Office Pod

Abstract

An office pod (200) enclosing an interior soundproof workspace, the office pod (200) comprising a front load-bearing frame (210), a rear load-bearing frame (220), and skin layers (230, 240) attached between the front load-bearing frame (210) and the rear load-bearing frame (220) to provide cross-dimensional rigidity to the front and rear load-bearing frames (210, 220).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to office pods or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] This section provides useful background information without admitting that any of the techniques described herein represent the state of the art.

[0003] Office pods, such as soundproof meeting, work booths, and phone booths, are increasingly being used in public spaces as well as modern furniture in the workplace. Such pods are often used for working, meetings, phone calls, and video conferencing.

[0004] A conventional office pod consists of opposing wall modules connected to each other by a floor module at the bottom and a ceiling module at the top. These modules form a rigid chassis to which window and / or door frames are attached at the sides. The wall modules include alternating sound-insulating and sound-absorbing layers and an outermost exterior cover (skin layer).

[0005] These types of office pods have become increasingly expensive to manufacture in recent years. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a novel and innovative office pod of new design.

[0007] According to a first exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided an office pod enclosing an interior soundproof workspace, comprising: a front load-bearing frame; a rear load-bearing frame; and a skin layer attached between the front and rear load bearing frames to provide cross-dimensional stiffness to the front and rear load bearing frames.

[0008] A soundproof workspace in this context means that the office pod surrounding the soundproof workspace is intentionally constructed to prevent sound, particularly in the human speech frequency range, from propagating outside the office pod. In preferred embodiments, the soundproofing is at a level where words spoken inside the office pod can no longer be recognized outside the pod, i.e., the soundproofing makes speech inside the pod unintelligible outside the pod.

[0009] Cross-dimension in this context means a dimension that is neither in the plane of the load-bearing frame(s) in question nor parallel to the plane of the load-bearing frame(s) in question. Furthermore, providing cross-dimension stiffness (or support) in this context means providing (appropriate) lateral bracing to the front and rear load-bearing frames. Thus, the skin layers that provide cross-dimension stiffness maintain the rectangular shape of the volume between the frames (i.e., provide the effect that the shape of the volume between the frames does not change).

[0010] In this context, a "load-bearing" frame refers to the frame structure that provides the attachment point(s) and structural support to the rest of the pod, i.e., the "load-bearing" frame is the part that takes the structural force load from the rest of the pod on the floor and transfers it to the ground on which the pod stands.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the skin layer is disposed between the load-bearing frames in the form of a substantially (generally) planar and uniform (perforation-free) surface. The planarity and uniformity of the skin layer contribute to a desired acoustic behavior. Here, the desired acoustic behavior refers (metaphorically) to a drumhead-like vibration behavior of the skin layer. That is, in certain embodiments, the planarity of the skin layer, particularly on the outside of its peripheral region, advantageously minimizes its natural frequency, whereby any non-planar features, particularly angular features such as corrugations, would detrimentally increase the natural frequency of the skin layer.

[0012] It should be understood that any holes for fastening means such as screws, bolts, etc. are not to be construed as deviations from the uniformity of the skin layer (i.e., not to be understood as perforations in the skin layer) as they are not left open to allow free passage of sound within the assembled pod with the skin layer.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the skin layer has a (generally) planar configuration (i.e., lacking, for example, corrugations). This means that, in certain embodiments, the skin layer is planar everywhere except in the peripheral region (where the skin layer may have a non-planar configuration due to curing and / or attachment). In certain embodiments, at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, of the total area of ​​the skin layer has a planar configuration (i.e., lacking corrugations or other angular configurations), with non-planar configurations, if present, occurring in the peripheral region of the skin layer.

[0014] In particular embodiments, the skin layer between the load-bearing frames is formed from two or more generally planar sub-pieces, in particular two, three or four sub-pieces, positioned adjacent to one another.

[0015] Each of the sub-pieces is generally in the form of a planar, uniform surface. The planarity and uniformity of the skin sub-pieces contribute to the desired acoustic behavior. The planarity requirements above also apply in such case(s).

[0016] In certain embodiments, the office pods are provided with stiffening arrangement(s) at the juncture(s) or area(s) where adjacent sub-pieces are joined together. Thus, similar to a one-piece implementation where the otherwise planar skin layers are allowed to bend or curve in the areas of the front and rear load-bearing frames where they are attached to said frame(s), the sub-pieces are also generally planar except that they are allowed to bend or curve in the areas where they are joined together with the frame(s) and / or adjacent sub-piece(s).

[0017] Thus, in certain embodiments, the office pod includes a stiffening arrangement at the joining area where one sub-piece is joined together with an adjacent sub-piece.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the stiffening arrangement is arranged by bending the sub-pieces relative to one another (and attaching an end of one sub-piece to an end of an adjacent sub-piece).

