Furniture system facilitating informal collaboration and presentations

Abstract

A furniture system particularly adapted for informal collaboration and presentations includes lounge seating units for team members and a podium seating unit for a seated presenter. An information display panel is attached to a rear of the podium seating unit and extends vertically with its front surface being reachable over a back of the podium seating unit. The back terminates below a presenter's lumbar, but is deep enough to discourage the presenter from leaning rearwardly against the screen. By this arrangement, the seated presenter maintains level eye contact with group members in an informal setting while discussing and pointing to information. Accessories are provided to enhance use of the system, such as a paper-and-drink tray for resting on the seat cushion, an erasable board attachable to the screen, bridge tables positionable between seating units, and table-attached screens for promoting privacy.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] The present invention relates to furniture systems that facilitate informal group discussions, and more particularly relates to a furniture system including lounge seating units and a presenter-specific seating unit, where the presenter-specific seating unit is particularly adapted for supporting the activity of a presenter, and for helping the presenter maintain eye contact with his group and also to maintain control, while still keeping the informality of the situation. [0002] Lounge seating is known to promote an informal setting and discussion, and is often used in lobbies and similar public places where it is desirable to encourage people to relax and have conversations. This contrasts to other furniture, such as task chairs, which are intended to support and promote task-oriented activity and movement, but in a more formal task-oriented way. The differences are subtle but significant, since people act differently in informal situations versus more formalized ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a furniture system adapted for informal collaboration and presentations includes at least one lounge seating unit adapted to support seated group members in an informal setting, and a podium seating unit having a seat for a seated presenter. An information display panel is coupled to the podium seating unit and located adjacent a rear of the podium seating unit. The display panel extends above the seating unit with its front surface being reachable over a back of the podium seating unit. By this arrangement, the seated presenter can maintain level eye contact with group members in an informal setting while discussing and pointing to information on the display panel.

Problems solved by technology

Lounge seating will often include pillows, or pillow-like components, and often is not adjustable.

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