Patent Publication Number: US-2023151626-A1

Title: Privacy enclosure

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, there has been an increased trend in office spaces becoming more open, meaning that they have fewer walls and private rooms and instead amount to an open space with workstations. The idea is that when there are fewer physical barriers in the office, this will result in increased collaboration. However, a problem arises when a person needs a space to make a private telephone call or work on a matter that requires the user to have complete quiet. There are soundproof booths in existence for this purpose, but currently existing soundproof booths may take up too much valuable floor space in the office, be aesthetically unappealing, or suffer from some other undesirable characteristic. Thus, a need exists for an improved privacy enclosure that provides a user in an open-style workplace with a quiet, generally soundproof space within which to perform various work functions. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a privacy enclosure that includes a housing that defines an interior space. The housing may include a floor plate, sidewalls, and a ceiling assembly that collectively define the interior space. A door may be coupled to the floor plate and the ceiling assembly to open and close an opening in the sidewall. Thus, a user may enter the interior space and then close the door to provide the user with a private space within which to perform a work function. The sidewalls may include various sound absorbing structures in order to ensure that the enclosure is generally soundproof. 
     In one aspect, the invention may be a privacy enclosure comprising: a floor plate having a top surface that forms a floor of an interior cavity of an enclosure, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and an outer surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, the top surface comprising a peripheral portion adjacent to the outer surface, the floor plate comprising a first channel in the peripheral portion of the top surface; a ceiling assembly comprising a ceiling plate have a bottom surface that forms a ceiling of the interior cavity of the enclosure, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and an outer surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface comprising a peripheral portion adjacent to the outer surface, the ceiling plate comprising a second channel in the peripheral portion of the bottom surface; a sidewall extending from a bottom end to a top end along a longitudinal axis, a bottom portion of the sidewall that comprises the bottom end disposed within the first channel of the floor plate and a top portion of the sidewall that comprises the top end disposed within the second channel of the ceiling plate so that the floor plate, the ceiling plate, and the sidewall collectively define a boundary of the interior cavity of the enclosure, the sidewall comprising a first end and a second end that extend in a direction of the longitudinal axis and are spaced apart from one another to define an opening into the interior cavity of the enclosure; and a door alterable between an open state wherein the door does not close the opening and a closed state wherein the door closes the opening. 
     In another aspect, the invention may be a privacy enclosure comprising: a floor plate having a top surface that forms a floor of an interior cavity of an enclosure, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and an outer surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface comprising a peripheral portion adjacent to the outer surface, the floor plate comprising a first channel in the peripheral portion of the bottom surface; a ceiling assembly comprising a ceiling plate that forms a ceiling of the interior cavity and a ring-shaped track member positioned atop of the ceiling plate, the ring-shaped track member comprising an outer surface, a channel formed into the outer surface of the ring-shaped track member that defines a track; a sidewall coupled to the floor plate and to the ceiling plate, an opening in the sidewall forming a passageway into the interior cavity of the enclosure; and a door comprising a follower member positioned within the track of the ring-shaped track member and a bracket member positioned within the first channel in the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the floor plate, and wherein the door is alterable between an open state wherein the passageway is exposed and a closed state wherein the door closes the passageway, and wherein when altering the door between the open and closed states the follower member slides within the track and the bracket member slides within the first channel. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention may be a laminate structure for a sidewall of a privacy booth, the laminate structure comprising: a first layer having an inner surface that faces an internal cavity and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the first layer formed from felt; a second layer having an inner surface that is in surface contact with the outer surface of the first layer and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the second layer formed from an acoustic board; a third layer having an inner surface that is in surface contact with the outer surface of the second layer and an opposite outer surface, the third layer formed from plywood; and a fourth layer having an inner surface that faces the outer surface of the third layer and an opposite outer surface, the fourth layer formed from felt. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a privacy enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a rear perspective view of the privacy enclosure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective exploded view of the privacy enclosure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a rear perspective exploded view of the privacy enclosure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of the privacy enclosure of  FIG.  1   , with a door of the privacy enclosure in an open state; 
         FIG.  6    is the front view of  FIG.  5    with the door of the privacy enclosure in a closed state; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a close-up view of area VIII of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a close-up view of area VIII of  FIG.  7    in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of  FIG.  5     
         FIG.  10    is a close-up view of area X of  FIG.  5    viewed from a different perspective; 
         FIG.  11    is a close-up view of area XI of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a close-up view of area XII of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a close-up view of  FIG.  8    in accordance with an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a close-up view of  FIG.  8    in accordance with another alternative embodiment; and 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of an exterior layer of a laminate wall structure shown in  FIG.  13   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
     The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a privacy enclosure (hereinafter “the enclosure”)  100  is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The enclosure  100  is a housing  101  that comprises an internal cavity  102  that is large enough for one or more persons to stand or sit in while being isolated from the exterior environment. Thus, a person can walk into the internal cavity  102  of the enclosure  100 , close a door of the enclosure  100 , and be completely separated from persons on the other side of the enclosure  100 . This provides a space for the person to conduct work, including making and receiving telephone calls, without being disrupted by outside factors or noises and without that person&#39;s communications being heard by people outside of the enclosure  100 . Specifically, the enclosure  100  is designed to be generally soundproof meaning that a person inside of the internal cavity  102  will not hear most (or perhaps any) sounds being made from the area outside of the housing  101 . Similarly, persons outside of the housing  101  will not hear sounds being made by the person or persons standing or sitting inside of the internal cavity  102 . Thus, a user can make a telephone call or a group of persons could have a private conversation within the internal cavity  102  of the enclosure  100  without concern that others may also hear the conversation. The enclosure  100  is designed to be free-standing such that it can be assembled and positioned on a floor in an office space or the like while creating a soundproof chamber (i.e., the internal cavity  102 ) for a user to go for privacy as described herein. 
