Patent Application
20060117669
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The present invention relates to improved space layouts, table configurations and display configurations and more specifically to space, table and display assemblies that are configurable in many different ways to support conferencing requirements of differently sized groups of people.
It is common knowledge that when people share a common goal and work together toward that goal, the goal is typically achieved faster and more efficiently than if those same people worked separately toward the same goal. It is also common knowledge that, in most cases, people within large groups have different sets of strengths and that common goals can be achieved most efficiently and effectively by identifying tasks required to achieve the goals and assigning tasks to specific people within the larger group that have specific strengths particularly suited for achieve those tasks. Moreover, it is also generally accepted that there are different stages involved in achieving any common goal and that the extent of collaborative activities and communications at each stage are different.
For instance, during a first stage of achieving a common goal, at least one and in many cases several people within a large group formulate their own vision of a goal to achieve by the larger group. Second, after one or more people formulate their own vision of a goal, the vision or visions are shared with people in the larger group. People in the larger group critically discuss the individual vision or visions so that all merits and problems are brought to light. The people in the group settle on one common goal that all group members can agree to work toward. After a common goal is accepted by group members, the group identifies and agrees upon separate tasks to be completed in order to achieve the common goal and to identify subsets or teams (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) of people from the larger group best suited to achieve the tasks.
Third, after tasks have been assigned to smaller teams, the smaller teams apply their particular skills to the assigned tasks with an eye toward completing those tasks. Here, the larger process may be repeated again with each team member separately taking on different subsets of the team tasks.
Fourth, while the teams are working in parallel on their assigned tasks, the larger group may periodically get together to review progress by the teams, to modify the common goal or the directions in which the different teams are headed, to change the team members, etc.
Fifth, once all of the teams have completed their assigned tasks, the entire group gets together again to achieve the common goal by communicating how the tasks have been completed and the end results.
Office designers have known for a long time that the efficiency and effectiveness with which people perform specific types of activities or tasks is closely related to the environments in which the people perform those activities. For example, in the past, it has generally been accepted that collaborative activities between large groups of people such as sharing personal visions and discussing and identifying a common group goal are best performed in a large dedicated and confidential conference space or room away from private personal spaces (e.g., private offices or partition spaces). Where common spaces are dedicated to conferencing, people can come together in a relatively neutral location that is not specifically associated with any one group member or subset of group members. Where a space is generally confidential, people within the space are more likely to share unconventional ideas and concepts which often result in new common goals and ways of achieving those goals.
In addition, where large groups collaborate on ideas and information, typical resources (i.e. environmental enhancements) used to facilitate collaboration include a large table, surrounding chairs and some type of visual aid. The table is provided so that conference attendees have a convenient location to place reference materials such as paper documents, laptops and/or notepads for taking notes. In general it has been recognized that visual queues are very important in communication. For instance, where a first person is explaining a concept to a second person, by observing the second persons facial expressions (e.g., a grimace, a surprised look, etc.) and body movements (i.e., nodding of the head, shaking of the head, etc.) during explanation, the first person can usually gauge if the second person is understanding the concept, agrees or disagrees with the concept, wants to interject a comment or another related idea, etc. Similarly, where a third person is listening to the explanation, if the third person can see the second persons facial expressions and body movements, the third person also can gauge the second persons reaction to the presentation and, if necessary, interject helpful comments or, if the second person is showing signs of disagreement with the first person, may feel more comfortable questioning the first persons information or point of view. For this reason, many conference tables are configured so that people there around have at least some direct line of sight to other people at the table (i.e., the table top may be round, oval, etc.) and hence can visually gauge how ideas are being accepted, if ideas are being understood and if other people want to interject related ideas and comments.
Visual aids may include, for instance, a large pad of paper mounted to an easel, a large whiteboard, a large television, a large flat panel electronic display screen, a screen and projector, etc. Where visual aids are used, the visual aid is usually located within the conference space at a commanding or focal location within the space so that when a conference attendee uses the aid, others at the conference have a view of the information being presented. For instance, in known configurations where an electronic display is employed, the display is space away from and to one side of the conference table and is mounted to a wall that at least in part defines the conference space. Here, to help all conference attendees at a table to view the display screen, the screen is typically mounted at a height well above (e.g., the lower screen edge is at least a foot) the table top height.
As another example, it has generally been accepted that smaller group activities such as working on tasks assigned to smaller teams of people are best performed in smaller confidential spaces or rooms that include tables, chairs and, in many cases, visual aids (e.g., a pad of paper, a white board, an electronic display screen, etc.). Tables in these spaces are usually smaller than the tables provided in the larger conference spaces so that team members are more intimately located for idea sharing and collaboration. Again, confidential space fosters sharing of unconventional ideas and concepts and often results in innovative ways to complete tasks effectively and efficiently.
As one other example, it has generally been accepted that individuals need to work separately at some times in order to help achieve group goals and that the best environment for performing individual work is a private office or partition space where a person has access to a personal computer or the like. For instance, when identifying a personal vision for a group or when working on details required to complete larger tasks or achieve common goals, individuals often work best in private dedicated personal spaces.
To best accommodate all types of activities required to achieve group goals, most offices are currently configured to include at least three different types of space including large conference spaces, relatively smaller conference spaces and personal private type spaces (e.g., offices) where each of the spaces includes a table or desk suitable for the activities likely to be performed in the space, a chair or chairs and other resources such as a visual aids, computers, etc. Here, the theory is that groups of people are fluid between the different spaces, coming together in the conference spaces to discuss and define goals and tasks and to perform collaborative tasks and separating into the private spaces to complete detail type activities.
