PRIVACY BARRIER WITH WINDOW

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field of the disclosure is furniture and more specifically barrier assemblies or configurations for use in office, industrial, home, and other settings.

While the present disclosure is related to barrier assemblies in space generally, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, the disclosure will be described in the context of barrier assemblies used at workstations within an office facility. Unless the claims are limited to a barrier assembly at or connected to or supported by a workstation or workstation affordances, the claims should be construed more broadly to cover any space dividing barrier assembly that includes the recited claim limitations.

Office space and affordances have evolved over many years in ways designed to reduce overall costs associated with employee support and to increase collaborative activities between employees. One primary development in office space design has been the rise of the open office environment. In a typical open office environment, each employee is provided her own workstation and workstations of employees on specific teams or that routinely work together are often located near each other to foster employee interaction. A typical workstation includes some type of table assembly including a tabletop, a computer display screen often mounted to the tabletop, a task chair, and perhaps additional workstation affordances like one or more light devices, an HVAC device (e.g., a fan or heater), a height adjustable leg structure for the tabletop, power and data outlets, etc.

While workstations typically support employees fairly well when engaging in most individual activities, in some cases employees need or prefer additional barriers between themselves and other employees for several reasons. First, rather than being completely out in the open, many employees prefer some type of visual barrier to block at least some lines of sight into and out of their workstations. These types of barriers minimize employee distractions at workstations and also provide at least some personal privacy while working. Similarly, many employees prefer at least some view blocking barriers that block at least some lines of sight to information presented on their computer display screens as well as to materials supported on workstation tabletops.

Second, additional barriers can provide at least some level of sound privacy within open office environments. In this regard, open environments where twenty, fifty or even one hundred or more employees work and through which many more employees may periodically travel have a tendency to be very noisy and noise tends to distract employee workflow. Many employees prefer some type of sound dampening barriers that block or muzzle sounds entering workstation spaces. In addition, many employees prefer some type of barrier that can reduce the volume of their own voices emanating from their workstations for privacy purposes.

Third, recent health related issues have resulted in many employees and employers strongly preferring airflow barriers between employees operating in open office environments. Additional barriers can reduce or eliminate transmission of airborne viruses or bacteria from one person to another in a close proximity, providing both employees and employers with a great level of comfort for working in an open environment with others for extended periods of time.

Characteristics of open space barriers are often related to which function or functions a barrier is provided to accomplish. For instance, airflow barriers need to restrict or limit airflow but in many cases should not inhibit lines of sight or even sound. As another instance, a sight barrier in an open environment where collaboration is desired may be designed to cut off some lines of sight but not all so that a workstation employee can rely on some personal and work product privacy while still engaging in face to face or eye to eye collaborative activities at times.

In an ideal workstation arrangement, barriers block some sight lines into and out of a workstation space, block some sound travel in and out of the workstation space, and substantially block direct airflow into and out of the workstation space while leaving some sightlines into and out of the space open for eye to eye contact and other purposes.

One solution for airflow disruption is Plexiglas or other clear member panels that are supported between spaces. While this solution blocks airflow, simple Plexiglas panels have a relatively cheap appearance and are aesthetically out of place with conventional highly stylized office furniture and affordances. In addition, Plexiglas members or other similar solutions do almost nothing to provide visual or sound barriers where needed.

Another solution is to provide a wall structure including frame members that form a skeletal structure adjacent a workstation where spaces between the skeletal structure members are filled with or otherwise covered by opaque or transparent panel members (e.g., wood or metal opaque members or glass transparent members) to provide airflow, sight, and sound barriers selectively within the skeletal spaces. For instance, where a planar skeletal structure forms a matrix of 3 rows by 3 columns of square spaces adjacent a workstation, opaque panel members may be installed in the lower six spaces and glass plates may be installed in the upper three spaces so that opaque panels provide sight privacy and an airflow barrier and the upper glass plates provide an airflow barrier while enabling lines of sight for collaboration activities. While this solution provides optimized sight, sound, and airflow barriers for many applications, unfortunately this solution requires a large number of components and is complex to manufacture and install and therefore is relatively expensive. In addition, this solution is not easily retrofittable or removable if desired once installed.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It has been recognized that a simple and aesthetically attractive barrier assembly that is optimized for privacy and collaboration as well as airflow blockage can be inexpensively configured using a stiff fabric member that forms a screen structure as well as external surfaces of the barrier assembly where a light weight Plexiglas or other transparent window member is supported on one side of the fabric member to cover the opening. Here, the fabric member provides sight as well as sound blockage where needed and some airflow blockage while the transparent window member in the opening provides additional airflow blockage without blocking sight lines through the opening. Because the Plexiglas window member is light weight, the fabric member is strong enough to support the window member without requiring additional mounting or support structure.

In at least some cases the window member is adhered to the panel member to cover the opening. In other cases it is contemplated that the window member may be attached to one side of the panel member via simple mechanical means including among others, sewing, staples, rivets, etc.

