Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SUSPENDED PANEL SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
-, This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial
No. 60/335,582 filed 24 October 2001.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED
RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional methods for configuring the layout of a workspace include the use
of modular vertical partitions to divide a larger workspace into smaller semi-
private
workspaces. Conventional known office systems use rigid wall panels or
partitions to
subdivide a workspace. Other systems for selectively dividing a workspace use
flexible,
vertical wall partitions. These systems are convenient but have limitations in
the
functionality they can add to a workspace, especially in the overhead space.
In the space above the head of a worker, conventional drop-down ceiling
panels spaced from a building ceiling have been used to conceal structures
between the drop-
ceiling panels and the building ceiling, and for aesthetic purposes. However,
drop-down
ceiling panels cannot be readily configured into different shapes because drop-
ceiling panels
are not mounted for movement. These ceiling panels cannot be selectively
configured to add
and support a variety of functional uses and utilities in the workspace.
In the area of workplace environments, there continues to be a need for
improving the utility of the workspace, including the space above the head of
a standing
worlcer. However, none of the previously existing systems allow workers to
effortlessly and
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quickly alter a workspace to meet their changing needs ny recontigunng the
space above their
heads.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general, the present invention is a system for facilitating and/or
decorating a
work environment in a building. The system includes at least one panel
suspended from an
overhead structure by at least two suspension points. These two suspension
points are
independently height adjustable. As a result, the height and angle of the
panel can be
adjusted.
In a preferred embodiment, the panel includes two sections joined by a hinge.
There are at least three independently height adjustable suspension points
whereby the height,
the angle with respect to the floor and the angle with respect to each section
can be adjusted.
This preferred embodiment may also include additional panels which axe
suspended and
likewise adjustable.
Other aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in
view of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VEIWS OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a workspace having a
panel system according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 2A-2C are perspective views of alternate embodiments of a support
system for the panel system of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 3A-3B are partial side views of the support system and panel system of
FIG. 2B;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator system according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
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FIGS. SA-SB are perspective views of an amernate erri~'b~~rrient of a panel
section according to the present invention illustrating a utility such as LED
lighting;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of yet another workspace using a plurality of panel
systems in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic of a panel system according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a panel system
according to the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a panel
system according to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support framework useful with the panel
assemblies of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a workspace including panel assemblies in
accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 12A-12B are perspective views of another workspace including panel
assemblies in accordance with the present invention and illustrating a first
position
and a second position; and
FIG. 13 is a plan view of yet another workspace including panel assemblies in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1, a workspace 20 is
shown that utilizes one embodiment of a suspended panel system 30 for
facilitating andlor
decorating the work environment according to the present invention. The
workspace 20 is in
the form of an office environment and includes a worksurface 22 and other
furniture such as a
chair 24, and may include work tools or instruments such as a computer 26.
Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the workspace 20 is only exemplary and the
invention may be fully
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realized in other arrangements of office environments, as wetras m~otrier work
environments,
such as a factory, a warehouse, a laboratory, etc.
The suspended panel system 30 includes a plurality of panel sections 32 or
portions pivotally interconnected at their end portions, such as by hinges 36,
so as to be
angularly adjustable. The phrase "angularly adjustable" means that the panel
sections 32 may
be moved to different orientations defining varying angles between the plane
generally
defined by the surface of the panel section 32 and the plane generally defined
by the ceiling
or sub-ceiling of the workspace. The panel sections 32 are suspended by
support members
38, such as cables, and extend generally horizontally in an upper portion 40
of the workspace
20, generally above the head of a standing worker.
The phrase "generally horizontally extending," means that, in the aggregate,
the plurality of panel sections 32 generally or predominately extend in the
horizontal
direction, such as generally parallel to the floor or ceiling. Thus, the panel
sections 32 axe
distinct from traditional panel sections, such as modular panel systems or
cubicles, which
extend generally vertically to divide a workspace. The term "extending
generally
horizontally" is intended to include embodiments where some of the panel
sections 32 may
have a capability to extend substantially vertically, or even entirely
vertically, as is the case
of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The term "generally horizontally extending"
refers to the
general or predominate positioning of the panel sections 32 as a whole.
