Movable office support system

[0001] The following patents and/or patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. TBD titled MOVABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM filed Jun. 22, 2001 (Attorney Docket No. 76507-385); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/183,023 titled WORKSTATION filed Oct. 30, 1998.

[0002] The present invention relates to an movable support system for use in an office environment. The present invention also relates to a support system that can be configured to provide at least one worksurface and/or display device that is movable within an office or work environment within a wide range of positions.

[0003] It is well-known to provide for a worksurface in a work space such as an office. In a typical application, a work space may have one or more worksurfaces that are installed in a fixed position, such as a table or desk or countertop. In such applications, such worksurfaces are installed in positions that are believed to be appropriate for most use conditions. However, it is not uncommon for a work space to be used by one or more workers or other persons in a wide variety of conditions, some of which find the fixed position of such worksurfaces to be beneficial, others which find the position acceptable, and others which may find the position tolerable (if not unacceptable).

[0004] It is also known to provide for a mobile worksurface, such as a mobile table, in a work space. In a common application, the mobile worksurface (alone or in conjunction with fixed worksurfaces), enhances the utility of a work space by providing greater flexibility and a greater range of use and other conditions. However, mobile worksurfaceswhether in use or not in usetypically require at least a portion of space within the work space, and at times may prove to be obstacles to occupants of the work space. The range of motion typically provided by such mobile worksurfaces is limited, for example to a particular plane or path of travel. In addition, mobile worksurfaces, typically provided with wheels or otherwise coupled to a fixed mounting structure, tend to lack the stability, size or structure typically provided with fixed worksurfaces. Moreover, mobile worksurfaces tend not to readily accommodate computing devices and/or display devices or other appliances and their associated cables (e.g. for power and/or data).

[0005] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide for a support system for a worksurface in a work space such as an office that is conveniently movable from one position to another position. It would also be advantageous to provide for a support system for a worksurface that provides a range of movement for the worksurface that covers a substantial portion of the work space. It would also be advantageous to provide for a support system for a worksurface that allows for movement within a horizontal plane and/or to various vertical positions within the work space. It would also be advantageous to provide for a support system for a worksurface that conveniently allows for association with a display device and thereby for convenient repositioning of the display device within a work space. It would also be advantageous to provide a support system for a work surface that provides for a wide range of motion and allows for a variety of orientations. It would further be advantageous to provide for a support system for a display device that can accommodate one or two or more display devices. It would further be advantageous to provide for a support system that provides for convenient management and interconnection of cables providing utilities to the appliances or equipment on a work surface or to a display device (or display devices). It would further be advantageous to provide for a support system that can readily be integrated with the articles of furniture within a work space.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a system having any one or more of these or other advantageous features.

[0007] The present invention relates to a movable support system for use in a work space such as an office. The system includes a track system above at least a portion of the office and a support movably coupled to the track system and configured to project downward into the office and a worksurface coupled to the support. The worksurface may be brought into use in multiple locations about the office.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a movable support system for an office. The system includes an overhead track system configured to project over at least a portion of the office, a support slidingly suspended from the overhead track system and configured to hang downward into the office, and at least one display device coupled to the support. The work surface may be brought into use in multiple locations about the office.

[0009] The present invention further relates to a movable support system for a work space such as an office. The system includes a first elevated system configured to project over at least a portion of the office, a second elevated system cooperating with the first system and configured to project over at least a portion of the office. The system also includes a support assembly providing a support movable relative to the first system and configured to project downward into the office, a worksurface coupled to the support. The worksurface may be brought into use in multiple locations within the work space.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the system.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a top fragmentary perspective view of the system.