While offices that are physically divided into three different types of space are common and clearly have some advantages related to facilitating collaborative work, it is believed that these types of spaces also have several important shortcomings. First, despite efforts to arrange tables, chairs and visual aids within large conference rooms in ways that foster communication between attendees, often the end result is a configuration that adversely affects communication. For instance, where an electronic display is mounted to a wall at one end of a large conference table, many attendees at the table have to rotate their chairs or, in some cases, have to completely turn their chairs around to view information presented via the aid. In addition, in some cases, attendees may have to move their chairs away from the edge of the conference table in order to view information presented via the display without obstructing other attendee views. Here, where all attendees face generally in one direction toward the display screen, attendees cannot easily make eye contact with, or observe other visual queues from, other attendees and hence cannot determine if concepts are being understood, if other attendees want to interject comments or agree or disagree with information presented. Clearly lack of visual queues reduces communication effectiveness appreciably.
As another instance, where attendees move to a focal or commanding location within a conference space such as adjacent a display screen mounted on a conference space wall to present information, the dynamic within the space changes. To this end, when one attendee moves to a commanding location within a space, the dynamic changes from one of collaboration between peers to presentation by a single attendee that temporarily assumes the mantle of group leader. It is believed that when one group member assumes a commanding location within a space to present information, other conference attendees tend to become less critical of the information, ideas and concept presented and hence interchange of ideas is stifled.
As still one other instance, even where a person presenting information via a wall mounted display or the like remains seated at a conference table during the presentation, at least some of the people at the table still have to physically rotate their chairs toward the display screen or divert their field of view away from the presenter and toward the screen to view presented information. When chairs are rotated away from a presenter or fields of view are diverted from the presenter, the presenter loses the ability to sense visual queues.
Second, while movement between large group, small team and individual activities and spaces that facilitate those activities is, in theory, supposed to be fluid, in reality, such movement is usually interrupted and disjointed. In this regard, while people in large groups often become energized when common goals and tasks for achieving those goals are identified and when tasks are initially assigned to team members, after leaving a conference, attendees often lose focus, start to question the common goals or tasks assigned to achieve the goals and/or turn their attention to other activities unrelated to the common goals and tasks. In short momentum is lost when the large group breaks up to pursue assigned tasks.
Third, while electronic display screens are advantageous for sharing information among groups and teams of people, currently such displays are relatively expensive and are usually dedicated to single conference spaces. For this reason, while large electronic displays may be provided in large conference spaces for use by large groups where the cost associated therewith is justifiable, in many cases such displays are not provided in smaller conference spaces. Instead, in smaller spaces, less expensive visual aids such as whiteboards or large paper pads are often provided to facilitate collaboration.
Where large displays (e.g., televisions or the like) have been provided on wheeled carts to enable movement between two or more different conference spaces, despite being moveable, in many cases these types of displays are positioned at one location in one space and are not moved among spaces due to their size, linkage requirements to computers, etc., to drive the displays and so on.
Fourth, many people find it difficult to share their ideas and concepts in large groups and, in particular, in groups where other group members will likely have different and divergent ideas and where some group members may have relatively strong personalities. In fact, there are at least some studies that suggests that the best collaborative activities take place in pairs (i.e., in groups of two) as most people can develop a sense of trust with one person more quickly than with larger groups of people. Therefore, when goals, tasks and personal skills are discussed in large group conferences, often many people that have different and valuable views, suggestions and comments do not express themselves and goals and tasks are set without the benefit thereof and, in many cases, without complete acceptance by all group members. While iterative large group and small team conferences may minimize the effects of this problem, in many cases the lack of fluidity between large and small groups and associated spaces causes conference attendees to forgo such solutions and instead the group ploughs ahead without the benefit of all ideas being expressed and without complete buy in to group goals.
Fifth, providing many different spaces that are each dedicated to one type of use (e.g., large conferencing, small team conferencing or individual private use) is relatively expensive and often results in spaces that are relatively underutilized. For instance, in many cases, while a company may periodically need a large conference space to share information, in many cases such large conference spaces will go unused during more than 90% of normal business hours.
Sixth, requiring people to separate and come together multiple times and to break the flow of activities between different spaces breaks trains of thought and generally slows momentum toward achieving goals. Where goals are slowly achieved businesses often fail.
One solution to at least some of the problems discussed above has been to provide a plurality of relatively small table assemblies in a large conference space where the table assemblies can be brought together to form a large conference table or can be separated to facilitate smaller team sized conferencing break out sessions. In these cases the tables may be mounted on casters or the like to facilitate easy rearrangement of the assemblies for whatever purpose they are required. In addition, in these cases often some type of linking mechanism is provided to lock adjacent table tops together to form a large table arrangement when desired and some type of brake mechanism is provided on the casters so that the separate table tops do not move about with respect to each other. The brake mechanism is also used to lock the separate table assemblies in positions after the table tops are separated to facilitate break out sessions. Here, a single space can be used generally to either facilitate a large conference about a single table arrangement including the smaller tables or to facilitate two or more smaller conferences by physically separating the table assemblies.
In addition, multiple tables can be used to maintain fluidity of a series of large and small conferences within a single space so that greater progress toward defining goals and completing tasks can be achieved in a shorter amount of time. For instance, with small tables together to form a large conference table top arrangement, a large conference can be conducted. Thereafter, the tables can be separated and smaller breakout sessions can be conducted followed by bringing the tables back together to conduct yet another large conference session to further share small group information.
Unfortunately, while multi-table assemblies deal with some of the problems discussed above, such assemblies do not address other problems. For instance, multiple table assemblies do not address the issues related to location of large display screens or other visual aids that require conference attendees to physically turn away from other attendees at a conference in order to view presented information or the fact that attendees that use the visual aids are located in commanding positions that reduce criticism and comments from other attendees.