In at least some cases a barrier assembly includes first and second stiff fabric panel members and a window member wherein each panel member is formed of a homogeneous fabric material and each panel member includes first and second opposite side surfaces. Here, the first and second panel members each forms an essentially identical opening. The window member is sandwiched between the second sides of the panel members which are secured together via adhesive or in some other fashion with the window member covering the openings formed by the first and second panel members. Thus, here, an internal edge of each panel member that forms the opening is immediately adjacent the window member without any intervening structure and the assembly has a finished and uncluttered appearance.

In still other embodiments, assembly panel members may be constructed in other ways. For instance, in some cases a panel member may include a fiberglass or other type of rigid substantially planar material that has a circumferential shape and first and second surfaces that face in opposite directions. In some cases this type of panel member may form an opening and a Plexiglas or otherwise transparent window member may be supported on the second surface of the planar member to cover the opening. In at least some cases a fabric cover (e.g., thin layer of fabric) may be applied to the first side of the panel to provide an attractive appearance. In some cases the fabric cover may cover the entire first surface and wrap around edges of the panel member so that ends of the cover extend to the second surface of the panel member and are attached (e.g., adhered or otherwise mechanically attached) to the second surface. In some cases first and second fabric covered fiberglass panel members may be secured to each other so as to sandwich the window member therebetween to cover aligned panel member openings. Here, again, the second surfaces of the two panel members may be adhered or otherwise mechanically connected to each other.

In some cases infill screen members are provided for each barrier opening so that an employee can change the sight line blocking capabilities of a screen assembly. For instance, where a window opening in a screen is 24 inches long and 8 inches high, an infill member would have the same 24 by 8 inch dimension so that it would completely fill in the opening on one side of the window member when installed. In at least some cases an infill member is retained within an opening via a friction fit between the circumferential edge of the infill member and the edge of the panel member that forms the opening. The window member adjacent the opening limits how far the infill member can be inserted and operates as an infill guide mechanism.

In at least some cases an infill member may have a construction similar to one of the panel members that comprise the screen assembly. For instance, where a panel member is formed of a rigid homogeneous fabric material, the infill member may be formed of the same rigid material. In some cases the material that is cut out of a panel to form a window opening may be saved and used as the infill member to avoid material waste.

In some cases the panel member may be curved and in some embodiments even the window member may be curved. For instance, in a case where a worksurface at a workstation includes a curved edge portion, the panel member may be curved to have a radius of curvature that is similar to or that mirrors the curvature of the worksurface so that when the barrier assembly is installed, the panel curves along the curved edge of the worksurface. In some cases the panel members that comprise a barrier assembly may be pre-shaped to have one or more curves.

In other cases the panel member may be bent into a desired curved shape during installation. To increase bendability, in some cases a panel member may be scored during manufacture or after barrier construction to increase bendability. For instance, where a barrier assembly include first and second flat stiff fabric panel members adhered to each other, an external surface of the first panel member may be scored or cut from a lower edge to an upper edge so that the assembly can be bent about an axis that is parallel to the score lines.

In some cases where a barrier assembly includes first and second panel members adhered together, a curve may be formed during manufacture by scoring each of the panel members from top to bottom edges, bending the first and second panel members into the desired curved shape and then adhering facing surfaces of the panel members together to form the desired shape. In this case, prior to adhering the panel members together and while the members are in the desired curved shape, one or more window openings may be cut into the panel members and circumferential edges may be trimmed to form each panel member, a window member may be positioned between the panel members and the three components may be adhered together.

In at least some cases power wires or the like and light devices (e.g., LEDs) may be included in a barrier assembly where the light devices are arranged along one or more of the circumferential edges of the assembly to provide ambient light at a workstation. Here, where the barrier assembly includes two adhered or otherwise connected panel members, the wires may be run through the assembly between facing/adjacent surfaces of the panel members. Other embellishments may be included in a panel assembly.

Some embodiments include a barrier assembly for dividing space, the assembly comprising a first rigid panel member having first and second oppositely facing surfaces and forming a first opening, a second rigid panel member having first and second oppositely facing surfaces and forming a second opening that is the same shape and has the same dimensions as the first panel member, the second surface of the second panel member secured to the second surface of the first panel member with the first opening aligned with the second opening, and a window member having dimensions larger than the first opening, the window member located adjacent to and covering the first opening with a portion of the window member adjacent an outer circumferential edge of the window member sandwiched between portions of the second surfaces adjacent the first and second openings.

In some cases the second surface of the second panel member is adhered to the second surface of the first panel member. In some cases the window member is adhered to at least one of the second surface of the first panel member and the second surface of the second panel member. In some cases each of the first and second panel members is formed from rigid polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. In some cases the window member is formed out of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-g).

