Furniture unit having a modular communication network

• US 6,424,248 B1
• Filed: 10/17/2000
• Issued: 07/23/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Steelcase Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation (Steelcase Incorporated)
• Inventors: Brown, Steven M., Mikolajczak, Matthew M., Sweeton, David C., Toms, John Shackelford, Russell, Scott H., Branc, Joseph R., Miller, William L., Weller, George V.
• Primary Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US09/690,639
• Time in Patent Office: 644 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.07, 340/310.08, 340/825.52, 340/825.53, 340/825.37, 340/310.01, 340/10.51, 340/3.51, 522/39, 522/202, 160/135, 307/147, 439/215
• US Class Current: 340/3.51
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 83/001 Office desks or work-stations combined with other pieces of furniture, e.g. work space management systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/00 Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles installations of bus-bars H02G5/00; overhead installations H02G7/00; installations in or on the ground H02G9/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/0487 with a non-circular cross-section H02G3/0468, H02G3/0475 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/286 in walls
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/288 in modular walls, e.g. wall panels
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00002 characterised by monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00016 using a wired telecommunication network or a data transmission bus
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00017 using optical fiber
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00028 involving the use of Internet protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00036 the elements or equipment being or involving switches, relays or circuit breakers circuits for indication of single switches H01H9/167
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/0005 the elements or equipment being or involving power plugs or sockets
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/28 characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks] wireless communication networks H04W ; arrangements for dividing the transmission path H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/124 using wired telecommunication networks or data transmission busses

Abstract

A utility distribution system is provided for modular furniture of the type comprising individual furniture units which are juxtaposed to form one or more workstations. A signal conductor is positioned in each furniture unit, and extends generally between opposite sides thereof. Quick-disconnect connectors are provided at the opposite ends of each of the signal conductors, and mate with like quick-disconnect connectors in adjacent furniture units to create a communications network through the workstations. Each furniture unit has a signaler physically associated therewith, which is connected with an associated signal conductor at a coupler. A network controller is operable connected to the network to evaluate the network and/or the associated furniture units. The furniture units may be equipped with one or more utility ports, which are connected with the coupler, and service utility appliances, such as personal computers, telephones, facsimile machines, switches, power outlets, data receptacles, and the like. The utility appliances preferably have memory capability to internally store operating instructions for the same which are transmitted to the network controller when the utility appliance is initialized.

Claims

1. A furniture unit comprising:

a furniture structure;

at least one signal conductor positioned in said furniture structure, and extending along at least a portion of the length of said furniture structure, said signal conductor including at least one communication cable being dedicated primarily to the transmission of information bearing signals;

first and second quick-disconnect connectors connected with opposite ends of said signal conductor, and configured to mate with like quick-disconnect connectors associated with other similarly equipped furniture units;

a data conductor for electronically communicating with a signal conductor; and

at least one data port for electronically communicating with said data conductor and thereby electronically communicating with said signal conductor.

2. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said data conductor is flexible and thereby non-rigidly connects said data port to said signal conductor.

3. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one data port is carried by said furniture structure.

4. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1 and further including a plurality of said data ports carried on said furniture structure, and a plurality of said data conductors for connecting said data ports to said signal conductor.

5. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said furniture structure is a modular panel.

6. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said furniture structure includes a plurality of connected modular panels to define a workstation.

7. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1 and further including a coupler coupled between said signal conductor and said data conductor.

8. The furniture unit as defined in claim 7, wherein said at least one data port is physically spaced apart from said coupler.

9. The furniture unit as defined in claim 7, wherein said data conductor is flexible and thereby non-rigidly connects said data port to said coupler.

10. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1 and further including:

a power conductor adapted to be positioned within said furniture structure and having quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof; and

a power supply outlet carried by said furniture structure for receiving power from said power conductor.

11. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said information bearing signals include data signals.

12. The furniture unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal conductor has a length related to the length of said furniture structure.

13. A modular communication network for a furniture unit, said modular communication network comprising:

a signal conductor adapted to be positioned relative to the furniture unit and having a plurality of communication lines and quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof for coupling said communication lines to communication lines of a signal conductor in an adjacent furniture unit;

a flexible data conductor detachably connected to said signal conductor for electronically communicating with said signal conductor; and

at least one data port for electronically communicating with said data conductor and thereby electronically communicating with said signal conductor, wherein said at least one data port is spaced apart from said signal conductor and is non-rigidly connected thereto by said flexible data conductor.

14. The modular communication network as defined in claim 13, wherein said at least one data port is carried by the furniture unit.

15. The modular communication network as defined in claim 13 and further including a plurality of said data ports carried on the furniture unit, and a plurality of said data conductors for connecting said data ports to said signal conductor.

16. The modular communication network as defined in claim 13, wherein said signal conductor has a length related to the length of the furniture unit.

17. The modular communication network as defined in claim 13, wherein said signal conductor includes a plurality of communication lines at least one of which being coupled to said data port through said coupler and said data conductor.

18. The modular communication network as defined in claim 13, wherein said signal conductor includes a plurality of communication lines at least one of which being dedicated primarily to the transmission of information bearing signals.

