Patent Description:
Office pods, such as soundproof meeting, working or phone booths, are increasingly used in modern furnishing of workplaces as well as public spaces. Such pods are often used for working, meetings, telephone calls and video conferencing.

A conventional office pod comprises opposite wall modules connected to each other by a floor module at the bottom and a ceiling module at the top. These modules form a rigid chassis to which window and/or door frames are attached at sides. The wall modules comprise alternating sound stopping and sound absorbing layers, and an exterior cover (skin layer) at an outermost layer.

In recent times, these kinds of office pods are increasingly more expensive to manufacture.

<CIT> discloses an office pod enclosing a soundproof workspace inside of the pod, comprising: a front load-bearing frame, a rear load-bearing frame, a skin layer and a ceiling.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a novel and inventive office pod of new design.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an office pod enclosing a soundproof workspace inside of the pod, with the features of appended claim <NUM>.

A soundproof workspace in this context means that the office pod that encloses a soundproof workspace is purposely configured to prevent sound from propagating to the outside of the office pod, especially at the human speech frequency region. In preferable embodiments, the soundproofing is at a level at which spoken words inside the office pod can no longer be recognized on the outside of the pod, i.e. said soundproofing renders the speech inside the pod unintelligible on the outside of the pod.

Cross-dimensional in this context means dimensions that are not in the plane nor in parallel with the plane of the load-bearing frame(s) in question. Further, providing cross-dimensional rigidity (or support) is this context means providing (adequate) lateral bracing for the front and rear load-bearing frames. Accordingly, the skin layer providing cross-dimensional rigidity maintains the rectangular shape of the volume between the frames (i.e. provides the effect that the shape of the volume between the frames does not change).

In this context, a "load bearing" frame refers to a frame structure which provides point(s) of attachment and structural support for the other parts of the pod. That is, a "load bearing" frame is a part which takes structural force load from other above-floor parts of the pod and transfers it to the ground on which the pod stands.

In certain embodiments, the skin layer is in between the load-bearing frames substantially (generally) in the form of a planar, uniform (non-perforated) surface. The planarity and uniformity of the skin layer contribute to a desired acoustic behaviour. Here, the desired acoustic behaviour means a drumhead-like vibrating behaviour of the skin layer (as a metaphor). That is, in certain embodiments, the planarity of the skin layer, particularly outside its peripheral regions, enables advantageously minimizing its natural frequency, whereby any non-planar forms, especially angular ones such as corrugations, would detrimentally increase the natural frequency of the skin layer.

It is to be understood that any holes for means of fixing such as screws, bolts and the like are not to be construed as deviations from uniformity of (i.e. are not to be understood as perforations in) the skin layer, as such holes do not remain open for sound to freely pass through in the assembled pod comprising the skin layer.

In certain embodiments, the skin layer is (generally) in the form of a plane (i.e., without e.g. corrugations). This means in certain embodiments that elsewhere than in peripheral regions the skin layer is planar (in peripheral regions the skin layer may have non-planar shapes for stiffening and/or for attachment). In certain embodiments, of the total area of the skin layer, at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>% is in the form of a plane (i.e. without corrugations or other angular forms), with the non-planar forms, if any, residing at the peripheral regions of the skin layer.

In certain embodiments, the skin layer in between the load-bearing frames is formed of two or more generally planar sub-pieces, especially <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> sub-pieces, positioned adjacent to each other.

Each of the sub-pieces are generally in the form of a planar, uniform surface. The planarity and uniformity of the sub-pieces of the skin layer contribute to said desired acoustic behaviour. The above-mentioned planarity requirements apply also in such case(s).

In certain embodiments the office pod is provided with stiffening arrangement(s) at joining point(s) or region(s) at which adjacent sub-pieces are joined together. Accordingly, similarly as in a one-piece implementation in which the otherwise planar skin layer may be bent or curved at regions of the front and rear load-bearing frames (at which they are attached to said frame(s)), the sub-pieces are also generally planar except that they may be bent or curved at regions at which they are joined together with the frame(s) and/or adjacent sub-piece(s).

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the office pod comprises a stiffening arrangement at a joining region at which one sub-piece is joined together with an adjacent sub-piece.

In certain embodiments, the stiffening arrangement is arranged by bending the sub-pieces against each other (and attaching an end portion of one sub-piece to an end portion of an adjacent sub-piece).