[0019] In certain embodiments, the office pod includes a skin layer of sound-insulating material that forms the exterior surface (exterior cover) of the pod. In certain embodiments, the skin layer is sheet metal. In certain embodiments, the skin layer is sheet metal made of steel.

[0020] Sound-insulating materials, sometimes known as sound-proofing materials, refer to materials that primarily block sound waves from passing through them, typically by reflection. Such materials are typically hard and dense. Examples of such materials are steel and concrete.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the office pod comprises a sidewall structure comprising the skin layer followed by a layer of sound absorbing material. Thus, in certain embodiments, the sidewall structure is a layered structure. In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises or consists of superimposed layers. In certain embodiments, the layer of sound absorbing material is superimposed on the skin layer.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure is implemented without any additional sound insulating layers, i.e., in such cases, the skin layer is the only sound insulating layer within the sidewall (structure).

[0023] In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises a sound absorbing element comprising multiple layers of sound absorbing material. In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises a sound absorbing element comprising an air space. In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure comprises a sound absorbing element or layer of sound absorbing material spaced a distance from the skin layer, leaving an air space therebetween. In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing element is formed from or comprises a layer of sound absorbing material and an air space.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the air layer is positioned (sandwiched) between the sound-absorbing material layer and the skin layer. In certain embodiments, the sound-absorbing element comprises an inner liner layer facing the interior of the pod. In certain embodiments, the inner liner has a higher flow resistivity than the sound-absorbing material layer. In certain embodiments, the inner liner layer forms the second sound-absorbing material layer (while the first-mentioned sound-absorbing material layer forms the first sound-absorbing material layer). In certain embodiments, the order of the different layers in the sidewall structure is skin layer (outermost layer), air layer, first sound-absorbing material layer, inner liner layer (innermost layer). In certain other embodiments, the order of the different layers in the sidewall structure is skin layer (outermost layer), first sound-absorbing material layer, air layer, inner liner layer (innermost layer). In certain still other embodiments, the air layer is present in the center of the first sound-absorbing material layer. In certain still other embodiments, there are multiple air layers in the sidewall structure.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the layers of the sidewall structure do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the layers (ie, perpendicular to the surface of the largest area of ​​all the layers).

[0026] Sound-absorbing materials primarily refer to materials that allow sound waves to propagate through the material but absorb them so that they do not generate echoes. Such materials are typically light and airy. Examples of such materials are open-cell foam and woven fabrics.

[0027] As one skilled in the art will readily appreciate, all materials possess both sound insulating and sound absorbing properties to some degree, but in the case of, for example, concrete or steel, the sound insulating properties largely dominate the sound absorbing properties, and such materials are thereby understood to be sound insulating materials. Correspondingly, in the case of, for example, glass wool, open cell foam, fibrous felt, and textiles, the sound absorbing properties largely dominate the sound insulating properties, and such materials are thereby understood to be sound absorbing materials.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the total mass of the sidewall structure is at most half, or preferably at most one-third, of the total mass of either the front wall with the front load-bearing frame and the rear wall with the rear load-bearing frame.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the total thickness of the sidewall structure is less than 200 mm, more preferably less than 100 mm.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the sidewall structure is a non-modular structure, "non-modular" in this context meaning that the skin layers and the sound absorbing elements form separate layers that do not form an integrated whole.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the office pod comprises a skin layer that is less stiff than any of the load-bearing frames.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the skin layers are attached directly to the front and rear load bearing frames.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the skin layers are indirectly attached to the front and rear load bearing frames.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the office pod includes a connector (which may be a rigid connector) connecting the front load-bearing frame and the rear load-bearing frame, and the skin layer is attached to the connector. In certain embodiments, the connector is in the form of a bar or beam. In certain embodiments, the connector is hollow. In certain embodiments, the hollow connector houses wiring and / or electrical components. In certain embodiments, the hollow connector provides a fire enclosure for the pod's mains voltage electrical components, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fire enclosure for the mains voltage electrical components. When functioning as such a fire enclosure, the hollow connector is made of a non-combustible material such as metal, preferably steel, or a flame-retardant plastic, preferably 5VA plastic.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the connector is a non-vertical connector. In certain embodiments, the connector is a horizontal or substantially horizontal connector.

[0036] In certain embodiments, an office pod includes the skin layer on both the left and right sides of the pod, and a chassis having cross-dimensional support is formed from the skin layer and the load-bearing frame.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the functional layer associated with the soundproofing of the side wall of the office pod consists of the skin layer and the sound absorbing element, which consists of the sound absorbing material layer with or without one or more air gaps, and an optional inner liner (or inner panel) comprising sound absorbing material (superimposed on the sound absorbing material layer).

