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

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/298,558, filed Jun. 15, 2001, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of workspace management systems for an open office. In particular, this invention relates to an adjustable overhead lighting fixture for use with a workspace management system. This invention also relates to an illuminated display element formed integrally within a workspace management system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Because the concept of an appropriate working environment is rapidly changing, it is necessary that any system of arranging and defining work areas be capable of many different configurations allowing rapid changeover from one arrangement to another. Although systems furniture remains a viable solution for many office environments, some business organizations have functional and esthetic requirements which cannot be practically or commercially met by such a product. In particular, the increasing use of computer equipment and work teams results in the need for an extremely flexible system. As computer technology spreads throughout the office, there is an increasing need to link a diverse range of users with electronic equipment and databases. This need is solved by a local network of communication and electrical wiring which must be easy to install, adaptive to easy change and capable of delivering cabling to individual users at a convenient location. Many current open plan systems do not meet this requirement. 
     A workspace management system must also include a lighting means that provides for sufficient illumination of a worker&#39;s work space without producing undue glare. In the past, light sources, such as overhead lights attached to a ceiling, were not sufficient to properly light the workspace of a user. In particular, some previous lights produce a glare that is particularly problematic when combined with the use of a computer. Additional table lights closer to the workspace can also cause problems by creating a strong intensity pool of light in the work area that could make viewing a computer difficult. In addition, in view of the number of tools a worker needs today (such as computers and telephones), the use of such additional lights can crowd an already cramped workspace. 
     Workspace management systems of the past have also encountered problems with way finding. More specifically, in large offices, workers are often grouped together in teams or departments having specific responsibilities. However, it is sometimes difficult for a visitor to find a particular area, team, group or individual in a large work area. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a workspace management system that provides workers with effective lighting for their workspaces. Also, there is a need for a workspace management system that includes a display element that readily communicates the type of work or activity or presence of an individual in a particular work area. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an improved workspace management system with improved light and way finding capabilities. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area is provided. The system includes a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface. The poles are interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams at a height substantially above a standing user. At least some of the poles are adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities. The system also includes a height-adjustable light fixture connected to the crossbeams. The light fixture extends outward from the crossbeams and is capable of projecting a light beam directly downward on the work zone of a user. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area is provided. The system includes a framework that is formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface. The poles are interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams. The framework is capable of being configured in groups of from one to six poles with a plurality of the groups having one or more work surfaces attached thereto in order to form a work area for a user. The system also includes an illuminated display member connected to at least one of the poles. 
     As used herein the term “accessories” is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include elements such as signage, garbage bins, shelves, personal storage organizers, telephone trays, personal shelves, marker boards, clocks, frames, fans and other known elements. 
     As used herein the term “utilities” is intended to be interpreted broadly and include elements such as power, data, HVAC and other known utility elements. 
     As used herein, the term “an angle of 120 degrees” or other similar language is intended to include angles substantially equal to 120 degrees, such as 115 degrees or 125 degrees. 
     The present invention, together with attendant objects and advantages, will be best understood with reference to the detailed description below in connection with the attached drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an elevated side view of the system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention including preferred embodiments of the height-adjustable lighting fixture and an illuminated display member. 
     FIG. 2 is bottom perspective view of the height-adjustable lighting fixture of FIG. 1 shown attached to a crossbeam. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the height-adjustable lighting fixture of FIGS. 1-2 with two positions illustrated (one in phantom line). 
     FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the height-adjustable lighting fixture of FIGS. 1-3. 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating the illuminated display member connected to a portion of a workspace management system. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a short pole having the illuminated display member connected thereto. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of the illuminated display member taken along the lines  7 — 7  of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of the illuminated display member taken along the lines  8 — 8  of FIG.  7 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention is described with reference to the drawings in which like elements are referred to by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of this invention are better understood by the following detailed description. However, the embodiments of this invention as described below are by way of example only, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and in certain instances details have been omitted which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly. 