As another instance, multiple table assemblies do not address issues related to providing electronic displays for each of a plurality of smaller conference table configurations when breakout sessions occur. Indeed, where only a single electronic display is provided in a large conference space, when breakout sessions occur, the single display can only be used by members of one of the breakout sessions at a time.
As still one other instance, while separate table assemblies can be moved to different locations within a large conference space to facilitate breakout sessions, such physical distance between tables without visual barriers of any type (e.g., vertical walls of partition systems of some type) often is insufficient to give people the feeling of being in a space that is confidential or at least semi-confidential with respect to the other areas of the larger space. As in the case of sharing ideas in large groups, many people have difficulty sharing ideas in spaces where confidentiality is suspect.
In addition, even where separate table assemblies are provided to facilitate both large conferences and small breakout sessions, it is believed that several factors discourage using the tables separately to facilitate multiple breakout sessions. First, the lack of relatively expensive electronic display screens for use with each separate table assembly discourage breakout sessions using the separate tables. Second, problems associated with suspect confidentiality have discouraged separation of the table assemblies to facilitate break out sessions. Third, it is believed that any work required to rearrange tables about a conference room including disconnecting linking mechanisms between tables, unlocking caster brake mechanisms, etc., operates as a strong impediment to rearranging those tables. The impediment is exacerbated where additional tasks (e.g., realigning tables, relocking brake mechanisms and reconnecting linking mechanisms, etc.) have to be completed to reconfigure the tables in the original large table arrangement. The impediment is still further exacerbated where the locking and unlocking and brake mechanisms are not completely intuitive to users as many users will not routinely use such features or where the activities require users to crawl under table tops to perform the locking and linking activities.
In cases where the tasks associated with reconfiguring table assemblies is are not understood or are considered to burdensome, after a large conference around a multiple table assembly arrangement, when small break out sessions are to occur, instead of breaking up the table arrangement, conference attendees simply leave the conferencing space and conduct smaller team meetings in private offices or other smaller conference spaces (i.e., in other rooms dedicated to conferencing). Thus, despite added costs associated with providing a versatile table configuration, the table configuration is not used for its intended purpose.
One other solution to some of the problems discussed above is to provide a lap top to each conference attendee and to present information to the attendees via lap top display screens. Here, attendees needn't turn away from a conference table to view information being presented and each attendee has an unobstructed view of presented information. In addition, when the attendees separate to facilitate smaller breakout sessions, each attendee has her own laptop display screen for collaborating with team members.
One problem with sharing conference information via laptops is that attendees focus on the information on their laptops instead of making visual contact with the other attendees. In addition, while information is being presented by one attendee, often other attendees will want to use their laptops to locate other information that they want to share with the other attendees. Where presentation information is provided via laptops, non-presenting attendees cannot use their laptops for other purposes.
Thus, it would be advantageous to have a new conference configuration wherein all conference attendees have a clear and generally unobstructed view of information being presented via visual aids and particularly via display screens. In addition, it would be advantageous to have a conferencing configuration where table sections can easily be arranged in different orientations to accommodate large or small groups of attendees. Moreover, it would be advantageous to have a conference configuration wherein display screens could be used in multiple positions within the conference space and, in at least some cases, outside the conference space, to share information where the supporting structure that facilitates movement of the displays enables extremely simple and intuitive movement.
It has been recognized that at least two displays can be placed at generally opposite edges of a conference table top and used by conference attendees about the top to share information in ways that are particularly advantageous. To this end, with displays at generally opposite table top edges and with the same information presented on each display, conference attendees need not turn away from the conference table in general to observe information presented via at least one of the displays. Instead, the attendees need only look across a part of the table to observe the presented information.
It has also been recognized that with edge positioned display screens, attendees can view other attendees directly to identify visual queues from the other attendees and need only divert their field of view minimally to see presented information on one of the edge positioned screens. Moreover, an information presenter can remain seated at a conference table while presenting information and hence a feeling of peer to peer communication and collaboration can be maintained regardless of which attendee is presenting. Furthermore, a presenting attendee can refer to any of the edge positioned display screens to when communicating with other attendees which allows the presenter to generally face any attendee that the presenter is addressing while still generally facing at least one of the screens.
In addition, it has been recognized that a table assembly can be mounted at least in part to a rail that facilitates table splitting into two or more sections to facilitate breakout sessions. Here, by mounting the table sections to a rail where the sections slide apart along the rail, a particularly intuitive split table configuration can be formed that is easy and simple to use. Here, in at least some cases, a separate display screen can be positioned adjacent at least one edge of each table section so that when the sections are separated, a separate one of the displays is useable with a separate one of the sections to facilitate breakout session information sharing.
Consistent with the above, at least some embodiments of the invention include a conferencing assembly, the assembly comprising a support and at least one table top member forming a substantially flat top surface, the at least one top member supported by the support with the flat surface substantially horizontal, the at least one top member forming first and second corners, a first edge extending between the first and second corners and a second edge extending between the first and second corners, the first edge including at least one substantially straight section proximate the first corner and at least one curved section that bows convexly outward generally away from the second edge, the second edge including at least one curved section that bows convexly outward generally away from the first edge. Here, the second edge may also includes at least one substantially straight section. In some cases the substantially straight section of the second edge is proximate the second corner.
