, each modular accessory includes protrusions on the bottom portion to engage with corresponding apertures in a support eg. 903 or apertures in the top surface of another modular assembly or component of a modular assembly. Likewise the top of each modular accessory includes apertures that correspond to and can engage with corresponding protrusions with other modular accessories. Modular accessories can also include shelves, cupboards, cabinets, screens and the like.
The workstation system 1 preferably comprises one or more screens 100a, 100b that are adapted to provide a degree of privacy between workstations.
b shows an alternative embodiment, which is a selective or variable visibility screen 100c, 100d. Depending on the focal point of the person, the degree to which vision extends through the screen can be altered. This provides the ability to partially provide privacy, but also provide the opportunity to communicate with someone sitting the other side of the screen 100c, 100d. The full details of the variable visibility screen are described in relation to the US patent application “A Screen” filed on 6 Oct. 2006 with the same assignee. The specification of this US application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The variable visibility screen 100c, 100d comprises a base portion 105 with protrusions 100a, 100b for installation in the apertures of a support, or the apertures of the top surface of another modular accessory as described previously. It would be appreciated that yet other types of full screen and variable visibility screens could be used, and any combination of them could be used along the math axis of the workstation.
In one possibility, the interactive worktops 40 between desktops could be replaced with opaque or variable visibility screens as described above. In this case, the screens would be adapted with rods the same as those described for the worktops 40, 41. These could insert in the end caps in the leg supports to support the screen at a suitable height to provide privacy between co-workers working at adjacent desktops.
Second Embodiment
The second embodiment relates to a workstation system 110 in which up to three workstations can be arranged in the manner shown. The second embodiment comprises more workstations each comprising a desktop 130a-130c arranged adjacently and supported on a support structure 120. The support structure comprises a plurality of leg supports 50a-50c which are identical to the leg supports 50a-50c described in relation to the first embodiment and need not be described further here. The leg supports are arranged so they are not positioned in the area underneath the primary and auxiliary work areas. This allows a person to sit and work at each of the primary and auxiliary work areas on a chair or the like, and allows the legs of the user to be positioned underneath the primary and auxiliary work areas without obstruction. To support three desktops 130a-130c the leg supports are arranged in a triangular formation and a first end of a tilted squared sectioned beams 121a-121c extends from each respective leg support 50a-50c to a central point of the workstation. The other ends of the section beams 121a-121c are supported by a stand alone leg 122 comprising three angled recesses for receiving and supporting the other ends of the beams members 121a-121c. Cable trays eg 122 can be assembled on the beam members 121a-121c as described in relation to the first embodiment. In addition modular accessories eg. 90a, 90b can be supported above the desktops 130a-130c on supports eg 903 along with full 100a or variable visibility screens 100c as described in relation to the first embodiment.
When attached to respective desktops, each leg support is attached so that it is positioned well clear of the respective primary and auxiliary work areas/work surfaces/working edges of the desktops to which it is attached. This enables a user to sit/stand at the primary and auxiliary work areas without any impediment to their legs. The legs are positioned in any suitable place to accommodate a user's legs under the primary/auxiliary work surfaces. For example, when sitting at a primary or auxiliary work area, the user can sit at the area and have their legs under the respective portion of the desktop. The leg supports might be positioned under the desktops to which they are connected in a suitable position to prevent impediments to users' legs. They might be fully or only partially under the respective desktops. That is, the legs might be positioned at least partially at a position not covered by the respective desktop. Alternatively, they might be positioned “remotely” so they are not covered at all by the desktops, for example by being slightly to the side or back of the respective desktops. In a preferred embodiment, the leg supports will be at least partially covered by the respective desktops to which they are coupled, as shown in the Figures. They will be connected to the desktops via couplings (to be described later) towards the back edge of the desktops, and towards the sides. A leg support might only be connected to one side of a respective desktop. Other arrangements will be possible also that provide free space under the primary and auxiliary work surfaces.
