CA1231523A - Space planning system and method - Google Patents
Space planning system and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA1231523A CA1231523A CA000493423A CA493423A CA1231523A CA 1231523 A CA1231523 A CA 1231523A CA 000493423 A CA000493423 A CA 000493423A CA 493423 A CA493423 A CA 493423A CA 1231523 A CA1231523 A CA 1231523A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- graphic symbol
- sheet
- elements
- shapes
- grid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
- G09B29/001—Planning boards
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Educational Administration (AREA)
- Educational Technology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Standing Axle, Rod, Or Tube Structures Coupled By Welding, Adhesion, Or Deposition (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A space planning system includes a flexible cast-coated paper substrate with a smooth, flexible sheet of static cling vinyl electrostatically adhered to the coated surface thereof, the vinyl sheet being die cut into a plurality of graphic symbol elements in the shapes of plan or axonometric views of items such as wall sections, windows, furniture, appliances, plants and the like to be arranged in a space to be planned. In use, the graphic symbol elements are peeled from the substrate and electrostatically adhered to the work surface of a flexible work sheet of clear, transparent polyester, reverse printed with a square or axonometric grid, to design a space and the arrangement of articles therein. The work sheet and the substrate may be rolled up for storage in a tube.
Description
so SPACE PLANNING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to space planning, such as the preparation of floor plans and furniture arrangements in buildings and the landscape planning ox yards and the like. The invention has particular application to apparatus and methods to facilitate sun planning operations.
Space planning may take several forms. For example, in the case of` new construction or the remodeling of existing construction, such planning typically includes the original design of a floor plan layout or the modification of an existing floor plan. Such planning also includes the planning of the placement of furnishings and fixtures in the rooms of a building. Space planning also includes exterior planning such as landscape planning for yards and the like, including the selection and placement of plants and the placement of exterior structures. All such space planning is typically don by drawing the plans on paper, which normally requires the skill of a professional. Preliminary plans are drawn, and these undergo a series of changes and revisions to arrive at a final plan. Each such change or revision in the plan, therefore, entails the preparation of new drawings or the modification of existing drawings, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
Magnetic space planning kits have been developer for the use of professionals. Such kits include a magnetic work surface and a number of magnetic elements in the shapes of furniture 9 fixtures or any other type of article to be located in the space being designed, these elements being magnetically positioned on the work surface. This greatly facilitates plan modification, since the elements can be easily moved around on the work surface. However, such magnetic kits are heavy, bulky and quite expensive.
Planning kits have also been provided utilizing light and less bulky materials, such kits being disclosed, ton example, in US. Patents No. 4,ZS0,64Z, No. 4,Z45,401 and No. 4,148,148. But such kits have utilized work sheets of complex composite construction which are relatively stiff.
The present invention provides an improved system and method for space planning which alleviates the disadvantages of prior systems and methods, while affording additional structural and operating advantages.
According to one aspect thereof the present invention provides a system for planning the design ox an area and the arrangement of items in the area, said system comprising: a unitary, one-piece work sheet having a smooth, non-porous work surface, said work sheet bearing indicia in the Norm ox a grid visible from said work surface and a flexible symbol storage assembly, said assembly including a relatively thick substrate sheet of flexible material having a smooth non-porous storage surface, and a graphic symbol sheet comprising a thin, smooth flexible sheet of static cling vinyl material adhered only electrostatically to said storage surface, said graphic symbol sheet having a plurality of graphic symbol elements formed : thereon so as to be separable from one another and from said storage surface while leaving said storage surface intact and continuous, said elements being respectively in the shapes of views of portions of the boundaries of the area and items to be located therein; whereby said elements may be selectively peeled from and electrostatically adhered to said storage surface of said substrate and said work surface of said work sheet for defining the area and arranging the placement of the items therein.
Such a system can easily be used by laymen, such as homeowners, as well as professional space planners.
.
The space planning system is of simple and economical construction, and is lightweight, flexible and capable of compact storage.