In some cases the at least one top member includes at least first and second top members that form the first and second edges. In some cases the first and second top members form the first and second edges, respectively. In some cases the the first and second edges are external edges and wherein the first top member forms an internal edge opposite the external edge of the first top member that extends between the first and second corners and the second top member forms an internal edge opposite the external edge of the second top member that extends between the first and second corners. In addition, in some cases the internal edges of the first and second top members are substantially straight and wherein the internal edge of the first top member is parallel to the internal edge of the second top member. Moreover, in some cases the support facilitates movement of at least one of the first and second top members with respect to the other of the first and second top member. Here, the support may include at least one rail and the at least one of the first and second top members that is supported to move with respect to the other of the first and second top members may be mounted to the rail for sliding movement there along. Moreover, in some embodiments each of the first and second top members is mounted to the at least one rail for sliding movement there along. Furthermore, each of the first and second top members may be mounted to the rail for movement along a trajectory that is substantially parallel to the internal edges of the first and second top members.
In some cases the first and second top members are positionable along the rail in at least two juxtapositions including a combined orientation wherein the internal edges of the first and second top members are adjacent along substantially their entire length dimensions and a spaced orientation wherein at least a section of the internal edge of the first top member is spaced from at least a section of the internal edge of the second top member. In addition, in some cases each of the first and second top members slides along the rail along a trajectory that is parallel to the internal edge of the top member. In some cases the straight section of the first edge is closer to the second corner when the first and second top members are in the spaced orientation than when the first and second top members are in the combined orientation.
In some cases the straight section of the first edge is closer to the second corner when the first and second top members are in the combined orientation than when the first and second top members are in the spaced orientation. Here, in some cases the assembly further includes at least one display screen wherein the screen is positioned along the at least one substantially straight section of the first edge with the screen generally facing in the direction of the second edge. In addition, in some cases the display screen includes a lower edge and wherein the lower edge is proximate the straight section of the first edge. In some cases the display screen is at least eighteen inches high by twenty-four inches wide. In addition, in some cases the display screen is mounted to the straight section of the first edge.
In other cases the support is a first support and wherein the assembly further includes a second support that independently supports the display screen adjacent the first edge. Here the second support may include wheels for transporting the display screen. In some cases the second support includes a rail and an arm assembly, the arm assembly mounting the screen to the rail for movement there along. In some cases the second edge includes at least one substantially straight section proximate the second edge and the display screen is a first display screen and wherein the assembly further includes at least a second display screen, the second display screen positioned along the straight section of the second edge with the second screen generally facing in the direction of the first edge.
In a particularly advantageous configuration the first and second screens face in opposite directions. Here the first and second display screens may oppose each other.
In some cases the assembly further includes at least first and second display screens positioned along the straight sections of the first and second edges, respectively. In some cases the first and second display screens generally face the second and first edges, respectively.
At least some embodiments of the invention also include a conferencing assembly comprising a support rail having a length dimension, a first table top member forming a substantially flat top surface and including an internal edge that extends between first and second corners and an external edge that extends between the first and second corners, the first table top supported by the rail on a first side of the rail and with the internal edge proximate the rail for sliding movement along a trajectory parallel to the length dimension and a second table top member forming a substantially flat top surface and including an internal edge that extends between first and second corners and an external edge that extends between the first and second corners, the second table top supported by the rail on a second side of the rail with internal edge of the second top member proximate the rail.
Here, the second top member may be supported by the rail for sliding movement along a trajectory parallel to the length dimension of the rail. In some cases the assembly further includes at least a first display screen positioned adjacent the external edge of the first table top. In addition, in some cases the assembly further includes at least a second display screen positioned adjacent the external edge of the second table top.
Moreover, at least some embodiments include a conferencing assembly comprising a support, at least one table top member forming a substantially flat top surface, the at least one top member supported by the support with the flat surface substantially horizontal, the at least one top member including at least first and second substantially straight edge sections where the second edge section forms an angle with respect to the first edge section of less than substantially sixty degrees and at least first and second display screens positioned adjacent and substantially parallel to the first and second edge sections, respectively, each of the first and second display screens facing across at least a portion of the top surface of the top member.
Moreover, some embodiments include a conferencing assembly comprising a support, at least one table top member forming a substantially flat top surface, the at least one top member supported by the support with the flat surface substantially horizontal, the at least one top member including at least first and second generally oppositely facing edge sections and at least first and second display screens including first and second front surfaces positioned proximate the first and second edge sections, respectively, each of the first and second display screens facing across at least a portion of the top surface of the top member, the first display screen facing in a first direction and the second display screen facing in a second direction wherein the second direction is generally opposite the first direction.
In some cases each of the first and second screens includes a lower edge and wherein the lower edges of the first and second screens are adjacent the first and second edge sections. In some cases the lower edges of the first and second screens are immediately adjacent the first and second edge sections. In some cases the at least one top member includes at least first and second top members, the first top member forms the first edge and the second top member forms the second edge and wherein the support supports at least the first top member for movement with respect to the second top member. In some cases the support includes a rail and wherein each of the first and second top members are mounted to the rail for sliding motion along a rail length dimension.
At least some embodiments include a conferencing assembly comprising a support, at least one table top member forming a substantially flat top surface, the at least one top member supported by the support with the flat surface substantially horizontal, the at least one top member including at least first and second generally oppositely facing edge sections, at least first and second rail members positioned above and substantially parallel to the table top surface, the at least first and second rail members including distal ends that extend outward past the first and second edge sections of the table top, respectively, at least first and second display screens mounted for movement along the first and second rail members, respectively, each of the display screens supportable by one of the rail members in a first use position wherein the first and second display screens are at first locations along the first and second rail members and face in substantially opposite directions across the table top, respectively, and at least a second position wherein the first and second display screens are located at second locations along the first and second rail members, respectively.
