Abstract:
A self-contained plug-and-play furniture system is ready to host state-of-the-art technology within a movable, autonomous and cozy environment so that a person may work, play and communicate at optimum efficiency. The assembly of the system includes bridge elements that connect to and span between front and rear towers to define an overall skeletal frame structure that has a front sliding glass door and openings of predetermined size formed between perpendicularly arranged frame members. Insulated wall, ceiling and floor panels fit within the openings to enclose the interior environment. A work surface, multi-level shelves, electrical power system with multiple power outlets, and data and voice outlets allow the system to host computer equipment, telecommunications equipment, lighting and all other supplies and equipment needed by a person to fully function in a highly efficient environment. An air conditioner unit with remote control mounts on top of the ceiling for controlling the climate of the interior environment. The furniture system accommodates and balances the essential trilogy for efficiency, namely an informed person, high-tech equipment and inspiring surroundings.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an enclosed furniture system and, more particularly, to a self-contained and enclosed plug-and-play furniture system that is ready to host state-of-the-art technology in a movable, autonomous, acoustically balanced and climate controlled environment.  
         [0003]     2. Discussion of the Related Art  
         [0004]     For centuries, people have had the need for a suitable space to think, create, study or just be alone to gather their thoughts in a calm, peaceful environment. These needs have evolved in modern times to include information processing and time management in order to be productive and generate wealth. The use of state-of-the-art technology, including computers and telecommunications equipment, has become essential in today&#39;s society. Likewise, the need for peaceful and inspiring surroundings remains as an essential element of efficiency.  
         [0005]     In the past, others have proposed various prefabricated fixed or mobile modular systems to build work stations, enclosed rooms or small building structures. Notwithstanding, the numerous proposed systems and structures do not fully meet the emerging needs of a personal home office or commercial work space (e.g. warehouse, factory, etc.). More specifically, the prior art fails to provide a self-contained, movable, autonomous and cozy environment within a plug-and-play furniture system that is ready to host state-of-the-art technology.  
         [0006]     Telecommuting, or the ability to work from home, is a new social dynamic or segment of the marketplace that is poised for rapid growth. The term “telecommuter” has been known for more than 20 years, and in that time the category of people it describes has exploded. It is estimated that the number of workers whose only office is at home has doubled over the last three years. Clearly, given the present social issues with spiraling fuel prices, traffic congestion issues, parents needing to be in the home to care for children or elderly, and other factors, telecommuting will continue to become integrated into society. With the emergence of advanced telecommunication services into the home, spaces are now being established within the employee&#39;s residence which effectively create a virtual office environment. Accordingly, telecommuting and the ability to work from places other than the traditional office environment is an emerging concept poised for rapid growth.  
         [0007]     Future telecommuting market growth will depend not only on the emergence of user friendly and robust, low cost, easy to install home equipment, but also on providing the end user with a sensible, affordable, easily assembled, sound and ambience controlled private space. This space should be specifically designed to satisfy the consumer&#39;s needs for working and spending leisure time by providing a comfortable, easily managed and partitioned environment, free from noise and distractions, and which allows people to easily connect into their employer offices and communicate with the world while working from their residence. Given the paradigm shift to the telecommuter or “at-home” worker, technology being targeted for this space must be viewed as a consumer grade service. As such, any design goals must consider the “technology challenged” consumer and require functionality that is inexpensive, simple to construct, and use. In the case of an in-home spatial enclosure suitable for telecommuting, the consumer expectation is that the technology functions properly and requires little more than plugging a cable into the home&#39;s power and telecommunication sources to make it permanently ready to work or play.  
         [0008]     Success in the consumer market requires that a home office be reasonably priced, easy to install, easy to use, and that it provides all the required surfaces, spaces, shelves, drawers, electrical power, lighting, climate control, power outlets, voice and data outlets all printed to host computer equipment, telecommunications equipment and other supplies and equipment required for an “at-home” work environment. On the other hand, the design should also provide a comfortable environment where one is free to “get away from it all.” An environment to support these objectives is ideally provided in a “plug-and-play” self-contained and enclosed furniture system of the present invention.  