     The enclosure  100  generally comprises a floor plate  110 , a sidewall  130 , and a ceiling assembly  150  that are coupled together. Furthermore, a door  200  is coupled to the floor plate  110  and to the ceiling assembly  150  to allow and prevent entrance into the interior cavity  102 . In the exemplified embodiment, a shelf or desk  105  is coupled to the sidewall  130  and positioned within the interior cavity  102 . The shelf  105  provides a surface upon which a user may place his/her belongings such as papers, files, computers, telephones, or the like while the user is in the internal cavity  102  of the enclosure  100 . The shelf  105  may comprise a cup holder  147  formed as a recess in the upper surface of the shelf  105 . The shelf  105  may also comprise a power source  148  for charging an electronic device such as a laptop. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the enclosure  100  is cylindrical shaped. Thus, the floor plate  110  is round, the components of the ceiling assembly  150  are round or ring-shaped, and the sidewall  130  is curved. Thus, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention the enclosure  100  is in the shape of a cylinder. Of course, in alternative embodiments the enclosure  100  could take on other shapes including being square, rectangular, triangular, or the like. In the exemplified embodiment, the enclosure  100  may have a diameter between 40 inches and 60 inches, and more specifically between 45 inches and 50 inches, although the enclosure  100  could be increased or decreased in size as need for a particular application or use. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the components of the enclosure  100  will be described in greater detail. Specifically, the various parts that make up the enclosure  100  will be mentioned with regard to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , and it should be appreciated that some of the components and parts will be described in greater detail along with the figures that follow. 
     As mentioned above, the enclosure  100  comprises the floor plate  110 , the sidewall  130 , the ceiling assembly  150 , the door  200 , and the shelf  105 . The floor plate  110  comprises a top surface  111 , a bottom surface  112 , and an outer surface  113  extending between the top and bottom surfaces  111 ,  112 . The outer surface  113  forms an outer periphery of the floor plate  110 . The floor plate  110  is generally a flat, planar plate-like structure that forms a floor of the internal cavity  102  when the enclosure  100  is fully assembled. Thus, the top and bottom surfaces  111 ,  112  are planar and parallel to one another. Furthermore, the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110  forms the floor of the internal cavity  102  of the enclosure  100  upon which a user stands or rests his/her feet when located in the enclosure  102 . 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the sidewall  130  comprises three arcuate wall segments  131  that are positioned in an end-to-end adjacent manner in the assembled enclosure such that the three arcuate wall segments  131  collectively form the sidewall  130 . Of course, depending on the size and shape of the enclosure  100 , the number of wall segments  131  and their shape can be modified. Thus, because the enclosure  100  is cylindrical in the exemplified embodiment, the wall segments  131  are arcuate or curved so that inner surfaces of the wall segments  131  that face the internal cavity  102  are concave and outer surfaces of the wall segments  131  that face away from the internal cavity  102  (and perhaps form an exposed outer surface of the sidewall  130  in some embodiments) are convex. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment each of the wall segments  131  comprises a laminate structure comprising an inner layer  132 , an outer layer  133 , and a central layer  134  disposed between the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133 . The inner layer  132  faces and directly bounds the internal cavity  102  of the enclosure  100  and the outer layer  133  faces the exterior. The outer layer  133  may form an exposed outer surface of the enclosure  100  in some embodiments, although in other embodiments another exterior layer may be coupled to the outer layer  133  to form the exposed outer surface of the enclosure  100 , one example of which will be described below with reference to  FIGS.  13  and  14   . The determination of whether or not to include an additional exterior layer depends on a desired exterior aesthetic and may be customized in some embodiments. Additional details of the various layers including their materials of construction, thickness, and the like will be provided below with reference to  FIG.  10   . 
     The ceiling assembly  150  forms a ceiling of the internal cavity  102 , a roof of the enclosure  100 , and a track upon which the door  200  is configured to move between open and closed states or positions. Thus, the ceiling assembly  150  comprises a ceiling plate  151 , a roof plate  152 , and a track member  153 . The ceiling plate  151  is a flat, plate-like structure having a bottom surface  154  that faces the internal cavity  102  and forms a ceiling of the internal cavity  102  and a top surface  155  opposite the bottom surface  154 . Furthermore, the ceiling plate  151  has an outer surface  103  that extends between the top and bottom surfaces  154 ,  155  and forms an outer periphery of the ceiling plate  151 . The roof plate  152  comprises a top surface  156  that forms an exposed roof of the enclosure  100  and a bottom surface  157  opposite the top surface  156 . The track member  153  has an inner surface  158  that defines a through-hole  159  within which the roof plate  152  is positioned when the enclosure is assembled. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the track member  153  is in the shape of a ring and the ceiling and roof plates  151 ,  152  are circular shaped or round shaped plates. The track member  153  may be formed from metal such as aluminum or stainless steel in some embodiments, although other materials including wood, plastic, or the like could also be used. The ceiling plate  151  and the roof plate  152  also include various openings for receiving junction boxes  106 , power input units  107 , and fan devices  108 . 