In some cases the first panel member is a planar member where the first and second surfaces are substantially parallel and wherein the second panel member is a planar member where the first and second surfaces are also substantially parallel. In some cases the first panel member has a first shape defined by a circumferential edge and wherein the second panel member has the same shape as the first panel member. In some cases the first panel member has a first shape defined by a circumferential edge and wherein the second panel member has a second shape defined by a circumferential edge and wherein the second shape is different than the first shape. In some cases the first opening is rectilinear with rounded corners.

In some cases the first panel member includes a first rigid panel having a circumferential edge and a fabric cover member that covers an external side of the first rigid panel and the circumferential edge of the first rigid panel and the second panel member includes a second rigid panel having a circumferential edge and a fabric cover member that covers an external side of the second rigid panel and the circumferential edge of the second rigid panel. In some cases each of the first and second panel members has a substantially rectangular shape.

Some embodiments further include at least a first infill member that is formed out of the same material used to form the first panel member and that has a shape and dimensions substantially similar to the shape and dimensions of the first opening, the first infill member receivable within the first opening. In some cases the first infill member is retained within the first opening via friction between an edge of the infill member and the edge that forms the first opening.

Some embodiments further include a second infill member that is formed out of the same material used to form the second panel member and that has a shape and dimensions substantially similar to the shape and dimensions of the second opening, the second infill member receivable within the second opening. In some cases the infill member forms a finger opening. In some cases the first panel member forms a third opening and the second panel member forms a fourth opening that has the same shape and dimensions as the third opening and that is aligned with the third opening when the first and second openings are aligned. In some cases the window member further covers the third opening.

In some cases the window member is a first window member, the assembly further including a second window member having dimensions larger than the third opening, the second window member located adjacent to and covering the third opening with a portion of the second window member adjacent an outer circumferential edge of the second window member sandwiched between portions of the second surfaces adjacent the third and fourth openings. In some cases each of the first and second panel members and the widow member is curved. In some cases the first surfaces of the first and second panel members form external surfaces of the barrier assembly.

Some embodiments include a barrier assembly for dividing space, the assembly comprising a first rigid panel member having oppositely facing first and second surfaces and forming a first opening, the first panel member formed out of rigid polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material and a window member having dimensions larger than the first opening, the window member adhered to and supported by the first rigid panel member adjacent to and covering the first opening with a portion of the window member adjacent an outer circumferential edge of the window member butting up against portions of the second surface adjacent the first opening, wherein the first surface of the first panel member forms an external surface of the barrier member.

Still other embodiments include a method of forming a screen assembly, the method comprising the steps of cutting a first shape out of a first fabric material to form a first panel member that has first and second side surfaces, cutting a second shape out of a second fabric material to form a second panel member that has first and second side surfaces wherein the second shape is substantially identical to the first shape, cutting a first window opening in the first panel member, cutting a second window opening in the second panel member wherein the second window opening is substantially identical to the first window opening, placing a window member adjacent the second side surface of the first panel and so that the window member covers the first opening and portions of the second side surface of the first panel member adjacent the first opening, placing an adhesive on a second side surface of one of the first and second panel members, positioning the second panel member with the second side surface of the second panel member facing the second side surface of the first panel member so that the first and second shapes are aligned and so that the first and second openings are aligned, and pressing the second side surfaces of the first and second panel members together with the window member sandwiched between the second side surfaces of the first and second panel members and covering the first and second openings.

In some cases the steps of cutting include stacking the first and second fabric materials together, simultaneously cutting the first and second shapes and simultaneously cutting the first and second windows. In some cases the cutting steps include using a waterjet to cut the fabric materials. Some embodiments further include retaining the fabric material removed from the first panel member as an infill member to be used to close off the first opening when desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workstation including a barrier assembly that is consistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the barrier assemblies of FIG. 1 including infill members and where an upper corner of the barrier assembly is shown in an enlarged view so that member layering can be seen in detail;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the barrier assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the barrier assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the window member included in the FIG. 2 assembly;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a barrier assembly according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a view of an exemplary barrier mounting arrangement for mounting a barrier assembly to an edge of a tabletop;

FIG. 8 is a front view similar to the FIG. 4 view, albeit of a different barrier assembly that includes two window openings;

FIG. 9 is a front view similar to the FIG. 4 view, albeit including fanciful window openings and associated window members;

FIG. 10 is a front view similar to the FIG. 4 view, albeit of an assembly that includes a relatively large window member;

FIG. 11 is a front view similar to the FIG. 4 view, albeit of a barrier assembly that includes a different circumferential shape and two windows;

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 1, albeit showing a workstation having a tabletop with a curved edge and a barrier assembly that is curved to match the curvature in the tabletop edge that is consistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view showing components that comprise the barrier assembly of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing the curved assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front view of another barrier assembly with a window member that extends to an upper edge of the assembly;

FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15, albeit with a differently shaped window member;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of another barrier assembly that is consistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of another barrier assembly where panel members that form the assembly have different shapes;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the barrier assembly shown in FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of another barrier assembly including a lighting device and power wires integrated into the assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The various aspects of the subject disclosure are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description hereafter relating thereto are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating examples of embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. From this disclosure, various substitutions, modifications, additions rearrangements, or combinations thereof within the scope of the disclosure may be made and will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular method, device, or system, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. In addition, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

In addition, it is noted that the embodiments may be described in terms of a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe operational acts as a sequential process, many of these acts can be performed in another sequence, in parallel, or substantially concurrently. In addition, the order of the acts may be re-arranged.

