Furniture system

Abstract

A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area is provided. The system includes a rigid spine extending upward from a base surface. At least one worksurface is connected to the spine and extends outward therefrom. A support structure for the worksurface is connected to the spine and the worksurface. The support structure is capable of being adjusted in size to support worksurfaces of different sizes.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of PCT application No. PCT / US02 / 19191, filed Jun. 17, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 298,361, filed Jun. 16, 2001, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a furniture system for use within an open office. In particular, this invention relates to a furniture system adapted to provide improved functionality in an open collaborative work environment and in the proximate workspace of a user while providing an enhanced aesthetic appearance. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Because the concept of an appropriate working environment is rapidly changing, it is necessary that any system of arranging and defining work areas be capable of many different configurations allowing rapid changeover from one arrangement to another. Such systems must be flexi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a furniture system that improves efficiency and flexibility compared to previous open plan furniture systems. It includes a spine that extends upward from a base surface and a worksurface connected to the spine. A support structure for the worksurface is connected to the spine and worksurface, which can adjust its size to support different worksurfaces. Additionally, a screen can be provided adjacent to the worksurface, which includes a framework and a spanning element that covers the interior of the framework. The work system also includes a work tool support structure that supports various work tools. The spanning element can fill in or cover the interior of the framework. Overall, the invention provides a flexible and efficient furniture system for open areas."

Problems solved by technology

Previous systems have failed to adequately provide a flexible and efficient use of an open area workspace.

When not in use, conventional furniture is bulky and requires substantial storage space.

However, many previous system furniture designs failed to work in an optimal manner in open collaborative work settings.

This issues related to a user's proximate workspace have become more pronounced as the size of a user's work area decreases.

Although traditional systems furniture remain a viable solution for many office environments, some business organizations have functional and aesthetic requirements which cannot be practically or commercially met by such a product.

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