The office pod comprises the skin layer of sound stopping material forming an exterior surface (exterior cover) of the pod. In certain embodiments, the skin layer is of sheet metal. In certain embodiments, the skin layer is of sheet metal made of steel.

Sound stopping material, sometimes also known as soundproofing material, refers to material which predominantly blocks sound waves from travelling through that material, typically by reflection. Such materials are typically hard and dense. Examples of such materials are steel and concrete.

The pod comprises a sidewall structure comprising said skin layer followed by a sound absorbing material layer. The sidewall structure is a layered structure. In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises or consists of superimposed layers. In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing material layer is superimposed on the skin layer.

In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure is implemented without a further sound stopping layer. That is, in such cases, the skin layer is the only sound stopping layer in the sidewall (structure).

In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises a sound absorbing element comprising a plurality of sound absorbing material layers. In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises a sound absorbing element comprising an air layer. In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises the sound absorbing element or a sound absorbing material layer spaced at a distance from the skin layer leaving an air layer therebetween. In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing element is formed of or comprises a sound absorbing material layer and an air layer.

In certain embodiments, the air layer is positioned (sandwiched) in between the sound absorbing material layer and the skin layer. In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing element comprises an inner liner layer facing the pod interior. In certain embodiments, the inner liner has a higher flow resistivity than the sound absorbing material layer. In certain embodiments, the inner liner layer forms a second sound absorbing material layer (whereas the first-mentioned sound absorbing material layer forms a first sound absorbing material layer). In certain embodiments, the order of different layers in the sidewall structure are as follows: skin layer (outermost layer), air layer, first sound absorbing material layer, and inner liner layer (innermost layer). In certain other embodiments, the order of different layers in the sidewall structure are as follows: skin layer (outermost layer), first sound absorbing material layer, air layer, and inner liner layer (innermost layer). In certain yet other embodiments, the air layer resides in the middle of the first sound absorbing material layer. In certain yet other embodiments, there are a plurality of air layers within the sidewall structure.

In certain embodiments, the layers of the of the sidewall structure are nonoverlapping in a direction perpendicular to the layers (i.e. in the direction that is perpendicular to largest-area surfaces of all layers).

Sound absorbing material refers to material which predominantly allows sound waves to propagate through the material, but while doing so absorbs sound waves so that they do not create echo. Such materials are typically light and airy. Examples of such materials are open-cell foams and textile fabrics.

It is to be understood, as a person skilled in the art readily does, that all materials possess to a degree both sound stopping and sound absorbing properties, but that for example in the case of concrete or steel, the sound stopping property vastly predominates the sound absorbing property, whereby such materials are understood to be sound stopping materials. And correspondingly, in the case of, say, glass wool, open cell foam, fibrous felt and textile fabric, the sound absorbing property vastly predominates the sound stopping property, whereby such materials are understood to be sound absorbing materials.

In certain embodiments, a total mass of the sidewall structure is at most half, or preferably at most one third, of a total mass of any of a front wall comprising the front load-bearing frame and a rear wall comprising the rear load-bearing frame.

In certain embodiments, the total thickness of the sidewall structure is less than <NUM>, more preferably less than <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure is a non-modular structure. "Non-modular" in this context means that the skin layer and the sound absorbing element form separate layers not forming an integrated whole.

In certain embodiments, the office pod comprises the skin layer being less stiff than any of the load-bearing frames.

In certain embodiments, the skin layer is directly attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames.

In certain embodiments, the skin layer is indirectly attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames.

In certain embodiments, the office pod comprises a connector (which may be a rigid connector) connecting the front load-bearing frame and the rear load-bearing frame, and the skin layer being attached to the connector. In certain embodiments, the connector is in the form of a bar or beam. In certain embodiments, the connector is hollow. In certain embodiments, the hollow connector is to house wirings and/or electrical components. In certain embodiments, the hollow connector provides a fire enclosure for mains voltage electric components of the pod thereby eliminating a need for a separate fire enclosure for mains voltage electric components. When serving as such a fire enclosure, the hollow connector is made of incombustible material such as of metal, preferably steel, or flame-retardant plastic, preferably 5VA plastic.

In certain embodiments, the connector is a non-vertical connector. In certain embodiments, the connector is a horizontal or substantially horizontal connector.