It should be understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not limit the quantity or order of those elements, unless such limitation is explicitly stated. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be employed there or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. Also, unless stated otherwise a set of elements may comprise one or more elements.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views and, more specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the present disclosure will be described in the context of an exemplary workstation assembly 10 that includes a tabletop or worksurface member 12 supported by a leg assembly including foot member 16 and a pedestal subassembly 14 that extends from foot member 16 upward to an underside of worksurface 12 where the upper end of the pedestal assembly is attached to the worksurface 12. The exemplary pedestal assembly is shown as a telescoping height adjustable assembly but other worksurface supporting structures are contemplated.

The worksurface member 12 includes a circumferential edge that includes a front edge 13, a rear edge 19 and first and second lateral edges 15 and 17, respectively, where the edges define an essentially rectangular planar member. The rear edge 19 is scalloped at a midpoint for passing power and data cables from devices located above the worksurface to a space below the tabletop member.

The exemplary workstation 10 also includes a barrier assembly or structure including first, second and third substantially planar barrier subassemblies 20, 21 and 23. Each of the barrier subassemblies 20, 21 and 23 is similarly constructed and operates in a similar fashion and therefore in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only assembly 20 will be described here in detail. Unless indicated otherwise, assembly 20 will be referred to hereafter as a barrier assembly 20.

Referring still to FIG. 1, barrier assembly 20 includes a panel subassembly 25 that forms a window opening 22 and a window member 24 mounted within the opening 22. Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, the panel subassembly 25, in at least some embodiments, includes first and second panel members 26 and 30, respectively. In at least some embodiments each panel member 26 and 30 is similarly constructed and operates in a similar fashion and therefore, in the interest of further simplifying this explanation, only panel member 26 will be described in detail.

Panel member 26 is a substantially flat planar rectilinear member that includes first and second flat and oppositely facing and substantially parallel surfaces 26a and 26b. In at least some embodiments, panel member 26 is formed of a pressed and rigid fabric material that retains its shape once constructed without the need for any internal frame members. For instance, in at least some cases member 26 will be formed from virgin and/or recycled pressed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or some other rigid polyester based fabric type material. In other embodiments, the pan& may be formed of an alternative woven fabric material.

In an advantageous embodiment panel member 26 has a thickness within a range between 3 and 15 millimeters and in some embodiments the range is between 5 and 9 millimeters. In particularly advantageous embodiments panel member 26 has a thickness that is between 5.75 and 7.00 millimeters. Other variations or embodiments of the dimensions of the panel member 26 are envisioned herein.

While panel member 26 may be formed of a single homogenous PET fabric layer in some embodiments, in other embodiments pan& member 26 may be constructed of two or more thinner PET panel members that are adhered together. For instance, in some cases a 7 millimeter pan& member 26 may be constructed by adhering two 3.5 millimeter panel members together in a laminated fashion.

The height and width dimensions of panel member 26 depend on how the barrier assembly that is constructed using panel member 26 is to be used. For instance, if the barrier assembly is used to provide a privacy panel that only extends above a workstation tabletop, the height dimension of panel member 26 may be within a range between 400 millimeters and 1000 millimeters and in particularly advantageous embodiments the height may be between 580 and 630 millimeters so that an upper edge of the barrier assembly is between 580 and 630 millimeters above the top surface of the tabletop. If the barrier assembly 20 is to provide both privacy and modesty (e.g., extending under a tabletop) barriers, the height dimension may be within a range between 600 and 1200 millimeters and in particularly advantageous embodiments may be within a range between 800 and 1000 millimeters where, as shown in FIG. 1, the barrier assembly is mounted adjacent a workstation tabletop so that about two thirds of the barrier assembly extends above the tabletop member and about one third of the barrier assembly extends below the tabletop member.

In most cases workstation barrier assemblies will be designed to have width dimensions that extend the lengths of an adjacent edges of a workstation tabletop. To this end see again FIG. 1 where assembly 20 extends the entire length of the rear edge 19 of tabletop 12 while other assemblies 21 and 23 extend the entire lengths of lateral edges 15 and 17, respectively.

In other embodiments it is contemplated that barrier assemblies may be floor supported and, in that case, may be constructed with greater heights. For instance, in some cases a floor supported barrier assembly may have a height dimension within a range between 1500 millimeters (e.g., 5 feet) and 2400 millimeters (e.g., 8 feet).