[0038] In certain elements, the rigidity of the pod is enhanced by a ceiling structure attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames. In certain embodiments, the ceiling structure is preferably configured to implement a ventilation function.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the rigidity of the pod is further enhanced by floor structures attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames, hi certain embodiments, the rigid connectors are integrated into the floor structures.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the front load-bearing frame and / or the rear load-bearing frame comprise doors.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the front load bearing frame and / or the rear load bearing frame surround or at least partially surround the door or door frame.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the front load-bearing frame constitutes the outermost enclosing element of the front wall. In certain embodiments, the rear load-bearing frame constitutes the outermost enclosing element of the rear wall.

[0043] According to a second exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an office pod of the first aspect or any of its embodiments, the method comprising: assembling a chassis of an office pod by first providing front and rear load-bearing frames and then attaching right and left side skin layers directly or indirectly to the front and rear load-bearing frames to form a cross-dimensional rigid chassis; and thereafter - attaching further portions of an office pod to the chassis to form a completed office pod.

[0044] Different non-restrictive exemplary aspects and embodiments have been presented above. The foregoing embodiments are merely used to illustrate selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in different implementations. Some embodiments and features may be presented only with reference to specific exemplary aspects. It should be understood that corresponding embodiments and features also apply to other exemplary aspects. Any suitable combination of embodiments may be formed. Any devices and / or methods in the description and / or drawings that are not covered by the claims are examples useful for understanding the invention.

[0045] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates an exploded view of portions of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1B illustrates the assembly of an office pod having the parts shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 10 illustrates an exploded view of portions of an office pod, according to certain other embodiments. [Figure 2B] 2B shows the assembly of an office pod having the parts shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates another exploded view of portions of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 3B]3B shows the assembly of an office pod having the parts shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] 10 illustrates yet another exploded view of portions of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 4B] 4B shows the assembly of an office pod having the parts shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 10 illustrates yet another exploded view of portions of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 5B] 5B shows the assembly of an office pod having the parts shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] (A) shows an office pod cut by an imaginary horizontal plane to obtain a cross-section view, (B) shows a first cross-section view, and (C) shows an alternative cross-section view, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 7] (A) shows another office pod cut by an imaginary horizontal plane to obtain a cross-section. (B) shows a cross-section of the office pod of Figure 7(A). [Figure 8] 8A shows another embodiment with the office pod cut by an imaginary horizontal plane to obtain a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the office pod of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sidewall structure of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sidewall structure of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 9C] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sidewall structure of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of a larger office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 10B] 10B shows the assembly of an office pod having the parts shown in FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] 1 illustrates a close-up view of certain details of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 11B] 1 illustrates a close-up view of certain details of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 12]10 illustrates a close-up view of further details of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 13] 10 illustrates a close-up view of further details of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates further details of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates cross-bracing and particular acoustic layers within an office pod, according to particular embodiments. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates certain layers of a sidewall structure of an office pod, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 17] 10 illustrates the location of attachment points for a single-piece skin layer, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 18] 10 illustrates the location of attachment points for a skin layer formed from multiple sub-pieces, according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements or steps. Please refer to Figures 1-18 with the following numbers and notations:

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049] An embodiment of an office pod according to the present disclosure includes a front load-bearing frame, a rear load-bearing frame, and a skin layer attached between the front and rear load-bearing frames, the skin layer providing cross-dimension rigidity to the front and rear load-bearing frames. Thus, for example, in certain embodiments, the office pod includes the skin layer on both the left and right sides of the pod, and a chassis having cross-dimension rigidity (or support) is formed from the skin layer and the load-bearing frames. In certain embodiments, the cross-dimension rigidity of the frame refers to a structural property that resists the frame from tilting to and / or from an upright position. In other words, the cross-dimension rigidity of the frame refers to resistance to forces that tend to change the relative position of the frame once erected, especially at an angle.

[0050] Figure 1A shows an exploded view of selected portions of office pod 100, according to certain embodiments, and Figure 1B shows the assembly of the chassis of office pod 100 having the portions shown in Figure 1A. Office pod 100 comprises a front load-bearing frame 110, a rear load-bearing frame 120, a left skin layer 130, and a right skin layer 140. The left skin layer 130 is attached between the front load-bearing frame 110 and the rear load-bearing frame 120 on the left side of pod 100, and the right skin layer 140 is attached between the front load-bearing frame 110 and the rear load-bearing frame 120 on the right side of pod 100.

[0051] In this context, and further in the following description, attaching the load-bearing frames "between" the load-bearing frames means that the skin layers are between the load-bearing frames, but need not be between the load-bearing frames in their entirety. For example, in certain embodiments, the edges of the skin layers overlap the respective load-bearing frames, e.g., for attachment purposes. Thus, it should be understood that a skin layer attached between a front load-bearing frame and a rear load-bearing frame can overlap the frames in its peripheral region, but can otherwise obtain attachment from the load-bearing frames in such a manner that it is between the load-bearing frames.