     The present invention is directed to a unique system  10  that divides up space into a plurality of work areas  12 . Floor mats  14  are used to assist in the installation of the system  10  and to define personal space for each user. A three-dimensional framework  16  includes tall poles  18  and short poles  20 . Upper crossbeams  22  and lower crossbeams  24  separate the space for each user. The upper crossbeams  22  can also provide for the distribution of utilities. Once assembled, the system  10  is self-supporting and does not depend on architecture or interior design elements of the space for stability. The system  10  is an open-end system adding a geometry formed primarily on the use of a 120-degree angle. The 120-degree angle provides the most economical and structurally sound geometry for the connection of poles  18 ,  20  and crossbeams  22 ,  24 . The system  10  is capable of creating a plurality of workspaces of identical characteristics or unique characteristics and is also extremely effective in achieving high room densities for users. 
     Adjacent the floor mats  14  is the framework  16  that interconnects adjacent work areas and forms the basis for the system  10 . The framework  16  includes a plurality of vertically extending poles  18 ,  20  extending upward from base members  21 . A plurality of crossbeams such as the upper crossbeam  22  and the lower crossbeam  24  interconnect adjacent poles  18 ,  20 . The upper crossbeam  22  includes trough  26  through which utilities pass. The connection of crossbeams  22 ,  24  to poles  18 ,  20  is at the pre-defined 120-degree angle. This self-defined, angular orientation provides for unique capabilities such as the use of space by a large number of users as well as creating a relatively easy installation process. 
     An aesthetic cover  30  may be attached to an upper portion  32  of the pole  18 . A rotatable canopy  36  (FIG. 5) may also be attached to the upper portion  32  of the pole  18 . The canopy  36  is capable of providing privacy or openness depending on its positioning. In areas having high ceiling spaces, it also helps to bring the work area  12  to a more human sized perspective. Moreover, the canopy  36  can provide an acoustical barrier for the workspace and neutralize screen glares from monitors. 
     With particular reference to the room  36  as illustrated in FIG. 1B, an upper crossbeam  22  may also be attached to a barrier member  40 . The illustrated barrier members  40  include centrally positioned apertures  42  in the preferred embodiment. The lower crossbeams  24  as illustrated in the figures may also include barrier members  46 . The barrier members  40 , 46  can provide various functions such as privacy, sound adsorption or storage features through the use of Velcro and connection members. Optionally, the barrier members  40 , 46  may be translucent, porous to air and include an aperture  48 . 
     The lower crossbeams  24  may also be used for attachment to a storage member  52 . An arm  58  is attached to the lower crossbeam  24  and extends outward therefrom. Other accessory elements may be attached to the crossbeams  22  and  24 . A plurality of work surfaces  60  are shown attached to the poles  18 . The poles  18 , particularly the trough  26 , provide for the distribution of utilities to the power receptacles  84  or data lines. The system  10  also provides for an easy access to utilities from walls, ceilings, floors or other elements. The utilities can be easily routed anywhere within the system to serve the needs of a particular user. Commercial power cabling and connectors useful with the system  10  are available from sources such Pent Inc. of Kendallville, Ind. Referring to the room  36 , a monitor lift  90  is also illustrated. The monitor lift  90  is preferably attached to the pole  18 . Monitor lifts can be used within the system  10  of the present invention which are not attached to a pole  18   20 . For a further description of the system  10 , reference is made to the U.S. patent application filed on Apr. 13, 2001 in the names of Ayse Birsel and Robert Beck et al. and entitled “Work Space Management and Furniture System” which claims priority to PCT Application No. US99/23793 filed on Oct. 13, 1999, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     With particular reference to the room  36 , a preferred embodiment of height-adjustable lighting fixture  100  is shown attached to the overhead crossbeams  22  with the illuminated display  102  shown adjacent thereto. Turning first to the height-adjustable lighting fixture  100 , it includes a number of significant advantages. For example, the cantilevered nature of the height-adjustable lighting fixture  100  allows the device to extend out from the crossbeams  22 . Therefore, the height-adjustable lighting fixture  100  can be used in a low ceiling environment, e.g., beneath nine feet high. The height-adjustability feature also allows the fixture to be selectably spaced downward from a low ceiling to create a wide spread of diffused light which will bounce down softly to the work area of a user without creating glare (such as on a computer monitor). The height-adjustable lighting fixture  100  also provides a combination of direct and indirect light in order to properly illuminate a user&#39;s work area in a substantially glare-free manner. 