The invention in another aspect thereof provides a US
method or planning the design ox an area and the arrangement of items in the area, said method comprising the steps owe providing a work sheet having a smooth non-porous work surface and bearing indicia in the form of a grid visible from said work surface, providing a smooth non-porous storage surface and a plurality ox graphic symbol elements each formed of a thin, smooth sheet of static cling vinyl material electrostatically adhered to said storage surface, said elements being respectively in the shapes of views of portions of the boundaries ox the area and items to be located therein, and selectively peeling the elements from the storage surface without disturbing the storage surface and applying them to the grid of the work surface and arranging the elements on the work surface to define the area and position the items therein.
Such a method of space planning eliminates the expense of drafting an redrafting preliminary plans.
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the container for the space planning system of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1, thus-treating the rolled-up space planning system being removed from the container;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the work sheet and sum-boy storage assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, unrolled for use;
:: 3. :
Jo - 3 -., .
~23~523 Fig. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view of a portion of the work sheet of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the symbol storage assembly of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a further enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of the symbol storage assembly of Fig. 3, illustrating removal of one of the graphic symbols therefrom;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating application of the graphic symbols to and removal of them from the work sheet of Fig. 4;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view in vertical section of the symbol storage assembly of Fig. 5;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary view in vertical section of a portion of the system of Fig. 7, illustrating apply-cation of the graphic symbol elements to the work sheet and teach other;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view ox a portion of a work sheet in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a reduced, fragmentary, top plan view of the work sheet of Fig. 10 with graphic symbol elements applied thereto; and it. 12 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a portion of a symbol storage assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
3~;i23 Description of the Preferred Embodiment ___ Referring to FIGS. 1-3t there is illustrated a space planning system, generally designated by the numeral 10, constructed in accordance with and embodying the features of a first embodiment of the present invention. The system may be packaged in a container 11, which includes a cylindrical tube 12 closed at both ends thereof by end caps 13, although it will be appreciated that other types of packaging cord be utilized.
lo Referring also to FIG. 4, 7 and 9, the system 10 includes a work sheet 20 which comprises a flat, rectangular, flexible sheet of a suitable material having an obverse work surface 21 (see FIG. 4) which is extremely smooth and non-porous. The work sheet 20 is formed of lo an optically clear 9 durable material which can be fabricated in thin, flexible sheets. Preferably, the work sheet 20 is formed of a pro jester material, such as a polyester film ox the type sold by ELI. Du Pont de Numerous Co., Inc. under the trade ok "MYLAR", although it will be appreciated that other materials having the necessary characteristics could be utilized.
The work sheet 20 -us provided with indicia 22 in the form of a square grid. Preferably, the indicia 22 are imprinted on the reverse surface of the work sheet 20, as by silk-screening. Printing on the reverse surface permits the indicia 22 to be visible from the work surface 21 without impairing the smoothness thereof. The indicia 22 may be imprinted in any desired color, but are preferably imprinted in a relatively light sopor. The indicia 22 are then overprinted on the reverse surface of the work sheet 20 with a opaque background indicia 23 ox a darker or contrasting color, which covers the entire reverse surface of the work sheet 20. This background indicia 23 serves to provide an even, uniform background and prevents the indicia 22 from being confused or obscured by underlying objects or material which otherwise might be visible through the work sheet 20.
~3~LS2~
Referring alto to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the system 10 also includes a symbol storage assembly 30, which includes a relatively thick substrate 31 having a very smooth, substantially non-porous storage surface 32. The substrate 31 may be formed of any suitable sheet material, having a thickness such that the substrate 31 has sufficient flexibility that it can be rolled into a tube for storage in the container 11. Preferably, the substrate 31 is formed of a cast-coated paper material, the storage lo surface 32 being the coated surface of the paper.