Furthermore, some embodiments include a display assembly for use in at least first and second different spaces, the assembly comprising at least one wall that at least in part divides first and second spaces, the wall forming an opening, a flat panel display including a front viewing surface and a mount at least in part located within the opening, the mount supporting the flat panel display for movement between at least a first position wherein the front viewing surface is viewable within the first space and a second position wherein the display is viewable within the second space.
In some cases the mount includes at least one rail and wherein the display is supported by the at least one rail for sliding motion between the first and second spaces. In some cases the display is supported by the at least one rail for sliding motion between the first and second positions. In some cases the display is supported by a pivot assembly for rotational motion about a pivot axis wherein the pivot assembly is supported by the rail. In some cases the pivot axis is vertical. In some cases the rail is a first rail and the mount further includes a second rail spaced below and substantially parallel to the first rail and wherein the display is supported by the first and second rails for sliding motion between the first and second spaces. In some cases the rail extends from the first space to the second space through the opening. In some cases the mount includes a pivot assembly mounted within the opening and wherein the display is supported by the pivot assembly for rotational motion between the first and second positions. In some cases at least a portion of the display is located within the opening when the display is in the first position and at least a portion of the display is located within the opening when the display is in the second position. In some cases the at least one wall includes oppositely facing first and second wall surfaces and wherein the front viewing surface is substantially parallel to the first and second wall surfaces when the display is in the first and second positions, respectively. In some cases the pivot assembly includes a door assembly including a door surface and wherein the display is mounted to the door surface.
Some embodiments include a conferencing configuration facilitating variable use of space, the configuration comprising a space wall structure including at least a first space wall that forms an opening between first and second spaces and that includes a first space wall surface adjacent the opening, a flat display panel including a front viewing surface and an oppositely facing rear surface and a mount supported by the first space wall surface, the mount supporting the flat panel display for movement between at least a first position wherein the rear surface is proximate the first primary wall surface and the front viewing surface is visible within the first space and a second position wherein the front surface faces and is viewable in the second space.
In addition, at least some embodiments include a conferencing configuration facilitating variable use of space, the configuration comprising a space wall structure defining a primary space, the space wall structure including at least a first space wall that at least in part forms an opening, a first alcove wall structure forming a first alcove space within the at least one opening, at least one rail supported above the primary space, the at least one rail including first and second ends, the first end proximate the first alcove space and a first flat panel display including a front viewing surface, the display linked to the rail for movement between a first position within the primary space with the front viewing surface visible within the primary space and a second position wherein the display is proximate and viewable within the first alcove space.
These and other objects, advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention and reference is made therefore, to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention.
One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views and, more specifically, referring
In this first exemplary embodiment display assemblies 20a and 20b are identical and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only certain aspects of display assembly 20a will be described here in any detail. Referring to
As shown in
As best illustrated in
Although not illustrated, in addition to top member 12, table assembly 11 also includes some type of supporting structure therebelow to support top member 12 at a normal table top height suitable for use by conference attendees seated about the assembly 22 in chairs 14, 16, 18, etc. For instance, where the chairs are a normal sitting height, top member 12 may be between twenty-eight and thirty-one inches high. As another instance, where the chairs are of a stool height, top member 12 may be between thirty-five and forty-four inches high, depending on the stool height. The supporting structure below top member 12 may include several legs, pedestals, castered pedestals, etc.
Referring still to
Referring to
To mount bracket 40 to table top 12, screws 46 are placed through the apertures formed by horizontal member 48 and are received in an undersurface 56 of table top member 12 such that rib 52 is adjacent straight edge section 26a and so that channel 51 formed by ribs 50 and 52 opens upwardly. To mount display 20a to bracket 40, display 20a is positioned such that the lower end thereof is received in the channel formed by ribs 50 and 52. Thereafter, bolts or screws 44 are placed through the apertures formed by rib 50 and extend into the rear surface of the bottom portion of display 20a to rigidly hold display 20a with respect to bracket 42.
Referring still to
In addition, because of the orientation of displays 20a and 20b with respect to the seats around table 12, as conference attendees turn their chairs in various directions to angle toward other attendees during conversations, regardless of the direction in which the attendees are facing, the attendees still have a relatively good view of information being presented on at least one of displays 20a and 20b. For example, assume that the attendee in chair 16 is presenting information via displays 20a and 20b while having a conversation with the attendee in chair 14. Here, while the attendee in chair 14 directs her sight along the field of view indicated by numeral 64 when making eye contact with the presenting attendee in chair 16, the attendee in chair 14 need only slightly change her field of view as indicated by field of view 60 to view information being presented on display 20a. Similarly, referring still to
Here, some comments regarding the advantageous positioning of displays 20a and 20b relative to top member 12 are provided. First, because people are accustomed to communicating with other people about a table, it has been recognized that obtaining information from displays positioned directly at table edges is relatively natural.
Second where the displays are adjacent and generally rise above table edges, the screens are at about the same height as conference attendees around table top member 12. Thus, when an attendee diverts her attention from another attendee to one of displays 20a or 20b, while the field of view may change slightly, the horizontal angle of view generally remains unchanged (i.e., the attendee need not redirect view up or down to change from observing another attendee to observing one of the displays 20a or 20b).
Third, because all conference attendees remain seated while displays 20a and 20b are used to share information, no one or sub-set of attendees assumes a relatively more commanding position (e.g., at the front of a room) with respect to other attendees and sharing of ideas becomes much more open.
Fourth, the curved table edges 26b and 28b enable all attendees to have a good view of both displays 20a and 20b while still allowing the table top surface to be sufficiently large for spreading out other conference information.
Fifth, the curved edges 26b and 28b are inviting for attendees and encourage attendees to gather therearound.