[0017] FIG. 8A through 8C are perspective views of elements of the track assembly of the system according to a particularly preferred embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an alternative embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an alternative embodiment.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a work space 20 is shown including a workstation 22 configurable for use by one or a plurality of workers or other persons. Workstation 22 includes a movable office support system 24 along with other articles of furniture such as storage units shown as wall shelving units 26 and corner shelving units 28. The work space also provides walls shown as partial height partition walls including base walls 30 and side walls 32 (e.g. partial walls). Movable office support system 24 is installed through an elevated track system 33 associated with base walls 30 movably coupled to an elevated rail system 34. Support system 24 also includes a support assembly 36 providing a support 38 which is coupled to a worksurface 40.

[0021] Work space 20 also provides a wide variety of information display panels 42 and 44 (see FIG. 2), lighting, privacy panels or screens, etc. Support system 24 is coupled within work space 20 for movement in a variety of horizontal and vertical directions to a variety of use and storage or stowed positions about or within work space 20 (for example, compare FIG. 1 with FIG. 5). As shown, support system 24 provides a worksurface 40; the support system may also provide one or more display panels 46. Also shown in work space 20 are chairs 48 (which can be of any conventional type, preferably mobile chairs).

[0022] Support assembly 36 includes a base or interface 50 coupled to rail system 34 for translating movement along a path of travel (e.g. linear or alternatively curved or other combinations of curved or linear paths at a fixed or variable height). Rail system 34 (shown as including two rails 52) is coupled to a track system 33 for translating movement along a path of travel. Track system 33 (shown as including tracks or guides 54 and braces 55, which coact with rails 52 to provide for controlled movement along track system 33) is installed upon a mounting structure or supporting members shown as walls 30. Support assembly 36 also includes a support 38 including a post 56 coupled to base 50. Support assembly 36 is coupled to a structure shown as worksurface 40; support assembly 36 is also shown as providing for attachment of an articulable structure or arm 57 (e.g. of any conventional type providing one or more links or joints for pivotal and/or translating movement) used to support an information display device shown as a display panel 46.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, post 56 of support assembly 36 is pivotably coupled to base 50, for example to allow for rotation of worksurface 40 with respect to rail system 34 and/or track system 33. Support assembly 36 is also configured for movement of worksurface 40 with respect to base 50 in a vertical direction. According to a particularly preferenced embodiment, the vertical movement of worksurface 40 may be accomplished through the coaction of two or more vertically telescoping segments 58 comprising support assembly 36; the outside and inner diameters of telescoping segments 58 of support assembly 36; progressively decrease (e.g. so that the outside diameter of a second segment fits within the inside diameter of a first segment, and the outside diameter of a third segment fits within the inside diameter of the second segment, etc.). Support assembly 36 is also configured for translating movement with base 50 in range (e.g. horizontal plane) of travel with movement of base 50 within rail system 34 and of rail system 34 along track system 33.

[0024] According to any preferred embodiment the worksurface and/or a display device coupled to the support system (although not supported by the floor) can be adjusted in spatial position within a horizontal plane and in a vertical direction within the work space. In a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 5, worksurface 40 and/or a display device of support system 24 may be elevated (e.g. above a typical use height) and optionally at least partially concealed within a storage unit or other article of furniture. In any of the wide variety of use positions, worksurface 40 (and/or a display device) of support system 24 may be deployed and located within the substantial two- or three-dimensional range of motion provided by track system 33 and rail system 34 and rotatably and/or vertically adjustable support assembly 36. The position and orientation of each display device may also be adjusted by manipulation of the articulable arms.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, according to a preferred embodiment, rail system 34 includes a bracket 60 providing wheels 62 which engage a slot 64 in track system 33; interface or base 50 of support assembly 36 includes plate 66 to which a set of roller guides 68 (shown in FIG. 8B) which engage rails 52 are coupled, so that track system 33 and rail system 34 are transverse and provide for orthogonal movement of support system 24 (e.g. in an X-Y plane). In FIGS. 8A through 8C, rails 52 and roller guide 68 of rail system 34 and base 50 of support assembly 36 are shown (along with mounting arrangements 70 and 72 for the rails) according to a particularly preferred embodiment. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, these elements are of a type commercially available from Unistrut Corporation of Itasca, Ill. (a Tyco International Ltd. Company). According to alternative embodiments, the elements of the track system and the rail system may be any of a wide variety of different types providing suitable range of motion, structural strength and interoperability for the intended application. Guides or stops (e.g. mechanical stops or the like) or a locking mechanism may also be installed on either or both of track system or rail system to constrain the path of travel of the support.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, work space 20a may provide two support systems 24a and 24b each with a corresponding worksurface 40a and 40b. A cover 74 may be provided on rail system 34 for aesthetic purposes or to provide an internal passage (not visible) for cables (not shown); cover has an open path 76 to allow movement of support assembly 36. An outlet for utilities may also be provided on or adjacent to worksurfaces 40a and/or 40b (or on supports 38a and/or 38b)) so that appliances may be connected to utilities. (Cables 47 providing connection to utilities are shown schematically in FIG. 7 in relation to a passage through support assembly 36.)