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, exemplary panel member 26 forms rectilinear window opening 22 that extends along most of the width of the panel member 26 and that is spaced below an upper panel edge so that opening 22 is completely framed by panel member material (e.g., PET material in the present example). In advantageous embodiments a minimum width dimension of the framing portion of the panel member material about the opening should be one half inch and in particularly advantageous embodiments the minimum framing width should be an inch or more so that upon construction of the complete barrier assembly 20, the framing portion and other barrier assembly structure (e.g., the second panel member 30) together provide sufficient stiffness to maintain the barrier assembly shape and support a window member within window opening 22.

In some cases the window openings are rounded at corners of the rectangular shape. For instance, in some cases the corners each curve about a radius that is within a range between 25 and 50 millimeters and in particularly advantageous cases the range is between 35 and 40 millimeters. While these ranges are only aesthetic in some embodiments, in others they are important. For instance, in some cases where the piece of material that is cut out of panel member 26 to form opening 22 is retained to operate as an infill member (see 32 and 34 in FIG. 2) to close off the opening 22 when preferred, the corner radii result in infill members that are easier to insert and remove without undue friction which can cause wear on the barrier assembly and the infill members. In contrast, in cases where the opening has sharp corners (e.g., no radius), friction at those corners while inserting or removing infill members can cause wear and negatively affect appearance of the assembly components over time.

Referring yet again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the circumferential shape of panel member 26 also includes curved corners where, in at least some cases, the radius of curvature is similar to or even identical to the radius of curvature of the window opening corners. By having similar or identical circumferential edge and window opening corner radii, a particular attractive screen assembly results.

Referring also to FIG. 4, the overall width W1 and height H1 of opening 22 can have many different dimensions. Nevertheless, there are width and height dimensions that are preferable in some applications. For instance, in the case of a workstation application, it is preferred that opening 22 have a height dimension that will allow an average height and dimensioned user sitting at an associated workstation to see through the opening into a space on an opposite side of the workstation. It is also preferred that the opening have a height dimension enabling the average height user to see through the opening and into the adjacent space while standing with the tabletop raised to a typical standing height use position for the average height user. It has been determined that a suitable opening height dimension with a barrier assembly that extends 600 millimeters above a tabletop and where the top edge of the opening is 50 millimeters from the top edge of the barrier assembly is within a range between 210 and 270 millimeters and in particularly advantageous embodiments the range is between 230 and 250 millimeters. Other opening height and width dimensions are contemplated.

Panel member 26 also forms mounting openings 40 and 42 that extend from the first to the second surface of the member. Each opening 40 and 42 is between 8 and 15 millimeters wide and between 40 and 110 millimeters high. The openings are spaced apart along the width dimension of the barrier assembly and, in embodiments where the barrier assembly operates as both a privacy panel and a modesty panel, are approximately one third the height of the barrier assembly from a bottom edge of the panel member 26.

Referring once again to FIGS. 2 and 3, second panel member 30 includes first and second oppositely facing side surfaces 30a and 30b, respectively, forms a window opening 27 akin to opening 22 in panel member 26, forms first and second mounting openings 29 and 31 akin to openings 40 and 42, and has a shape that is identical to the shape of member 26. Member 30 may have the same thickness as member 26 in some embodiments. In other embodiments member 30 may be thicker or thinner than member 26. In this regard, once the barrier assembly 20 is constructed, the members 26 and 30 stand proud of adjacent surfaces of window member 24 by the thickness dimension of each of the members 26 and 30. Thus, for instance, in a case where each member 26 and 30 has a thickness of 6 millimeters, each member 26 and 30 stands proud of an adjacent surface of window member 24 by 6 millimeters. Where member 26 has a thickness of 3 millimeters and member 30 has a thickness of 14 millimeters, members 26 and 30 stand proud of adjacent surfaces of window member 24 by 3 and 14 millimeters, respectively.

In some cases it may be advantageous to have different thicknesses of members 26 and 30. For example, in some cases it may be preferred for the outer surfaces of the window member 24 and panel member 30 to be more flush for aesthetic reasons and, in that case, member 30 may be less thick than member 26. In other cases it may be preferred that panel member 26 be thinner than member 30. In still other cases it may be that one panel member 26 or the other 30 is relatively thicker to increase the amount of friction between that member and an infill member 32 or 34 (see again FIG. 2).

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, window member 24 in some embodiments is a completely transparent member that has width and height dimensions W2 and H2, respectively, that are slightly larger than the width W1 and height H1 dimensions of the window opening so that when window member 24 is configured with the panel members 26 and 30 to form a barrier assembly, the circumferential portion of the window member 24 overlaps a portion of each panel member that surrounds the opening 22 and the window member 24 completely closes off the opening. For instance, see FIG. 4 where the circumferential edge of window member 24 is shown in phantom with circumferential portions of member 24 overlapping adjacent portions of panel member 26 and with the central portion of window member 24 completely sealing off opening 22. The amount of window member and panel member overlap is within a range between 8 millimeters and 70 millimeters and in some cases will be between 20 and 30 millimeters.