The office pod comprises said skin layer at both a left-hand side and a right-hand side of the pod, wherein a chassis with cross-dimensional support is formed of said skin layers and said load-bearing frames.

In certain embodiments, the functional layers concerned with soundproofing in a sidewall of the office pod consist of said skin layer, and said sound absorbing element, said sound absorbing element consisting of said sound absorbing material layer with or without one or more air layers, and an optional inner liner (or interior panel) comprising sound absorbing material (superimposed on said sound absorbing material layer).

The rigidity of the pod is enhanced by a ceiling structure attached to the front load-bearing frame and to the rear load-bearing frame. In certain embodiments, the ceiling structure is preferably configured to implement a ventilation function.

In certain embodiments, the rigidity of the pod is further enhanced by a floor structure attached to the front load-bearing frame and to the rear load-bearing frame. In certain embodiments, said rigid connector is integrated into the floor structure.

The front load-bearing frame and/or the rear load-bearing frame comprises a door. In certain embodiments, the front load-bearing frame and/or the rear load-bearing frame surrounds or at least partly surrounds a door or a door frame.

The front load-bearing frame constitutes an outermost encircling element of the front wall. The rear load-bearing frame constitutes an outermost encircling element of the rear wall.

According to a second example aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling the office pod with the features of appended claim <NUM>.

Some embodiments and features may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments and features apply to other example aspects as well. Any appropriate combinations of the embodiments may be formed within the scope of the appended claims. Any apparatus and/or methods in the description and/or figures not covered by the claims are examples useful for understanding the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Reference is made to the <FIG> with the following numerals and denotations:.

Embodiments of an office pod in accordance with the present disclosure comprise a front load-bearing frame, a rear load-bearing frame, and a skin layer attached in between the front and rear load-bearing frames, wherein the skin layer provides the front and rear load-bearing frames with cross-dimensional rigidity. Accordingly, e.g., in certain embodiments, the office pod comprises said skin layer at both a left-hand side and a right-hand side of the pod, wherein a chassis of the pod with cross-dimensional rigidity (or support) is formed of said skin layers and said load-bearing frames. In certain embodiments, cross-dimensional rigidity of said frames means a structural property of resisting the frames becoming and/or being tilted from an upright position. In other words, cross-dimensional rigidity of said frames means resistance against forces trying to alter the mutual position of said frames once erected, especially in a tilting manner.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of selected parts of an office pod <NUM> in accordance with certain embodiments, and <FIG> shows an assembly of a chassis of the office pod <NUM> with the parts shown in <FIG>. The office pod <NUM> comprises a front load-bearing frame <NUM>, a rear load-bearing frame <NUM>, a left-hand side skin layer <NUM>, and a right-hand side skin layer <NUM>. The left-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM> at the left-hand side of the pod <NUM>, and the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM> at the right-hand side of the pod <NUM>.

Said attaching "in between" the load-bearing frames in this context and further in the following description means that the skin layers reside in between the load-bearing frames but need not reside in between the load-bearing frames in their absolute entirety. For example, edge portions of the skin layer in certain embodiments are overlapping with respect to the respective load-bearing frames e.g. for an attachment purpose. Thus, a skin layer attached in between the front and rear load-bearing frames is to be understood so that the skin layer may, at its peripheral regions, gain attachment from the load-bearing frames in such a manner that the skin layer may, at said peripheral regions, overlap with the frames but is otherwise between the load-bearing frames.

The skin layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> provide the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity (lateral bracing).

The left-hand side skin layer <NUM> comprises an attachment point <NUM>-<NUM> at each corner (or corner region) of the layer <NUM>. Similarly, the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> comprises an attachment point <NUM>-<NUM> at each corner (or corner region) of the layer <NUM>. The skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the attachment points <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (preferably in an immovable manner) so as to provide the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity. Further, in certain embodiments, the skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> generally are in the form of a planar, uniform surface (forming a sound stopping layer).

