Lighting fixture for work space management system

• US 6,663,267 B2
• Filed: 06/10/2002
• Issued: 12/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Millerknoll Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Herman Miller Incorporated (Millerknoll Incorporated)
• Inventors: Newhouse, Thomas J., Birsel, Ayse
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ward, John Anthony
• Application Number:
  US10/165,337
• Publication Number:
  US 20020191390A1
• Time in Patent Office: 554 Days
• Field of Search: 362/147, 362/148, 362/151, 362/153, 362/404, 362/408, 362/413, 362/418, 362/431, 362/432, 362/33, 52/28, 52/361, 522/39, 522/381, 522/43, 52/362, 312/223, 108/50.01, 405/52, 405/64
• US Class Current: 362/431
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/00 Lighting devices intended for fixed installation F21S9/00, F21S10/00 take precedence; using a string or strip of light sources F21S4/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/088 Clips; Clamps
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/26 Pivoted arms
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/00 Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes

Abstract

A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area. The system includes a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface. The poles are interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams at a height substantially above a standing user. At least some of the poles are adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities. The system also includes a height-adjustable light fixture connected to the crossbeams. The light fixture extends outward from the crossbeams and is capable of projecting a light beam directly downward on the work zone of a user.

Claims

1. A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area comprising:

a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface, the poles interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams at a height substantially above a standing user, at least some of the poles adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities; and

a height-adjustable light fixture connected to the crossbeams, the light fixture extending outward from the crossbeams and capable of projecting a light beam directly downward on the work zone of a user.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the crossbeams include an upper tube and a lower tube, the light fixture including clips for connection to both the upper tube and the lower tube.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the light fixture includes an upper arm and a lower arm, the upper arm being connected to the upper tube and the lower arm being connected to the lower tube.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the lower arm is slidably connected to the upper arm.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the lower arm is selectably locked into position along the upper arm.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the light fixture includes a housing and an illumination element.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the housing is rotatable.

8. A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area comprising:

a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface, the poles interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams, the framework capable of being configured in groups of from one to six poles with a plurality of the groups having one or more work surfaces attached thereto in order to form a work area for a user; and

an illuminated display member connected to at least one of the poles.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the display includes text.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the display is illuminated by a light source that extends along the length of the pole.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the poles have at least two heights:

1) a tall pole that extends from a base surface over the head of a user and

     2) a short pole that extends from a base surface to a height beneath the head of a user, the display member being attached to the short pole.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the display includes a cover.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the cover is adapted to receive an insert having printed text.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the insert is formed from mylar.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the light source includes a fluorescent tube.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the text identifies the type of activities that take place in the work area.