Similarly, the phrase
"generally above the head of a standing worker" means that, in the aggregate,
the plurality of
panel sections 32 generally or predominantly are positioned at a height above
the height of an
average standing worker. However, some of the panel sections 32, or portions
of a particular
pa~.zel section 32, may be positioned at a height below the height of a
standing worker.
The support members 38 for each section of the panel 32 are connected at
suspension points 39. In the preferred embodiment shown, the suspension points
39 are
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connected with the hinges 36. However, those skilled m trie ait~will recognize
triat the
suspension points 39 could also be located on the panel sections 32
themselves. Preferably,
there are at least two suspension points 39 associated with each panel section
32. In the
preferred embodiment shown, the panels 32 are generally rectangular and the
suspension
points 39 are located near the corners of the rectangle. However, those
skilled in the art will
recognize that other shapes may be used for the panel sections 32.
The panel sections 32 may be made of a flexible or inflexible material, and
may include a frame or may be frameless. In addition, different panel sections
32 within the
system 30 may be made from different materials and have different structural
characteristics.
For example, in the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, intermediate
panel section 42
is made of a frameless, inflexible material, whereas panel section 46 includes
a frame 48 for
supporting a flexible material 50. Suitable inflexible or rigid materials
include panels, such
as wood or synthetic panels, tackable panels, and fabric covered panels.
Suitable flexible or
non-rigid materials include fabrics, both woven and non-woven, sheets, soft
plastics, etc.
Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the many materials that may be
used with the
panel sections of the present invention. The panel sections may also be
divided by frame
members 52 into sections or sub-panels, such as sections 54, 56, 58.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the panel sections 32 may be
adapted to provide or support various functionalities. For example, the panel
sections 32
preferably include one or more display surfaces 56 which may support one or
more images
58. In an especially preferred embodiment, the images 58 are digitally printed
images, and
are integrated with the panel sections 32 by a method and in a manner more
fully described in
commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. App. Ser. No. 09/883,092, entitled
"Methods and
Apparatus for Decorating Interior Environments", filed June 15, 2001, the
entire disclosure of
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which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternately, the aispiay surraces
may be tormea
as a marker board or other such surface for serving as a substrate for printed
information.
In alternate embodiments, other functionalities may be provided by the panel
sections 32. For example, the panel sections may include a surface having
sound-absorbing
characteristics, magnetic or tackable capabilities, or thin-film technology.
The selection of
the materials used to construct or finish the panel section is based upon the
fixnctionality
desired.
The panel system 30 may also be used to support or integrate other structures
or devices for providing diverse functionality to the workspace. For example,
panel section
56 incorporates a built-in computer or display screen 62. The display screen
62 may in turn
be networked with other tools in the workspace, such as a computer 26, either
through a
wired system (not shown) within the panel system 30, or through a wireless
network (not
shown).
Panel sections 46, 5~ also support utility devices 64, 66, respectively. These
devices are integrated in the panel sections to provide further functionality
to the workspace
20. The utility devices 64, 66 may include, without limitation, lighting
devices, speakers,
microphones, display screens, vents for a heating or cooling system, and
mounting devices
for holding various office equipment or instruments. Although only two utility
devices have
been shown, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many more utility
devices may be
incorporated into the panel system 30 on different panel sections as needed
for a particular
functionality.
The upper or reverse surfaces of the panel sections 32 may also provide
functionality or support utility devices. For example, the lighting device 70
(FIG. 2A) may
be in contact with the reverse or upper surface 72 of the panel system 30 to
allow for
dispersed lighting throughout the workspace. In addition, the lighting device
70 may also be
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used to light the panel system 30. The lighting device i~ coura use various
ngni sources sucn
as incandescent or fluorescent light sources or an LED light source. The use
of an LED light
source allows for various colored light beams to be created and projected onto
the panel
system 30 in order to change the appearance or color of the system. Also, an
upper or reverse
surface 74 (FIG. 2A) may serve as a display surface for supporting printed
information 76.