Sixth, attendees can view each other attendee as well as either of displays 20a and 20b without physically turning away from the space generally above top member 12.
While the advantageous lines of sight have been described above for an attendee in chair 14 as illustrated in
In addition to the advantageous table shape described with respect to
Another exemplary conferencing configuration 86 is illustrated in
As illustrated, displays 20a and 20b are positioned adjacent straight edge sections 96a and 98a so that they generally face in opposite directions but are slightly offset from each other. Here, as in the two conference configuration examples described above, displays 20a and 20b are positioned at a height such that the lower edges of the display screens are at or slightly above (e.g., within 8 inches) the table top height.
While only three exemplary table shapes have been described above, it should be appreciated that the present invention contemplates many other table top shapes in configurations where at least two display screen are positioned at or slightly above the table top height and adjacent or proximate the edges of the table tops. For instance, other shapes may include a square, a rectangle, an oval, etc.
In addition to contemplating conferencing configurations including two displays positioned adjacent generally opposite table top edges, other configurations are contemplated that include three, four, or more display screens positioned adjacent table edges. To this end, one other exemplary conferencing configuration 100 is illustrated in
Displays 20a, 20b and 20c are positioned adjacent straight edge sections 120, 122 and 124, respectively, such that the display screens included therewith face toward top 102, are perpendicular to top 102 and have lower edges that generally reside slightly above or adjacent top 102. In the illustrated configurations, two chairs are positioned adjacent each curved edge 126, 128 and 130. For example, chairs 106 and 108 are adjacent curved edge 126.
Referring still to
Referring now to
While edge mounted brackets like the one described with respect to
Cart 180 includes, among other things, a base 184, wheels or casters collectively identified by numeral 186 and a supporting flat planar member 188. Base 184 is generally boxed shaped including four bottom corners. A separate wheel or caster 186 is mounted proximate each of the bottom corners of base 184 to support base 184 thereabove for movement along a floor below. Planar member 188 is mounted to the top of base 184 and forms a generally flat and horizontal surface 190. Planar member 188 includes, among other edges, a flat edge 192. The combined height of base member 184, wheels 186 and top member 188 is similar to the height of a table top surface 200 with which the cart assembly is to be used. Display 20a is placed on top surface 190 and can be moved toward and away from table edge 182 as indicated by arrow 202.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Rail assembly 256 includes first and second posts 260 and 262 and a rail 270. Each of posts 260 and 262 is substantially similar and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only post 260 will be described here in any detail. Post 260 is an elongated rigid member including opposite top and bottom ends 266 and 264, respectively. Post 260 has a length dimension such that, when rail 270 is attached to the top thereof and perpendicular thereto, a person of ordinary height can easily walk below rail 256 without concern for head clearance. Posts 260 and 262 are mounted to a floor structure 265 on opposite sides of a conference space 271 therebetween and such that the posts 260 and 262 are substantially vertically oriented with top ends 266 at similar heights.
Referring still to
Referring again to
Referring to
Arm 300 is an elongated rigid member that includes a top end 330 and a bottom end 332. In at least some embodiments, top end 330 is rigidly mounted to base member 302 and bottom end 332 is rigidly mounted to a bracket 334 (see again
Referring once again to
With the arm assembly 258a supporting display 20a as described above, it should be appreciated that arm assembly 258a and the attached display can be moved along the length of rail member 270 and, more specifically, can be moved between a first in-use position adjacent a table edge as illustrated in
Where displays 20a and 20b are mounted to an overhead rail 270, in at least some cases the lower ends of the displays 20a and 20b may reside just above the table top member 284 so that the displays 20a and 20b can be moved to supported locations above the table top member 284 while in other cases the lower ends of displays 20a and 20b may be slightly below top member 284.
According to another aspect of the present invention, it has been recognized that, while it is advantageous to have two or more displays positioned at the edges of a table top that face in generally opposite directions to facilitate information sharing, in at least some embodiments, it is also advantageous to have additional background displays that are viewable by conference attendees for posting background information or information that is important but not the immediate focus of the conference attendees. To this end, in at least some cases, it is contemplated that background display assemblies or screens may be placed “off axis” from displays positioned at table edges. For instance, referring again to
While the off-axis displays have been described here with respect to the embodiment including posts 260 and 262 and rail 270 as illustrated in
According to one additional aspect to the present invention, where displays and, in particular, flat panel displays, are mounted or supported for movement within a conference space, it has been recognized that the display or displays can be used to facilitate break-out sessions within the larger conference space by acting as display screens dedicated to smaller spaces within the larger space and, in at least some cases, also acting or operating as physical barriers within the larger space to, in effect, cordon off smaller spaces used by smaller groups of attendees. For example, in at least some cases, it is contemplated that, referring once again to
Here, as illustrated in
Although not illustrated, as another alternative, referring once again to
Instead of providing linear beam or rail members as illustrated in
Table top member 394 has a generally triangular shape with the corners rounded off substantially. Circular rail members 364, 366 and 368 are supported above table top 394 with one of the rail members having an outer rail section that is generally above each of the rounded table top 394 corners. The chairs (e.g., 382, 384, etc.) are positioned along straight edge sections of table top 394.