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     Considering the shortcomings of the prior art, and the definite need to combine an informed person and high-tech equipment within inspiring surroundings in order to improve their effectiveness and efficiency, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, plug-and-play furniture system that allows individual control of temperature and light levels within an acoustically balanced, movable, autonomous and cozy environment that is ready to host state-of-the-art technology so that a person may work, play and communicate in calm and with maximum efficiency.  
         [0010]     It is a further object of the present to provide a self-contained, plug-and-play furniture system in a movable enclosure that includes work surfaces, shelves, lighting, electrical power with outlets, voice and data outlets and switches and which is ready to host state-of-the-art computer and telecommunication equipment, as well as all other supplies and equipment needed to work, play and communicate in a peaceful and highly efficient environment.  
         [0011]     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained furniture system as described above, and which is adapted to be quickly and easily assembled at the point of use to provide a fully enclosed plug-and-play system that is ready to host today&#39;s high-tech computer and telecommunications equipment without the need to acquire special building permits.  
         [0012]     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system as described above, which is adapted to be placed within an existing home or commercial building without the need for remodeling the existing home or building structure.  
         [0013]     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained furniture system that solves the missing connection between a person and today&#39;s high-tech equipment, by providing the person with privacy and total control of their surrounding environment, thus uniquely enhancing their productivity in a calm, relaxed atmosphere.  
         [0014]     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system which provides multiple levels of interior and exterior shelves to accommodate all necessary equipment and supplies needed for a person to function with maximum efficiency within a compact, highly organized area.  
         [0015]     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system which is constructed entirely with conventional materials.  
         [0016]     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system as described above, and which includes an electrical system that connects to an existing power supply source via UL rated plug-and-play extension cords, thus eliminating the need for a licensed electrician for assembly and use.  
         [0017]     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system, as described above, which provides the further advantages of:  
         [0018]     indirect lighting to avoid glare and discomfort,  
         [0019]     remote control air-conditioning for climate control,  
         [0020]     a heat cube for cold weather,  
         [0021]     a fire extinguisher kit (includes a smoke detector)  
         [0022]     Sound and weather insulation,  
         [0023]     a noise absorbing acoustic ceiling,  
         [0024]     easy to clean laminate finishes that can be upgraded to plastic, metal or wood finishes,  
         [0025]     an ergonomic variable-posture executive chair  
         [0026]     numerous optional items.  
         [0027]     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are more readily apparent with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     The present invention is directed to a self-contained plug-and-play furniture system that is ready to host state-of-the-art technology within a movable, autonomous and cozy environment so that a person may work, play and communicate within a calm, acoustically balanced atmosphere. The assembly of the system includes bridge elements that connect to and span between front and rear towers to define an overall skeletal frame structure that has a front sliding glass door and openings of predetermined size formed between perpendicularly arranged frame members. Insulated wall, ceiling and floor panels fit within the openings to enclose an interior work environment. A desktop, multi-level shelves, an electrical power system, and multiple power data and voice outlets allow the system to host computer equipment, telecommunications equipment, lighting and all other supplies and equipment needed by a person to fully function in a highly efficient environment. An air conditioner unit with remote control mounts to the ceiling for controlling the climate of the interior environment. The furniture system accommodates and balances the essential trilogy for efficiency, namely and informed person, high-tech equipment and inspiring surroundings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]     For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a front, top perspective view of the frame structure of the furniture system of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is an isolated perspective view, illustrating placement of bridge elements that connect and span between a front tower and rear tower of the frame structure;  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a front, top perspective view showing the exterior of the fully assembled furniture system of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is an isolated perspective view, shown in cut-away, illustrating the manner of connection of the frame members, using screws and U-shaped clips, in the assembly of the frame structure;  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view, shown in partial cross-section, showing the frame structure, interior shelves and air-conditioning housing with an air-conditioning unit;  
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is an isolated view, shown in cross-section, illustrating the wall panel construction and installation to the frame structure;  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is an isolated view, shown in cross-section, illustrating the shelve support structure of the frame assembly;  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing a portion of the interior of the furniture system, when fully assembled but with the bridge section and front tower removed from view;  
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view, shown partially in phantom lines, showing the entire furniture system fully assembled and illustrating the interior construction and arrangement of shelves, work surfaces, an executive chair, equipment and supplies;  
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is a generally schematic of the electrical system; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is a chart showing an example of various items of equipment connected to the several circuits of the electrical system. 