[0052] The skin layer(s) 130, 140 provide cross-dimensional stiffness (lateral bracing) to the front and rear load-bearing frames 110, 120.

[0053] The left skin layer 130 includes attachment points 131-134 at each corner (or corner region) of the layer 130. Similarly, the right skin layer 140 includes attachment points 141-144 at each corner (or corner region) of the layer 140. The skin layers 130, 140 are attached (preferably in a fixed manner) to the front and rear load-bearing frames 110, 120 at attachment points 131-134 and 141-144 to provide cross-dimensional rigidity to the front and rear load-bearing frames 110, 120. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the skin layers 130, 140 between the frames 110, 120 are generally in the form of a planar, uniform surface (forming a sound-insulating layer).

[0054] 2A shows an exploded view of selected portions of office pod 200, according to certain embodiments, and FIG. 2B shows the assembly of the chassis of office pod 200 with the portions shown in FIG. 2A . Office pod 200 comprises a front load-bearing frame 210, a rear load-bearing frame 220, a left skin layer 230, and a right skin layer 240. The left skin layer 230 is attached between the front load-bearing frame 210 and the rear load-bearing frame 220 on the left side of pod 200, and the right skin layer 240 is attached between the front load-bearing frame 210 and the rear load-bearing frame 220 on the right side of pod 200. The skin layer(s) 230, 240 provide cross-dimensional stiffness (lateral bracing) to the front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the skin layers 230, 240 between the frames 210, 220 are generally in the form of a planar, uniform surface (forming a sound insulating layer).

[0055] The left skin layer 230 comprises attachment points 231-234 at each corner (or corner region) of the layer 230. Similarly, the right skin layer 240 comprises attachment points 241-244 at each corner (or corner region) of the layer 240. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the skin layers 230, 240 are not directly attached to the frames 210, 220, but rather there are separate connectors 251, 252, 261, 262 connecting the frames 210, 220, and the skin layers 230, 240 are attached (preferably in a fixed manner) to the frames 210, 220 via their respective connectors.

[0056] 2A and 2B, the left skin layer 230 is attached at its upper corners (or corner regions) at attachment points 231 and 232 to a first (upper) connector 251 that is attached between frames 210 and 220 on the upper left side of pod 200. Similarly, the left skin layer 230 is attached at its lower corners (or corner regions) at attachment points 233 and 234 to a second (lower) connector 252 that is attached between frames 210, 220 on the lower left side of pod 200.

[0057] The right skin layer 240 is attached at its upper corners (or corner regions) at attachment points 241 and 242 to a third (upper) connector 261 attached between the frames 210, 220 on the upper right side of the pod 200. Similarly, the right skin layer 240 is attached at its lower corners (or corner regions) at attachment points 243 and 244 to a fourth (lower) connector 262 attached between the frames 210, 220 on the lower right side of the pod 200.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the connectors 251, 252, 261, 262 themselves do not substantially participate in functionally providing cross-dimensional stiffness to the front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220, but the skin layers 230 and 240 do provide cross-dimensional stiffness to the front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220 (in certain embodiments, as a combined effect together with the connectors 251, 252, 261, 262).

[0059] More generally, although the connectors 251, 252, 261, 262 are not required to provide cross-dimensional stiffness to the front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220 due to the skin layers 230, 240 providing this functionality, it is not detrimental to the stiffness of the pod chassis for the connectors 251, 252, 261, 262 to do so. As a result, the connectors 251, 252, 261, 262 can be attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220 in a simple and economical manner.

[0060] Furthermore, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-2B present attachment points at corners or corner regions. While the present disclosure is not limited to solutions having attachment points only at corners (or corner regions), it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure also have or may have attachment points in other regions of the respective skin layers (e.g., as shown in connection with FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B in the following description). However, any attachment points in these and further embodiments are preferably located in peripheral regions of the skin layer(s). In certain embodiments, the skin layer(s) are attached at their peripheral regions, and the remaining (i.e., central) regions are not attached. In certain embodiments, the skin layer(s) do not contact any structure behind them, allowing them to vibrate freely.

[0061] FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of selected portions of office pod 200, according to certain embodiments, and FIG. 3B shows the assembly of the ceiling and floor plus the chassis of office pod 200 having the portions shown in FIG. 3A . Otherwise, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B fully corresponds to the structure and operation of pod 200 shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B , except that FIGS. 3A and 3B further show a ceiling structure 270 and a floor structure 280 attached to front load-bearing frame 210 and rear load-bearing frame 220. In certain embodiments, ceiling structure 270 and floor structure 280 are substantially non-participating in functionally providing cross-dimension rigidity to front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220. However, in certain embodiments, the rigidity of pod 200 is further enhanced by the attachment of ceiling structure 270 and floor structure 280.