The utility devices 64, 66, 70 may be controlled manually, or may be
automated or integrated into a wired or wireless network. In one preferred
embodiment, the
utility devices 64, 66, 70 are controlled by a wireless remote control device
80. In one
embodiment of the invention, the remote control device 80 may be used to move
and
reconfigure the panel sections of the system 30, as more fully described
below. In another
embodiment of the invention, the computer 26 may be used to control the
utility devices 64,
66, 70.
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate three alternate embodiments for support structures for
the panel system 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structures are
located in the
upper portion 40 of a workspace. In FIG. 2A, the support members 38 suspending
the panel
system 30 are each secured to either end portion of an actuator 160. The
actuators 160 are
capable of extending or retracting the support members 38, thereby raising or
lowering the
individual panel sections 32 of the panel system 30. The actuators 160 are in
turn supported
by suspending members 162 which are stationary and are attached at their
opposite ends to
the ceiling 164 or sub-ceiling of the workspace. Suitable suspending members
162 include
those made from stranded wire cables and having a diameter of about 1/16".
FIG. 2B illustrates an alternate of a structure for supporting the panel
system
in an upper portion 40 of a workspace. The structure includes a frame 168
having a
plurality of cross members 170 and a pair of elongated members 172 extending
in a direction
25 generally perpendicular to the actuators 160. The actuators 160 are secured
to the frame 168,
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and the frame 168 is, in turn, supported by suspending ri~errivers m~., W
uicri are stationary
and are attached at their opposite ends to the ceiling 164 or sub-ceiling of
the workspace.
The frame 168 is preferably made from a strong, but lightweight material. An
especially
preferred frame is constructed from 2" x 2" aluminum angle. Suitable
suspending members
174 are made from stranded wire cables having a diameter of about 1/16". The
frame 168
may also be connected to one or more walls 176 by wall mounts 178. In the
embodiment
shown, the frame 168 is attached to both the walls 176 and the ceiling 164,
but those skilled
in the art will recognize that in alternate embodiments, the frame 168 may be
attached either
to the walls or the ceiling.
FIG. 2C illustrates another alternate embodiment of a structure for supporting
the panel system 30. The structure in this embodiment includes the same frame
168 as FIG.
2B, but is supported by columns or legs 180 attached at corners of the frame
168. The
columns or legs 180 extend downward to a base member 182, such as the floor or
sub-floor
of the workspace. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, there is no support for
the structure
from the ceiling; rather, the structure is freestanding. The columns or legs
180 may or may
not be attached to the base member 182. W alternate embodiments, the columns
may be
integrated into the building architecture.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate one preferred embodiment of the operation of
actuators 160 to move and reconfigure the panel sections 32. Each of the panel
sections 32 is
suspended, either directly or indirectly, by two pairs of support members 38
at the suspension
points 39. The end panel section 32a is suspended by a pair of support members
38a attached
directly to the panel sections 32a, and a pair of support members 38b
connected with a pivot
or hinge 36b which in turn is attached to the panel section 32a. Each of the
interior panel
sections 32b, 32c, 32d, are supported by two pivots or hinges 36b, 36c, 36d,
36e,
respectively, which in turn are each supported by a pair of support members
38b, 38c, 38d,
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38e. The penultimate panel section 32e is supported in a manner
srmmarvo°~p~.ner sec~on .spa,
that is, by a support member 38e connected with a hinge or pivot 36e, and by a
support
member 38f attached to the opposite end portion of the panel section 32e.
Finally, the panel
section 32f, made of a flexible and rollable material, is supported by a
roller system 190. The
roller system operates in a manner similar to a conventional cord and friction
lock or window
shade roller system and allows the panel section 32f either to be extended
downward, as
shown in FIG. 3A, or rolled and fully retracted, as in FIG. 3B. The panel
section 32f
therefore defines a vertically adjustable side panel in combination with panel
system 30.
In FIG. 3A, support members 38a and 38f are significantly extended, whereas
support members 38c, 38d, 38e are relatively short and retracted. Furthermore,
panel section
32f is fully extended downward from roller system 190. This arrangement
provides
somewhat of an enclosed feeling within the workspace because of the resultant
generally
downward positioning of the end panel sections 32a, 32f. In contrast, in FIG.