     
    
       [0041]     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0042]     The self-contained plug-and-play furniture system is described hereinafter and is referred to generally as  10  throughout the several views of the drawings.  
         [0043]     The furniture system  10  has a skeletal frame structure  12  generally comprised of a front tower  14  a rear tower  16  and a central bridge section  18  between the front and rear towers. The bridge section  18  connects the front and rear towers  14 ,  16  and includes a plurality of straight frame member segments or bridge elements  20  which attach to U-shaped clips  22  fixed to the front and rear towers as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Most of the bridge elements  20  have three sides to form an open channel extending between opposite ends. This allows the bridge elements  20  to easily slip over the spaced, parallel tabs  24  of the U-shaped clips  22  so that the tabs  24  mate against opposite inner surfaces  26  of the bridge elements  20 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . Once the bridge elements  20  are in place, fitted to the U-shaped clips of the front and rear towers, sheet metal screws or other screw-type fasteners  27  are used to secure the bridge elements to the U-shaped clips. As seen in  FIG. 4 , this same structural interconnection, using the U-shape clips  22  and screw fasteners  27 , is used in the construction of the frame structure of the front and rear towers. The screw fasteners are preferably driven through the frame members  30  or bridge elements  20  and into the U-shaped clips at an angle, other than perpendicular, to discourage the screw fasteners from becoming loose and backing out as a result of vibrations and other externally applied forces.  
         [0044]     The assembled skeletal frame structure  12 , including the front tower  14 , rear tower  16  and bridge elements  20  connecting between the front and rear towers forms a cage like structure having four vertical sides, a top side and a base. The front side, on the front tower  14 , includes an access door  40  to permit entry into the interior of the assembled structure. In a preferred embodiment, the access door  40  is a double sliding glass door (one fixed glass door and sliding glass door) with a lock. A remainder of the skeletal frame structure  12  is defined by perpendicularly arranged frame members  30 , extending horizontally in the  2  horizontal planes of the top and the base and also in the  4  vertical planes of the walls, along with the bridge elements  20  connecting to and spanning between the front and rear towers. The interconnected arrangement of frame members  30  and bridge elements  20  form rectangular and square openings on the four vertical sides, the top and the base. In a preferred embodiment, the frame members  30  are formed of 1¾ inch square aluminum tubing having ⅛ inch wall thickness. The bottom horizontal frame members, however, are of a larger dimension, preferably  2  inch square aluminum tubing have a wall thickness of ⅛ inch, to provide a base frame structure  30   a  that supports plywood floor planks. Additionally, the front wall frame structure  36 , surrounding the sliding glass door  40 , including the header rail  42 , base rail  44  and side rails  46 , is of an increased width to accommodate the width of the sliding glass door and track structure. It should be noted that the choice of particular materials may vary and is not limited to aluminum tubing. Moreover, the dimensions of the numerous structural components may vary and are not intended to be limited to those set forth herein.  
         [0045]     The openings on the vertical sides, top and base of the skeletal frame structure, formed by the interconnected frame members  30  and bridge elements  20 , are of pre-determined size to accommodate correspondingly sized and configured wall panels  50 , as seen in  FIGS. 3, 5  and  8 . In particular, the spacing of the horizontal frame members along the four vertical sides is primarily determined by the shelf height and work surface height construction on the interior, as described in more detail hereinafter. The particular spacing arrangement of these horizontally extending frame members along the front (i.e. adjacent to the sliding glass door), left and right sides, and back side result in rectangular openings of varying size. More specifically, there are three different size openings from top to bottom on the left, right and back side walls. As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , there are five vertically arranged openings from top to bottom between each of the spaced, parallel vertical frame members along the left and right sides and rear wall. The smallest rectangular openings are on the bottom and top and are labeled A. The center opening (i.e. third from top or bottom) is the largest and is labeled C. The intermediate openings between the central opening C and top and bottom openings A are slightly larger than the top and bottom openings and are labeled B.  