In at least some cases window member 24 is formed of a light-weight clear plastic material like Plexiglas or Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-g) and can be very thin as it is not needed to maintain the structural shape of the barrier assembly. For instance, the window assembly may have a thickness within a range between one millimeter and 6 millimeters and in particularly advantageous embodiments will have a thickness of 2 to 3 millimeters.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a method for manufacturing exemplary barrier assembly 20 is illustrated at 120. At step 122, first and second rigid PET fabric sheets are stacked together. Referring also to FIG. 3, at step 124 the panel 26 and 30 shapes, window openings and mounting openings are cut out from the stacked sheets so that the two panel members have exactly the same shapes and same openings. In at least some cases the cutting may be performed using a waterjet assembly so that the cut has a very thin swath. In other cases some type of mechanical saw mechanism may be used to form panel cuts. In other cases it is contemplated that panel members 26 and 30 may already have their outer circumferential shapes when step 124 commences so that step 124 would only comprise cutting out the panel openings.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 6, at step 125 the PET sheets are separated and at step 126 adhesive is applied to one side of window member 24 adjacent the circumferential edge, member 24 is aligned with the opening 22 on the second side 26b of member 26 and is pressed against side 26b so that the adhesive bonds window 24 to member 26. At step 129 adhesive is applied to the second surface 26b of member 26 and to the other side of window member 24 adjacent the circumferential edge of window 24, second panel member 30 is aligned with its second surface 30b facing the adhesive on the second surface of first panel member 26, and second panel member 30 is pressed against panel member 26 to adhere the two members 26 and 30 together forming the barrier assembly 20. Once the adhesive cures, barrier assembly 20 can be supported within an office facility for use.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in at least some embodiments barrier assembly 20 may be mounted at a workstation adjacent a rear edge 19 of a tabletop 12. Assembly 20 may be mounted in many different ways. One exemplary mounting arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 7 and includes a bracket member 50, a mounting insert 56 and mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). As shown, bracket 50 mounts to an underside of tabletop 12 and includes a leg member 52 extends downward therefrom so that a rear surface of the leg member 52 is essentially coplanar with the rear edge 19 of tabletop 12. Insert 56 includes a plate member 60 and a neck member 58 that extends from the plate member and that is dimensioned to be snuggly received within mounting opening 42 in the barrier assembly 20. Neck member 58 forms a threaded channel for receiving the distal end of a mounting bolt 54. To mount assembly 20 to bracket 50, neck 58 is slid through opening 42 so that plate 60 is pressed up against surface 30a, the distal end of neck member 58 is positioned so that the threaded opening formed thereby is aligned with an opening in leg member 52, and then the shaft of bolt 54 passes through the leg opening and is threaded into the neck hole.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in at least some cases the portions of the panel members that are cut out to form the window opening 22 may be saved and repurposed as infill members 32 and 34 to close off the assembly window 24 when desired. In some cases only one of the infill members may be saved and may be used on either side of the barrier assembly to block the window. In other cases both infill members may be available to fill in the opening 22, one on either side of the barrier assembly 20. In at least some embodiments infill members may include a finger hole (see 35 in FIG. 2) or opening for engaging the infill member when installed in the opening to remove the infill member. In other cases a finger hole or opening may be cut into the panel members instead of into the infill members. To this end, for instance, see the small cutout section shown at 69 in FIG. 4 that may be cut out of an edge of the window opening in a panel where a user can insert her finger into the opening 69 to access an edge of an infill member that closes off the opening to remove the infill member.

In some cases two infills, one for either side of the window, will be important as first and second different space users may be on opposite sides of the screen assembly and one or the other or both may prefer to have an infill member close off the widow to block viewing or for aesthetic reasons or both.

Referring still to FIG. 2, in some cases it is contemplated that an infill storage opening 33 may be cut into at least one of the panel members 26 for receiving and storing an infill member 34 when not in use. Here, the storage opening 33 would have exactly the same shape and dimensions as opening 22 in at least some embodiments and would hold an inserted infill member 34 via a friction fit. While opening 33 is shown in member 26, in other embodiments opening 33 may be formed in the second member 33 so that is it accessible from a rear side of a workstation in an application like the one shown in FIG. 1. While not shown, a different storage opening akin to 33 may be formed in one of the panels 26 or 30 at a height below a tabletop height (e.g., below phantom line 80 in FIG. 8) for instance, so that the storage opening is out of sight during normal workstation use. Where one of the panel members 26 is formed out of two thin and adhered panel members, the storage opening may only be formed in an external one of those two members. In this case; when an infill member 34 is inserted into the opening, if the infill member is thicker than the depth of the storage opening, an outer surface of the infill member may stand proud of the external surface of member 26.

While barrier assembly 20 is shown to include a single window 24, other embodiments are contemplated where a barrier assembly includes two or more windows. For instance, see FIG. 8 where another barrier assembly 20a is illustrated that includes first and second window openings 22a and 22b and first and second window members 24a and 24b, respectively. As illustrated, the windows can include either vertical or horizontal long dimensions and, while not shown, may also be diagonal in some cases.