3B, the
actuators 160 have been operated so as to retract support members 38a and 38f,
and to extend
support members 38c, 38d, 38e. The roller system 190 has been operated to
fully retract
panel section 32f. This arrangement provides a more open feel to the
workspace, and perhaps
emphasizes lighting or images that may be supported by panel sections 32c,
32d, which slant
gently downward into the workspace.
In a preferred embodiment, the panel 32 is moveable from a first position in
which the entire panel 32 is generally horizontal and overhead, and a second
position, where
at least a portion of the panel is generally vertical and accessible by the
user.
The panel system 30 can be reconfigured by operating the actuators 160 and
thus moving the panel sections 32 in order to accommodate and adjust for
different uses of
the worlcspace. The actuators 160 may be independently controlled, and the
hinges 36 move
up or down generally independent of each other, and therefore, the panel
sections 32 are
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generally adapted for movement independent of each o~ner:°'
u°nbs~"s~ll~crwiri the-art will
appreciate that many alternate arrangements of the panel sections are
envisioned by the
present invention. For example, in alternate embodiments, different numbers of
panel
sections may be used to form the panel system 30. The panel sections may also
be arranged
in a matrix rather than end to end as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.
Furthermore, a pull-
down panel section and roller system may be included in places other than at
the end of the
panel system 30.
Turning now to FIG. 4, a preferred embodiment of an actuator system
according to the present invention is shown generally at 200. The actuator
system 200
includes a reversible rotary motor 210. A suitable rotary motor is Model
#2082, sold by
Somfy Systems, Inc., of Cranbury, N.J. A stationary projection 212 and a
bracket insert 214
cooperate with a support bracket 216 to provide support for the rotary motor
210 at one end.
A power cord 220 extends from the end of the motor 210 to provide electricity.
A structural
support such as a hollow tube member 230 encloses at least a portion of the
rotary motor 210
and extends between and adapted 323 and an idler member 234. The tube member
230 is
preferably thin wall, steel tubing. A drive adapter 23~ imparts movement from
the rotary
motor 210 to the tube member 230. A bracket support 240 connects with the
idler member
234 to provide support for the opposite end of the system 200.
A pair of support members 244 are attached to and wrapped about the outer
surface of the tube members 230. The support members 244 are preferably in the
form of
suspension cables or wires. Suitable support members 244 are made from
straaided wire
cables having a diameter of about 1/16". The support members 244 or cables
should be long
enough such that the panel sections they support can be lowered to be near the
floor for
cleaning. Additional support members 244 can be used depending on the weight
and span of
the panels.
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When the rotary motor 210 is activated, the°tulie'meiiiber 230~rotates
and reels
in or extends the support members 244, depending upon whether the rotary motor
210 is
activated in the forward or reverse direction. In an especially preferred
embodiment, each
reversible, rotary motor has built-in, adjustable stops (not shown). These
stops can be used to
control the length of the support members 244 reeled in or reeled out by
changing the number
of rotations the motor 210 makes in either direction.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the actuator system shown in FIG. 4
is
exemplary and that other assemblies may also be used for movement and
reconfiguration of
the panel system. For example, the tube members may be rotated manually with a
cord and
friction lock similar to a conventional window shade roller system, and
without the use of an
electric motor.
Referring now to FIGS. SA and SB, an alternate embodiment of a panel
system 250 includes panel sections 252, one or more of which includes through-
holes 256.
The through-holes 256 allow patterned light to pass through the panel sections
252. As
shown in FIG. SB, one or more lighting mounting brackets 260 may be installed
on the upper
surface 262 of the panel sections 252 over each of the through-holes 256. Each
lighting
mounting bracket 260 may house a light source (not shown). By adding different
light
sources, such as different colored light, to different mounting brackets 260,
various patterns
of light may be achieved on the lower surface of the panel sections 252.
Turning now to FIG. 6, an integrated workspace incorporating the present
invention is shown generally at 400. The workspace 400 includes a working area
402 having
furniture or other working implements or equipment (not shown). The working
area 400 is
generally bound by a base member 410, such as a floor or raised-floor, and an
upper portion
or plane 412. The plane 412 may constitute a ceiling or sub-ceiling, or may be
generally
parallel to the ceiling and substantially above the head of a standing worker.