[0062] More generally, the ceiling structure 270 and floor structure 280 do not need to provide cross-dimensional stiffness to the front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220 due to the skin layers 230, 240 providing this functionality, but doing so is not detrimental to the stiffness of the pod chassis. As a result, the ceiling structure 270 and floor structure 280 can be attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220 in a simple and economical manner.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the ceiling structure 270 is configured to implement a ventilation function. To this end, in certain embodiments, the ceiling structure comprises an integrated ventilation system 271.

[0064] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of selected portions of office pod 200, according to certain embodiments, and FIG. 4B shows the assembly of the chassis of office pod 200, including the portions shown in FIG. 4A, plus the ceiling and floor. Otherwise, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B fully corresponds to the structure and operation of pod 200 shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, except that FIGS. 4A and 4B further show left skin layer 230 formed from two sub-pieces 230a and 230b. Similarly, right skin layer 240 is formed from two sub-pieces 240a and 240b. In certain embodiments, the joints or joint areas of the sub-pieces include appropriate stiffening arrangements (e.g., to provide rigidity to withstand the forces of the skin layer expanding caused by a person in the pod leaning against the wall). In certain embodiments, the bonded areas are present at the edge regions of the sub-pieces, while other areas of the sub-pieces (such as the central area) are generally in the form of a flat, uniform surface (forming the sound insulating layer). In certain embodiments, the bonded points or bonded areas include or provide attachment locations for fasteners that attach the sub-pieces 240a, 240b together.

[0065] Figure 5A shows an exploded view of selected portions of office pod 300, according to certain embodiments, and Figure 5B shows the assembly of the ceiling and floor plus chassis of office pod 300 having the portions shown in Figure 5A. Otherwise, the embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B fully corresponds to the structure and operation of pod 200 shown and described above in connection with Figures 2A-4B, but Figures 5A and 5B further show upper connectors (designated 351 and 361) integrated with the ceiling structure (designated 370) and lower connectors (designated 352 and 362) integrated with the floor structure (designated 380).

[0066] FIG. 6A shows office pod 200 cut by imaginary horizontal plane A to obtain a cross-sectional view of office pod 200 at the location where right skin layer 240 connects with front load-bearing frame 210. FIG. 6B shows an example in which curved ends of skin layer 240 fit into respective vertical grooves in frame 210. FIG. 6C shows an example corresponding to the example shown in FIG. 6A, except that frame 210 further comprises a magnet or magnets 215 on the side of frame 210 to provide an attractive magnetic force between frame 210 and skin layer 240. Such magnet(s) 215 provide ease of assembly, as skin layer 240 can be magnetically snapped into place, after which any other fastening(s) can be performed with skin layer 240 already in place. Such magnet(s) 215 provide an attachment force between the frame(s) 210 and the skin layer 240, preventing rattle of the skin layer 240 relative to the frame(s) 210, without the need for fasteners in those areas that would make pod assembly time-consuming and / or require penetration of the acoustically consequential skin layer 240. The same applies to the use of magnet(s), as explained below.

[0067] FIG. 7A shows office pod 200 cut by imaginary horizontal plane A to obtain a cross-sectional view of the right sidewall structure of office pod 200. In this example, as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 7B, right side skin layer 240 is formed from two sub-pieces 240a and 240b, and the joining area where sub-pieces 240a, 240b join includes stiffening arrangement 240c. Sub-pieces 240a, 240b include respective curved ends to fit into respective vertical grooves in respective frames 210, 220. Frames 210, 220 may include magnets 215, 225 on each side of frames 210, 220 to provide an attractive magnetic force between frames 210, 220 and respective sub-pieces 240a, 240b. Sub-pieces 240a, 240b may continue conformally along the surface of their respective frames beyond the location of the grooves, as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 7B.

[0068] The skin layer 240 formed from sub-pieces 240a, 240b is followed by an acoustical layer 245 as one moves towards the interior of the office pod 200. The acoustical layer may be attached to the front and rear load-bearing frames 210, 220 by respective attachment elements 214, 224.

[0069] The central regions of sub-pieces 240a and 240b (as well as the respective regions of sound absorbing layer 245) are not depicted in FIG. 7B but are marked by dashed lines.

[0070] FIG. 8A, like FIGS. 7A and 7B, shows office pod 200 cut by imaginary horizontal plane A. FIG. 8B shows another example cross-section of a right sidewall structure when right skin layer 240 is formed from two sub-pieces 240a and 240b. Otherwise, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B fully corresponds to the structure and operation of pod 200 shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 7A and 7B, except that the connection points or areas where sub-pieces 240a, 240b connect with their respective frames 210, 220 are in different locations. Thus, the grooves in frames 210, 220 to which the ends (or protruding portions) of sub-pieces 240a, 240b attach are positioned in a plane of the respective frames 210, 220 that is substantially parallel to the plane of the respective sub-pieces 240a, 240b. Sub-pieces 240a, 240b may continue conformally along the surface of their respective frames beyond the location of the grooves (and beyond the corners of their respective frames), as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 8B.