In some cases it is contemplated that infill members may be formed that only block a portion of a barrier assembly window. To this end, see again FIG. 8 where infill member 70 is shown in a use position within opening 22b where member 70 only blocks a portion of opening 22b. In the illustrated embodiment, member 70 can be positioned at the upper end of opening 22b as shown, at the bottom of the opening, or anywhere in between. In addition, where the narrow dimensions of two window openings 22a and 22b are identical, infill member 70 may be optionally used to block a portion of either of the window members 24a (see phantom infill member at 71) and 24b. FIG. 8 also shows a second infill member 72 that, together with member 20, is shaped and dimensioned to fill in the entire opening 22b when preferred. In some cases separate window members may be provided for each of the window openings and in other cases, as shown in phantom at 55 in FIG. 8, a single window member may be provided that closes off two or more window openings 22a and 22b.

In most cases where a barrier assembly is used at a workstation to operate as a privacy and modest panel (see FIG. 1), window openings will be limited to locations above a tabletop height (e.g., above phantom line 80 in FIG. 8). In other cases a window opening may extend both above and below the tabletop height (not shown).

In still other embodiments other more fanciful window openings and associated window members are contemplated. To this end see for instance FIG. 9 that shows another barrier assembly 20c that includes seven separate window openings including, among others, an elongated opening 22c, a letter “A” opening 22d, and a tree top opening 22e. Here, all of the openings shown may be cut out of both the first and second panel members to provide designs as shown. In some cases workstation or other signage may be provided (see indicator “101A” as illustrated) and in some cases a fanciful design or picture, such as a tree, flower, or leaf, or other shape may be cut out to provide visual appeal to or designate a work area. While window members are completely transparent and colorless in many applications, in others one or more of the window members may have a colored tint and/or be non-transparent. For instance, in FIG. 9, window 24d may be tinted yellow while window 24e is tinted green.

FIG. 10 shows another barrier assembly 20d including an opening 22f and associated window member 24f that are almost as large as the dimensions of the barrier assembly 20d generally.

FIG. 11 shows yet another barrier assembly 20e where the barrier assembly has an upper edge that defines a high barrier portion and a low barrier portion and that forms two window openings 22g and 22h. Opening 22g and associated window 24g are formed in the high barrier portion and has a non-rectangular shape and opening 22h is formed along a lateral edge of barrier assembly 20e.

In at least some cases barrier assemblies consistent with the present disclosure may also be constructed that have curvature. To this end see FIG. 12 that shows another barrier assembly 20f that includes first and second substantially planar portions 96 and 98 and a curved portion 100 that connects the planar portions 96 and 98. In FIG. 12 barrier assembly 20f is shown installed along the rear and one lateral edge of a workstation tabletop where the tabletop has a curved edge portion 92 and where the curved assembly portion at 100 mirrors the curved edge 92 of the tabletop.

Referring still to FIG. 12 and now also FIG. 13, as in the configurations described above, assembly 20f includes first and second panel members 102 and 104 and a window member 24i where the panel members form a barrier opening 221 and the window member is sandwiched between facing surfaces of panel members 102 and 104. The difference here is that the panel member 102 and 104 include the curved portion 100 instead of being planar.

In some cases each of the panel members 102 and 104 may be pre-formed into the curved shapes illustrated in FIG. 13 so that each of the panel members itself retains the shape. In other cases the panel members may be bent into the illustrated shapes during the manufacturing process and maintained in those shapes only after the panels are adhered to each other.

In cases where the PET panels are initially in stiff planar forms, curvature can be added to the panels by cutting score lines along directions that are parallel to the radius around which the curvature is to bend. In this regard see for instance the score cuts at 110 in FIG. 13, Here, each cut only extends into a panel a portion of the panel thickness (e.g., ¼th, ½, ¾ths of the thickness). Once both panel members 102 and 104 are scored and bent into a desired curvature, when the members are adhered together, they should together retain the desired curved shape (e.g., each adhered panel holds the other panel in the curved shape). Where window 24i is thin, that member should be bendable as shown in FIG. 13 and should retain its curved shape once installed. In other cases window 24i may be formed to have the desired curved shape during manufacturing.

In still other cases a flat barrier assembly (e.g., akin to assembly 20 in FIG. 1) may be bent after construction into a desired curved shape and held in that shape by mounting brackets (see again FIG. 7) upon being installed. Here, after the flat assembly is constructed, score lines akin to lines 110 in FIG. 13 may be formed in one of the panel members so that the compete assembly 20 can be bent more easily into the curved shape.

Referring to FIG. 14, one method 130 for manufacturing a curved barrier assembly that is consistent with at least some aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. Referring also to FIG. 13, at step 132 the first and second panel members 102 and 104 are scored as shown at 110. At step 134 the panel members are bent into a desired curved shape about an axis that is parallel to the score lines. At step 136 the curved panel members 102 and 104 are stacked and at steps 138 and 140 the members are cut to form the window openings and trimmed to form aligned circumferential panel edges. At step 141 the PET sheets are separated, at step 142 the window member 24i is adhered to one of the curved panel members and at step 144 the second panel member is adhered to the first panel member with the window member sandwiched therebetween. The curved shape of the assembly is maintained during curing, after which assembly 20f should have a stiff curved shape.

In at least some cases it is contemplated that a window member may extend all the way to an edge of a barrier assembly. To this end see for instance assembly 10g in FIG. 15 where a window opening 22j opens to at top edge of the barrier assembly and where an upper edge of the window member 24j is exposed after manufacture. See also FIG. 16 that is similar to FIG. 15, albeit where the window member 24k and associated opening 22k have a greater length dimension along a bottom edge than along a top edge. Here, if an infill member is provided for window 24k, the restricted portion of the panel member will operate to retain the infill member in the window opening when installed.

Referring again to FIG. 3, in some cases the first and second panel members 26 and 30 may be constructed using other stiff materials. For instance, in some cases each panel member may include a thin planar fiberglass member instead of PET fabric. In some cases the external surfaces of the fiberglass material may have a finished appearance. In other embodiments thin fabric material covers may be provided to conceal the fiberglass members. In this regard, see FIG. 17 that shows a barrier assembly 20i in cross section where the assembly 20i includes first and second fiberglass panel members 182 and 184 and fabric cover members 186 and 188. Edges of the cover members wrap around edges of the panel members 182 and 184 and are fastened or retained on the inside surfaces of the panel members (e.g., adhered, stapled, riveted or otherwise mechanically fastened). The second surfaces of the panel members are adhered together at 190 so that only the covers 186 and 188 are visible after assembly. While not shown the cover members would be similarly wrapped around the edges that form any window openings in the barrier assembly.

Referring yet again to FIG. 3, in at least some cases both panel members 26 and 30 will be formed to have the same external appearance. For instance, in some cases both members 26 and 30 may have a heather gray appearance. In other cases, the first panel member 26 may have one color (e.g., gray) and second panel member 30 may have a second color (e.g., red) so that different barrier sides have different appearances. Where the panel members 26 and 30 have different appearances and infill members (see 32 and 34 in FIG. 2) are included with the assembly, the infill members may have the same or different colors than the panels that they are installed in. For instance, a red infill member cut from red panel member 30 during manufacture may be used to fill in the opening in gray panel member 26 if desired.

In some cases it is contemplated that infill members may be used to provide fanciful designs in one or both barrier assembly panel members independent of a window arrangement. Thus, for instance, referring again to FIG. 9, instead of providing a window 24e in opening 22e, an infill member of a color that is different than the color of the panel member that forms surface 69 may be inserted and/or adhered into opening 22e to provide a tree design. In some cases fanciful designs may be formed in only one of the panel members while in other cases fanciful designs may be formed in both panel members. In some cases different fanciful designs may be formed in each of the first and second panel members that comprise a barrier assembly.

In some cases infill members may be formed out of stiff PET or other fabric stock that is thicker or thinner than one of the panel members that forms an opening that receives the infill member. In these cases the external surface of an infill member may not be flush with the external surface of the receiving panel member so that fanciful 3D designs may be formed on one or both sides of the barrier assembly.

In some cases the first and second panel members that form a barrier assembly may have different circumferential shapes. For example, see FIGS. 18 and 19 where a second panel member 30 has the same shape as shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 but the first panel member 26′ has a shape that does not extend down as far as the first panel member 26 in FIGS. 2 through 4 so that, when member 26′ is adhered to member 30, the second surface 30b of member 30 is exposed at the bottom end of the barrier assembly. Here, first panel member 26′ frames the window 24 as in the FIG. 1 embodiment but need not extend downward to the same extent as member 30. While not shown, another embodiment may simply provide a thin frame type first panel member that adheres to a full size second panel member to secure a window member therebetween.

In at least some embodiments it is contemplated that additional components may be added to a barrier assembly such as, for instance, lighting devices. To this end, see for instance FIG. 20 that shows the upper portion of another barrier assembly 20k in cross section that includes first and second panel members 200 and 202 that are adhered together as described above. Here, an upper edge of panel member 202 has a notch 206 cut out on the second side of member 202 and an LED light strip is mounted within the notch with LED devices (only one shown in end view) mounted to face upward. Here, a power wire 210 to provide current to the LED strip is sandwiched between the facing surfaces of panel members 200 and 202. Once the panel members are assembled and power is applied to LED strip 208, the LED devices direct light upward out of the notch. While not shown, other LED light devices may be mounted along other edges of the barrier arrangement.

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, in addition to forming the panel members (e.g., 26 and 30 in FIG. 3) out of PET fabric or fiberglass, with or without covering fabric, the panel members may be formed out of wood, laminated wood, natural and synthetic fiber board composite materials, etc. In some cases the window member may be glass instead of a plastic material. Other barrier assembly mounting and support structures are contemplated.

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:

PRIVACY BARRIER WITH WINDOW

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