A plurality of
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suspended panel assemblies 414 and a plurality of stationary riorizbnt~;1
panels 4I8,'sucri as-
traditional ceiling tiles, are supported in the upper portion of the workspace
within the plane
412 or generally adjacent and parallel to the plane 412. In the embodiment
shown, the panel
assemblies 414 includes a frame support 430 for supporting panel sections 432.
However,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of the support
structure for the
panel system as disclosed herein are also envisioned by the present invention.
The suspended panel assemblies 414 may be used to sub-divide the workspace
400, or to provide functionality, such as utilities, to various locations
throughout the
workspace 400. In addition to the panel system 414 and the stationary
horizontal panels 418,
traditional vertical panels (not shown), such as modular panel systems, may be
integrated into
the workspace as well. In the embodiment shown, the panel assemblies 414 and
the
stationary horizontal panels 418 together span less than the whole of the area
of the plane
412, leaving interstices 440.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications, variations,
and alternate embodiments of the panel system and workspace shown in FIGS. 1-
5 are
envisioned by the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustrating
some of the main
components that may be included in various alternate embodiments of the
present invention.
The system 480 generally includes a support 482 for one or more actuator
elements 484. The
actuator elements 484 operate to move, adjust, or reconfigure one or more of
the panels 486.
The panels 486, in turn, may provide support for, or may integrate one or more
of the utilities
488 into the system. Furthermore, a controller 490 may also be incorporated
into the system,
and preferably is operable to instruct, energize, or to otherwise cause
operation of the actuator
elements 484 and/or the utilities 488.
The support 482 can take the form of a frame, which may be either suspended
from an upper portion of a workspace, or supported by columns. The columns may
be
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freestanding or built as part of the building architecture: Iii"other
eh'ih'tidih'I~rits;'the'suppoi~t°"
482 may be frameless and consist solely of suspending members such as cables.
In still other
embodiments, the support 482 can take the form of mounts in the ceiling, such
as mounts in a
recessed portion of a ceiling to which the actuator elements 484 are directly
installed. In
another alternative embodiment, the support 482 is a sturdy post, and may be
integrated with
the actuator elements to form a piston (for example, as more fully described
below with
reference to FIG. 10).
The actuator elements 484 can take the form of roller assemblies such as those
discussed above with reference to FIG. 4. The roller assemblies may have a
reversible motor
that lifts a cable, and may each have an electrical relay that can be
independently or
simultaneously controlled by a wall switch, or by a controller 490. In an
alternate
embodiment, the actuator elements 484 may include one or more pistons. In
still another
embodiment of the invention, the actuator elements 484 may take the form of a
manually
operated mechanical device, such as a system of pulleys or a cord and friction
lock.
The panels 486 can take a wide variety of forms. The panels 486 may be
framed or frameless, and may have rigid or non-rigid surfaces. A preferred
framed panel
includes a lightweight extruded plastic frame which may be transparent,
translucent or
opaque, and may have- fabric stretched over it. The fabric may be used for a
digital image
printed thereon. In another embodiment, the fabric may have a sound absorbing
characteristic.
If the panel 486 has a rigid portion, it may include a marker board, a display
surface, a reflective surface adapted to focus indirect lighting, or a surface
adapted to redirect
sound. The display surface may act as a substrate for printed information, or
an image, or a
proj ection screen. The display surface may also include a video screen,
providing
videoconference capability, email messages, schedule reminders, or other
conventional uses.
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One or more of the panels 486 may take me norm or°a verrrcauy
ac~justame
side panel or drop down privacy screen, preferably made of a fabric that is
easy to roll.