<FIG> shows an exploded view of selected parts of an office pod <NUM> in accordance with certain embodiments, and <FIG> shows an assembly of a chassis of the office pod <NUM> with the parts shown in <FIG>. The office pod <NUM> comprises a front load-bearing frame <NUM>, a rear load-bearing frame <NUM>, a left-hand side skin layer <NUM>, and a right-hand side skin layer <NUM>. The left-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM> at the left-hand side of the pod <NUM>, and the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM> at the right-hand side of the pod <NUM>. The skin layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> provide the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity (lateral bracing). Further, in certain embodiments, the skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> generally are in the form of a planar, uniform surface (forming a sound stopping layer).

The left-hand side skin layer <NUM> comprises an attachment point <NUM>-<NUM> at each corner (or corner region) of the layer <NUM>. Similarly, the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> comprises an attachment point <NUM>-<NUM> at each corner (or corner region) of the layer <NUM>. In contrast to the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> are not directly attached to the frames <NUM>, <NUM>, but there are separate connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> connecting the frames <NUM>, <NUM>, and the skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the frames <NUM>, <NUM> (preferably in an immovable manner) via respective connectors.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached at its top corners (or corner regions) at attachment points <NUM> and <NUM> to a first (upper) connector <NUM> attached in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the upper left-hand side of the pod <NUM>. Similarly, the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached at its lower corners (or corner regions) at attachment points <NUM> and <NUM> to a second (lower) connector <NUM> attached in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the lower left-hand side of the pod <NUM>.

The right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached at its top corners (or corner regions) at attachment points <NUM> and <NUM> to a third (upper) connector <NUM> attached in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the upper right-hand side of the pod <NUM>. And, similarly, the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached at its lower corners (or corner regions) at attachment points <NUM> and <NUM> to a fourth (lower) connector <NUM> attached in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the lower right-hand side of the pod <NUM>.

The connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> themselves in certain embodiments are as such substantially non-participating as to functionally providing the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity, but the skin layers <NUM> and <NUM> provide the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity (as a combined effect together with the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in certain embodiments).

Put more generally, the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM><NUM> need not provide the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity due to skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> providing this functionality, though the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> doing so is not detrimental to the rigidity of the pod chassis. Consequentially, the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> in a simple and economical manner.

Further, the embodiments shown in <FIG> present attachment points at corners or corner regions. It should be noted that the present disclosure shall not be limited to solutions having attachment points only at corners (or corner regions) but in embodiments of the present disclosure there are or may be attachment points also in other regions of the respective skin layers (as shown for example in connection with <FIG>, <FIG> in the following description). However, any attachments point in these and further embodiments are preferably located at peripheral regions of the skin layer(s). In certain embodiments, the skin layer(s) are attached at their peripheral regions and the remaining (i.e., centre) region is non-attached. In certain embodiments, the skin layer(s) do not touch any structure behind them so that they are able to freely vibrate.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of selected parts of the office pod <NUM> in accordance with certain embodiments, and <FIG> shows an assembly of a chassis plus a ceiling and a floor of the office pod <NUM> with the parts shown in <FIG>. The embodiments shown in <FIG> otherwise completely correspond to the structure and operation of the pod <NUM> shown and described in the preceding in connection with <FIG>, but <FIG> further show a ceiling structure <NUM> and a floor structure <NUM> attached to the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and to the rear load-bearing frame <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ceiling structure <NUM> and the floor structure <NUM> as such are substantially non-participating as to functionally providing the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity. However, in certain embodiments, the rigidity of the pod <NUM> is further enhanced by attaching the ceiling structure <NUM> and the floor structure <NUM>.

Put more generally, the ceiling structure <NUM> and the floor structure <NUM> need not provide the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity due to skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> providing this functionality, though the ceiling structure <NUM> and the floor structure <NUM> doing so is not detrimental to the rigidity of the pod chassis. Consequentially, the ceiling structure <NUM> and the floor structure <NUM> may be attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> in a simple and economical manner.