The differences of the second embodiment will be described with reference to
In this embodiment, to achieve this shape the desktop is profiled along the front edge to include two lateral extensions 146a, 146b positioned either side of the protruding work surface 143. The angle between the working edges of the auxiliary work areas and the working edge 144a of the first work area provides a recess or indented portion 147a, 147b in the desktop where a person can sit. Referring to one of the auxiliary work areas 145b, the auxiliary work area comprises a working edge 144c set back from the working edge of the protruding surface 144a and bounded by a respective side edge 148b. The working edge 144c comprises one section of the entire front edge 142 of the desktop. Each auxiliary work area of the desktop is adapted to be arranged adjacent a corresponding or auxiliary work area of another corresponding desktop to provide an auxiliary work area pair to form an interactive work area that can accommodate at least two people. The auxiliary work area comprises the auxiliary working edge 144b, 144c, the area in front of the auxiliary working edge 145a, 145b and/or the desktop surface 146a, 146b adjacent near the auxiliary working edge alone or in combination. The desktop surface adjacent the auxiliary working edge provides an auxiliary working surface 146a, 146b. When the auxiliary working areas are arranged as a pair to form an interactive work area as described above, the corresponding auxiliary working surfaces provide an auxiliary working surface pair.
In a preferred embodiment, the protruding work surface 143 has at least a partially convex front edge 142 which blends into at least a partially convexed auxiliary working edge 144b, 144c at either side. The first working edge and auxiliary working edges may not be fully convexed and concaved but rather generally of that nature. Alternatively, the first working edge could be straight and comprise square straight sides that are adjacent the straight working auxiliary edges. Many other variations on the general shape are possible. The important feature is that the auxiliary working edges 144b, 144c are arranged and oriented in a manner such that when arranged adjacently a corresponding auxiliary working area of a corresponding desktop they provide an interactive work area that can accommodate at least two people for interactive work activity.
Referring to
In this manner one or more collaborative or interactive work areas 132a-132c can be formed in the desktop arranged in an opposing relationship. The desktops arranged in this manner provide a narrow zone between auxiliary working edges to facilitate closer interaction. This is similar to the first embodiment. While the back edges of the desktops may actually abut, in the preferred embodiment there is a gap between them which provides for a support eg. 903 for modular accessories eg. 90a as described previously.
In this manner the desktops are arranged in an opposing relationship such that the auxiliary work areas formed either side of the protruding surface of each respective desktop are substantially or at least partially aligned. They are shown substantially aligned in
The opposing and aligned work areas, for example, 145a of desktop 130b with 145b of 130c provide an interactive work area 132a comprising the lateral extensions 146a, 146b and the seating area arranged by the corresponding auxiliary working edges. This provides an interactive work area 132a that can accommodate two people in a face-to-face relationship. The nature of the positioning of the auxiliary work area that is set back from the first working edge 142 enables workers sitting opposite each other to come closer together when working in an interactive relationship. For example, ordinarily office workers would be working at their respective protruding work surfaces, for example 143, on desktop 140. When the workers wish to conduct interactive work they can both move to their respective auxiliary work areas for example 132a of desktop and be in a closer arrangement that facilitates interactive work. If a worker sitting at the first working surface 143 on desktop 130b wants to work interactively with someone using desktop 130a, they can use the interactive work area 132b on the other side of the desk to bring themselves into a closer relationship with the other worker.
As described in relation to the first embodiment each of the desktops are independently height adjustable on their respective desktop couplings. This means that two desktops that form a part of an interactive work area might be at different height levels. Therefore as in the first embodiment, a fixed level worktop eg. 40 is provided in the vicinity of the interactive work area eg. 132b, 132c to provide an interactive work top. An interactive work top 40 such as that shown in
A centre screen 150 can be provided to provide a degree of privacy between workstations. The central screen 150 is shown in
In one possibility, the interactive worktops 40 between desktops could be replaced with opaque or variable visibility screens as described above. In this case, the screens would be adapted with rods the same as those described for the worktops 40, 41. These could insert in the end caps in the leg supports to support the screen at a suitable height to provide privacy between co-workers working at adjacent desktops.
An overhead services shelf 125 can be provided comprising a hexagonal or other six sided polygon panel 126 from which extend modular shelf portions 127a-127c. The shelves and panel may be installed onto a three armed beam 135 which comprises protrusions (not visible) on which the apertures in the panels and shelves can be installed. The apertures and protrusions are the same as those for the modular assembly. The three armed beam can then install on the uprights 81 of the central screen 150.