[0027] According to any preferred embodiment, each articulable arm for coupling display device(s) to the support is selectively movable within a substantial range of motion. As shown, display devices shown as display panels 46 are coupled to arms 57 to allow suitably positioning and/or orientation for display of information in any of a variety of directions (e.g., up, down, laterally, pivotably) at each link or joint allowing articulation. The selective movement of base 50 and/or worksurface 40 and/or display panels 46 within work space 20 provides for substantial flexibility in the positioning and orientation and therefore use of worksurface 40 and/or one or more of display panels 46 within a range of motion within work space 20.

[0028] According to alternative embodiments, the support assembly may be configured for one information display device or two or more information display devices; the information display devices may be of any type, including flat display panels or other types of video monitors (e.g. CRT) or any other type of data or information display. The information display device may be associated with any type of appliance or device, such as a computing device or a television or network, etc.

[0029] In a conventional arrangement for associating a worksurface and/or display device within a work space, where the display device is positioned on a fixed worksurface, constraints are typically imposed upon the orientation of a user or users relative to the entrance of the work space or adjacent aisles or opportunities for potential shared zones for viewing the display device with others. For example, if the display device is positioned on a fixed worksurface to the back (or in one side or back corner) of the work space, the user of the work space may be constrained to work with her or his back to the entrance of the work space and information on the display device may be visible to those who enter the work space or walk along the adjacent aisle; if the display device is positioned on a fixed worksurface near the center or front of the work space, the user of the work space may be constrained to work around the worksurface and/or display device and may be less able to share information on the display device with those who enter the work space.

[0030] According to any preferred embodiment, the system will provide enhanced functionality in comparison with such conventional arrangements, and allow the worksurface and/or display device (or display devices) to be positioned selectively to enhance privacy or openness, or generally to facilitate the work to be performed in the work space; the system is intended to allow the repositioning (including physical placement and orientation) of the worksurface (and/or display device) to suit the needs of the worker. That is, according to any preferred embodiment of the system, the user or users (without having to adapt or adjust their own posture and/or position) will be able to adapt the positioning and orientation of the worksurface (and/or display device) for various use conditions.

[0031] According to other exemplary embodiments, the display devices may be associated with other articles of furniture and/or physical structures (such as panels, partitions, or walls). It is important to note that the term article of furniture is intended to be a broad term and not a term of limitation. The term article of furniture, as used in this disclosure, may include, without limitation: systems furniture (e.g., partition wall systems, architectural walls, space frames, work stations, etc.), casegoods (e.g., file cabinets, storage bins, containers, closets, etc.), seating products (e.g., chairs, stools, lounges, etc.), work surfaces (e.g., tables, desk systems, credenzas, etc.), lighting systems, and other accessories.

[0032] It is important to note that the term information is intended to be a broad term and not a term of limitation. The term information may include information of any type or form or combination. It is also important to note that the terms worksurface and work environment are intended to be given broad scope and are terms of limitation. It is further important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the system as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.

[0033] Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, protocols, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions as expressed in the appended claims.