In certain embodiments, the ceiling structure <NUM> is configured to implement a ventilation function. For this purpose, in certain embodiments, the ceiling structure comprises an integrated ventilation system <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of selected parts of the office pod <NUM> in accordance with certain embodiments, and <FIG> shows an assembly of a chassis plus a ceiling and a floor of the office pod <NUM> with the parts shown in <FIG>. The embodiments shown in <FIG> otherwise completely correspond to the structure and operation of the pod <NUM> shown and described in the preceding in connection with <FIG>, <FIG>, but <FIG> further show the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> formed of two sub-pieces 230a and 230b. Similarly, the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is formed of two sub-pieces 240a and 240b. In certain embodiments, joining points or regions of the sub-pieces contain appropriate stiffening arrangements (so as to provide stiffness to withstand a skin layer-bulging force caused for example a person in the pod leaning against the wall). In certain embodiments, the joining regions reside at edge regions of the sub pieces, while other areas (central areas) of the sub-pieces generally are in the form of a planar, uniform surface (forming a sound stopping layer). The joining points or regions in certain embodiments contain or provide attachment loci for fixings with which the sub-pieces 240a, 240b are attached together.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of selected parts of an office pod <NUM> in accordance with certain embodiments, and <FIG> shows an assembly of a chassis plus a ceiling and a floor of the office pod <NUM> with the parts shown in <FIG>. The embodiments shown in <FIG> otherwise completely correspond to the structure and operation of the pod <NUM> shown and described in the preceding in connection with <FIG>, but <FIG> further show the upper connectors (marked by <NUM> and <NUM>) integrated with the ceiling structure (marked by <NUM>), and the lower connectors (marked by <NUM> and <NUM>) integrated with the floor structure (marked with <NUM>).

<FIG> shows the office pod <NUM> cut by a virtual horizontal plane A to obtain cross-sectional views of the office pod <NUM> at a location at which the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> connects with the front load-bearing frame <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example in which a curved end portion of the skin layer <NUM> fits into a respective vertical groove in the frame <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example which otherwise corresponds to the example shown in <FIG> except that the frame <NUM> further comprises a magnet or magnets <NUM> at a side of the frame <NUM> to provide an attractive magnetic force between the frame <NUM> and the skin layer <NUM>. Such magnet(s) <NUM> provide ease of assembly as the skin layer <NUM> can be magnetically snapped in place, whereafter any other fixing(s) can be performed with the skin layer <NUM> already remaining in place. Such magnet(s) <NUM> provide attaching force between the frame(s) <NUM> and the skin layer <NUM> so as to prevent rattling of the skin layer <NUM> against the frame(s) <NUM> without a need to use in those areas fixings which are more time-consuming in pod assembly and/or require penetration through the acoustically consequential skin layer <NUM>. The same applies to the use of magnet(s) as described below.

<FIG> shows the office pod <NUM> cut by a virtual horizontal plane A to obtain a cross-sectional view of a right-hand side wall structure of the office pod <NUM>. In this example, as shown in the cross-section of <FIG>, the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is formed of two sub-pieces 240a and 240b, and the joining region where the sub-pieces 240a, 240b join includes a stiffening arrangement 240c. The sub-pieces 240a, 240b comprise respective curved end portions to fit into respective vertical grooves in the respective frames <NUM>, <NUM>. The frames <NUM>, <NUM> may contain magnets <NUM>, <NUM> at respective sides of the frames <NUM>, <NUM> to provide an attractive magnetic force between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective sub-pieces 240a, 240b. The sub-pieces 240a, 240b may conformally continue along the surfaces of the respective frames beyond the location of the grooves as shown by dotted lines in <FIG>.

The skin layer <NUM> formed of the sub-pieces 240a, 240b is followed by a sound absorbing layer <NUM> when moving towards an interior of the office pod <NUM>. The sound absorbing layer may be attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> by respective attachment elements <NUM>, <NUM>.

The central regions of the sub-pieces 240a and 240b (and respective regions of the sound absorbing layer <NUM>) have not been drawn in <FIG>, but they have been marked by dashed lines.

<FIG> shows the office pod <NUM> cut by a virtual horizontal plane A similarly as in <FIG>. <FIG> shows another example of the cross-section of the right-hand side wall structure in the event the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is formed of the two sub-pieces 240a and 240b. The embodiments shown in <FIG> otherwise completely correspond to the structure and operation of the pod <NUM> shown and described in the preceding in connection with <FIG>, but the connection point or region at which the sub-pieces 240a, 240b connect with the respective frames <NUM>, <NUM> is at a different location. Accordingly, the groove in the frames <NUM>, <NUM> into which the end portions (or protrusive portions) of the sub-pieces 240a, 240b is fitted is positioned at a face of the respective frame <NUM>, <NUM> that is substantially parallel to the face of the respective sub-piece 240a, 240b. The sub-pieces 240a, 240b may conformally continue along the surfaces of the respective frames beyond the location of the grooves (also over a corner of a respective frame) as shown by dotted lines in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the right-hand side wall structure (with the following being equally applicable to a left-hand side wall structure) of the office pod <NUM> in accordance with the certain embodiments. The wall structure substantially consists of the skin layer <NUM> followed by (superimposed on) the sound absorbing layer <NUM>. The skin layer <NUM> is substantially in the form of a plane in its region that resides between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM>. At the region of the frames <NUM>, <NUM>, the skin layer <NUM> in certain embodiments comprises in these peripheral regions a bend or a curved portion for attachment and/or for providing edge region(s) of the skin layer <NUM> with structural rigidity. In other embodiments, the skin layer <NUM> remains planar also at the region of the frames.

<FIG> shows a partial cross-sectional view of the right-hand side wall structure (with the following being equally applicable to a left-hand side wall structure) of the office pod <NUM> in accordance with the certain further embodiments. In addition to the skin layer <NUM> and the (first) sound absorbing layer <NUM>, the wall structure further comprises a second sound absorbing layer <NUM> (such as an inner liner layer) on top of (superimposed on) the first sound absorbing layer <NUM>, wherein the second sound absorbing layer <NUM> forms an interior surface of the office pod <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the first and second sound absorbing layers <NUM> and <NUM> together form a sound absorbing element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a partial cross-sectional view of the right-hand side wall structure (with the following being equally applicable to a left-hand side wall structure) of the office pod <NUM> in accordance with the certain further embodiments. In those embodiments, the sound absorbing element <NUM> comprises a sound absorbing material layer 245a and an air (gap) layer 245b in addition to the inner liner layer <NUM>. In other embodiments, the order of the sound absorbing material layer 245a and the air layer 245b is opposite to the one presented in <FIG>. Accordingly, the sound absorbing material layer 245a in certain embodiments is closer to the skin layer <NUM>.

Generally, the wall structure comprises the skin layer <NUM> followed by the sound absorbing element <NUM>. The sound absorbing element <NUM> comprises at least one sound absorbing layer <NUM> (or sound absorbing material layer 245a). In addition, the sound absorbing element <NUM> optionally comprises the inner liner layer <NUM> as the innermost layer. Instead or in addition, the sound absorbing element <NUM> optionally comprises one or more air (gap) layers 245b which may reside anywhere in between the skin layer <NUM> and the innermost material layer facing the pod user. In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing (material) layer is of fluffy material (such as Ewona fiber mat) compared to a more robust or dense material of the optional inner line layer <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing element <NUM> is of dustproof material(s).

<FIG> shows an exploded view of selected parts of an office pod <NUM> in accordance with certain embodiments, and <FIG> shows an assembly of an office pod <NUM> comprising parts shown in <FIG>. Similarly, as shown in the preceding, the office pod <NUM> comprises a front load-bearing frame <NUM>, a rear load-bearing frame <NUM>, a left-hand side skin layer <NUM>, and a right-hand side skin layer <NUM>. However, compared to the office pods <NUM>-<NUM> described in the preceding, the office pod <NUM> is a larger scale pod providing space for a plurality of persons.

In the office pod <NUM>, the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM> at the left-hand side of the pod <NUM>, and the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM> at the right-hand side of the pod <NUM>.

The left-hand side skin layer <NUM> comprises an attachment point at each corner (or corner region) of the layer <NUM>. Similarly, the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> comprises an attachment point at each corner (or corner region) of the layer <NUM>. The skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> are not directly attached to the frames <NUM>, <NUM>, but there are connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> connecting the frames <NUM>, <NUM>, and the skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the frames <NUM>, <NUM> via respective connectors.

In certain embodiments, the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are non-vertical connectors. In certain embodiments, the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are horizontal or substantially horizontal connectors. The above likewise applies to the connectors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> described in the foregoing.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached at its top corners (or corner regions) at attachment points to a first (upper) connector <NUM> attached in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the upper left-hand side of the pod <NUM>. Similarly, the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached at its lower corners (or corner regions) at attachment points to a second (lower) connector <NUM> attached in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the lower left-hand side of the pod <NUM>.

