Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INF013~1ATION DISPLAY SYST~1
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information display system adapted for use
within a work environment providing one or more workstations.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
S The following U.S. patent applications are cited by reference and
incorporated by reference herein: (a) Serial No. (Attorney Docket No. 26I67-
562), titled "INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM" and filed herewith; (b) Serial No.
(Attorney Docket No. 26167-563), titled "WORK STATION" and filed
herewith; (c) Serial No. (Attorney Docket No. 26167-564), titled "WORK
ENVIRONMENT" and filed herewith; (d) Serial No. (Attorney Docket No.
26167-568), titled "DISPLAY BOARD SYSTEM" and filed herewith; (e) Serial No.
(Attorney Docket No. 26167-569), titled "DISPLAY BOARD SYSTEM" and
filed herewith:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known in a large work environment to define a group work space
that may be divided or otherwise arranged to create one or more work areas for
use by
individual workers or small groups of workers. Work areas are commonly
configured to
form one or more workstations, by arrangement of one or more articles of
furniture, such
as panel walls, worksurfaces, storage units, chairs or seating products, etc.,
typically in a
manner intended to support workers in a wide variety of individual and group
activities.
Typically, such known arrangements are not optimally suited for use in a
dynamic work
environment, where individual and team spaces are ideally capable of rapid
configuration
and reconfiguration by the workers themselves in a highly efficient manner, as
needed for
varied sets of individual or group activities. Recently, these dynamic work
environments
characterized by the need for flexibility, reconfigurable work areas, and the
ability to
support a wide variety of activities of both individual workers and project
teams of varying
sizes, have become prevalent and typically include more mobile forms of such
articles of
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furniture.
All of these work spaces typically are required to accommodate a flow of
information, often presented in the form of documents, that is created, used
or shared by
the workers. Indeed, in known work environments, it is well known to provide
for the
display of information to support the individual or collaborative activities
of one or more
workers. A fundamental purpose of any system for the display of information is
to
facilitate "information persistence" - to provide an organizational framework
for the
presentation of information that freely enables the collection of information,
the presentation
of information, and the retention of information as it becomes meaningful or
useful to an
individual or group. This purpose is best served by a system that allows
current
information to be prominently displayed and readily accessible. However, known
arrangement for the display of information in any work environment, which
typically utilize
both vertical surfaces and horizontal surfaces provided within the work
environment, do not
fully achieve this or other purposes that are desirable. This is particularly
true in a dynamic
work environment.
In some typical work environments it is very common to display information
on "fixed" or "static" vertical surfaces, such as full-height walls, partial-
height panel walls,
or the like. Fixed walls typically provide for the territorial division of the
work space, and
incidentally provide a stable vertical surface for the prominent display of
information (e.g.
space for "tiling" of information). However, because the amount of vertical
wall surfaces
available for use to display information is limited, the volume of information
that can be
displayed is limited. Moreover, fixed walls are not readily reconfigurable to
form work
areas since reconfiguration of the work space is generally a time-consuming
and labor-
intensive process beyond the capability of the workers themselves and
requiring a
substantial amount of advance planning and the use of tools and other
equipment. Because
fixed walls are effectively immobile and are not typically positioned for the
display of
information, their efficiency is further limited. In addition, the commonly
known methods
of presenting information on fixed walls of such known arrangements, for
example, do not
provide an organizational framework well suited to achieve an optimal degree
of
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information persistence. In many instances, according to commonly known
arrangements,
the visual effect or "scenery" provided in the work environment by information
displayed
on vertical walls and surfaces tends to be static and constantly "on display,"
rarely being
refreshed or interchanged for example, when placing charts in relatively
inaccessible
locations. In other instances, manner in which the information displayed on
the vertical
surface renders it fleeting and easily defaced, for example when information
is written on a
white board. That is, fixed walls are not able to adequately achieve optimum
"information
persistence" attributes, or to support the reconfigurability necessary in a
dynamic work
environment.
It is also very common to display and store information on horizontal
surfaces, such as provided by desks, tables, shelving units or the like, in
stacks or piles.
However, given that the amount of horizontal surfaces in a work environment is
limited,
such information is commonly "stacked" or covered with other information, with
other
information given precedence - intentionally or inadvertently -- over the
information
beneath it. As layers of information are created on the horizontal surface, it
is common for
workers to adopt a practice where the information is brought into view from
beneath other
information only as it is needed. While information presented in this fashion
is ordinarily
characterized by its accessibility, such information is often forgotten, lost
or misplaced as
"layers" are rearranged, particularly in situations involving Iarge or varied
amounts of
information in relation to the available work space. Also, when a horizontal
surface is used
in this manner, workers are deprived of space that might be put to better use
as an actual
worksurface instead of as a storage space for information of lower precedence.
The use of
a horizontal surface in this manner is inconsistent with the dynamic work
environment,
where information is ideally used, displayed and stored in a highly efficient
manner, and
where work surfaces may be shared by more than one worker (each of whom may
require
or desire access to entirely different sets of information).
Hanging display panel systems represent an attempt to achieve the advantages
of prominence and accessibility, not achieved either by use of fixed walls or
worksurfaces.
However, hanging display panel systems do not fully achieve optimum
"information
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persistence" attributes particularly in situations involving large or varied
amounts of
information in relation to the available work space. Hanging display panel
systems auempt
to provide a less permanent, but prominent, vertical surface on which to
display
information, in a work area. Hanging display panel systems have been developed
to
display information in various formats utilizing individual panels that are
portable and can
be displayed in layered or other arrangements. At times, these configurations
can include
arrangements that provide a degree of reconfigurable space division and the
mobile display
panels do allow information to be refreshed or interchanged. But the mobility
of display
panels in such systems makes them difficult to "manage" for either an
organized framework
for providing the optimum degree of information persistence or utilizing the
boards for
effective space division. Indeed, while such systems may include a wide
variety of
mounting structures, such as carts, overhead beams or other structures that
allow a wide
variety of configurations, none provide an optimum framework for such
management.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide for an information display
system for use in a work environment that facilitates the efficient use,
display and storage of
information in the work environment. It would also be advantageous to provide
for an
information display system that more effectively facilitates "information
persistence" - the
collection and retention of information meaningful to an individual or group -
so that
information is readily available and can be "revealed" when needed and yet can
be
'concealed" and conveniently stowed away securely when not needed. It would
further be
advantageous to have an information display system that facilitates the
management and use
of information on vertical surfaces, providing an abundance of display
surfaces while
occupying a minimal amount of work space. It would further be advantageous to
have an
information display system that provides an organizational scheme for
separating,
identifying and linking related but distinct fields of displayed information.
It would further
be advantageous to provide for a workstation using the information display
system and
associated structures in order to create work areas that can be readily
configured and
reconfigured for use by individual workers, small groups or workers and large
groups or
workers. It would further be advantageous to provide for a work environment
including the
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information display system so that workstations and work areas can dynamically
be
configured and reconfigured. It would further be advantageous to have an
information
display system for use in a work environment that allows the efficient and
complete
transformation of the visual context of a work space or workstation during
transitions
between projects, tasks and personal respites in the course of a work day or
work week. It
would further be advantageous to have an information display system for use in
a work
environment providing for an arrangement and proportion of display boards that
evoke a
spatial sensation or envelopment and immersiveness for an individual or small
group
viewing the information.
SUNINIARY OF THE )fVVENTION
The present invention relates to an information display system. The
information display system includes a track system adapted to attach to a
substantially
vertical mounting structure and a plurality of display panels coupled to the
track system for
both pivotal and translating movement with respect to the mounting structure.
At least one
display panel of the plurality of display panels is adapted to present
information selectively
for display by movement of the plurality of display panels.
The present invention also relates to a work space providing at least one work
area. The work space includes a mounting structure and a track system attached
to the
mounting structure. A plurality of display boards attached to the track system
for both
pivotal movement within relative to the mounting structure and translating
movement
relative to the track system. The display boards are adapted to display
information and
wherein the display boards are movable between a first arrangement and at
least one second
arrangement to selectively reveal at least a portion of the information and to
selectively
conceal at least another portion of the information.
The present invention further relates to a work space for providing at least
one work area. The work space includes a track system and an information
display system
including a plurality of display panels adapted to present information
attached to the track
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system for both pivotal and translating movement with respect to the track
system between a
first arrangement and at least one second arrangement. At least one work area
the first
arrangement of panels within the configured to display information on the
panels to
individual workers and the second arrangement of panels within the at least
one work area
is configured to share information or the panels with a group of workers.
The present invention further relates to an information display system. The
information display system includes at least one rail and a plurality of
display boards
attached for movement with respect to the at least one rail. The display
boards are
cantilevered away from the at least one rail at a vertical elevation to
provide clearance
below the display boards for a seated worker.
The present invention further relates to an information display system. The
information display system includes a track system adapted for attachment to a
mounting
structure and a plurality of containers coupled to the track system for
movement wide
respect to the mounting structure. Each of the plurality of containers is
adapted to provide
a first display panel and a second display panel. Each of the display panels
is adapted to
present information and the information can selectively be presented for
display by
movement of the plurality of containers.