Third Embodiment
A third embodiment of the invention is shown in
The desk top 162 can be adjusted to the desired height using the adjustment means in the leg support 590b, 590a as described previously in relation to other embodiments. The interactive work top 164 provides an auxiliary work surface for a user of the workstation 160. It also provides a surface via which others can collaborate with a user of the workstation 160 either by sitting at or standing by the interactive work top 164. In this situation the user will move from working on the desk top 162 and orient themselves to work off the interactive work surface 164.
It will be appreciated that a number of the work stations 160 could be arranged together, either side-by-side or in an opposing back-to-back relationship in a similar manner as described for previous embodiments, such as that shown in
Fourth Embodiment
a show a fourth embodiment of the invention. This is essentially the same as the first invention shown in
In the case of a single monolithic desktop, the desktop 170 will comprise a first longitudal edge 173 and a second longitudal edge 174 comprising one or more recesses 175a, 175b on each side or each edge. The recesses will be substantially aligned in an opposite arrangement to provide the interactive area eg 6b. Protrusions to form the main work areas will also be included. In summary, any other arrangement of the separate desktops described herein, could be made from a single monolithic desktop formed to the same shape.
Fifth Embodiment
As shown in
It will be appreciated that in light of embodiments 3 and 4 that where a workstation is described in this specification as comprising a desktop this could also refer to one portion providing one workstation of a monolithic desktop that provides several workstation areas. Therefore, in the specification the term desktop might refer to a single desktop adapted to be arranged adjacent to other desktops to form a workstation, or a portion of an overall desktop for providing several workstation areas, said portion providing one of those workstation areas. In summary, any arrangement of the separate desktops described herein, could be made from a single monolithic desktop formed to the same shape.
Sixth Embodiment
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Each vertical support comprises an aluminium extrusion or is made of a another material of suitable stiffness to support the overhead services beam.
The services beam 86 can then be secured to the top of the vertical supports 209a, 209b. The services beam can be the same as that described in relation to previous embodiments and provide the same function.
This embodiment enables a closer arrangement of adjacent modular cabinets for aesthetic purposes. It also obviates the need for a v shaped bracket for the vertical support to nest on the support beam, thus reducing components and cost.
A cabinet eg 206a and the manner in which it is assembled with the upright supports will be described in further detail with reference to
Note, in an alternative embodiment there is no need for a protrusion and instead the terrace plates could have a flat edge and be arranged in a back-to-back relationship such that a gap exists between the flat edges to provide the equivalent of a slot. In another embodiment, the lower terrace could be one plate with a slot.
The cabinet also comprises a top or elevated terrace. The elevated terraced comprises two u-section components 225a, 225b that are affixed to the respective lower terrace plates 220a, 220b. Each elevated terrace u-section could be formed from a single piece of sheet steel or other suitable material that is bent to form the u-shape. Alternatively, the elevated terrace could be constructed from a number of pieces that are joined together to form the u-section.
Similar to the lower terrace, the back edge of each top surface of the elevated terrace u-section comprises a recess 226a, 226b along its length protrusions similar in nature to that on the lower terraced plates that define the recess. When the two upper u-section terraces are arranged back-to-back and are fixed to the corresponding lower terrace plates, the two sets of protrusions will abut and a slot 227 will be formed by the two opposing adjacent recess portions. The slots formed on the upper surface of the elevated terrace and the lower terraces are aligned.
The screen e.g. 210d comprises a visibility blocking portion 228a and a divider portion 228b. It will be appreciated that the screen comprising the upper visibility blocking portion and the lower divider portion can be considered a dividing panel. This is because both the divider portion and visibility blocking portion act as dividers between two parts of the cabinet when installed. Both portions also provide visibility blocking, although the primary purpose of the bottom portion 228b is to act as a divider, whereas the primary purpose of the upper portion 228a is to reduce visibility between two workers. The visibility blocking portion can be a variable visibility screen, or a full blocking screen. As shown in
It will be appreciated that while the modular accessory shown in
Further, it will be appreciated that a cabinet is not the only modular accessory that could be supported by the support brackets. Other modular accessories could be provided, such as those described previously.
One example of another modular accessory is shown in
The modular cabinet or single terrace may alternatively comprise single piece rectangular section components with a slot machine therein, as opposed to being formed from separate sections with recesses on the back edge.