The utilities 488 or work tools may take the form of a wide variety of
electrical devices and appliances, for example, utilities related to lighting,
communication,
power delivery, and data transmission. The utilities may be integrated with,
embedded in, or
supported by the panels 486. Examples of utilities are conventional devices
such as speakers;
telephones, speaker phones, handfree phones, antennas and videoconference
systems; power
outlet and cabling; audio output devices and sound conditioning devices; video
displays;
wired, wireless communication systems; projectors and cameras; indicators and
gauges;
security devices; fire suppression devices such as sprinklers; climate control
and ventilation;
data links, including wired ports, wireless connection to a network node, and
infrared and
Bluetooth~ (RF/802.1 lb) access points; power couplings and outlets; and
direct and indirect
lighting, ambient lighting fixtures, focused task lighting, LED's, and
fluorescent,
incandescent, and mufti-colored lighting. "Bluetooth" is a registered
trademark of Ericsson
Corporation of Stockholm, Sweden.
The controller 490 may be used to operate the actuator elements 484, and/or
operate the utilities 488. The controller 490 may take the form of a computer
algorithm
having one or more pre-set configurations for the system, such as pre-set
heights and angles
for the panel sections. The pre-set configurations may be selected with a
switch or keyboard,
a remote control device, or in response to voice-activation. In a particularly
preferred
embodiment, the pre-set angles and heights may be viewed and selected using a
graphic user
interface. Alternately, the controller may include one or more sensors, and an
algorithm for
feedback-control based on the measurements of those sensors. The sensors may
be adapted
for measuring sound, motion, heat, chemicals or light. The controller 490 may
be part of a
central control system that may be networked. Access to the control system may
include
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restricted authorization for particular users to effect changeswor mo~tme~t
°o°n1y zo' certain ww
panels or panel sections.
Turning now to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of a panel system is shown
generally at 500. The panel system 500 includes one or more panel sections
510, each
supported by its own support framework 514. As shown more clearly in FIG. 10
(in which
the corresponding panel section 510 has been removed), a particularly
preferred embodiment
of the support framework 514 includes multiple support bases 600, each
including an
attachment end 602 adapted to attach the framework 514 to an upper portion of
a workspace,
such as a ceiling or sub-ceiling. Opposite the attachment end 602, a central
support member
604 extends out from the support bases 600. The support bases 600 house a
hydraulic
mechanism, such as a piston, thereby allowing the central support member 604
to raise and
lower, thereby raising and lowering the panel sections 510 (FIG. 8). Each
central support
member 604 branches into two inner support members 610, 612, and two outer
support
members 618, 620. A multi-directional joint 622 allows the outer support
members 618, 620
to be positioned at a variety of angles from the central support member 604.
Each outer
support member 618, 620 includes a hydraulic mechanism 626, 628, such as a
piston, so that
the respective outer support member may be shortened or lengthened at its end
portions 630,
632, respectively.
The end portions of the central support members 610, 612 are interconnected
with one another by the inner reinforcing members 640, 642, respectively,
which extend
generally perpendicular to the central support members 610, 612. Likewise, the
end portions
630, 632 of the outer support members 618, 620 are connected with one another
by an outer
reinforcing member 646, 648, respectively, which extend generally
perpendicular to the outer
support members 618, 620. To aid in flexibility, universal joints (not shown)
may be used to
CA 02464321 2004-04-22
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attach the support members 610, 612, 618, 620 to their rcspwcemc
remroremg°memncrs v~+v
642, 646, 648.
The inner reinforcing members 640, 642 and the outer reinforcing members
646, 648 of the support framework 514 attach to the panel section 510 (FIGS. 8
and 9) for
support and to provide the panel section's S 10 shape. In a preferred
embodiment of the
invention, the outer support members 618, 620 may be at least partially
embedded within the
panel 510 to provide support and shape. If the panel section 510 is made of a
somewhat
flexible or extendable and retractable material, the hydraulic mechanisms 626,
628 and the
outer support members 618, 620 may operate to lengthen or shorten the panel
sections 510.
In the example shown in FIG. 10, the outer support member 618 is relatively
retracted,
whereas the outer support member 620 is relatively extended.
Referring again to FIG. 8, the panel sections 510 may be used to provide
functionality to the workspace. For example, the panel sections 510 may
support utilities
such as embedded track lighting 550. In another example, the panel sections
510 may act as
a substrate for images or printed information. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, images
552 may be embedded within the panel sections 510 using conductive polymers,
such as that
provided by E INK~ technology. E INK~ is a registered trademark of the E INK
Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Further functionality may be added to the panel sections 510 by the framework
514. For example, the framework 514 may include interior wiring or cabling for
providing
utilities to the workspace. Referring again to FIG. 10, the inner reinforcing
members 640,
642 may carry utilities, such as electrical outlets 644, which may be
positioned to correspond
to an aperture (not shown) in the panel section 510. Furthermore, the outer
reinforcing
members 646 may support a utility device 650, and/or track lighting devices
652.
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CA 02464321 2004-04-22
WO 2003/035991 PCT/US2002/034091
The panel sections 510 are preferably in rnev nape or~e'~tg~'~~
n~.''Virig"tw'b """'
sides 520, 522 generally parallel to the reinforcing members 640, 642, 646,
648, and two
sides 540, 542 generally perpendicular to the reinforcing members 640, 642,
646, 648. The
parallel sides 520, 522 preferably include protective caps 532, 534,
respectively. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the panel system 500 has been arranged in a
symmetrical
matrix of ten panel sections 510 in five pairs. Each pair of panel sections
510 ahs been
formed by aligning a capped end 520 of one panel section to a capped end 522
of another
panel section. The resulting pairs are arranged to form the matrix by placing
the uncapped
ends 540 of one pair of panel sections 510 adjacent the uncapped ends 542 of
another pair of
panel sections 510.
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate arrangement of a panel system 560, also having
ten panel sections 510. The panel system 560 includes two sets 572, 574 of
four panel
sections 510 placed capped-end to capped-end and one additional pair 576 of
panel sections
510, also placed capped-end to capped-end. The panel system 560 shown in FIG.
9 is
therefore asymmetrical in its arrangement of panel sections 510. Furthermore,
as compared
to the panel system 500 of FIG. 8, the panel system 560 of FIG. 9 includes
more angling of
the panel sections 510, thereby providing a more enclosed workspace.
FIG. 11 illustrates a workspace 700 which includes another embodiment of a
panel system 710. The panel system 710 includes five panel sections 510,
arranged generally
in a row, but leaving spaces therebetween. One side 570 of each of the panel
sections 510
has been angled downward in order to provide a sense of enclosure, and to
allow any images,
printed information, video screens, utility devices, etc. that may be
integrated or supported by
the sides 570 to be viewed or otherwise used by workers in the workspace 700.
FIGS. 12A -12B illustrate how a panel system according to the present
invention may be used to sub-divide a workspace. A workspace 800 includes work
17
CA 02464321 2004-04-22
WO 2003/035991 PCT/US2002/034091
instruments or furniture, such as worksurfaces 802,
8Ob,«anc~~°Cna~rs'°~V~;°'~~VV~:"ln~vwo~Spaoe
800 also includes a panel system 820 installed in an upper portion of the
workspace 800. The
panel system 820 includes a plurality of panel sections 822, 824, 826. As
shown in FIG.
12A, one side 834 of panel section 824 has been angled downward, as has one
side 836 of
panel section 826. The effect of the angling of the sides 834, 836 is that it
imparts a sense of
sub-division of the workspace 802 and chair 804, and the other containing
worksurface 806
and chair 808. In FIG. 12B, the side 834 and the side 836 of the panel
sections 824, 826,
respectively, have been repositioned so as to extended generally horizontally.
The result is
that the workspace 800 appears unified and available, for example, for a
larger meeting or
other activity.
FIG. 13 illustrates a larger workspace, such as a portion or entire floor of a
building, that uses multiple panel assemblies, or clusters of panel
assemblies. The workspace
900 includes panel assemblies 910-924 of varying size, number of panel
sections,
arrangement, and positioning. The panel assemblies 910-924 may be used by
themselves to
subdivide the workspace 900, or for providing a support system for utilities
and information
to be spread throughout the workspace. The panel assemblies may also be used
in
combination with generally vertical panel sections 930, such as traditional
modular panels or
partitions, to define individual workspaces within the larger workspace 900.
Although the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to
specific illustrative embodiments thereof, it is not intended that the
invention be limited to
those illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
variations and
modifications can be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of
the invention
as defined by the claims that follow. It is therefore intended to include
within the invention
all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended
claims and
equivalents thereof.
18