     The enclosure  100  also comprises a light source  300  and a diffuser plate  310 . The light source  300  is coupled to the diffuser plate  310  and the diffuser plate  310  is coupled to the ceiling assembly  150 , as will be described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG.  9   . The diffuser plate  310  is a light diffuser such that the diffuser plate  310  forms a light scattering medium that is placed in the path of the light source  300  to soften the lighting in the internal cavity  102 . The light source  300  may be any type of light source including incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, light emitting diodes, or other types of light generating devices now known or later discovered. 
     The door  200  is a transparent structure that may be formed from glass, clear polycarbonate material, clear acrylic, or the like. The door  200  comprises a handle  201  to enable a user to easily open and close the door  200 . Furthermore, the door  200  comprises a pair follower members  202  (although one or more than two follower members could be used in other embodiments) that rides along a track of the track member  153  as described in greater detail below. The door  200  also comprises a pair of bracket members  203  (although one or more than two bracket members could be used in other embodiments) that rides along a channel in the bottom surface  112  of the floor plate  110  as will be described in greater detail below. 
     The enclosure  100  also includes a plurality of support legs  109  that are coupled to and extend from the bottom surface  111  of the floor plate  110  to support the enclosure  100  on a desired ground surface. Thus, the support legs  109  support the enclosure so that the bottom surface  111  of the floor plate  110  is elevated above the ground, which allows for the mounting bracket  203  of the door  200  to slide within the channel in the bottom surface  111  of the floor plate  110  as mentioned above and described in greater detail below. 
       FIGS.  5  and  6    are front views of the enclosure  100 . In  FIG.  5   , the door  200  is open and in  FIG.  6    the door  200  is closed. Thus, there is an opening  149  in the sidewall  130  that can be closed by the door  200  by sliding the door  200  between the open state shown in  FIG.  5    and the closed state shown in  FIG.  6   . When in the closed state, the door  200  closes the opening  149 , thereby proving the user with complete privacy. As noted above, in some embodiments the door  200  is transparent so persons outside of the enclosure  100  can still see into the enclosure. However, in other embodiments the door  200  may not be fully transparent to limit a person&#39;s ability to see into the internal cavity  102 . Thus, the door  200  may be translucent in some embodiments, the door  200  may be a gradient of light transmissivity such that it is less light transmissive in portions that are aligned with a user who is in the enclosure  100  and more light transmissive in areas that are not aligned with a user who is in the enclosure  100 . In still other embodiments, the door  200  may be opaque to completely prevent someone outside of the enclosure  100  from seeing into it when the door  200  is closed. The sidewall  130  may include a window in some embodiments. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  5  and  6    and described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the track member  150  comprises an outer surface  160  having a channel  161  therein, with the channel  161  forming a track  162  for the follower members  202  of the door  200 . Thus, as the door  200  moves from the open state to the closed state (and vice versa), the follower members  202  of the door  200  slide within the track  162  of the track member  150 . In some embodiments, the follower members  202  may be rollers that roll along the track  162  of the track member  150 . 
       FIG.  7    is a transverse cross-sectional view taken through the enclosure  100 . The shelf  105  and its coupling to the inner surface of the sidewall  130  can be seen. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the shelf  105  extends along and is coupled to two of the three wall segments  131  of the sidewall  130 . Of course, the shelf  105  could be coupled to and extend along only one of the wall segments  131  in some alternative embodiments or the shelf  105  could be coupled to and extend along all three of the wall segments  131  in other embodiments. In  FIG.  7   , the door  200  is in the open state and the opening  149  is exposed. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  7    concurrently, the sidewall  130  extends from a bottom end  135  to a top end  136  along a longitudinal axis A-A (it should be noted that although the bottom and top ends  135 ,  136  are labeled in  FIG.  5   , the ends of the sidewall  130  are actually concealed by the floor plate  110  and the ceiling assembly  150  as shown and described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS.  9 ,  11 , and  12   ). Furthermore, the sidewall  130  comprises a first end  137  and a second end  138 . The sidewall  130  extends circumferentially from the first end  137  to the second end  138  around the interior cavity  102  of the enclosure  100 . Of course, if the enclosure  100  were to have a different shape which is not curved, the sidewall  130  may extend in a manner that is other than circumferentially such as transversely or the like. The first and second ends  137 ,  138  are edges of the sidewall  130  that are elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. The first and second ends  137 ,  138  are spaced apart from one another, and the opening  149  is located between the first and second ends  137 ,  138 . The first and second ends  137 ,  138  may be formed by end caps  199  that are coupled to the ends of the sidewall  130  to provide a more seamless appearance. In the exemplified embodiment whereby the enclosure  100  is cylindrical, the first and second ends  137 ,  138  are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. Regardless, the opening  149  is defined by the space between the first and second ends  137 ,  138  of the sidewall  130 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the laminate structure of the sidewall  130  (and of each of the wall segments  131  of the sidewall  130  accordingly) will be described. As noted above, the sidewall  130  comprises the laminate structure which comprises the inner layer  132 , the outer layer  133 , and the central layer  134 . The inner layer  132  comprises an inner surface  139  and an outer surface  140 , the central layer  134  comprises an inner surface  141  and an outer surface  142 , and the outer layer  133  comprises an inner surface  143  and an outer surface  144 . The inner surface  139  of the inner layer  139  forms an inner surface of the sidewall  130  which faces and bounds the internal cavity  102 . The outer surface  140  of the inner layer  132  is in surface contact with the inner surface  141  of the central layer  134 . The outer surface  141  of the central layer  134  is in surface contact with the inner surface  143  of the outer layer  133 . The outer surface  144  of the outer layer  133  forms the exposed outer surface of the sidewall  130  in the exemplified embodiment. 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the inner layer  132  is felt, and more particularly wool felt. Similarly, the outer layer  133  is felt, and more particularly wool felt. In some embodiments, the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  may be formed from 100% wool felt. Thus, the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  may be formed from the same material. In some embodiments, the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  may comprise the same color, pattern, or the like for aesthetic consistency. In other embodiments, the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  may comprise different colors, patterns, or the like to achieve a different aesthetic on the interior and exterior of the enclosure  100 . The inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  may be adhered to the central layer  134  using any of a variety of different techniques, including adhesives such as glue or tape, staples, nails, screws or other fasteners, or the like. 