The present invention further relates to a work space. The work space
includes a mounting structure and a track system adapted for attachment to the
mounting
structure. A plurality of display panels is coupled to the track system for
movement along
the track system. A docking area is positioned along the track system
configured to at least
partially conceal at least one of the display panels.
The present invention further relates to a workstation defining a work area.
The work area includes at least one utility threshold adapted for movement
along a
predefined path about the work area to selectively deliver utilities to at
least one portion of
the work area.
The present invention further relates to a fixed floor space work environment
adapted to support a group of workers sharing information contained on a
plurality of
display panels. The work environment is provided with the plurality of display
panels
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mounted for movement along at least one rail between a first arrangement and
at least one
second arrangement. The first arrangement allows one worker to use
substantially all
available floor space, the second arrangement allows a plurality of workers to
share the
available floor space so as to facilitate the utilization of the floor space
by workers preset
S in the work environment.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a work environment according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 2A is a perspective view of an information display system
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 2B is a perspective view of a work space provided in conventional
work environment.
FIGURE 2C is a perspective view of a work space provided in a work
environment including an information display system according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURES 3A through 3D are perspective views of a workstation according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 4A is a front elevation view of a workstation according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 4B is a side elevation view of the workstation of FIGURE 4A.
FIGURE S is a perspective view of a work environment according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention providing a workstation
configured for use
by an individual worker.
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the work environment of FIGURE 5
wherein the workstation has been configured for use by the individual worker.
FIGURE 7A is a perspective view of the work environment of FIGURE 5
providing workstations configured for use by two workers working
independently.
FIGURE 7B is a perspective view of the work environment of FIGURE 5
providing workstations configured for use by three workers working
independently.
FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the work environment of FIGURE 5
providing a workstation has been configured for use by a group of two workers
working
collaboratively.
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FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the work environment of FIGURE S
wherein the workstation configured for use by a group of five workers working
collaboratively.
FIGURE 10 is a perspecrive view of the work environment of FIGURE 5
wherein the workstation is being reconfigured by the rearrangement of display
boards.
FIGURE 11 A is a fragmentary perspective view of a workstation according
to an exemplary embodiment in a secure condition.
FIGURES 11 B and 11 C are fragmentary perspective views of the workstation
of FIGURE 11A in an open condition.
FIGURE 11 D is a fragmentary perspective view of the workstation of
FIGURE 11A in a substantially private condition.
FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a work environment in a stowed and
inactive condition.
FIGURE I3 is a top plan view of the work environment of FIGURE 12 in a
first active condition.
FIGURE I4 is a top plan view of the work environment of FIGURE 12 in a
second active condition.
FIGURE 1 SA is a top plan view of the work environment of FIGURE 12 in a
third active condition.
FIGURE 15B is a perspective view of the work environment of FIGURE
15A (without workers).
FIGURE 16A is a perspective view of a workstation including a utility
threshold and docking area according to a preferred embodiment.
FIGURE 16B is a perspective view of a workstation including a utility
threshold and docking area according to an alternative embodiment.
FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of an information display system according
to an alternative embodiment.
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FIGURES 18A through 18C are schematic diagrams of containers associated
with an information display system according to an exemplary embodiment
indicating the
stop action arrangements for the display boards associated with the
containers.
FIGURE 19 is perspective view of a container of an information display
system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURES 20A is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the mounting
assembly of the container of the information display system of FIGURE 19.
FIGURE 20B is a rear fragmentary elevation view of the mounting assembly.
FIGURES 20C and 20D are sectional plan views of the mounting assembly.
FIGURE 20E is a perspective view of the mounting assembly.
FIGURES 21 A through 21 C are fragmentary exploded perspective views of
the container of the information display system of FIGURE 19.
FIGURES 22 and 23A and 23B are fragmentary exploded perspective views
of a container associated with an information display system according to a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 24A is a perspective view of the container of the information
display system of FIGURE 22 showing the installation of display boards.
FIGURE 24B is a fragmentary perspective view of the container of
FIGURES 22 and 24A.
FIGURE 25 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of an information
display system according to an alternative embodiment.
FIGURE 26 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of a container of an
information display system according to an alternative embodiment.
FIGURES 27A through 27C are schematic side elevation views of the-
container of FIGURE 26.
FIGURES 27D and 27E are fragmentary perspective views of the container
of FIGURES 27A through 27C showing an arrangement for installing a mail slot.
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FIGURE 28 is a fragmentary sectional view of a display board associated
with the container of the information display system of FIGURES 27A through
27C.
FIGURES 29 through 32 are perspective views of a workstation according to
an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
S FIGURE 33 is a fragmentary plan view of a hinge and rail arrangement for
the workstation of FIGURES 29 through 32.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the FIGURES, an information display system is shown for use in
association with a work environment that may include one or more workstations
according
to preferred and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention. For
purposes of
S any exemplary or alternative embodiments of the present invention, the work
environment
may be of any type generally providing a work space for one or more workers.
The work
space may be divided or otherwise arranged to provide one or more work areas
for use by
the workers, who may be engaged in any of a wide variety of individual
activities or group
activities, for example, as may be performed by members of a project team or
department.
Workstations may be configured within the work environment by including one or
more
articles of furniture within the work areas in support of the workers and
their activities. As
indicated in FIGURES, the information display system may be adapted for use
within the
work environment or included workstations in wide variety of arrangements,
each intended
to support individual or collaborative activities of one or more workers, for
example, by
facilitating the efficient creation, use and storage of information or the
configuration and
reconfiguration of work areas for the activities.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the work environment will
be defined at least partially by architectural walls and/or a system of panel
walls, such as
partial height partitions, any of which may provide a mounting structure for
the information
display system. As will be shown with reference to exemplary embodiments, the
work
environment and associated workstations may be arranged to include any of a
wide variety
of articles of furniture and other associated elements, including additional
panel walls
configured in any of a wide variety of orientations, chairs or other seating
products, storage
or casegoods products; tables and other worksurfaces, lighting products or
systems, as well
as other accessories, electronic or computing equipment and other systems
(with associated
connectivity such as cabling) known and used in the work environment.
According to
alternative embodiments, any one or more articles of furniture may provide a
mounting
structure for the information display system.
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Referring to FIGURE l, a work environment 2a defining a work space is
shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Work
areas
including workstations 4a and 4b are provided within the work space defined by
work
environment 2a. Workstations 4a and 4b, formed along a vertical panel wall 282
standing
on a floor 118, can be configured for use by one or more workers 114 (two
workers are
shown working independently in separate work areas) and to include one or more
articles of
furniture. Workstation 4a includes a shelving unit 14, a mobile table 16 and a
chair 18;
workstation 4b includes a mobile file cart 20, a mobile table 16 and a chair
18. Work
environment 2a also includes an information display system 6 and a utility
threshold 24 that
can be associated with either of workstations 4a and 4b.
Information display system 6 includes a plurality of information-containing
structures shown as containers 8. Each container 8 provides two lateral panels
shown as a
right display panel 44 and a left display panel 44; each display panel 44
provides one
exterior surface 40 and one interior surface 42; each container 8 thus
provides two exterior
surfaces 40 and two interior surfaces 42 for the display or presentation of
information.
Each container 8 is coupled to a track system shown as a set of horizontal
rails 30 mounted
to a mounting structure shown as panel wall 282 through a mounting assembly.
According
to a particularly preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGURE 1, the mounting
assembly
includes a slide mechanism configured to allow for translating movement of the
container
along the track system and a pivot mechanism configured to allow for pivotal
movement of
each display panel about a vertical axis with respect to the mounting
structure. According
to any preferred embodiment, each display panel of the container is coupled to
the pivot
mechanism so that either display panel can be pivoted with respect to the
other display
panel. A docking area 38 shown as associated with shelving unit 14 provides a
defined and
partially covered space or envelope for convenient stowing of one or more
containers 8 (as
well as other articles of furniture, such as mobile table 16) within
workstation 4a.
Utility threshold 24 is coupled to a track system shown as a horizontal rail
31
mounted on the side of panel wall 282. Utility threshold 24 is formed of an
"L"-shaped
frame with a horizontal frame member shown as beam 49 and a vertical frame
member
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shown as post 50. Utility threshold 24 includes a mounting assembly 52a having
a slide
mechanism 54 (including one or more glide blocks) engaging horizontal rail 31,
and a
canopy 55 associated with light fixtures 56 attached to beam 49; utility
threshold 24 also
includes a floor wheel assembly 58 (e.g. a caster or the like) at the base of
post S0. As
shown, utility threshold 24 is configured for sliding movement along panel
wall 282 on
horizontal rail 31 and rolling movement along floor 118 on wheel assembly.
According tn
any particularly preferred embodiment, the utility threshold is configured to
supply utilities
(i.e., voice, power, data, etc.) or connectivity to utilities for use in the
work area, see
FIGURES 16A and 16B.