As shown in
As shown in
The leg support shown in
With reference to
As shown in
Similarly by rotating the adjuster screw 268 in the opposite direction the levelling block 267 will retract upwards towards the top of the leg support. The clips 269a, 269b hold the levelling block 538 to prevent it twisting and therefore coerce it into linear movement upon rotation of the adjuster screw 268. As the levelling block retracts upwards the clips will retain the foot 260 in abutment with the levelling block and in doing so retract the foot 260 into the leg support. As the foot extends out of the leg support, the foot will move laterally as shown by arrow to the left. In doing so, the rails or channels in the top edge of the foot will slide relative to the clips to the left in the levelly block nut, allowing for relative lateral movement between the levelling block nut and the foot as the foot extends. The foot will be retracted to a maximum extent as determined by the bearing 532a that extends through the elongated aperture 262.
The leg support plate comprises an aperture 271 that allows access to the coupling on the end of the adjuster screw 268 to allow rotation of the adjuster screw as required. Rotation can take place by a manual tool such as a screwdriver or other winding implement, or preferably by an electric drill or electric screwdriver with an appropriate coupling or bit corresponding to that in the adjuster screw. This enables the foot levelling means to be adjusted with an electronic tool. Alternatively a manual wind handle might be provided, or alternatively an electric motor which can automatically adjust the foot 260 upon actuation of the motor to the desired degree.
Seventh Embodiment
As can be seen in
Eighth Embodiment
An eighth embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to
In particular, the eighth embodiment comprises a leg assembly the same as that described in relation to
The support structure of this embodiment might include a central post at the apex of the three support beams, although this is not shown in
The eighth embodiment might further comprise a central post 400 extending upwards from the apex of the three support beams 401a-401c and one or more modesty panels 402a-402c which extend between the upward extending support post 400 and a corresponding upright support of a corresponding modular accessory. The modesty panel 402a-402c for each support beam will extend from the support beam up to the level of the hexagonal base 372 which sits at the bottom of the screens 403a-403c. These are the central screens described previously. Further, the modular cabinets can have screens, as described previously in relation to the sixth embodiment including divider portions that slide between the modular cabinets.
Further, the shape of the desktop 380a of this embodiment might differ, as shown in
Ninth Embodiment
Other Embodiments
b show an alternative leg support and foot embodiment that could be used with any of the embodiments described above.
The desktop support 600 has a desktop coupling 601 with lateral slots rather than the longitudinal slots in
This allows for location and sliding of the nut 606 along rod in the channels 607 of the leg assembly, for example as shown in
At the angled portion of each leg there is an aperture 613 for allowing adjustment of the winged nut 606 on the threaded rod 605 to alter the height of the desktop support 600. This can be seen more clearly in
a, 51b shows the foot member 620 which can retract into and be coerced out of the leg portion 621. The position of the foot 620 is controlled by an adjustment screw 622 that extends at right angles to the edge of the leg portion. The adjustment screw 622 comprises a levelling block nut 623 that is threaded onto the screw 622. The levelling block nut 623 comprises an elongate member 624 with a angled end that slidingly engages with the top end of the foot 620. Rotation of the screw 622 coerces the levelling block nut from a foot retraction position (shown on the left hand side in
a shows how a 180 degree 630 and a 120 degree 631 workstation could be arranged together also. For example, one or more of the desktops shown in
The invention might also comprise a kit of components that can be assembled to form one or more of the embodiments described above. The kit could comprise sufficient components to assemble a workstation system with the required number of workstations. Each kit could contain a number of desktops, leg supports, support beams, modular accessories, overhead beams elements, vertical support elements, interactive work tables and screens. The kit could be sold or distributed and then assembled on site in an office or similar, by the purchaser, the selling party or a third party. Individual components could also be sold to supplement a kit where required. Kits could come as standard, with predetermined numbers of components, or alternatively be collated to comprise the required components according to a customer request.
Preferred embodiments (or “forms”) of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NZ2007/000296 | 10/8/2007 | WO | 00 | 11/24/2009 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008/041873 | 4/10/2008 | WO | A |
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| Entry |
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| Nomos design: Foster Associates, Tecno spa Milano, published by at least as early as Oct. 1, 2006. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20100126394 A1 | May 2010 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60828591 | Oct 2006 | US | |
| 60894421 | Mar 2007 | US |