     The height-adjustable lighting fixture  100  is best shown in FIGS. 2-4. The height-adjustable lighting fixture  100  includes a housing  102  (preferably an aluminum extrusion) and an upper arm  104  (preferably steel tubing) and a lower arm  106  (preferably steel tubing) that cantilever off the crossbeam  22 . The end portions of the upper arm  104  and the lower arm  106  include clamps  110  which engage the crossbeam  22  (particularly upper tube  114  and lower tube  116 , respectively). The upper arm  104  and the lower arm  106  are pivotably connected to the clamps  110 . The lower arm  106  includes a collar  120  that slidably engages the upper arm  104 . The upper arm  104  includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures  122  extending along an upper portion thereof. The collar  120  includes a corresponding sized aperture such that a fastening device, such a screw, may fixedly engage the lower arm  106  in a selected position relative to the upper arm  104 . Accordingly, the height-adjustable lighting fixture  100  includes a scissor action that allows it to be adjusted in height by selectably positioning the lower arm  106  with respect to the upper arm  104 . FIG. 3 illustrates two possible positions. In a preferred embodiment, the height-adjustable lighting fixture  100  adjusts from 80-100 inches off a base surface. 
     The housing  102  includes a light source such as a T5 HO (high output) fluorescent lamp  140  connected to the ballast  142 . A reflector preferably formed from specular aluminum extends beneath and partially around the fluorescent lamp  140 . The reflector directs light projected downward from the fluorescent lamp  140  broadly upward which helps prevent a glare band on the ceiling. However, the reflector includes holes corresponding with the holes  146  in the bottom of the housing  102 . The holes  146  allow a somewhat small amount of light to directly illuminate the work area of a user. The largest portion of the light created by the lamp  140  is projected broadly toward the ceiling generally without hotspots. As result, this light is reflected softly back down to the work area or workstation of a user. 
     The preferred embodiment of the illuminated display member  102  is best shown in FIGS. 5-8. The illuminated or back-lit display member  102  is useful to readily convey information to a visitor to a particular work area, e.g., way-finding. As best shown in FIGS. 5 &amp; 6, the display member  102  includes a cover  200 . The cover  200  is preferably formed from a high impact extruded ABS plastic that is clear in color. The cover  200  includes a rear-retaining clip  202  that can accommodate a mylar sheet  206  having a printed graphic such as the café graphic  210  illustrated in the present embodiment. It should be recognized that the printed graphic can include a wide variety of information such as the presence of a team, group or individual in a particular location. In addition, the printed graphic can indicate a particular type of activity that takes place in a particular area. The printed graphic can include printed text or and/or image such as the café graphic  210 . The display member  102  includes a top cap  220  and bottom cap  222  which snap onto the cover  200 . 
     The display member  102  includes an illumination member or light source  230 . The light source  230 , best shown in FIGS. 7 &amp; 8, is preferably T8 fluorescent tube  232  structure. The fluorescent tube  232  is connected to a normal power factor ballast  234 . The fluorescent tube  232  is connected to a fixture  240  which in the preferred embodiment is 1″ high by 1″ wide by 48″ long. Yet, it should be recognized that the display member and associated structure may be sized to suit the needs of a particular location. The fixture is mounted to the pole  20  using clips  250 . A power cord (SJT type) exits the bottom of the fixture  240 . A rocker switch may be attached to the cord to turn the power on/off. 
     The embodiments described above and shown herein are illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and attached drawings. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, these and any other changes which come within the scope of the claims are intended to be embraced herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5