     The central layer  134  may be an acoustic board, which can be a board formed of a rigid material that comprises an acoustic infill. Thus, the acoustic board may include outer walls that define a cavity that is filled with sound absorbing material. The outer walls may be porous so that sound can pass through the outer walls and into the sound absorbing material. Of course, other materials of construction may be used for the central layer as desired depending on acoustic requirements, structural rigidity requirements, or the like. In some embodiments, the central layer  134  may be formed from or may comprise plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or the like. The central layer  134  can be formed of other materials in other embodiments, such as wood, plastic, metal, or the like. However, it is preferable that the central layer  134  be formed from a rigid material because the central layer  134  forms the main structure of the enclosure  100 . 
     In the exemplified embodiment, the inner layer  132  has a thickness that is between 2 mm and 4 mm, and more specifically approximately 3 mm. The outer layer  133  has a thickness between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more specifically approximately 10 mm. The central layer  134  may have a thickness between 15 mm and 25 mm, and more specifically approximately 20 mm. In other embodiments, the central layer  134  may have a thickness of between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more specifically approximately 10 mm. The sidewall  130  forms an acoustic barrier in that it absorbs sound that is generated from either inside or outside of the enclosure  100  to enhance the acoustic privacy to a person that is inside of the enclosure  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8 A , one specific laminate structure of the sidewall  130  will be described. In  FIG.  8 A , the internal cavity  102  is labeled so it is easy to determine which layer forms the inner surface of the sidewall  130  and which layer forms the outer surface of the sidewall  130 . In this embodiment, the sidewall  130  comprises, moving from the outermost surface to the innermost surface (with the innermost surface facing the internal cavity  102 ) a sixth layer  401 , a fifth layer  402 , a fourth layer  403 , a third layer  404 , a second layer  405 , and a first layer  406 . Each layer  401 - 406  may be in intimate surface contact with the one or two layers to which it is adjacent. It should be appreciated that the numerical prefixes for each of the layers may not be used consistently in the claims as compared to the specification and drawings because the numerical prefix used in the claims depends on claim structure and the point within the claim that each layer is introduced. 
     In this embodiment, the sixth layer  401  may be formed from felt, such as 100% wool felt. The sixth layer  401  may have a thickness of between 2 mm and 4 mm, and more specifically approximately 3 mm. The fifth layer  402  may be an acoustic board. The fifth layer  402  may have a thickness of between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more specifically approximately 10 mm. The fourth layer  403  may be plywood. For example, the fourth layer  403  may be a layer of bending plywood having a thickness of approximately between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more specifically approximately 9.5 mm. The third layer  404  may be identical to the fourth layer  403 . Thus, the third layer  404  may be another layer of bending plywood having a thickness between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more specifically approximately 9.5 mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth layers  403 ,  404  may be combined and formed from a single layer of bending plywood having a thickness between 16 mm and 24 mm, and more specifically approximately 19 mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth layers  403 ,  404  may have a combined thickness of from about ⅛ inch to about ½ inch, and more specifically approximately ⅜ inch. In some embodiments, the plywood layer may be deemed a single layer formed from two sub-layers. This may be done because plywood is easier to bend the smaller the thickness. Thus, by forming two sub-layers that are adjacent to one another, the plywood can be bent into the desired arcuate shape for the sidewall  130  which is round/arcuate as described herein. The second layer  405  may be an acoustic board. The second layer  405  may have a thickness between 4 mm and 8 mm, and more specifically approximately 6 mm. Finally, the first layer  406  may be formed from felt, such as 100% wool felt. The first layer  406  may have a thickness of between 2 mm and 4 mm, and more specifically approximately 3 mm. 