[0071] The central regions of sub-pieces 240a and 240b (as well as the respective regions of sound absorbing layer 245) are not depicted in FIG. 8B but are marked by dashed lines.

[0072] FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of a right sidewall structure (hereinafter equally applicable to the left sidewall structure) of office pod 200, according to certain embodiments. The wall structure consists essentially of a skin layer 240 followed by (overlapping) an acoustic layer 245. Skin layer 240 is substantially planar in its region between front load-bearing frame 210 and rear load-bearing frame 220. In the region of frames 210, 220, in certain embodiments, skin layer 240 comprises bent or curved portions in these peripheral regions for attachment of skin layer 240 with structural rigidity and / or for providing edge region(s) of skin layer 240 with structural rigidity. In other embodiments, skin layer 240 remains planar even in the region of the frames.

[0073] 9B shows a partial cross-sectional view of a right sidewall structure (hereinafter equally applicable to the left sidewall structure) of office pod 200, according to certain further embodiments. In addition to skin layer 240 and (first) sound absorbing layer 245, the wall structure further comprises a second sound absorbing layer 246 (such as an inner liner layer) on (superimposed on) first sound absorbing layer 245, which second sound absorbing layer 246 forms the interior surface of office pod 200. In certain embodiments, first and second sound absorbing layers 245 and 246 together form sound absorbing element 255.

[0074] 9C shows a partial cross-sectional view of a right sidewall structure (hereinafter equally applicable to the left sidewall structure) of office pod 200 according to certain further embodiments. In these embodiments, sound absorbing element 255 comprises, in addition to inner liner layer 246, sound absorbing material layer 245a and air (gap) layer 245b. In other embodiments, the order of sound absorbing material layer 245a and air layer 245b is opposite to that shown in FIG. 9C. Thus, in certain embodiments, sound absorbing material layer 245a is closer to skin layer 240.

[0075] Generally, the wall structure comprises a skin layer 240 followed by a sound absorbing element 255. The sound absorbing element 255 comprises at least one sound absorbing layer 245 (or sound absorbing material layer 245a). In addition, the sound absorbing element 255 optionally comprises an inner liner layer 246 as the innermost layer. Alternatively, or in addition, the sound absorbing element 255 optionally comprises one or more air (gap) layers 245b that may be present anywhere between the skin layer 240 and the innermost material layer facing the pod user. In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing (material) layer is of a fluffy material (such as Ewona fiber mat) compared to the more solid or dense material of the optional inner liner layer 246. In certain embodiments, the sound absorbing element 255 is of a dust-proof material(s).

[0076] Figure 10A shows an exploded view of selected portions of office pod 1300 according to certain embodiments, and Figure 10B shows the assembly of office pod 1300 including the portions shown in Figure 10A. Similarly, as shown above, office pod 1300 includes front load-bearing frame 1210, rear load-bearing frame 1220, left skin layer 1230, and right skin layer 1240. However, compared to the previously described office pods 100-300, office pod 1300 is a larger pod that provides space for multiple people.

[0077] In the office pod 1300, the left skin layer 1230 is attached between the front load-bearing frame 1210 and the rear load-bearing frame 1220 on the left side of the pod 1300, and the right skin layer 1240 is attached between the front load-bearing frame 1210 and the rear load-bearing frame 1220 on the right side of the pod 1300.

[0078] The left skin layer 1230 includes an attachment point at each corner (or corner region) of the layer 1230. Similarly, the right skin layer 1240 includes an attachment point at each corner (or corner region) of the layer 1240. The skin layers 1230, 1240 are not directly attached to the frames 1210, 1220, but rather there are connectors 1251, 1352, 1261, 1362 connecting the frames 1210, 1220, and the skin layers 1230, 1240 are attached to the frames 1210, 1220 via their respective connectors.

[0079] In certain embodiments, connectors 1251, 1352, 1261, and 1362 are non-vertical connectors. In certain embodiments, connectors 1251, 1352, 1261, and 1362 are horizontal connectors or substantially horizontal connectors. The above similarly applies to connectors 251, 252, 261, 262, 351, 352, 361, and 362 described above.

[0080] 10A and 10B, the left skin layer 1230 is attached at attachment points at its upper corners (or corner regions) to a first (upper) connector 1251 that is attached between the frames 1210 and 1220 on the upper left side of the pod 1300. Similarly, the left skin layer 1230 is attached at attachment points at its lower corners (or corner regions) to a second (lower) connector 1352 that is attached between the frames 1210, 1220 on the lower left side of the pod 1300.

[0081] The right skin layer 1240 is attached at attachment points at its upper corners (or corner regions) to a third (upper) connector 1261 mounted between the frames 1210, 1220 on the upper right side of the pod 1300. Similarly, the right skin layer 1240 is attached at attachment points at its lower corners (or corner regions) to a fourth (lower) connector 1362 mounted between the frames 1210, 1220 on the lower right side of the pod 1300.