Referring to
With the configuration components assembled as described above, in at least one useful configuration, all of display assemblies 370, 372, 374, 376, 378 and 380 are rotated about associated rail members 364, 366 and 368 such that the displays are adjacent rounded edges of table top member 394 and generally face opposite straight sections of table top member 394 as best illustrated in
Referring to
Although not illustrated in neither of
In addition, where the displays associated with assemblies 370, 372, 374, 376, 378 and 380 are mounted for rotation about a vertical axis as described above with respect to
Referring now to
Display assemblies 370, 372, 374, 376, 378 and 380 are mounted to rail members 364, 366 and 368 for sliding movement therealong in the same manner described above with respect to
As illustrated in
Referring to
According to one additional aspect of at least some embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that displays may be supported for movement away from a conference table edge to another location within a general conference space to facilitate one or more smaller break-out sessions within a larger conference space. To this end, referring now to
In
In other embodiments it is contemplated that, instead of using a linear rail like rail member 270 in
Rail assembly 458 includes a linear central section 480 and two end sections 482 and 484. End sections 482 and 484 extend from opposite ends of central section 480 in opposite directions and form right angles therewith. Referring again to
As best illustrated in
Lounge type chairs 464 and 466 and table 472 are arranged adjacent a distal end of rail member 482. Similarly, chairs 468 and 470 and table 474 are arranged adjacent a distal end of rail member 484. Displays 20a and 20b and associated support arms are mounted to rail assembly 458 for sliding motion there along and for rotational motion about a support axis 303 (see aging
With the configuration components arranged as described above, referring still to in
Referring now to
With the configuration components arranged as described above, referring still to
Although not described here in detail, display 20b can be moved in a fashion similar to that described above with respect to display 20a and indicated by multiple phantom display representations in
According to another aspect of at least some embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that the walls of a conferencing space may be specially configured to facilitate both a large conference or meeting and relatively smaller break-out conference spaces. In this regard, referring once again to
A second exemplary embodiment wherein wall structure facilitates break-out sessions is illustrated in
The wall structures that form the alcove spaces 592 and 594 accommodates chair pairs at particularly advantageous angles for two person communication. More specifically, for example, chairs 544 and 546 can be positioned within space 592 such that attendees in the chairs are oriented at a generally 90° angle with respect to each other which has been identified as a particularly advantageous angle for two person communication. Angles other than 90° but still within a range generally about 90° (e.g., 60-120°) for the orientations of chair pairs within spaces 592 and 594 are contemplated.
In at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that the display supporting rail assembly can be designed and positioned with respect to the walls of a conferencing room including break-out session alcoves such that the displays and walls can further operate in a synergistic fashion to give the feeling of additional privacy when break-out sessions occur within the alcoves. To this end, in at least one embodiment, referring again to
Referring again to
The advantages associated with providing a wall structure that forms break-out session alcoves as described with respect to
Break-out session chairs 632 and 634 and table 640 are arranged within break-out space 650. Similarly, chairs 636 and 638 and table 642 are arranged in break-out space 652. The table including top member 624 is positioned generally centrally within large conferencing space 654 and chairs 630 are placed therearound except for along straight edge sections 626 and 628.
In this embodiment, referring still to
Similarly, displays 20a and 20b may be moved to locations adjacent space 652 to facilitate a break-out session therein. In the alternative, any of the displays 20a-20d may be used with any of the two alcove spaces 650 or 652 to facilitate a break-out session and any of the displays may be used with top member 624 to facilitate a larger conference.
According to at least one additional aspect of the present invention, it has been recognized that conferencing tables like the ones described above may be replaced by table assemblies where table top members includes two or more top members that can be arranged together to facilitate relatively large conferences and that can be separated to facilitate break-out sessions within a conferencing space. To this end, in at least some embodiments it is contemplated that the supporting structure for supporting table top members at table top heights may include a rail assembly below the table top members that allows the separate members to slide therealong between at least a first positions where the tops can be used together to facilitate a relatively large conference and a second position wherein the tops are at least relatively more separated and can be used to facilitate the break-out sessions.
Consistent with the comments above, referring now to
Each of top members 672 and 674 has a substantially similar configuration and shape and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only member 672 will be described here in detail. Member 672 is a rigid planar member including a first straight long edge 684, a second straight short edge 686 and a third generally curved edge 688. Straight edges 686 and 684 come together to form a corner and are perpendicular to each other. Curved edge 688 generally includes a straight edge section 690 adjacent edge 686 and that is substantially perpendicular thereto and a curved edge sections 692 that extends from straight edge section 690 to an end of edge 684 opposite edge 686. The curved section 692 is generally curved convex outwardly away from straight edge section 684.
Referring still to
Four glide assemblies 711 (not illustrated) are mounted to an undersurface of top member 672 and four assemblies 713 (see
To mount top member 672 to rail member 696, roller 782 is placed within T-slot 721 and roller 776 is received on external rail surface 280 adjacent slot 721 such that rollers 776 and 782 generally support top 672 in a cantilevered fashion. Similarly, upon mounting of top member 674 to rail 696, rollers 784 and 786 support top member 674 in a cantilevered fashion. In addition to being supported by rail 696 and assemblies sets 711 and 713, top members 672 and 674 are also supported by leg structures 710, 712, etc., and therefore there is little binding between the rollers and the rail. Other glide assembly types and configurations are contemplated.
Each of leg assemblies 710, 712, 714 and 716 has a similar construction and operation and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only assembly 710 will be described here in detail. Assembly 710 includes a rigid leg member 790 having an upper end 792 and a lower end 794. Upper end 792 is rigidly attached to an undersurface of top member 672 proximate the corner of member 672 formed by edges 686 and 690. A caster or roller 800 is mounted to the lower end of member 790. Leg assembly 714 is mounted to a lower surface of member 672 proximate curved edge section 692. Leg assemblies 712 and 716 are mounted to the lower surface of member 674 at locations akin to the locations described above with respect to leg assemblies 710 and 714.
