Abstract:
A movable support system for use in a work space such as an office is disclosed, having a track system above at least a portion of the office with a support movably coupled to the track system and configured to project downward into the office. A worksurface is coupled to the support so that the worksurface may be brought into use in multiple locations about the office. A movable support system for an office is also disclosed, having 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 so that the worksurface may be brought into use in multiple locations about the office.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [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. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [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.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [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 worksurfaces—whether in use or not in use—typically 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.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [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. 
       
    
    
     FIGURES  
       [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an exemplary embodiment.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the system.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a top fragmentary perspective view of the system.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8A through 8C are perspective views of elements of the track assembly of the system according to a particularly preferred embodiment.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an alternative embodiment.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support system in a work environment according to an alternative embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [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  20   a  may provide two support systems  24   a  and  24   b  each with a corresponding worksurface  40   a  and  40   b.  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  40   a  and/or  40   b  (or on supports  38   a  and/or  38   b )) 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.