[0082] The office pod 1300 further comprises a ceiling structure 1370 and a floor structure 1380 attached to the front load-bearing frame 1210 and the rear load-bearing frame 1220 .

[0083] In certain embodiments, the ceiling structure 1370 is configured to implement a ventilation function. To this end, in certain embodiments, the ceiling structure 1370 comprises an integrated ventilation system 1271.

[0084] 10A and 10B, office pod 1300 includes a first corner piece 1393 positioned between the front load-bearing frame 1210 and the rear load-bearing frame 1220 at the upper left corner of pod 1300. Similarly, a second corner piece 1394 is positioned between the front load-bearing frame 1210 and the rear load-bearing frame 1220 at the upper right corner of pod 1300.

[0085] 10A and 10B further show the lower connectors, ie, second and fourth connectors 1352, 1362, which are integrated with the floor structure 1380.

[0086] 10A and 10B show the left skin layer 1230 formed from two sub-pieces 1230a and 1230b. Similarly, the right skin layer 1240 is formed from two sub-pieces 1240a and 1240b.

[0087] The skin layer(s) 1230, 1240 formed from multiple sub-pieces (here, two sub-pieces) provide cross-dimensional stiffness (lateral bracing) to the front and rear load-bearing frames 1210, 1220. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the separate and connected sub-pieces 1230a and 1230b (1240a and 1240b, respectively) of the skin layers 1230, 1240 between the frames 1210, 1220 are generally in the form of a planar, uniform surface (forming a sound-insulating layer) to provide the desired acoustic behavior, which means (metaphorically) a drumhead-like vibration behavior of the sidewalls.

[0088] 11A shows a close-up view of certain details of office pod 1300. Thus, FIG. 11A shows a series of optional attachment points between rightmost attachment point 1231 in the upper right corner (or corner region) of left skin layer 1230 and leftmost attachment point 1232 in the upper left corner (or corner region) of left skin layer 1230. In certain embodiments, left skin layer 1230 is attached to first connector 1251 via these attachment points. The same applies to the right sidewall.

[0089] Figure 11B shows a close-up view of another detail of office pod 1300. Accordingly, Figure 11B shows right side skin layer 1240 formed from sub-pieces 1240a, 1240b, and stiffening arrangement 1240c at the junction or joint area of ​​sub-pieces 1240a, 1240b. Central stiffening arrangement (or shape) 1240c provides anti-bulging support to the side wall when a person leans against the side wall (without compromising the desired acoustic behavior). The same applies to the left side wall.

[0090] Figure 12 shows a close-up view of further detail of office pod 1300. Thus, Figure 12 shows the left skin layer 1230 attached at the right-most attachment point 1231 in the upper right corner (or corner region) of the left skin layer 1230 to a first connector 1251, and the first connector 1251 attached to the front load-bearing frame 1210 such that the left skin layer 1230 rests against the front load-bearing frame 1210. The same applies to the right sidewall.

[0091] FIG. 13 shows a close-up view of further detail of office pod 1300. Accordingly, FIG. 13 shows the left skin layer 1230 attached to a first connector 1251 at a right-most attachment point 1231 at the upper right corner (or corner region) of the left skin layer 1230. FIG. 13 also shows a first corner piece 1393 attached to the left skin layer 1230 at the same attachment point 1231. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the ends of the left skin layer 1230 and the first corner piece 1393 are bent so that they overlap one another. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the bent portions form pockets for receiving add-on rails 1235 (shown diagrammatically) to provide a system for attaching additional pieces or accessories to the pod, such as shelves, desktop tables, or whiteboards. The same applies to the right sidewall.

[0092] 14 shows further details of office pod 1300, according to certain embodiments. In these embodiments, office pod 1300 includes an optional cross brace 1555 between front load-bearing frame 1210 and rear load-bearing frame 1220. This additional cross brace 1555 is positioned within the wall structure behind skin layer 1240 (when approaching the interior of pod 1300 from the outside). The purpose of cross brace 1555 is to provide anti-bulge support for the side wall in question when a person leans against the side wall from inside the office pod. The actual structure of cross brace 1555 depends on the implementation.

[0093] FIG. 15 shows a similar cross brace 1555 within office pod 100. FIG. 15 also shows first and second acoustic layers 245, 246 behind right skin layer 240. FIG. 15 also shows a hollow bar 1666 attached between front load-bearing frame 110 and rear load-bearing frame 120. In certain embodiments, hollow bar 1666 does not provide cross-dimensional stiffness (although in other embodiments it may), but it does house main voltage electrical components within the pod structure and provide attachment to a work surface (not shown). In certain embodiments, the hollow bar provides a fire enclosure for the pod's main voltage electrical components, thereby eliminating the need for a separate fire enclosure for the main voltage electrical components. When functioning as such a fire enclosure, the hollow bar is made of a non-combustible material such as metal, preferably steel, or a flame-retardant plastic, preferably 5VA plastic.