In this embodiment, it will be assumed that displays 20a and 20b are mounted to the short straight edges (e.g., 686 in
Referring once again to
When conference attendees desire to break-out into two small groups to facilitate additional discussions, referring to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that split tables may be positioned within the context of a conferencing space having wall structure and additional displays where the wall structure, display positions and table juxtaposition are selected so that additional synergies results. To this end, for instance, referring now to
Here, table assembly 670 is oriented and dimensioned such that, as illustrated in
While the split table configurations described above have been described in the context of tables where table top members or sections are symmetrical or identically shaped, at least some embodiments of the present invention are contemplated where the split top members or sections are not identically shaped. For example, referring to
The first, second and third display screens 20a, 20b and 20c are arranged adjacent straight edge sections 854, 860 and 862, respectively. Here, it will be assumed that the displays (e.g., 20a) are mounted to the straight edge sections via a brackets akin to the bracket illustrated and described above with respect to
Referring to
While the split table type embodiments described above are described in the context of configurations that include a supporting rail below table top members that guides the table tops along restricted trajectories, in at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that other types of support structure may be provided for split table tops to facilitate movement of table top members and reconfiguration thereof. For example, referring now to
Top members 872, 874, 876 and 878 and associated supporting structure are substantially identical and therefore, in the interests of finding an explanation, only top member 872 and its supporting structure will described here in detail. Top member 872 has a generally triangular shape including three straight edge sections 882, 884 and 886 and three rounded edge sections 888, 890 and 892. Straight edge sections 886 and 884 form a generally right angle, straight edge sections 882 and 884 form an approximately 45° angle and straight edge sections 882 and 886 also form an approximately 45° angle. Curved edge section 890 is formed between straight edge sections 884 and 886, curved edge section 888 is formed between straight edge sections 882 and 884 and curved edge section 892 is formed between straight edge sections 882 and 886.
Referring to
A display 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d is mounted to the straight edge section (e.g., 882) of each of top members 872, 874, 876 and 878, respectively, that is opposite the right angle formed by the other two straight edge sections (e.g., 884 and 886) of the top member. In this embodiment it will be assumed that the displays (e.g., 20a) are mounted to the edges of the table top members (e.g., 872) via brackets like the bracket illustrated in
In operation, table top members 872, 874, 876 and 878 may be brought together as illustrated best in
To facilitate breakout sessions, table top members 272, 274, 276 and 278 may be moved about the conference space and repositioned. One exemplary repositioning is illustrated in
Referring now to
Top members 918 and 922 have similar rectangular shapes, each having two long edges and two short edges. Each of top members 920 and 924 is rhombus shaped having one short edge and one long edge that is parallel to the short edge and two side edges. Here, the short edges of each of rectangular members 918 and 922 is approximately half the length of the long edge of each of rhombus shaped top members 920 and 924. Thus, when the long edges of rectangular members 918 and 922 are brought together, the combined short edges thereof have a length approximately equal to the long edge of each of rhombus shaped members 920 and 924.
Display 20a is mounted to the short edge of top member 924. Similarly, display 20b is mounted to the short edge of top member 920. Here, it is assumed that displays 20a and 20b are mounted to the edges of members 924 and 920 via brackets like the bracket illustrated and described above with respect to
Although not illustrated, in this embodiment is assumed that rectangular top members 918 and 922 are mounted on top of leg assemblies that include casters or wheels therebelow (see again
Referring still to
To facilitate small breakout sessions, rectangular top members 918 and 922 can be pulled apart and moved toward walls 914 and 916, respectively, until edges thereof are proximate off axis displays 20c and 20d as best illustrated in
According to one additional aspect of at least some embodiments of the present invention, it has been recognized that a single display can be mounted to supporting structure that allows the display to be moved between at least first and second different positions or orientations where the display is usable to present information in either one of first or second different spaces that are at least in part defined by a wall structure that forms an opening between the first and second spaces. For example, referring once again to
Although not illustrated, other support structures for supporting displays for movement between two positions adjacent an alcove space 444 is contemplated. For instance, each of displays 20e and 20f may be hingedly mounted along an edge adjacent alcove space 444 for movement between the two positions illustrated in
According to still one additional embodiment, a flat panel display screen may be mounted to rails for movement through an opening in a wall that defines first and second different spaces. For example, in at least some embodiments, is contemplated that a display screen may be usable both outside a conference room or space to greet conference attendees as they arrive to attend a conference and within the conferencing space to share information among conference attendees.
One exemplary system consistent with the comments above is illustrated in
Referring still to
Here, while only two axels 959 and 961 and associated wheels are illustrated in
A bottom glide assembly 971 includes a rigid extension member 973 that extends downward from a lower surface of display housing 32, two axels 975 and 977 that extend generally in opposite directions from member 973 where an approximately 120° angle is forme by axels 975 and 977 and two roller wheels 979 and 981 mounted to axels 975 and 977 for rotation about axis that form an approximately 120° angle.
Rails 942 and 944 are mounted to wall 946 such that display 20a and glide assemblies 955 and 971 are receivable generally therebetween. More specifically, when wheels 979 and 981 are received within channel 949, the space between upper wheels 963 and 965 is aligned with rail 942. Other display mounting configurations are contemplated for supporting display 20a on rails for movement between first and second spaces.
Referring again to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring specifically to
Referring still to
While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. For example, while some display supporting rails are shown supported by floorposts and other supported by posts extending down from a ceiling structure, it should be appreciated that either support structure and indeed other structures such as the tops of book cases, etc., may be used to support the rail members. In addition, some aspects described above are believed inventive separate from other aspects. For instance, edge positioned displays adjacent opposite table edges is believed inventive separate from the split table concepts and vice versa.
Moreover, any of the tops described above could be split for sliding movement along various dividing lines. For instance, in
Thus, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.
To apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are made:
