Work space management and furniture system

• US 7,827,920 B2
• Filed: 04/13/2001
• Issued: 11/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Millerknoll Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Herman Miller Incorporated
• Inventors: Clark, Jeffrey, Thenikl, Henry A., Oren, Robert A., DeHaan, Richard III, Kurrasch, Andrew J., Beck, Robert L., Birsel, Ayse
• Primary Examiner(s): CHEN, JOSE V
• Application Number:
  US09/835,288
• Publication Number:
  US 20020011193A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,497 Days
• Field of Search: 108/50.01, 108/50.02, 108/64, 108/180, 108/182, 108/153.1, 312/223.6, 312/223.3, 312/196, 312/195, 52/361, 52/366, 522/34, 522/43
• US Class Current: 108/50.02
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 83/001 Office desks or work-stations combined with other pieces of furniture, e.g. work space management systems

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 framework is capable of being arranged in a plurality of substantially non-linear patterns and includes an at least partially open area between adjacent poles.

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, of which at least one is pivotal and adjustable in length, 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;

wherein at least some of the poles have two crossbeams extending from a top portion thereof, the two connection members extending at an angle substantially greater than 90° and

substantially less than 180°

, and at least some of the poles and crossbeams are adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the poles have an outer surface having three distinct and generally curved portions.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein a vertically extending channel separates each of the three generally curved portions.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the vertically extending channels is adapted to receive a hook attachment member extending from a work environment element.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the hook attachment member is adapted to attach a work surface to a pole.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the vertically extending channel has a dovetail shape.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the poles have a height substantially greater than six feet.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein at least some of the poles are adapted to be attached to a work environment element selected from the group consisting of work surfaces, storage members, monitor support members, and dividing screens.

11. The system of claim 10 further comprising movable work surfaces having a plurality of legs with wheels attached to a bottom portion thereof.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the poles have an outer surface having three distinct and generally curved portions.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein a vertically extending channel separates each of the three generally curved portions.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the vertically extending channels includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures formed in two vertically extending columns.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the vertically extending channel has a dovetail shape.

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

a first group and a second group 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, each pole capable of being attached to one or more crossbeams with most groups of two crossbeams forming an obtuse angle, the first group and the second group interconnected by a crossbeam adjustable in length.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the cross-beam is pivotable.