It should be noted that according to any preferred embodiment, the
information display system and its associated elements can be readily and
easily be arranged
to configure or reconfigure one or more workstations or work areas of varying
sizes within
the work space given in a work environment, for example by selective
arrangement of the
containers and/or display panels of the information display system, the
utility threshold, and
the docking area and other associated articles of furniture, to support one or
more workers
in individual or group activities. According to alternative embodiments, the
docking area
may be provided by any of a wide variety of structures or articles of
furniture, alone or in
combination, that have been arranged to provide a space where containers
and/or display
panels and articles of furniture can be stowed. In the exemplary embodiment of
FIGURE
1, two workstations 4a and 4b have been formed, each configured to support
individual
workers 114 and 119 engaged in independent work using information presented on
display
panels provided by the information display system.
As shown in FIGURE 1 and other FIGURES, information contained on
display panels may selectively be revealed or concealed, for example, by
selective
arrangement of the relative positions of the containers with respect to other
containers or
associated articles of furniture or by selective arrangement of the pivotal
condition of the
display panels associated with the containers. When the display panels are
oriented so that
the interior surface of one display panel of the container is drawn adjacent
to and in parallel
alignment with respect to the other display panel of the container, the
container is said to be
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in a "closed" condition and information contained on either of the interior
surfaces is said to
be "concealed." When one display panel of the container is pivoted about the
vertical axis
out of parallel alignment with respect to the other display panel of the
container, the
container is said to be in an "open" condition and information contained on
both of the
interior surfaces is said to be "revealed" (if not otherwise obstructed or
concealed from
view). Each display panel of the container may independently be pivoted 90
degrees from
the closed condition; when each display panel has been pivoted 90 degrees so
that the
display panels are 180 degrees opposed, the container is in a "fully open"
condition and
information on both interior surfaces is "revealed", while information on both
exterior
surfaces is "concealed" . Referring to FIGURE 1, containers 8 are closed and
containers 8a
and 8b are partially open (with one display panel pivoted 90 degrees with
respect to the
other display panel); no containers are shown fully open. As can be seen any
number of
combined orientations of display panels can cause information to be "revealed"
or
"concealed" depending on whether a given surface is visible. As will be shown,
a display
panel may include or be made up of one or more display boards, typically
selectively
removable boards or sheets that contain information for intended for display
or to which
information may be applied.
FIGURE 2A shows the basic elements of information display systems 6a and
6b according to a first exemplary embodiment and a second exemplary
embodiment.
According to the first exemplary embodiment, information display system 6a
includes
containers 8 having a mounting assembly 32 configured for attachment to a
track system
including a pair of horizontal rails 30. According to the second exemplary
embodiment,
information display sysuem 6b includes containers 9 having a mounting assembly
33
configured for attachment to a track system including a single horizontal rail
30. ~ As
shown, both mounting assembly 32 and mounting assembly 33 also allow for
pivotal
movement of associated containers 8 and 9, respectively, with respect to the
respective
mounting structure. According to the first exemplary embodiment, each
container 8a
provides two pivotally coupled display panels 44 (i.e. as shown in FIGURE 1 ).
According
to the second exemplary embodiment, each container 9 includes a single display
panel 44a
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that provides two exterior surfaces 40 (but no interior surfaces). Single
display panel 44a is
coupled to mounting assembly 33a to allow for pivotal movement with respect to
the
mounting structure. As is evident, according to either exemplary embodiment,
information
contained on an exterior surface of a display panel of a container is
ordinarily revealed and
visible but may be concealed when that container is positioned closely
adjacent to another
container (or when positioned in a suitable docking area or closely adjacent
to a wall or
other article of furniture). According to any preferred embodiment, regardless
of the
number of display panels, the information display system will include
containers that
selectively allow information presented on the display panels to be revealed
and concealed.
As shown in FIGURES 2A and 2C, containers 8 of information display
system 6 provide for the display of information in a space-efficient, vertical
orientation. As
a result, by use of the information display system, the total vertically-
oriented and
prominent space available for display of information within a work environment
can be
increased in comparison to conventional work environments that do not include
the
information display system. Referring to FIGURE 2B, a conventional work
environment
2x is shown as a room (i.e. for purposes of example, a room of 18 feet by 21
feet in
dimension). Conventional work environment 2x includes four vertical walls
(visible are
three walls 282) and a floor 118; conventional work environment 2a has a fixed
amount of
vertical wall display area and a fixed amount of work space or floor space. As
shown, with
each of three walls 282 in use, conventional work environment 2x may contain a
fixed
number of display boards 10 (e.g. shown to be 19 display boards), which may be
mounted
to the walls, hung along the walls, or in a sliding mounting interface, etc.
(in any event
each display board is parallel to the wall on which it is mounted). (For
purposes of
example, each display board is 3 feet by 4 feet in dimension.) Referring to
FIGURE 2C, a
work environment 2y is shown as a room including an information display system
6
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although work-
environment 2y is otherwise identical in size to conventional work environment
2x, and
therefore has the same amount of vertical wall display area and floor space,
installation of
information display system 6 on a single wall 282 has substantially increased
the number of
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display boards 10 that may be contained in work environment 2y. As shown in
the
exemplary embodiment, information display system 6 presents a total number of
112
display boards 10 (four associated with corresponding display panels of each
of 28
containers) on single wall 282; in conventional work environment 2x, single
wall 282
presented only seven display boards 10 (while use of all three visible walls
presented only a
total of 19 display boards). As shown in comparison of FIGURES 2B and 2C, and
according to any preferred embodiment, the information display system
increases the
amount of information that can be presenned for display within a work
environment giving
an otherwise fixed amount of wall space or vertical surface area. As shown in
FIGURE 2C
and other FIGURES, the information display system also facilitates the
management of a
comparatively large volume of information for access, display and storage in a
given work
environment.
Referring no FIGURES 4A and 4B, an exemplary embodiment of a
workstation 4d including an information display system 6 is shown. Information
display
system 6 has containers 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i, 8j, and 8k attached for
movement along a set
of rails 30 mounted on a panel wall 280. FIGURES 4A and 4B illustrate the
spatial
relationship between the containers, a utility threshold 24, a shelving unit
14 providing a
docking area 38a, as well as a worker 114 and other articles of furniture,
including a panel
wall 280, a table 16, a chair 18, and a mobile file unit 20, in workstation
4d. As shown in
FIGURE 4A, worker 114 is seated in chair 18 at table 16 which provides a
horizontal
worksurface 66 directly beneath open container 8g, so that worker 114 is
"immersed" in
the information presented at display boards l0a and lOb much like a worker
would be in
relation to information posted on the relatively fixed walls of a conventional
workstation.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGURES 4A and
4B, the
containers are configured and installed to allow for free movement along the
track system
within the workstation above the height of horizontal worksurfaces and other
articles of
furniture within the work area, yet below the associated utility thresholds or
other
structures.
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As shown in FIGURE 4B, container 8g includes a mounting assembly 32
configured to allow for translating movement along set of rails 30 mounted on
the side of
panel wall 280. Mounting assembly 32 includes a set of slide mechanisms 34
(each shown
as including a glide block) that engage corresponding set of rails 30.
Mounting assembly
32 also includes a pivot mechanism 36 allowing independent pivotal movement of
each
display panel 44 of container 8g with respect to panel wall 280 (see, e.g.,
FIGURES 18A
through 18C and 20A through 20E) from the closed condition to the fully open
condition.
Container 8 may include a locking mechanism 48 that can be engaged to hold
container 8 in
the closed condition; locking mechanism 48 has elements associated with each
display panel
of the container that must be disengaged to allow container 8 to be opened
(see, e.g.,
FIGURE 21C).
Also as shown in FIGURE 4B, utility threshold 24 includes a mounting
assembly 52 configured to allow for translating movement along a track system
shown as a
rail 31 mounted on the top of panel wall 280. Mounting assembly 52 includes a
slide
mechanism 54 shown as including a glide block 102 that engages rail 31.
Mounting
assembly 52 also includes a utility infeed shown as a flexible conduit 74
within a trough 106
in the top of panel wall 280 to allow utilities (e.g. voice, power, data,
etc.) to be supplied
from panel wall 280 by or through utility threshold 24 into workstation 4d
(see also
FIGURES 16A and 16B). Horizontal beam 49 of utility threshold 24 is shown
positioned
at an elevation above the other articles of furniture within workstation 4d;
horizontal beam
49 also includes a canopy 55 and lighting fixtures 56 for illuminating
workstation 4d.
Vertical post 50 of utility threshold 24 is shown positioned at a lateral
distance outboard of
the other articles of furniture within workstation 4d; vertical post 50 also
includes wheel
assembly 58 rolling on floor 118 to facilitate movement of utility threshold
24 along track
31; vertical post 50 may also provide one or more connections for voice, power
and data
for use within workstation 4d (see, e.g., FIGURES 16A and 16B). Utility
threshold 24 is
free to move along track 31 without interference from either the containers
(e.g. containers
8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, Sh, 8i, 8j, and 8k) or shelving unit 14 (which provides
docking area 38a for
the containers). Utility threshold 24 itself may be considered to be "docked"
when
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positioned over shelving unit 14. According to alternative embodiments, the
utility
threshold may be "docked" within a docking area provided by a structure that
is larger that
the utility threshold or that otherwise is wholly or partially capable of
containment of the
utility threshold (as well as containers).
Referring to FIGURES 3A through 3D, a workstation 4c with an associated
information display system 6 is shown in a work environment according to an
exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Workstation 4c includes a base panel wall
280 and a
docking area 38a shown as two panel wall sections 62 and 64 (e.g. partial
height walls
forming a covering "panel wrap") for containers 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i, 8j,
and 8k of
information display system 6. Workstation 4c also includes a mobile table 16
and a mobile
storage unit 260. A decorative surface or functional surface treatment (e.g.
shown as a dry-
erase "white" board 288) may be installed on base panel wall 280 between rails
30, to
provide an additional vertical surface within workstation 4c adapted for the
display of
information.
FIGURES 3A through 3D illustrate the ability of the information display
system 6 to effect an efficient and complete transformation of the visual
context or
"scenery" of a work area shown as including a workstation 4c, for example
between
projects, tasks and personal respites in the course of a work day or work
week, etc. Both
the territorial appearance (e.g. space allocation or division or orientation
of workers) and
the contextual appearance (e.g. the nature and purpose of the information,
whether
functional or decorative) of the workstation may be altered using the
information display
system, depending upon the information and content and association of each
container with
other containers and with articles of furniture within the workstation.
According to any
preferred embodiment, the information display system facilitates both
"physical"/territorial
reconfiguration and "visual"/contextual reconfiguration within the work
environment or the
workstation in several ways, including the following: by physical movement of
the-
containers (not only to divide the work space into work areas of varying sizes
but also to
reveal or conceal information presented on the interior surfaces or exterior
surfaces of the
containers); by opening and closing the containers to reveal or conceal
information
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presented on the interior surfaces or exterior surfaces of the containers; by
changing the
display boards associated with the containers; or by revising or modifying the
information
presented on the display boards. According to any preferred embodiment, the
information
display system will include display panels that are capable of arrangement, as
well as that
are sized and proportioned, to evoke a spatial sensation of envelopment and
immersiveness
for individual workers or groups of workers viewing the information presented.
As evident
in FIGURES 3A through 3D, it is not necessary to move panel walls and other
articles of
fiirniture that are generally considered "fixed" once installed in the work
environment (or
are not otherwise readily repositioned).
As shown in FIGURES 3A through 3D, the "scenery" presented within
workstation 4c by information display system 6 including eight containers is
readily
reconfigurable. In FIGURE 3A, all eight containers are stowed within docking
area 38a so
that only one exterior surface 40 of one container 8k is visible; exterior
surface 40 bears a
decorative image 69a. In FIGURE 3B, one container 8k has been moved from
docking
area 38a to a docking area 38b (an uncovered but identifiable space above
mobile storage
unit 21 ); two containers 8j and 8k are open so that four interior surfaces
42a, 42b and 42c
are visible within workstation 4c (although only three interior surfaces are
visible in
FIGURE 3B), along with one exterior surface 40; one functional image 71a and
three
decorative images 69a, 69b and 69c are shown. In FIGURE 3C, two containers 8k
and 8j
have been moved from docking area 38a to docking area 38b; two containers Sj
and 8i are
open so that four innerior surfaces 42c, 42d and 42e are visible within
workstation 4c
(although only three interior surfaces are visible in FIGURE 3C), along with
one exterior
surface 40; three functional images 71 a, 71 b, and 71 c and one decorative
image 69d are
shown. In FIGURE 3D, four containers 8k, 8j, 8h, and 8i have been moved from
docking
area 38a to docking area 38b; two containers 8h and 8g are open so that four
interior
surfaces 42f, 42g and 42h are visible within workstation 4c (although only
three interior
surfaces are visible in FIGURE 3D), akong with one exterior surface 40; three
functional
images 71 d, 71 e, and 71 f and one decorative image 69e are shown.
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It should be noted that the information, images and arrangements shown
FIGURES 3A through 3D are only exemplary (and essentially schematic).
According to
any preferred embodiment, the interior surfaces and exterior surfaces of the
display panels
associated with the containers may be provided with any of a wide variety of
information
and images, functional and/or decorative, in whole or in part, intended to
provide one or
more workers with an atmosphere that facilitates project work, instruction,
rest and
rejuvenation, etc. The workstation may itself include a greater or lesser
number of
containers and/or display panels, capable of movement and association in any
of a wide
variety of arrangements.
Referring to FIGURES 5 through 15B, exemplary embodiments of work
environments and workstations including the information display system are
shown. As
shown in the FIGURES, both the territorial appearance (i.e. arrangement) and
contextual
appearance of the work environment and associated workstations can be readily
and easily
be configured and reconfigured by arrangement of basic elements of the
information
display system, the utility threshold and other mobile articles of furniture.
Space division,
or "territorial" reconfiguration of work spaces and work areas, will not
require
rearrangement of any "fixed" elements, such as panel walls and other articles
of furniture
that are generally considered to be "fixed" once installed in the work
environment insofar
as substantial effort (e.g. disassembly, lifting, etc.) or tools are required
for movement.
Additionally, territorial reconfiguration will not require individual display
panels to be
detached from the information display system and be independently rearranged.
Visual
modification, or "contextual" reconfiguration of work spaces and work areas of
varying
sizes can likewise be effected without rearrangement of any "fixed" elements
within the
work environment or needing to independently handle detached display panels.
According
to any preferred embodiment, following initial installation of the "fixed"
articles of
furniture and information display system and associated elements within the
work
environment, the individual worker or workers may selectively configure or
reconfigure the
work space into one or more work areas and workstations, or may selectively
arrange the
containers to reveal or conceal information presented on the associated
display panels, as
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needed to support their activity or activities. As a result, and as shown in
FIGURES S
through 15B, the work environment is capable of flexible and dynamic
configuration and
reconfiguration to support a wide vaiiery of workers engaged in a wide variety
of tasks and
activities that may require creation, use and storage of even a large volume
of information.
FIGURES 5 through 10 show a work environment 2c in the form of an
individual or small group work space. Work environment 2c includes a base
panel wall
280 and two end panel walls 290 and 292, with a shelving unit 14 at each
lateral end (and
each considered to be "fixed" structures), defining two generally symmetrical
work spaces
3a and 3b (one work space on each side of base panel wall 280), which, for
purposes of
example, can be considered to provide a fixed amount of floor space (e.g. 6
feet by 16 feet
in dimension). Work space 3a includes an information display system 6a
including a
plurality of containers 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, Si, 8j, and 8k. Work space 3a also
provides
docking areas 38a and 38b for the containers defined by end panel walls 290
and 292 and
associated shelving units 14. Work space 3a further includes a mobile table 16
and one or
more chairs 18. Using FIGURES 5 through 10, work space 3a of work environment
2c
will illustrate features provided by information display system 6a according
to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, including the configuration of work areas
and
workstations for use by one or more workers, and arrangements of containers
for revealing
and concealing information presented on display panels (i.e. interior surfaces
and exterior
surfaces) associated with the containers.
Referring to FIGURE 5, work space 3a is configured to provide a work area
with a single workstation 4e in use by a single worker 114, seated on chair 18
at table 16
near docking area 38a. Worker 114 has opened containers 8f and 8g while other
containers
are closed; two containers are stowed in each docking area 38a and 38b. Worker
114 has
available use of a floor space section 118a (shown in phantom lines)
corresponding to the
entire amount of fixed floor space provided in work space 3a; however a
working portion
119 (shown in phantom lines) of the work space in actual use by worker 114 is
a fraction of
the floor space section 118a. As shown in FIGURE 6, worker 114 has
reconfigured
workstation 4e but still has use of floor space section 118a. Worker 114 is
working at open
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containers 8i and 8j and has moved with table 16 and chair 18 to the center of
work space,
closer to docking area 38b. Five containers 8d, Se, 8f, 8g, and 8h are closed
and have
been moved near docking area 38a (with three containers "docked"); two
containers 8j and
8k are closed and have been "docked" in docking area 38b. Working portion 119
of the
S work area in actual use by worker 114 is slightly larger than in FIGURE 5
(and has been
shifted to the opposite end of workstation 4e).
Referring to FIGURE 7A, work space 3a is configured to provide two work
areas and two workstations 4f and 4g for two workers 114c and 114d shown
sharing the
fixed floor space but working independently. Open container 8g and closed
container 8h
form a "boundary" between workstations 4f and 4g. Worker 114c seated in chair
18a at
table 16a and working at open container 8f has use of one floor space section
118b (shown
in phantom lines); worker 114d seated in chair 18b and in the process of
moving container
8h has use of another floor space section 118c (shown in phantom lines). Each
worker
114c and 114d has three containers within docking areas 38a and 38b,
respectively.
Referring to FIGURE 7B, work space 3a is configured for independent use by
three
workers 114g, 114h and 114i in three work areas. Worker 114g (standing)
occupies floor
space section 118i (shown in phantom lines) at the center of work space 3a and
is working
at open container 8h and closed container 8g. Workers 114h and 114i are seated
and are
working at display boards near docking areas 38b and 38a, respectively, in
floor space
sections 118k and 118j (shown in phantom lines), respectively.
Referring to FIGURE 8, work space 3a has been configured to provide a
workstation 4h used by small group of two workers 114e (standing) and 114f
(seated)
working collaboratively in a dyad at an open container 8g (partially opened at
a 45 degree
angle) and sharing information presented on display boards l0a and lOb (i.e.
interior
surfaces). Open container defines a central floor space section 118d (shown in
phantom
lines). At either side of open container 8g are defined floor space sections
118e and 118f
not in use by workers 114e and 114f, but within which are located other
containers.
Referring to FIGURE 9, work space 3a is configured to provide a single
workstation 4i in
use by a large group of workers 114 (e.g. a project team conducting a
meeting). As
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shown, the floor space section 118g (shown in phantom lines) used by a group
of workers
114 has extended outside of the fixed floor space provided within work space
3a. Attention
of workers 114 is directed to a fully open container 8g presenting information
of shared
interest on display boards l0a and lOb (i.e. interior surfaces) at the censer
of work space
3a; open containers 8f and 8h are also in use directly adjacent to fully open
container 8g;
remaining containers are stowed in docking areas 38a and 38b.
Referring to FIGURE 10, work space 3a is shown in a transition or
reconfiguration state with a display board lOb being removed from container 8g
by a
worker 114j. Another worker 114k is removing display boards lOc for
alternative use or
storage. Another worker 114m is bringing replacement display boards lOd (of a
smaller
size) for installation on containers 8g and 8f. As shown in FIGURES 5 through
IO
collectively, and according to any preferred embodiment, the information
display system 6a
allows for several "methods" of selective transformation of physical space and
visual effect
within a work space: division of physical space and/or alteration of visual
effect by
movement of containers (e.g. in association with other containers and/or
articles of
furniture); division of physical space and/or alteration of visual effect by
opening or closing
containers to reveal and conceal information; alteration of visual effect by
removal and
replacement, for example interchange, of display boards associated with a
container; and
altreration of visual effect by revising the content of information (e.g.
rewriting, erasing,
posting) on display boards associated with a container.
FIGURES 11 A through 11 D show in a work environment a workstation 4i of
a type similar to that shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 configured for a single worker
(not
shown) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Workstation 4i
includes a base panel wall 280, a shelving unit 14 providing a docking area
38a for
containers 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i, 8j, and 8k of information display system 6,
and a mobile
table 16. Workstation 4i also includes a utility threshold 24 coupled to the
top of panel wall
280 on a track 30 for sliding movement. As shown in FIGURES 11 A and 11 D,
workstation 4i also includes a retractable partition shown as a privacy screen
78 (e.g. of a
type similar to a tambour door according to the exemplary embodiment, but of
any type of
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xreen material according to various alternative embodiments). Privacy xreen 78
is
installed within a vertical recess 80 in shelving unit 14 and can selectively
be withdrawn
from recess 80 (as shown in FIGURES 11A and 11D) or retracted into recess 80
(as shown
in FIGURES 11 B and 11 C) by a handle 82 (which may include a locking element
such as a
hook or clasp to retain privacy xreen 78 in engagement with a coacting locking
element
associated with the panel wall or utility threshold or other structure). As
shown in
FIGURE 11A, with containers 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8h, Si, 8j, and 8k stowed in
docking area
38a and utility threshold 24 stowed over docking area 38a, privacy xreen 78
can be
withdrawn (e.g. drawn across the entry to docking area) to conceal and secure
the
containers and any articles of furniture within docking area 38a. Workstation
4i is
therefore in a secured condition (for example, secured compactly within a 3
feet by 7 feet
dimensional footprint). In FIGURE 11B, privacy xreen 78 (not visible) has been
retracted
into vertical recess 80 so that the contents of docking area 38a, containers
8d, 8e, 8f, 8g,
Sh, 8i, 8j, and 8k and a mobile storage unit 14, are visible. In FIGURE 11C,
workstation
is "open" with fully open container 8k and open container 8j visible and
mobile table 16
and mobile storage unit 260 also visible and available for use. In FIGURE 11D,
utility
threshold 24 is deployed (moved along its track) to provide a docking area 38c
for a closed
container 8g above mobile storage unit 260. Privacy screen 78 is withdrawn
toward
vertical post 50 of utility threshold 24 to define a floor space section 118m
(shown in
phantom lines) within which a worker (not shown) can have at least a limited
amount of
privacy. According to any preferred embodiment, as shown, the retractable
partition can
be of any material or construction and is configured to provide for security
(e.g. in an
unoccupied or closed workstation) and privacy (in an occupied workstation).
FIGURES 12 through 15B show a work environment 2d in the form of a
work space shown as project team space 3c configurable to support workers
engaged in
both individual and group activities by providing work areas suited for the
activities. Work
environment 2d includes a set of base panel walls 280 each including an
information display
system 6. Each information display system 6 includes a plurality of containers
8d, 8e, 8f,
8g, 8h, 8i, 8j, and Sk and $m, 8n, 8p. 8q, 8r, 8s, 8t, and 8u (adapted for
movement along
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rails 30) and two pairs of utility thresholds 24a and 24b and 24c and 24d
(adapted for
movement along rails 31). Work environment 2d includes shelving units 14, as
well as
panel wall section 88 ("L"-shaped "panel wrap") and panel wall section 90 ("T"-
shaped
"panel wrap"), each configured to provide docking areas 38a and 38b for the
containers
and the utility thresholds. Also included in work environment 2d are mobile
tables 16,
mobile storage units 260, and mobile file carts 20.
In FIGURE 12, work environment 2d is shown in an inactive condition, for
example, as may typically be the case late in the evening or very early in the
morning,
when no workers are present. All of the containers and each of the utility
thresholds are
secured and stowed in their respective docking areas. In FIGURES 13 through
15B, work
environment 2d is shown in various exemplary active conditions. In FIGURE I3,
four
workers 114n, 114m, 114p and 114q have arrived in work environment 2d and are
at work
independently, for example, as may typically be the case in the morning in
preparation for a
large meeting. Work space 3c has been divided into floor space sections 118m,
1 IBn, 118p
and 118q for independent use by each worker 114n, 114m, 114p and 114q,
respectively.
Worker 114n is at work in what has been configured as an open and relatively
large
workstation 4j; workers 114m and 114p are at work in what have been configured
as open
and intermediately sized workstations 4k and 4m, respectively; worker 114q is
at work in a
relatively small, but private workstation 4n (using a privacy screen 78 (shown
in phantom
lines)). Each worker has deployed containers and utility thresholds for
purposes of using
information and establishing the division of fixed floor space within work
environment 2d.
In FIGURE 14, a large group of workers 114 has arrived in work environment 2d,
for
example, as may typically be the case during a project team (e.g. large group)
meeting.
Containers 8f through 8h and 8n through 8q are deployed and opened to provide
for
maximum exposure of information presented on associated display boards (e.g.
in the sense
of a "theatre display"). A large team meeting space occupying a large central
floor space
section 118 has been created by the arrangement of the containers and utility
thresholds,
and most workers are present in the team meeting space. Three workers 114r,
114s, and
114t are each working independently in three separate floor space sections
118r, 118s, and
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118t, respectively, near docking stations 38a and 38b (for example, as may be
the case if
retrieving or preparing a display board for later presentation in the team
meeting space).
In FIGURE 15A, a smaller group of workers are present in work
environment 2d, for example, as may typically be the case for a group
conference following
a project team meeting. A group conference space occupying a large floor space
section
118u (see also FIGURE 15B) has been provided by (in comparison with FIGURE 14)
moving utility thresholds 24a and 24b laterally and by deployment of
containers 8h and 8i
to provide for maximum exposure of information presented on associated display
boards
(e.g. in the sense of a "theatre display"). Two workers 114u and 114v are
shown working
independently and privately in separate floor space sections 118z and 118x
defined by
utility thresholds 24a and 24d, shelving units 14a and 14b (functioning as
docking areas 38a
and 38b), and closed containers 8g and 8t, respectively. Floor space sections
118z and
118x are made private through the use of a privacy screen 78a and 78b (shown
in phantom
lines in FIGURE 15A), respectively. A floor space section 118w is in use by an
individual
worker 114t seated at a mobile table 16 within a docking area 38a. A floor
space section
118y is in shared use by two workers 114w and 114x working collaboratively. As
shown
in FIGURES 12 through 15B, according to any preferred embodiment, the work
environment is readily configured and reconfigured to provide work spaces and
workstations for individual workers, small groups and large groups of workers
involved in
a wide variety of types of project work.