     As noted above, in the exemplified embodiment the first layer  406  and the sixth layer  401  comprise felt. In other embodiments, the first and sixth layers  406 ,  401  may comprise a textile, and the textile may comprise felt. In some embodiments, the felt may comprise a natural fiber, a synthetic fiber, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the natural fiber may comprise a wool. In some embodiments, the synthetic fiber may comprise a petroleum-based acrylic, acrylonitrile, a wood pulp-based rayon, or a combination thereof. 
     The sixth layer  401  may be coupled to the fifth layer  402  using an adhesive, the fifth layer  402  may be coupled to the fourth layer  403  using liquid nails, the fourth layer  403  may be coupled to the third layer  404  using wood glue, the third layer  404  may be coupled to the second layer  405  using liquid nails, and the second layer  405  may be coupled to the first layer  406  using adhesive (e.g., Simalfa 309 adhesive). As can be seen in  FIG.  8 A , there are no air gaps in the laminate structure of the sidewall  130 . Rather, each layer is in intimate surface contact with the one or two layers that is/are adjacent to that layer. 
     The laminate structure of the sidewall  130  may provide a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of at least about 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 0.95 in various different embodiments. In some specific embodiments, the laminate structure of the sidewall  130  may provide a noise reduction coefficient of at least  0 . 5 . Thus, the sidewall  130  absorbs sounds, thereby rendering the enclosure  100  soundproof, or at least partially soundproof, so that sounds made inside of the enclosure  100  are not heard outside of the enclosure  100  and sounds made outside of the enclosure  100  are not made inside the enclosure  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 ,  4 , and  9   , features of the components of the enclosure  100  that facilitate assembly of the enclosure  100  and holding of the various components of the enclosure  100  together will be described in greater detail. The top surface  111  of the floor plate  110  comprises a peripheral portion  114  that is adjacent to the outer surface  113  and a central portion  115  that is surrounded by the peripheral portion  114 . In the exemplified embodiment because the floor plate  110  is round, the peripheral portion  114  is a ring-shaped portion of the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110  that surrounds the central portion  114 . A first channel  116  is formed into a portion of the peripheral portion  114  of the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110 . That is, the first channel  116  does not extend along an entirety of the ring-shaped peripheral portion  114  in the exemplified embodiment. Rather, in the exemplified embodiment the first channel  116  extends approximately 270° around the peripheral portion  114  of the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110 . Thus, the first channel  116  is located along a first portion of the peripheral portion  114  of the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110  while a second portion of the peripheral portion  114  of the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110  remains free or devoid of the first channel  116  (or any channel for that matter). The first channel  116  is intended to support the sidewall  130 , and because the sidewall  130  does not extend along an entire circumference of the enclosure  200  (due to the need for the opening  149 ), the first channel  116  also does not need to extend along the entire circumference of the enclosure. Of course, in other embodiments it would be possible for the first channel  116  to form a closed loop such that it extends around the entire peripheral portion  114 . The first channel  116  is positioned immediately adjacent to the outer surface  113  of the floor plate  110  such that only a very small annular portion of the top surface  111  exists between the first channel  116  and the outer surface  113 . 
     As noted above, the ceiling plate  151  of the ceiling assembly  150  comprises a bottom surface  154  that forms a ceiling of the internal cavity  102  and a top surface  155  opposite the bottom surface  154 . The bottom surface  154  comprises a peripheral portion  163  adjacent to the outer surface  103  that surrounds a central portion  164 . In the exemplified embodiment whereby the ceiling plate  151  is circular or round as noted herein, the peripheral portion  163  is ring-shaped and it surrounds the central portion  164 . A second channel  165  is formed into the bottom surface  154  of the ceiling plate  151  along at least a portion of the peripheral portion  163 . Similar to the first channel  116 , the second channel  165  is formed into a first portion of the peripheral portion  163  and a second portion of the peripheral portion  163  is free or devoid of any channel. In the exemplified embodiment, the second channel  165  also extends approximately 270° around the ceiling plate  151 , although the invention is not to be limited by this in all embodiments and the second channel  165  could extend a full 360° in other embodiments. The second channel  165  is intended to support the sidewall  130 , and because the sidewall  130  does not extend along an entire circumference of the enclosure  200  (due to the need for the opening  149 ), the second channel  165  also does not need to extend along the entire circumference of the enclosure  100  in the exemplified embodiment. The second channel  165  is positioned immediately adjacent to the outer surface  103  of the ceiling plate  151  such that only a very small annular portion of the bottom surface  154  exists between the second channel  165  and the outer surface  103 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 ,  9  and  12   , the bottom surface  112  of the floor plate  111  also comprises a peripheral portion  117  that surrounds a central portion  118 . Furthermore, a third channel  119  is formed into the bottom surface  112  of the floor plate  111  along the peripheral portion  117 . In the exemplified embodiment, the third channel  119  extends approximately 180° along the peripherally portion  117  of the bottom surface  112  of the floor plate  111 . The third channel  119  is configured to receive the bracket members  203  of the door  200  as the door  200  is moved between the open and closed states. Thus, the circumferential length of the third channel  119  may be dictated, at least in part, by the amount of movement of the door  200  that is desired. In the exemplified embodiment, a portion of the third channel  119  is aligned with the second portion of the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110  which is devoid of the first channel  116  while another portion of the third channel  119  is aligned with the first channel  116 . Thus, the third channel  119  has a part that is not aligned with the first channel  116  and a part that is aligned with the first channel  116 , which can be readily seen by viewing  FIGS.  3  and  4    concurrently. The ends of the third channel  116  may form a stopper for the door  200  in that the door  200  is prevented from moving beyond the third channel  116  because the bracket members  203  of the door  200  will bump against the ends of the third channel  116 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 ,  11 , and  12   , the manner in which the sidewall  130  is supported by the first and second channels  116 ,  165  will be described. The sidewall  130  is positioned so that a bottom portion  145  of the sidewall  130  that includes the bottom end  135  of the sidewall  130  is disposed within the first channel  116  in the peripheral portion  114  of the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110  (best shown in  FIG.  12   ). In the exemplified embodiment, the bottom portion  145  of the sidewall  130  is formed entirely by the central layer  134  of the sidewall  130 . That is, the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  of the sidewall  130  are not positioned in the first channel  116 , but rather the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  terminate in direct abutment with the top surface  111  of the floor plate  110 . This is because in the exemplified embodiment the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  of the sidewall  130  are formed from wool felt and are not structurally rigid in the sense that they do not form the structural support of the sidewall  130 . Of course, in other embodiments the bottom portion  145  of the sidewall  130  may include the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  in addition to the central layer  134 . 
     Similarly, the sidewall  130  is positioned so that a top portion  146  of the sidewall  130  that includes the top end  136  of the sidewall  130  is disposed within the second channel  165  in the bottom surface  154  of the ceiling plate  151  (best shown in  FIG.  11   ). As with the bottom portion  145 , in the exemplified embodiment the top portion  165  of the sidewall  130  is formed entirely by the central layer  134  of the sidewall  130 . That is, the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  of the sidewall  130  are not positioned in the second channel  165 , but rather the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  terminate in direct abutment with the bottom surface  154  of the ceiling plate  151 . This is because the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  are formed from wool felt in the exemplified embodiment are do not form a structurally supporting component of the sidewall  130 . Of course, in other embodiments the top portion  146  of the sidewall  130  may include the inner and outer layers  132 ,  133  in addition to the central layer  134 . 
     By positioning the top portion  146  of the sidewall  130  into the second channel  165  in the ceiling plate  151  and simultaneously positioning the bottom portion  145  of the sidewall  130  in the first channel  116  in the floor plate  110 , the main structural body of the enclosure  110  is fully formed and assembled. The weight of the top plate  151  (and the rest of the ceiling assembly  150 ) applies a downward force onto the sidewall  130  and holds it in place within the first channel  116 . In the exemplified embodiment, the sidewall  130  is not affixed to the floor plate  110  or to the ceiling plate  151  other than via the interaction between the sidewall  130  and the first and second channels  116 ,  165 . Thus, there are no fasteners extending through the floor and ceiling plates  110 ,  151  and into the sidewall  130  and there is no adhesive, welding, or the like used to affix the sidewall  130  to the floor and ceiling plates  110 ,  151 . This makes for an easy assembly of the enclosure  100 . Of course, adhesive, welding, fasteners, or the like could be used in other embodiments to more securely affix the sidewall  130  to the floor and ceiling plates  110 ,  151  if necessary or desired. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  11   , the arrangement of the components of the ceiling assembly  150 , the diffuser plate  310  and the light source  300  will be described. As noted above, the ceiling plate  151  rests directly atop the top end  136  of the sidewall  130 . The track member  153  is positioned on the top surface  155  of the ceiling plate  151  along a peripheral portion of the top surface  155  of the ceiling plate  151 . The track member  153  is ring-shaped or annular as described above such that it has the inner surface  158  which defines a central through-hole  159 . The roof plate  152  is positioned atop of the top surface  155  of the ceiling plate  151  within the central through-hole  159  of the track member  153  so that the track member  153  surrounds the roof plate  152 . 
     The diffuser plate  310  is positioned in the internal cavity  102  such that a top surface  311  of the diffuser plate  310  faces the ceiling plate  151  and a bottom surface  312  of the diffuser plate  310  faces the internal cavity  102 . The light source  300  is positioned on the top surface  311  of the diffuser plate  310  but maintained so that a top surface  301  of the light source  300  is spaced apart from the bottom surface  154  of the ceiling plate  151 . Thus, a plenum space  305  is formed between the top surface  301  of the light source  300  and the bottom surface  154  of the ceiling plate  151 . This allows for proper ventilation of the internal cavity  102 . Specifically, fresh air can be pulled into the internal cavity  102  via a gap between a bottom edge of the door  20  and the outer surface  113  of the floor plate  110 . The air flows upwardly within the internal space  102  and into the plenum space  305 , where the air is pulled out of the internal cavity  102  by the fan device  108 . The fan device  108  is disposed within an opening  195  in the roof plate  152  and is aligned with an opening  196  in the ceiling plate  151  such that the opening  196  in the ceiling plate  151  forms a passageway from the fan device  108  to the plenum space  305 . The fan device  108  has dimensions that prevent it from fitting into and/or through the opening  196  in the ceiling plate  151 . Thus, the fan device  108  rests atop the top surface  155  of the ceiling plate  151  as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     The diffuser plate  310  is coupled to the ceiling assembly  150  with a plurality of fasteners  315 . Specifically, the fasteners  315  extend through openings in the diffuser plate  310 , openings in the ceiling plate  151 , and openings in the roof plate  152  to couple the diffuser plate, the ceiling plate  151 , and the roof plate  152  together. Thus, the diffuser plate  310  and the light source  300  are hung from the ceiling assembly  150  and spaced from the ceiling assembly  150  by the plenum space  305 . In the exemplified embodiment, the track member  153  is not fastened to the ceiling plate  151  or the roof plate  152  but is held in place by the weight of the door  200  as described above. In other embodiments, the track member  153  may be coupled to the ceiling plate  151  and/or to the roof plate  152  using fasteners, adhesive, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 12   , the coupling of the door  200  to the ceiling assembly  150  and to the floor plate  110  will be described. As perhaps best shown in  FIG.  9   , the door  200  is not coupled to the sidewall  130 . In fact, in the exemplified embodiment the door  200  is spaced apart from the sidewall  130  along an entire length of the sidewall  130 . Thus, the weight of the door  200  will not apply an outward force onto the sidewall  130  to cause it to become disengaged from the first and second channels  116 ,  165  as described above. Moreover, the engagement of the door  200  with the ceiling assembly  150  may increase the force being applied onto the top end  136  of the sidewall  130  to more securely retain the sidewall  130  in the first and second channels  116 ,  165 . Specifically, the weight of the door  200  will pull the ceiling plate  151  downwardly onto the top end  136  of the sidewall  130 , which will in turn force the sidewall  130  downwardly into the second channel  116 . 
     As noted above, the track member  153  comprises an outer surface  160  that faces the door  200 . Furthermore, there is a channel  161  formed into the outer surface  160 . The channel  161  has a floor  166 . In the exemplified embodiment, a track insert  167  is positioned in the channel  161  and rests atop the floor  166 . The track insert  167  comprises a track portion  168  that is configured to interact with the follow members  202  of the door  200  as further described herein. In the exemplified embodiment, the track portion  168  of the track insert  167  is convex or dome-shaped, although it could take on other shapes in other embodiments. It should be appreciated that the track insert  167  could be omitted in some embodiments and the track portion  168  could be formed by the floor  166  of the channel  161 . 
     The follower member  202  is coupled to the door  200  and protrudes from an inner surface of the door  200  that faces the sidewall  130  into the channel  161  of the track member  153 . The follower member  202  comprises an engagement portion  204  that interacts with the track portion  168  of the track insert  167 . Specifically, the engagement portion  204  of the follower member  202  is concave so that it can rest atop of the convex track portion  168  (in other embodiments the engagement portion  204  could be convex and the track portion  168  could be concave, or these two features could have other complementary shapes to enable them to interact/engage with one another). The follower member  202  may be rotatably coupled to the door  200  so that as the door  200  moves between the open and closes states the follower member  202  rotates as it rides along the track portion  168  of the track insert  167 . In other embodiments, the follower member  202  may not rotate but may instead simply slide along the track portion  168  of the track insert  167  as the door  200  is moved between the open and closes states. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  12   , the engagement of the bracket member  203  of the door  200  with the floor plate  110  will be described. As noted above, the bracket member  203  is coupled to the door  202  at a lower end of the door  200 . The bracket member  203  comprises a first vertical portion  205  that extends along the door  200  and protrudes from a bottom edge  206  of the door  200 , a horizontal portion  207  that extends outwardly from the first vertical portion  205  towards the sidewall  203 , and a second vertical portion  208  that extends upwardly from the horizontal portion  207  towards the floor plate  110 . More specifically, the second vertical portion  208  of the bracket member  203  protrudes into the third channel  119  formed into the bottom surface  112  of the floor plate  110 . As the door  200  moves between the open and closed states, the second vertical portion  208  of the bracket member  203  slides within the third channel  119  in the bottom surface  112  of the floor plate  110 . The engagement between the bracket member  203  and the floor plate  110  prevents a bottom portion of the door  200  from being pulled away from the sidewall  200 . Thus, the engagement between the follower member  202  and the track  162  and the engagement between the bracket member  203  and the third channel  119  maintains the door  200  in an upright orientation and allows it to move between the open and closed states. 