The right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached at its top corners (or corner regions) at attachment points to a third (upper) connector <NUM> attached in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the upper right-hand side of the pod <NUM>. And, similarly, the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached at its lower corners (or corner regions) at attachment points to a fourth (lower) connector <NUM> attached in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> at the lower right-hand side of the pod <NUM>.

The office pod <NUM> further comprises a ceiling structure <NUM> and a floor structure <NUM> attached to the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and to the rear load-bearing frame <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the ceiling structure <NUM> is configured to implement a ventilation function. For this purpose, in certain embodiments, the ceiling structure <NUM> comprises an integrated ventilation system <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the office pod <NUM> comprises a first corner piece <NUM> positioned in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM> at top-left corner of the pod <NUM>. Similarly, a second corner piece <NUM> is positioned in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM> at top-right corner of the pod <NUM>.

<FIG> further show the lower connectors i.e. the second and fourth connector <NUM>, <NUM> integrated with the floor structure <NUM>.

Yet further, <FIG> show the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> formed of two sub-pieces 1230a and 1230b. Similarly, the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> is formed of two sub-pieces 1240a and 1240b.

The skin layer(s) <NUM>, <NUM> formed of a plurality of sub-pieces (here: two sub-pieces) provide the front and rear load-bearing frames <NUM>, <NUM> with cross-dimensional rigidity (lateral bracing). Further, in certain embodiments, the separate and connected sub-pieces 1230a and 1230b (1240a and 1240b, respectively) of the skin layers <NUM>, <NUM> in between the frames <NUM>, <NUM> generally are in the form of a planar, uniform surface (forming a sound stopping layer) to provide desired acoustic behaviour. By the desired acoustic behaviour is meant a drumhead-like vibrating behaviour of the sidewall (as a metaphor).

<FIG> shows a magnification of a certain detail of the office pod <NUM>. Accordingly, <FIG> shows an optional row of attachments points in between a right-most attachment point <NUM> at top-right corner (or corner region) of the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> and a left-most attachment point <NUM> at top-left corner (or corner region) of the left-hand side skin layer <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> is attached to the first connector <NUM> via these attachment points. The same equally applies to the right-hand side wall.

<FIG> shows a magnification of another detail of the office pod <NUM>. Accordingly, <FIG> shows the right-hand side skin layer <NUM> formed of sub-pieces 1240a, 1240b and a stiffening arrangement 1240c at a joining point or region of the sub-pieces 1240a, 1240b. The stiffening arrangement (or shape) 1240c in the middle provides the sidewall with anti-bulging support in the event a person is leaning against the sidewall (without deteriorating the desired acoustic behaviour). The same equally applies to the left-hand side wall.

<FIG> shows a magnification of yet another detail of the office pod <NUM>. Accordingly, <FIG> shows the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> to be attached to the first connector <NUM> at the right-most attachment point <NUM> at top-right corner (or corner region) of the left-hand side skin layer <NUM>, and the first connector <NUM> to be attached to the front load-bearing frame <NUM> so that the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> sets onto the front load-bearing frame <NUM>. The same equally applies to the right-hand side wall.

<FIG> shows a magnification of yet another detail of the office pod <NUM>. Accordingly, <FIG> shows the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> attached to the first connector <NUM> at the right-most attachment point <NUM> at top-right corner (or corner region) of the left-hand side skin layer <NUM>. <FIG> further shows the first corner piece <NUM> attached to the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> at the same attachment point <NUM>. In certain embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the left-hand side skin layer <NUM> and an end portion of the first corner piece <NUM> are bent so that they overlap each other. Further, in certain embodiments, the bent parts form a pocket for receiving an add-on rail <NUM> (schematically illustrated) for providing a system for attaching additional parts or accessories to the pod, such as a shelve, a desktop table or a whiteboard. The same equally applies to the right-hand side wall.

<FIG> shows a further detail of the office pod <NUM> in accordance with certain embodiments. In these embodiments, the office pod <NUM> comprises an optional cross brace <NUM> in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM>. This additional cross brace <NUM> is positioned within the wall structure behind the skin layer <NUM> (when approaching the interior of the pod <NUM> from the outside). The purpose of the cross brace <NUM> is to provide the sidewall in question with anti-bulging support in the event a person is leaning against the sidewall from the inside of the office pod. The actual structure of the cross brace <NUM> depends on the implementation.