19. A communication module for a modular communication network for a furniture unit, said communication module comprising:

a signal conductor adapted to be positioned relative to the furniture unit and having a plurality of communication lines and quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof for coupling said communication lines to communication lines of a signal conductor of an adjacent communication module, said signal conductor including at least one communication line being dedicated solely to the transmission of information bearing signals;

a coupler for electronically communicating with said signal conductor;

a flexible data conductor detachably connected to said coupler for electronically communicating with said coupler; and

at least one data port for electronically communicating with said data conductor and thereby electronically communicating with said signal conductor, wherein said at least one data port is spaced apart from said coupler and is non-rigidly connected thereto by said flexible data conductor.

20. The communication module as defined in claim 19, wherein said at least one data port is carried by the furniture unit.

21. The communication module as defined in claim 19 and further including a plurality of said data ports carried on the furniture unit, and a plurality of said data conductors for connecting said data ports to said signal conductor.

22. The communication module as defined in claim 19, wherein said signal conductor has a length related to the length of the furniture unit.

23. The communication module as defined in claim 19, wherein said information bearing signals include data signals.

24. A furniture unit adapted for coupling to a modular communication network, said furniture unit comprising:

a furniture structure;

at least one signal conductor having quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof and extending along a portion of said furniture structure;

a coupler for electronically communicating with said signal conductor;

a data conductor including at least four wires for electronically communicating with said coupler; and

at least one data port for electronically communicating with said data conductor and thereby electronically communicating with said signal conductor, said at least one data port having at least four electrical contacts for connecting said at least four wires of said data conductor to a utility appliance.

25. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24, wherein said data conductor is flexible and thereby non-rigidly connects said data port to said coupler.

26. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24, wherein said at least one data port is carried by said furniture structure.

27. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24 and further including a plurality of said data ports carried on said furniture structure, and a plurality of said data conductors for connecting said data ports to said signal conductor.

28. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24, wherein said furniture structure is a modular panel.

29. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24, wherein said furniture structure includes a plurality of connected modular panels to define a workstation.

30. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24, wherein said at least one data port is physically spaced apart from said coupler.

31. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24 and further including:

a power conductor adapted to extend along said furniture structure and having quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof; and

a power supply outlet carried by said furniture structure for receiving power from said power conductor.

32. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24, wherein said signal conductor has a length related to the length of said furniture structure.

33. The furniture unit as defined in claim 24, wherein said signal conductor includes a plurality of communication lines at least one of which being dedicated primarily to the transmission of information bearing signals.

34. A furniture unit adapted for coupling to a modular communication network, said furniture unit comprising:

a furniture structures;

at least one signal conductor having quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof, and being positioned relative to said furniture structure generally co-extensive with said furniture structure;

a coupler for electronically communicating with said signal conductor;

a data conductor for electronically communicating with said coupler; and

at least one data port for electronically communicating with said data conductor and thereby electronically communicating with said signal conductor.

35. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34, wherein said data conductor is flexible and thereby non-rigidly connects said data port to said signal conductor.

36. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34, wherein said at least one data port is carried by said furniture structure.

37. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34 and further including a plurality of said data ports carried on said furniture structure, and a plurality of said data conductors for connecting said data ports to said signal conductor.

38. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34, wherein said furniture structure is a modular panel.

39. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34, wherein said furniture structure includes a plurality of connected modular panels to define a workstation.

40. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34, wherein said at least one data port is physically spaced apart from said coupler.

41. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34 and further including:

a power conductor adapted to extend along said furniture structure and having quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof; and

a power supply outlet carried by said furniture structure for receiving power from said power conductor.

42. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34, wherein said signal conductor includes a plurality of communication lines at least one of which being dedicated primarily to the transmission of information bearing signals.

43. The furniture unit as defined in claim 34, wherein said signal conductor has a length related to the length of said furniture structure.

44. A furniture unit comprising:

a furniture structure;

a power conductor adapted to extend along said furniture structure and having quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof, said power conductor being dedicated primarily to the transmission of electrical power;

a signal conductor positioned relative to said furniture structure and having quick disconnects attached to the ends thereof;

a coupler for electronically communicating with said signal conductor;

a data conductor for electronically communicating with said coupler; and

a data port for electronically communicating with said data conductor to thereby electronically communicate with said signal conductor.

45. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44, wherein said data conductor is flexible and thereby non-rigidly connects said data port to said signal conductor.

46. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44, wherein said at least one data port is carried by said furniture structure.

47. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44 and further including a plurality of said data ports carried on said furniture structure, and a plurality of said data conductors for connecting said data ports to said signal conductor.

48. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44, wherein said furniture structure is a modular panel.

49. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44, wherein said furniture structure includes a plurality of connected modular panels to define a workstation.

50. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44, wherein said at least one data port is physically spaced apart from said coupler.

51. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44, wherein said signal conductor includes a plurality of communication lines at least one of which being dedicated primarily to the transmission of information bearing signals.

52. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44, wherein said power conductor has a length related to the length of said furniture structure.

53. The furniture unit as defined in claim 44, wherein said signal conductor has a length related to the length of said furniture structure.