[0094] FIG. 16 shows a three-dimensional partial view of the right side skin layer 140 , the first sound absorbing layer 245 , and the inner liner 246 in contact with the rear load bearing frame 120 .

[0095] 17 illustrates the location of attachment points for a single-piece skin layer (e.g., skin layer 240), according to certain embodiments. To provide cross-dimensional rigidity, in certain embodiments, skin layer 240 includes at least three attachment points 24X in the peripheral region of the skin layer. FIG. 17 illustrates certain alternatives for their positioning.

[0096] 18 illustrates the location of attachment points for a skin layer formed from multiple subpieces (here, two subpieces 240a and 240b), according to certain embodiments. In embodiments where the subpieces are bonded together (leftmost view), through a similar curing arrangement, skin layer (combination) 240 includes at least three attachment points 24X in the peripheral region of skin layer 240. If subpieces 240a, 240b are not bonded together (so that subpieces 240a and 240b can move relative to one another), the requirement of at least three attachment points (as shown above in connection with FIG. 17) applies to both subpieces separately (rightmost view).

[0097] In certain embodiments, instead of three attachment points, four or more attachment points are implemented.

[0098] Various embodiments have been presented. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the terms "comprise," "include," and "contain" are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.

[0099] Without limiting the scope and interpretation of the claims, specific technical effects of one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are listed below. A technical effect is a lighter office pod structure compared to conventional pods formed from heavy modular sidewall structures, while achieving good sound-attenuation properties, particularly in the human speech frequency range. Another technical effect is easier and simpler pod assembly due to a simplified structure including fewer parts and / or material layers. Another technical effect is more economical pod manufacturing due to savings in raw materials. Another technical effect is enabling a thin wall structure suitable for office pod use that provides good sound-attenuation properties, particularly in the human speech frequency range, similar to previously known thicker wall structures. Another technical effect is a more environmentally friendly yet sound-attenuating office pod and / or wall structure due to reduced material consumption and reduced energy consumption in logistics due to smaller, lighter shipping. Another technical effect is providing a wall structure, or an office pod having a wall structure, that minimizes health hazards during construction, assembly, and / or use. Another technical effect is to provide an office pod without corner posts or braces for ease of assembly and / or increased rigidity. Another technical effect is to simultaneously achieve two or more of the above effects.

[0100] The foregoing description provides a complete and informative description of the best mode currently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention, as non-limiting examples of specific implementations and embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments presented above, and that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without departing from the characteristics of the invention.

[0101] Moreover, some of the features of the above-disclosed exemplary embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. Thus, the foregoing description should be considered merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. The scope of the present invention is therefore limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An office pod enclosing an internal soundproof workspace, a front load-bearing frame; a rear load-bearing frame; a skin layer attached between the front and rear load bearing frames to provide cross-dimensional stiffness to the front and rear load bearing frames.

2. 10. The office pod of claim 1, wherein the skin layer is between the load-bearing frames in the form of a planar, uniform surface, or, if the skin layer is formed from sub-pieces, the sub-pieces are generally in the form of a planar, uniform surface.

3. 10. An office pod as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, with the skin layer of sound insulating material forming an external surface of the pod.

4. The office pod of claim 3 , comprising a sidewall structure comprising the skin layer followed by a layer of sound absorbing material.

5. The office pod of claim 4 , wherein the skin layer is the only sound insulating layer within the sidewall structure.

6. 6. The office pod according to claim 4, further comprising a sound absorbing element formed from the sound absorbing material layer and an air layer.

7. The office pod of any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising an inner liner layer having a higher flow resistivity than the layer of sound absorbing material.

8. 8. An office pod as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the total mass of the side wall structures is at most half, or preferably one third, of the total mass of either the front wall comprising the front load-bearing frame and the rear wall comprising the rear load-bearing frame.

9. 10. An office pod as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skin layer is less stiff than any of the load bearing frames.

10. 10. An office pod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the skin layers are attached directly to the front and rear load bearing frames.

11. An office pod according to any preceding claim, wherein the skin layers are indirectly attached to the front and rear load bearing frames.

12. The office pod of claim 11 , further comprising a connector connecting the front load-bearing frame and the rear load-bearing frame, the skin layer being attached to the connector.

13. 10. An office pod as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a skin layer on both the left and right sides of the pod, the skin layer and the load-bearing frame forming a chassis having cross-dimensional support.

14. 10. A method of assembling an office pod according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: assembling a chassis of said office pod by first providing said front and rear load bearing frames and then attaching right and left side skin layers directly or indirectly to said front and rear load bearing frames to form a cross-dimensional rigid chassis; and thereafter - attaching a further portion of the office pod to the chassis to form a completed office pod.

Images