<FIG> shows a similar cross brace <NUM> in the office pod <NUM>. <FIG> further shows the first and second sound absorbing layers <NUM>, <NUM> behind the right-hand side skin layer <NUM>. <FIG> further shows a hollow bar <NUM> attached in between the front load-bearing frame <NUM> and the rear load-bearing frame <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the hollow bar <NUM> does not provide cross-dimensional rigidity (however, in other embodiments it may provide cross-dimensional rigidity) but accommodates mains voltage electric components within the pod structure and to provide attachment for a work surface (not shown). In certain embodiments, the hollow bar provides a fire enclosure for mains voltage electric components of the pod thereby eliminating a need for a separate fire enclosure for mains voltage electric components. When serving as such a fire enclosure, the hollow bar is made of incombustible material such as of metal, preferably steel, or flame-retardant plastic, preferably 5VA plastic.

<FIG> shows a three-dimensional partial illustration of the right-hand side skin layer <NUM>, the first sound absorbing layer <NUM> and the inner liner <NUM> touching the rear load-bearing frame <NUM>.

<FIG> shows positions of attachment points for a single piece skin layer (for example skin layer <NUM>) in accordance with certain embodiments. In order to provide cross-dimensional rigidity, the skin layer <NUM> in certain embodiments comprises at least three attachment points 24X at peripheral regions of the skin layer. <FIG> shows certain alternatives of their positioning.

<FIG> shows positions of attachment points for a skin layer formed of a plurality of sub-pieces (here: two sub-pieces 240a and 240b) in accordance with certain embodiments. In embodiments, in which the sub-pieces are joined with each other (left-most drawing), through stiffening arrangements of similar, the skin layer (combination) <NUM> comprises at least three attachment points 24X at peripheral regions of the skin layer <NUM>. If the sub-pieces 240a, 240b are not joined with each other (so that the sub-pieces 240a and 240b can move in relation to each other) the requirement of at least three attachment points (as shown in the preceding in connection with <FIG>) apply separately for both sub-pieces (right-most drawing).

In certain embodiment, instead of three attachment points, four or more attachment points are implemented.

Various embodiments have been presented. It should be appreciated that in this document, words "comprise", "include", and "contain" are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.

Without limiting the scope and interpretation of the patent claims, certain technical effects of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein are listed in the following. A technical effect is a lighter office pod structure compared to conventional pods formed of heavy modular sidewall structures and yet achieving good soundproofing properties, particularly at human speech frequency range. Another technical effect is easier and more simple pod assembly due to simplified structure containing fewer parts and/or material layers. Another technical effect is more economical pod manufacturing due to savings in raw material. Another technical effect is a enabling a thin wall structure, suitable for office pod use, which provides as good soundproofing properties, particularly at human speech frequency range, as previously known thicker wall structures. Another technical effect is more environmentally friendly yet well soundproofing office pod and/or wall structure due to decreased material consumption as well as decreased energy consumption in logistics due to smaller and less heavy shipments. Another technical effect is to provide a wall structure or an office pod with a wall structure with minimal health hazards during construction, assembly and/or use. Another technical effect is to provide an office pod without corner posts or pillars for ease of assembly and/or enhanced rigidity. Another technical effect is achieving two or more of the above-mentioned effects simultaneously.

It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented in the foregoing, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
An office pod (<NUM>) enclosing a soundproof workspace inside of the pod, comprising:
a front load-bearing frame (<NUM>) comprising a door, the front load-bearing frame (<NUM>) constituting an outermost encircling element of the front wall;
a rear load-bearing frame (<NUM>) constituting an outermost encircling element of the rear wall; and
a skin layer at both left-hand side and a right-hand side of the pod forming an exterior surface of the pod, said skin layer attached in between the front load-bearing frame (<NUM>) and the rear load-bearing frame (<NUM>) so as to provide the front and rear load-bearing frames (<NUM>, <NUM>) with cross-dimensional rigidity and providing lateral bracing for the front and rear load-bearing frames so maintain the rectangular shape of the pod, the skin layer comprising sound stopping material followed by a sound absorbing material layer; and
wherein the pod further comprises a ceiling structure attached to the front load-bearing frame and to the rear load-bearing frame, wherein a chassis with cross-dimensional support is formed of said skin layers and said load-bearing frames.