Referring to FIGURES 16A and 16B, exemplary embodiments of utility
thresholds 24 and 24z, respectively, associaned with a panel wall 280 are
shown. In
FIGURE 16A, utility threshold 24 has a horizontal beam 49 and a vertical post
50. Beam
49 includes lighting fixtures 56 and a canopy 55; post 50 includes a utility
delivery zone 92
shown as including a telephone 94 and outlets 96 for delivery of voice, power
and data
signals (e.g. outlets or connections of any conventional type). Utility
delivery zone 92 also
includes an infrared port 98 shown in communication with a portable computer
100 resting
on mobile table 16. Utility threshold 24 includes a mounting assembly 52
including glide
blocks 102 that interface with rail 31 on top of panel wall 280. (Rail 31 also
includes a
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"stop" shown as block 104a to keep utility threshold 24 from sliding off of
rail 31.) A
utility infeed shown as flexible conduit 74 is also provided in mounting
assembly 52 for
communication with utility delivery zone 92 of post 50. Flexible conduit 74
travels along
the top of panel wall 280 in a trough or recess 106 (shown in phantom lines)
as utility
threshold 24 translates (i.e. slides along rail 31). Flexible conduit 74 is
coupled to and
contains voice, power, data cabling (shown schematically) through panel wall
280.
(According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the flexible conduit is of
a type
available under the name CONDUFLEX available from KabelSchepp Cable Carrier
Systems.) Post 50 of utility threshold 24 also includes a wheel assembly 58 at
its base and a
handle 108 along its side wall.
Also shown in FIGURE 16A is a docking area 38e in the form of a cabinet
12 (shown in phantom lines) containing a retractable partition shown as a roll-
up privacy
screen 78 (that can be retracted under spring tension). Privacy screen 78 is
provided on a
roller 112 and is of a rigidified fabric material and extends through a
vertical recess 80 in
cabinet 12; privacy screen 78 includes a clasp 116 that engages handle 108 of
utility
threshold 24 to hold privacy screen 78 in a withdrawn position so as to define
a private
space within the associated workstation. When clasp 116 is disengaged from
handle 108,
spring tension will retract privacy screen 78 through vertical recess 80 and
onto the roller
112 within cabinet 12.
Utility threshold 26 is shown in FIGURE 16B, according to an alternative
embodiment (similar in certain respects to utility threshold 24z shown in
FIGURE 16A).
Mounting assembly 52b of utility threshold 26 includes a set of wheels 38 that
travel within
a track shown as a groove 120 in the top of panel wall 280 to allow
translating (i.e. rolling)
motion of utility threshold 24z with respect to panel wall 280. In utility
threshold 24z, a
retractable partition shown as a privacy screen 78 is supplied on a roller 112
within post 50
of utility threshold 24z; a clasp 116 on cabinet 12 (shown in phantom lines)
engages a
handle 108 of utility threshold 24z to hold privacy screen 78 in a withdrawn
position (i.e.
against spring tension) so as to define a space within the associated
workstation. As also
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shown according to the alternative embodiment of FIGURE 16B, beam 50 of
utility
threshold 26 includes two fluorescent lighting fixtures 60 under canopy 79.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame members of the
utility threshold (e.g. horizontal beam and vertical post) have a construction
similar w the
space frame systems disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,511,348 titled "FURNTI'URE
SYSTEM", incorporated by reference herein, and in pending U.S. Patent
Application
Serial No. 08/621,164 filed March 22, 1996 titled "FURNTTLTRE SYSTEM",
incorporated
by reference herein, and employed in the CONJUNCTION' Space Frame available
from
Steelcase Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to alternative
embodiments, the
utility threshold and its associated elements (e.g. frame members, mounting
assembly,
utility delivery zone, lighting fixtures, canopy, privacy screen, etc.) may
have any of a
wide variety of constructions.
According to alternative embodiments, the mounting structure for the
information display system may be any of a wide variety of structures. For
example,
referring to FIGURE 17, a mounting structure shown as shelving unit 28 is
provided for
information display system 6. Containers 8 of information display system 6 are
coupled to
a set of rails 30 mounted on shelving unit 28 (on the front and back) by a
mounting
assembly 32 (e.g. of a type shown in FIGURE 1). Stops shown as blocks 104b are
provided at the ends of each rail 30 to stop the travel of containers 8 (i.e.
to prevent
derailment of containers). Shelving unit 28 also includes an opening 124 in
its base
between legs 126 configured to allow the pass-through of a mobile table 16 (or
other like
mobile article of furniture) at a level below containers 8. Shelving unit 28
allows access to
shelves 128 as well as the display (e.g. reveal and conceal) of information
presented on
display boards 10 of containers 8. Shelving unit 28 also provides a
worksurface 68 (in the
form of a shelf 128) just below the bottom of containers 8. According to other
alternative
embodiments, the mounting structure may be provided by a space frame system of
vertical
posts and horizontal beams to which the track system can be attached.
As has been shown in other FIGURES, according to any preferred
embodiment, the display panels associated with the containers of the
information display
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system will be pivotally coupled so that one display panel may be pivoted with
respect to
the other display panel (within a predetermined path of travel, e.g. 90
degrees). FIGURES
18A through 18C are schematic diagrams intended to illustrate the movement of
containers
and associated display panels of information display system according to an
exemplary
S embodiment. As shown in FIGURE 18A, when a container 8d is closed (with both
display
panels parallel, in a closed condition), a force applied transverse to
container 8d will tend to
translate or slide container 8d at a mounting assembly 32 along track system
or rail 30 (but
will not open container 8d). As shown in FIGURE 18B, to open a container 8e
(after it is
unlocked), a separating force is applied relative to each display panel 46a
and 46b.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the container includes a
"stop action"
mechanism (e.g. a detent arrangement) providing a tactile indication when a
display panel
has been pivoted to 45 degrees from the closed condition and upon further
application of the
separating force providing a positive stop when a display panel has been
pivoted to 90
degrees from the closed condition. As shown in FIGURE 18C, a container 8e is
in a fully
open condition insofar as each display panel 46a and 4bb has been pivoted to
90 degrees
from the closed position. When the container is in a fully open condition, a
force applied
transverse to the container at an appropriate position (i.e. at or near the
mounting assembly)
will tend to translate or slide container along the track or rail. To return
the container to
the closed condition, a closing force must be applied in the opposite
direction of the
separating force.
FIGURES 19 through 28 show the construction of a container and
arrangement of display panels of the information display system according to a
preferred
and other exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It is important to
note,
however, while preferred and exemplary embodiments are shown, according to
alternative
embodiments, the information display system may include any of a variety of
types of
information containing structures (represented schematically by the containers
shown in the
FIGURES) having of a wide variety of constructions and any of a wide variety
of
associated mechanisms beyond those shown and described, all of which are
intended to fall
within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, it is also important to
note that the
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display panels (which have been represented schematically in the FIGURES) may
be
configured to include display boards or related structures or elements in any
of a wide
variety of formats beyond those shown and described, all of which also are
intended to fall
within the scope of the present invention. According to alternative
embodiments, any of a
wide variety of display board carriers or mounting interfaces can be used
within the
container.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIGURES 19,
each container has two display board carriers shown as lateral aim assemblies
130a and
130b (shown in phantom lines in FIGURE 19) that provide a structure of the
container for
each associated lateral display panel. As shown in FIGURE 19, display boards
l0i and lOj,
and lOk and lOm, can be installed on each side of each lateral arm assembly
130a and
130b, respectively, so that a total of four display boards can be installed
within the
container. The container provides one interior surface 42 and one exterior
surface 40 (not
visible in FIGURE 19) on each side of each lateral arm assemblies 130a and
130b.
Referring to FIGURE 19, a wire frame holder 134 may also be installed
within the container by hooks 136 that fit around outer vibe 176 of pivot
mechanism 36 of
mounting assembly 32 of the container (a set of coacting wire frame locking
members may
be included to secure the wire frame holder to outer tube 176 according to
alternative
embodiments). The container also includes a supplemental display panel shown
as a
translucent film panel 140 having a frame with a set of upper and lower
grooves 144
(shown in phantom lines) that slide onto the upper and lower frame members 142
of wire
frame holder 134. Panel 140 provides a phantom overlay 146 (e.g. as may show
indicia for
use in association with information presented on interior surfaces of the
container). As is
apparent from FIGURE 19, according to alternative embodiments, other
accessories such as
compartments, pouches, tablets, etc. may be installed within a container onto
the wire
frame holder.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 19, the container includes a
locking mechanism 147 to secure the contents of the container when it is in
the closed
condition. As shown, locking mechanism 147 includes a slot 148 on a pivotally
mounted
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front cap 150 of display panel 46a of the container that engages a tab 214
projecting from a
front piece 154 of display panel 46b of the container. Engagement of the
locking elements
secures the contents of the container; disengagement allows the container to
be opened.
According to any preferred and alternative embodiment, any of a wide variety
of coacting
locking elements or other locking mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill
who review
this disclosure may be employed.
As shown in FIGURES 20A through 20E, according to a preferred
embodiment, the mounting assembly includes both a translating or slide
mechanism 34 and
a pivot mechanism 36. Slide mechanism 34 includes a set of glide blocks 102
(e.g. upper
and lower) that engage a corresponding set of rails 30 attached to a mounting
structure such
as a wall. (According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the slide
mechanism of
mounting assembly and rail includes a linear guide system commercially
available under the
name AccuGlide from the Linear Motion Systems Division of Thomson Industries,
Inc.)
As shown, rail 30 may be provided with ball detents 164 that give tactile or
audible
feedback and a slight holding force when in contact with glide block 102; rail
30 may also
be given visual indicia 166 that indicate distances of travel or position of
the container along
rail 30. According to alternative embodiments, translating motion of
containers with
respect to mounting structures may be effected with any of a variety of other
mechanisms,
sliding or rolling, such as rotating wheels traveling in a groove, etc. It
should be noted that
the mounting assemblies for both the containers of the information display
system and for
other mobile elements such as utility thresholds may share parts or basic
design elements.
Referring to FIGURES 20A through 20E, each lateral arm assembly 130a
and 130b of the container is coupled to pivot mechanism 36 of the mounting
assembly so
that one lateral arm assembly 130a can be pivoted with respect to the other
lateral arm
assembly 130b. To each glide block 102 of the mounting assembly is mounted a
fixed base
hub 162 (e.g. by fasteners shown as screws). As shown in FIGURE 20A, pivot
mechanism
36 includes a fixed inner tube 170 installed at each end within base hub 162
(by fasteners
shown as screws) and a pair of outer tubes 176a and 176b, each associated with
a base
frame member 180 of a lateral arm assembly. Each of outer tubes 176a and 176b
is
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mounted (in an offset fashion shown in FIGURES 21A and 21B) to base frame 180
of each
lateral arm assembly 130a and 130b and fitted over fixed inner tube 170; each
of outer
tubes 176a and 176b is also independently rotatable with respect to fixed
inner tube 170
within a designated range of motion. Outer tubes 176a and 176b have serrarions
298 (e.g.
small compliant indexing teeth) that gently engage at the interface when
installed onto fixed
inner tube 170 to provide a slight degree of holding force between each
lateral arm
assembly 130a and 130b in ordinary operation (but that can be overcome when
one display
panel is to be selectively pivoted with respect to the other display panel).
Fixed inner tube has a set of slots 182 having a profile shown as detent
profile 184 and into which unthreaded ends 186 of guide pins 174 threadably
fixed (in holes
187) to outer tubes 176a and 176b are installed into fixed inner tube 170.
Detent profile
184 of slots 182 is shaped (as shown) to provide coaction with guide pins 174
and to define
the path of travel of each lateral arm assembly of the container. Referring to
FIGURES
20A, 20B and 20E, for example, detent profile 184 has rounded ends 185
connected by a
flat center. In FIGURES 20C and 20D, showing the coaction of the upper outer
tube 176a
and lower outer tube 176b with the inner tube 170, the path of travel for each
lateral arm
assembly ends with a physical stop when each lateral arm assembly has been
pivoted to a
certain designated positions (e.g. the closed condition and 90 degrees from
the closed
condition); the detent profile may also be given a shape to provide a tactile
"stop" or
"pause" (e.g. a slight holding force) and audible feedback when the
corresponding lateral
arm assembly has been pivoted to other certain designated positions (for
example, 45
degrees from the closed condition). According to any preferred embodiment, the
central
portion of the detent profile includes a compliant material and is slightly
smaller in width
than the diameter of the unthreaded end of the guide pins, while the rounded
ends are
substantially the same diameter as the unthreaded end of the guide pins.
Referring to FIGURES 21 A through 21 C, a lateral arm assemblies 130a and
130b of the container are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Each of
lateral
arm assemblies 130a and 130b has a similar construction, including a base
frame 180
coupled to an outer tube 176a and 176b, an end frame 188, and upper and lower
outer
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frame members 190a and 190b. End frame 188 is mounted at the distal ends of
(and
between) upper and lower outer frame members 190a and 190b. As shown, upper
and
lower outer frame members 190a and 190b have a channel shape with retaining
slots 194
within which end frame 188 is secured to form an end frame assembly 196 (shown
in
FIGURE 21C). End frame assembly 196 is then slid onto base frame 180 (which
provides
upper and lower tracks that securely and adjustably retain upper and lower
frame members
190a and 190b of end frame assembly 196 in an relatively tight
frictional/interference-type
fit). End frame 188 and base frame 180 each include spring clips 198 (e.g.
containing
spring elements or compliant material providing a spring effect). As shown in
FIGURE
21 C, display board 10i, l Oj, l Ok, and l Om (shown in phantom lines) are
securely but
releasably held within container by spring clips 198, which engage include a
compliant
portion intended to firmly "grip" the edges of each display board when end
frame assembly
196 is slid tightly and fully onto base frame 180. By virtue of the adjustable
(e.g. slidable
adjustment) of the lateral arm assembly, display boards of varying sizes can
be installed
within the container. (As shown in FIGURE 23B, display boards can be installed
either in
landscape or pornait mode.) Moreover, the height or position of display boards
within
(e.g. carried by) the container can be adjusted in the vertical direction. As
shown in
FIGURE 19, the spring clips may include a visual indicator marking (e.g. in
the form of a
notch or line) that may correspond with an indexing marking or line on the
display board to
facilitate an intended placement of the display board within the container.
As shown in FIGURE 21A, a front cap 150 of lateral arm assembly 130a has
upper and lower tabs 204 each having a pivot pin 206 to install onto upper and
lower tabs
208 at the ends of upper and lower outer frame members 190a and 190b of one
end frame
assembly 196, each having a corresponding aperture 210a into which a pivot pin
(not
shown) is snap fit for pivotal movement. Front cap 150 includes a face 212
onto which a
label or other designation can be applied. As shown in FIGURE 21 B, front
piece 154
provides a handle 300; front piece 154 includes upper and lower tabs 216 each
having an
aperture 210b install onto ends 208 of upper and lower tabs 210a at the ends
of upper and
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lower outer frame members 190a and 190b of the other end frame assembly 196.
Aperture
210b of front piece 154 may be snap fit or press fit onto tabs 210a.
Referring to FIGURES 22 through 24A, an alternative embodiment of a
container is shown, similar in basic respects to the container shown in
FIGURES 21A
S through 21C. Container 8w includes a pair of lateral arm assemblies 132a and
132b each
including a base frame 180 (as in FIGURES 21A through 21C) and an end frame
assembly
196. End frame assembly 196 includes a front handle 312 (having a "[" shape).
Each
front handle 312 has a curved recess 201; into one of the front handles of a
container, a
locking element can be installed, for example a cylinder lock 200 (e.g.
tumbler actuated by
a key) providing a conventional locking action wherein one front handle is
secured to the
other front handle. Referring to FIGURES 24A through 248, the container
includes a
receptacle shown as a "mail slot" receptacle 220 accessible from the front of
the container
at front handle 312. Receptacle 220 is formed within end frame between upper
and lower
outer frame members 190 (and is of a size that is capable of containing a
sufficient volume
of "mail", i.e. paper sheets, envelopes, magazines and other publications,
etc.). One
receptacle 220 can be provided in association with each lateral arm assembly
132a or 132b
of the container.
Referring to FIGURE 25, according to an alternative embodiment, a
container of the information display system can include carriers or lateral
arm assemblies
132a and 132b configured to employ a display board arrangement including four
display
boards lOn, lOp, lOq, and lOr (of a smaller size, e.g. one-quarter the size of
the regular
display boards), for example in either portrait mode or landscape mode. The
lateral arm
assemblies each include a centrally located spring clip 222 (having a "+"
shape) that is
capable of engaging and securing "holding" each of four smaller display boards
in
combination with spring clips 198 of base frame 180 and end frame 196. Clip
222 may be
installed (e.g. by a press or "snap" fit) within either of slots 181a or 181b
of base frame
180 as needed, depending upon the size and orientation of the display boards
(see FIGURE
25).
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FIGURES 26 through 27 show a container 8y according to an alternative
embodiment of the information display system. Container 8y is configured to
hold a single
display board lOw and is coupled to a single rail 30 by a mounting assembly
including a
slide mechanism 34 (of a type similar to as shown in FIGURE 20 having a guide
block 102
S and a base hub 162x) and a pivot mechanism 36. Base hub 162x of the mounting
assembly
includes a set of magnets 226 on one lateral surface 228 and a corresponding
metal strip
(not visible) on the other lateral surface 230, so that one or more adjacent
containers can be
joined or "ganged" together (see, e.g., FIGURE 2A). Pivot mechanism 36
includes a
frame tube 304 which fits within a central vertical hole 244 in base hub 162x.
Frame tube
304 has a cap 236 with a star-shaped upper profile formed by a series of
uiangular index
tabs 240 or projections that engage a corresponding pattern of index slots 242
around the
perimeter of hole 244 in base hub 162x when frame tube 170 is installed into
hole 244.
Frame tube 170 also includes an elongate axial slot 306 into which a lateral
arm assembly
shown as a frame plate 246 can be installed and secured by a series of
threaded fasteners
174a. Frame plate 246 includes a base 250 from which project a series of
diagonal fingers
252.
Display board lOw has two flat exterior surfaces with a central core
providing a series of diagonal passages 254 (see FIGURE 28) that open onto all
the edges
of the display boards (however, for aesthetic or other reasons, the passages
do not need to
open onto all edges of the boards). According to a particularly preferred
embodiment, the
display board will be a rigid polycarbonate structured sheet of a type
commercially
available from under the name "CO-EX" from CO-EX Corp. of Rocky Hill,
Connecticut
or of another similar construction available from other suppliers. As shown in
FIGURES
27A through 27C, diagonal forgers 252 of frame plate 246 fit within
corresponding
diagonal passages 254 to secure display board lOw in container 8y. As shown in
FIGURES 27A through 27C, the display board can be installed in landscape mode,
pornait
mode, or at any of a wide variety of orientations and discrete height levels
(provided by the
passages). According to alternative embodiments, the display board may be
provided with
a greater or lesser number of passages in any of a variety of sizes, patterns
and orientations.
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Pivotal adjustment of display board lOw within container 8y is effected by
lifting frame tube 170 within hole 244 of base hub 162 to disengage index tabs
240 from
index slots 242, then rotating frame tube 170 to another adjustment position
where index
tabs 240 can engage index slots 244 and lowering frame tube 170 back into hole
234; eight
discrete adjustment positions spaced at 45 degree intervals are provided
according to the
exemplary embodiment (but according to alternative embodiments, other
adjustment
positions may be provided).
Referring to FIGURES 27A through 27E, accessories such as a vertical
handle 312, a ball handle 314 or a receptacle box 322 (each of which are
installed onto
display board by fingers or projections 318 are inserted within diagonal
passages 254) may
be provided for a display board as shown in FIGURE 26. FIGURES 27D and 27E
show a
receptacle box 322 which is adapted for attachment to display board lOw.
Receptacle box
322 includes a large central slot shown as a "mail" slot 220 and upper and
lower apertures
324, though which horizontal arms 326 of a holding member 327 are inserted; to
mount
receptacle box 322 to display board lOw, diagonal arms 328 of holding member
327 are
inserted into passages 254 of display board lOw. An object 221 (e.g. a piece
of paper) can
be inserted into slot 220 and held in receptacle box 322.
FIGURES 29 through 32 show a mobile workstation 4p containing an
information display system 6 and a utility threshold 24 according to an
exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Mobile workstation 4p includes a shelving
unit I4
(on a set of casters 58) providing a docking area 38a for containers 8 of
information display
system 6. Containers 8 are coupled to a set of internal rails 30 mounted on an
end wall 284
of shelving unit 14 and a base wall 286 for translating movement within mobile
workstation
4p. As shown, base wall 286 (on a set of casters 58) is pivotally coupled to
shelving unit
14 by hinges (as shown in FIGURE 33). Utility threshold 24 is coupled by a
mounting
assembly 52 (shown as a vertical mounting plate including glide block) to a
track system
shown as a set of external rails 31 mounted on vertical surfaces of both end
wall 284 of
shelving unit 14 and base wall 286 for translating movement within a defined
path of travel.
End wall 284 (on a set of casters 58) is pivotally coupled to base wall 286 as
shown in
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FIGURES 29 and 32. As shown in FIGURE 30, a set of handles 294 provide "stops"
at
the ends of external rails 31. Utility threshold 24 includes a horizontal beam
49 extending
into workstation 4p from vertical mounting plate 52; beam 49 provides a
mounting structure
for a canopy 55 and lighting fixtures 56. Shelving unit 14 also serves as
docking area 38a
for utility threshold 24. A mobile table 16 can be included within workstation
4p.
The hinge and rail detail for mobile workstation 4p according to a
particularly
preferred embodiment is shown schematically in FIGURE 33. Rails 30 for the
containers
are mounted on the inside of base wall 286 and end wall 284; external rails 31
for utility
threshold 24 are mounted on the outside of base wall 286 and end wall 284.
Hinges 296
are included within internal rails 30; one portion of internal rail 30
(affixed to base wall
286) extends across the interface of base wall 286 and end wall 284. A
clearance aperture
298 allows the portion rail 30 to have clearance into end wall 284 when
pivoted with
respect to base wall 286. Diagonally tapered ends of external rails 31, which
separate when
the mobile workstation is stowed, are arranged to keep utility threshold 24z
from sliding out
of the docked position. {According to alternative embodiments, other hinge and
rail
mechanisms may be employed to provide the desired hinge action while
facilitating the full
use of rails for the containers and utility threshold.)
Referring to FIGURES 31 and 32, mobile workstation 4p can be stowed
(closed and compressed) for transport or storage by stowing containers 8 and
utility
threshold 24 within docking area 38a {which is given sufficient internal
capacity) and then
folding end wall 284 onto shelving unit 14 at hinges 298 so that base wall 286
and side wall
285 envelop shelving unit 14 (a locking or latching mechanism can be provided
to secure
the mobile workstation in the stowed condition and/or the open condition).
When stowed
for transport or storage, mobile workstation 4p can be pulled or pushed using
handles 294.
FIGURE 32 shows that while each mobile workstation is a "stand-alone" unit,
groups of
mobile workstations may conveniently be associated for purposes of storage.
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According to any preferred embodiment, the information display system
provides an organizational framework intended to promote and advance the
efficient use,
display and storage of information and layers of information on display panels
(e.g.,
"information persistence," regardless of the format by which the information
is placed on
S associated display boards) in the work environment. According to any
preferred
embodiment of the information display system, each display panel will include
at least one
display board adapted to contain or present information. As will become
apparent to those
of ordinary skill who review this disclosure, the display boards may be
provided in any of a
wide variety or formats, or may be adapted to display information in any of a
wide variety
of formats and/or media; a wide variety of configurations are possible for the
information
display system, employing variations of size, shape, orientation, arrangement,
mounting
interfaces and structures, etc., as well as variations in the deployment of
display boards.
According to any preferred embodiment, the information display system will
facilitate the
dynamic configurability and reconfigurability of work spaces, workstations and
work
environments, in territorial appearance and contextual appearance (e.g. as
scenery or "sets"
can be reconfigured in a theatre play).
According to alternative embodiments, the information display system can be
implemented through a wide variety of mounting arrangements that allow for
translating
movement of the containers and associated display boards with respect to a
wide variety of
mounting structures, for example, floors, architectural walls, panel walls,
systems
furniture, space frames, other articles of furniture, etc. The variety of
mounting structures
that may be used with the information display system illustrates the
flexibility and
adaptability of the information display system to a wide variety of work
environments.
Moreover, although in the exemplary embodiments the mounting assembly and
track system
for the containers of the information display system are preferably arranged
for linear
movement along the mounting structure, according to alternative embodiments,
the track
system of the information display system may be configured for wholly or
partially curved
movement (e.g. as necessary to conform to a curved wall or other mounting
structure alone
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or in combination to facilitate the movement of containers from one
orientation or plane to
another within a work environment.)
It is important to note that the use of the terms "display panel" or "display
board" are not meant as perms of limitation, insofar as any "panel" or "board"
or Iike
structure having a decorative or functional use or application is intended to
be within the
scope of the term. For example, the use of the term "display board" is
intended as a
convenient reference for any such "board" or structure, which may also be
viewed
synonymously with the term "work board" or other like terms. According to any
preferred
embodiment, the display panel or display board is configured in a generally
symmetrical
basic form so that the designation of a "front surface" and "back surface" is
essentially
arbitrary and dependent upon the orientation within the information display
system.
Exemplary display boards may be formed of any of a variety or materials or
have any of a
variety of sizes and shapes, constructions (with any of a variety of
properties, such as
weight, strength, rigidity, acoustic properties, flammability, etc. suitable
for the intended
application) and mounting interfaces. As will be apparent to those who review
this
disclosure, the outer surfaces of the display boards may be provided with a
wide variety of
surface treatments (e.g. tackable or repositionable adhesive, clear film
overlay or "photo
album", clear film "pocket", writable clear film, cork or tack board, peg
board, magnetic
board, marker board, dry erase or "white" board, paper or paper tablet,
projection screen,
graphics display, cloth, etc.) in a wide variety of combinations (i.e. with
one surface
differing in whole or in part from the other surface) that may be suited or
adapted to a wide
variety of functional and decorative purposes according to the preferred and
other
alternative exemplary embodiments of the present invention. According to any
preferred
embodiment, the display boards and associated structures and systems are
configured for
ease and flexibility of use (e.g. recording, mapping, transformation, capture,
etc.), display
(e.g. sharing and communicating), and storage - information persistence -- as
well as of
mounting and removal from associated mounting structures (such as the
containers).
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It is also important to note that the use of the term "information" is meant
to
cover any use of any type of media or any type of representation that can be
associated with
a display board (or work board).
Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who
review this disclosure
will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary
embodiments
(such as variations in sizes, structures, shapes and proportions of the
various elements,
values of parameners, mounting arrangements, or use of materials) without
materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention.
Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as
defined in the
appended claims. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may
be made
in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred
embodiments without
departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the appended
claims.
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~o~.ssss2~.m