         [0046]     The top or ceiling frame structure  60 , as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 5  is formed to define nine equally sized openings between the frame members, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . In a preferred embodiment, the openings in the ceiling frame structure are square. The center opening of the bridge assembly  18  and the center opening on the rear tower accommodate an air-conditioning housing  70  and unit  72  (see  FIG. 5 ), as described more fully hereinafter.  
         [0047]     As previously noted, the frame members  30   a  forming the base frame structure are preferably slightly larger in cross-sectional configuration for supporting plywood planks  35 . In a preferred embodiment, the plywood planks  35  are sized to rest on the base frame structure, within the interior, and are supported around their perimeter by the top surface of the base frame members. Once the floor panels are dropped into supported position on the base frame structure, a flooring material, such as carpet can be installed to cover the plywood planks  35 .  
         [0048]     The wall panels  50  are preferably formed of a sandwich construction. More particularly, the wall, ceiling and floor panels (all generally referred to as  50 ) consist of an insulation core  52  that is sandwiched between outer  54  and inner  56  panel boards, as seen in  FIG. 6 . This sandwiched construction is surrounded by an aluminum frame  58  which holds the inner  56  and outer  54  panel boards against the insulation core  52 . The frame of the wall, ceiling and floor panel construction further includes a flanged lip  59  that mates against an outer facing surface of the frame members  30  surrounding the openings of the skeletal frame structure. The wall panels  50  are specifically sized and configured for congruent receipt within the predetermined sized openings of the frame structure to close the openings and form an insulated wall structure. Likewise, the ceiling panels fit within the top openings of the frame structure and the floor panels fit within the base frame openings, below the plywood floor planks. In a preferred embodiment, the flanged lip  59  of the wall panel frame is provided with a double-faced adhesive for mating attachment to the outer spacing surface of the frame members, thereby holding the wall panels on the frame structure, in fitted position within the pre-determined sized openings of the skeletal frame structure. The flanged lip  59  and double-faced adhesive arrangement also allows for ease of removal of any one or more wall panels and replacement of a new insulated wall panel  50  or, alternatively, a plexiglass, glass or other transparent material to provide one or more transparent windows  50   a  (see  FIG. 5 ). The 3 different size openings of the vertical side walls, labeled A, B, C receive correspondently sized wall panels that are also labeled A, B, C for ease of assembly. The front wall, adjacent the sliding glass door, has 5 vertically arranged openings, all of which are smaller in width than the openings on the side and rear walls. Consequently, the wall panels received in the openings of the front wall may be labeled  12 A,  12 B,  12 C, while the wall panels used in the construction of the side and rear walls may be labeled  24 A,  24 B and  24 C for ease of assembly. The ceiling and base frame structure have  9  openings of equal size and receive insulated panels  50  of a congruent size which, for purposes of simplicity and ease of assembly, may be labeled  24 D.  
         [0049]     As seen in  FIGS. 3, 5  and  9 , an air-conditioning housing  70  is affixed on the ceiling above the center openings of the bridge assembly and rear tower. The air-conditioning housing  70  is formed by square tube frame members  74  that are essentially the same as those used in the construction of the skeletal frame structure. The frame members  74  form a generally rectangular box configuration that accommodates air-conditioning unit  72  and an airflow duct  76 . Insulated panels of the same type used in the construction of the side walls and ceiling of the system  10  are used to enclose the air-conditioning housing. The size of the insulated panels on the air-conditioning housing  70  may be different from those used on the walls. In one embodiment, the panels used on the sides of the housing  70  are different in size from the walls and ceiling and, for simplicity and ease of identification may be labeled  24 F. The top insulated panels on the AC housing  70  are preferably the same as used on the ceiling, labeled  24 D.  