     The door  200  has a length measured from the bottom edge  206  to a top edge  209  that is greater than a length of the sidewall  130  measured from the bottom end  135  to the top end  136 . Thus, the top edge  209  of the door  200  is located above the top end  136  of the sidewall  130  and the bottom edge  206  of the door  200  is located below the bottom end  135  of the sidewall  130 . This is shown in  FIGS.  9 ,  11 , and  12   . As mentioned above, in the exemplified embodiment the door  200  is entirely spaced apart from the sidewall  130  so that it moves smoothly between the open and closed states. In fact, in the exemplified embodiment the engagement between the follower member  202  and the track  161  is the only contact between the door  200  and the remainder of the enclosure  100 . The bracket member  203  is located in the third channel  119  in the floor plate  110 , but in its natural state the bracket member  203  is not in contact with the floor plate  110 . Of course, the bracket member  203  may be in contact with one of the walls that bounds the third channel  119  in some embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  10 - 12   , the follower member  202  is coupled to the door  200  with a first mounting plate  220 . Specifically, the first mounting plate  220  is positioned on an outer surface of the door  200  and then coupled to the follower member  202  with a fastener  221 . Similarly, the bracket member  203  is coupled to the door  200  with a second mounting plate  220 . Specifically, the second mounting plate  220  is positioned on the outer surface of the door  200  and then coupled to the bracket member  203  with a fastener  231 . The fasteners  221 ,  231  extend through the thickness of the door  200  and into the follower member  202  and bracket member  203  respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , an alternative laminate structure for the sidewall  130  is shown. In  FIG.  13   , the sidewall  130  comprises the inner layer  132 , the outer layer  133 , and the central layer  134 . The description of the inner, outer, and central layers  132 - 134  provided above is applicable to these same layers in  FIG.  13   . However, in this embodiment the sidewall  130  also comprises an exterior layer  250 . The exterior layer  250  comprises an inner surface  251  that is in surface contact with the outer surface  144  of the outer layer  133  and an outer surface  252  that forms an exposed exterior or outer surface of the sidewall  130 . Because the exterior layer  250  forms the exposed outer surface of the sidewall  130 , the exterior layer  250  may be selected as a material having a desired aesthetic because it will be the part of the sidewall  130  that is most visible when the enclosure  100  is located within an office space or elsewhere. Thus, the exterior layer  250  may be a metal having a desired texture, it may be plastic having a desired texture, or it may be any other material. In the exemplified embodiment, the exterior layer  250  is wood, which may include any natural wood or engineered wood such as plywood, MDF, three layer boards, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG.  13 A , another laminate structure arrangement for the sidewall  130  will be described. In  FIG.  13 A , the internal cavity  102  is labeled so it is easy to determine which layer forms the inner surface of the sidewall  130  and which layer forms the outer surface of the sidewall  130 . In this embodiment, the sidewall  130  comprises, moving from the outermost surface to the innermost surface (with the innermost surface facing the internal cavity  102 ) a sixth layer  501 , a fifth layer  502 , a fourth layer  503 , a third layer  504 , a second layer  505 , and a first layer  506 . Each layer  501 - 506  may be in intimate surface contact with the one or two layers to which it is adjacent. It should be appreciated that the numerical prefixes for each of the layers may not be used consistently in the claims as compared to the specification and drawings because the numerical prefix used in the claims depends on claim structure and the point within the claim that each layer is introduced. 
     In this embodiment, the sixth layer  501  may be formed from a flexible wood product, such as Dukta wood, an example of which is shown in  FIG.  14    and described below. The sixth layer  501  may be formed from a flexible organic material in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the flexible organic material may comprise a cellulosic material. In other embodiments the flexible organic material may comprise wood. The sixth layer  501  may be a flexible organic material having an incision pattern thereon, as described in greater detail below. 
     The sixth layer  501  may have a thickness of between 8 mm and 10 mm, and more specifically approximately 9 mm. The fifth layer  502  may be formed from felt, such as 100% wool felt. The fifth layer  502  may have a thickness of between 2 mm and 4 mm, and more specifically approximately 3 mm. The fourth layer  503  may be plywood. For example, the fourth layer  503  may be a layer of bending plywood having a thickness of approximately between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more specifically approximately 9.5 mm. The third layer  504  may be identical to the fourth layer  503 . Thus, the third layer  504  may be another layer of bending plywood having a thickness between 8 mm and 12 mm, and more specifically approximately 9.5 mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth layers  503 ,  504  may be combined and formed from a single layer of bending plywood having a thickness between 16 mm and 24 mm, and more specifically approximately 19 mm. The second layer  505  may be an acoustic board. The second layer  505  may have a thickness between 4 mm and 8 mm, and more specifically approximately 6 mm. Finally, the first layer  506  may be formed from felt, such as 100% wool felt. The first layer  506  may have a thickness of between 2 mm and 4 mm, and more specifically approximately 3 mm. 
     The sixth layer  501  may be coupled to the fourth layer  503  through the fifth layer  502  using staples (¼″ crown staples, for example), the fifth layer  502  may be coupled to the fourth layer  503  using liquid nails, the fourth layer  503  may be coupled to the third layer  504  using wood glue, the third layer  504  may be coupled to the second layer  505  using liquid nails, and the second layer  505  may be coupled to the first layer  506  using adhesive (e.g., Simalfa 309 adhesive). As can be seen in  FIG.  13 A , there are no air gaps in the laminate structure of the sidewall  130 . Rather, each layer is in intimate surface contact with the one or two layers that is/are adjacent to that layer. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13  and  14    concurrently, in the exemplified embodiment the exterior layer  250  is a flexible wood material. Specifically, the exterior layer  250  is formed from wood having an incision pattern therein that enables the wood to be flexible. An example of a type of material that can be used are the flexible wood products sold by Dukta®. The wood may be incised on one or both sides depending on the degree of flexibility needed. In the exemplified embodiment, the incision pattern includes through-holes that extend through the exterior layer  250  from the inner surface  251  to the outer surface  252 . One incision pattern is shown in  FIG.  14   , but it should be appreciated that many different incision patterns could be used to render the exterior layer  250  flexible so that it can curve in the shape of the sidewall  130  as shown and described herein. 
     As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.