         [0050]     As seen in  FIG. 5 , the air-conditioning unit may be supported on the top of the ceiling frame structure  60 . A curved plastic panel  78  provides an air duct curvature for directing air flow through the duct. In a preferred embodiment, the air-conditioning unit  70  includes a remote control, allowing the user to activate the AC unit and increase or decrease the desired temperature without the need of reaching up into the air duct to access the air-conditioning unit. A plastic egg crate  75  is fitted within the center ceiling opening, on the bridge assembly, just below the air duct.  
         [0051]     Initial assembly of the skeletal frame structure is preferably performed at the manufacturing site. Specifically, the frame structure of the front tower  14 , including the sliding glass door  40 , and the rear tower  16  is performed at the manufacturing site. At that time, wheel casters  90  are attached to the base of the frame structure of the front and rear towers. Preferably, the front  14  and rear  16  towers are provided with at least four wheel casters  90 , on the bottom corners of the base frame  30   a.  The front and rear towers can then be packed along with the remaining components, including the bridge element connectors  20 , for completion of the assembly at the use site.  
         [0052]     As seen in  FIGS. 5, 8 , and  9 , the interior of the system  10  is constructed to include a plurality of shelves  102 ,  104 ,  106  and a desk top or work surface  100 . In a preferred embodiment the shelves and work surface extend across the entire width of the rear tower, as seen in  FIG. 8 . It is preferable that the shelves and work surface extend further along the right side wall, as seen in  FIG. 9 , in an L-shape that partially surrounds the user when seated in the executive chair shown in  FIG. 9 . This allows for maximum storage capacity to host a full array of computer equipment, telecommunications equipment and other equipment needed by a person to fully function in an optimal manner. The multiple level of shelves also allow for storage and organization of office supplies, files, a small refrigerator and all other equipment needed by the user. Referring to  FIG. 7 , each shelf and the work surface  100  includes a plywood plank  110  that is supported on a lip  31  of spaced, parallel frame members  30   b.  In a preferred embodiment, one of the parallel frame members  30   b  is part of the skeletal frame structure  12  and also serves as a frame member  30  in this capacity in the formation of one of the vertical sides.  
         [0053]     As seen in  FIG. 5 , the shelf assembly includes a lower shelf  102  that is below the desk top or work surface  100 . A first upper shelf  104  is provided above the work surface and is ideally suited for supporting a printer/fax/scanner/copier machine, speakers and other electronic equipment. The uppermost shelf  106  extends out about the same width as the lowest shelf and is ideally suited for holding files, paper and various stationery supplies. The lowest shelf  102 , below the work surface  100 , may be used to support a computer (i.e. CPU), a paper shredder, a subwoofer component of the speaker system, a small refrigerator and/or other equipment and supplies. The main desktop or work surface accommodates a computer keyboard, monitor, and other items and equipment commonly found on one&#39;s desk. The continuation of the work surface and shelves along the right side wall, in a general L configuration, allows for additional work surface and storage capabilities so that the floor remains clear of any clutter.  
         [0054]      FIG. 10  illustrates a general schematic of the electric system and voice/data connections. In a preferred embodiment, the main disconnect is a UL approved extension cord which plugs into a standard power outlet of a home or building that provides the main power supply. The power is then directed to three circuits, namely Circuit A, Circuit B and Circuit C. Circuits A and B provide outlets arranged under the shelves and behind a hinged access door  94 , providing a power source for the electronic components to plug into, including the user&#39;s computer, fax/copier/scanner, telephone and other equipment. Circuit B provides power to outlets and lighting within the interior. It should be noted that the lighting is all indirect and under-mounted below the shelves to avoid glare and discomfort. Circuit C provides power to the air-conditioning unit  72 .  
         [0055]     The voice/data jacks provide up to  5  connections including at least one voice connection, a DSL line connection, a fax connection and at least two spare jacks.  
         [0056]      FIG. 11  shows a chart with examples of various equipment and components that are powered by each of the three circuits A, B and C of the electrical system.  
         [0057]     While the invention has been shown and described in accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are fully contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention and is not to be limited, except as defined in the following claims as interpreted under the doctrine of equivalence.