Overlying the substrate 31 is a relatively thin sheet 35 of an optically transparent static cling vinyl material which is dimensioned to cover the entire storage surface 32 of the substrate 31 an is electrostatically adhered thereto. The sheet 35 is preferably formed of a polyvinyl chloride material and is manufactured by a calendering process, as is well known in the art. The obverse surface of the vinyl sheet 35 is imprinted with a number of indicia 36 in the form of items which might be located in the space to be planned with the space planning system 10. The vinyl sheet 35 is then die cut, as at 37, along the outlines of the indicia 36 to form a plurality of discrete graphic symbol elements 38 which can be manually peeled from the storage surface 32, separating from the surrounding vinyl sheet I along the die cut lines 379 as indicated in Fly. 6.
T he i ndi at a 36 may be printed, as by silk-screening, in various colors, selected so as to show up clearly against the grid indicia 22 and the background indicia 23. Preferably, the symbol storage assembly 30 is formed with the vinyl sheet 35 adhered to the substrate 31, and thereafter the vinyl sheet 35 is imprinted with the indicia 36, the final step being the die cutting operation.
The indicia 36 may take various forms, depending upon the particular application for the system 10. Thus, for example, in the planning of the floor space for residential homes and the like, the indicia 36 may include ~23~S~
exterior and interior wall section elements 40, window and door elements 41, elements 42 for various items of household furniture, as well as many other types of items of home furnishings and fixtures (not shown), Seiko as appliances, shelving, doors, sinks and the like.
Preferably, a plurality of each of these different types of graphic symbol elements 38 will be formed in the vinyl sheet 35, in sufficient quantity to completely furnish and equip a home of a predetermined size.
lo It will be appreciated that for other applications of the space planning system 10, the symbol storage assembly 30 may be provided with different types of graphic symbol elements 38. Thus, in the case of Ward or landscape planning, for example, the indicia 36 may include plant elements 43 and elements (not shown) for other types of items which might typically be fount in a yard, such as trees, fences, hedges, swimming pools or the like. When the system 10 is intended to be used for the planning of office space, the graphic symbol elements 38 may include elements I for items of office furniture such as a secretarial desk, or other office furniture or equipment (not shown), such as modular secretarial stations, computer and word processing equipment, copying machines file cabinets and the like. It will, of Casey be appreciated that the principles of the present invention could be utilized for planning other types of spaces.
The use of the space planning system 10 will be explained in connection with the planning of a floor space of a home, by way of example, but it will be underwood that similar techniques would be applied for planning other types of spaces. Initially, the user ox the system 10, which may be a professional space planner or a lay person such as a homeowner, would, in the case of an already existing space, first sketch the space on paper. Thus, a rough layout of existing conditions would be drawn with the positions of walls, doorways, windows and other permanent fixtures such as fireplaces, sinks, closets, radiators and the like positioned approximately ~l~3~5;23 in their proper locations. Next, the overall sizes of each room and the distance between elements in them would be measured and these measurements applied to the couch The positions of locator, phone and cable outlets and switches are noted and the direction of door swings are indicated.
When toe rough sketch is completed, the outlines of the rooms are transferred to the work sheet 20. More specifically, tune work sheet 20 is spread flat with the lo work surface 21 facing up. In this regard, it is a significant feature of the present invention that the polyester material of the work sheet is flexible and substantially without "memory" so that it can be easily rolled-up for storage and yet can be unfolded and laid flat substantially without any residual curl in the sheet.
Graphic symbol elements 40 representative of exterior walls are peeled from the substrate 31 and electrostatically adhered to the work surface 21 along the lines of the grid indicia 22 in the desired positions. If the exterior wall graphic symbol elements 40 are not of the proper length they may be trimmed with a scissors to the desired length.
Preferably, the graphic symbol elements 4C representing walls may be provided in both solid and dashed versions, with the solid -nails representing existing structures and the dashed walls being used to indicate new walls to be built, in the case of remodeling or reconstruction.
Next, the graphic symbol elements 40 for the interior walls and the elements 41 or the doors and windows are peeled from the substrate 31 and adhered in the proper positions on the work surface 21. Door and window graphic symbol elements 41 may be adhered on top of the graphic symbol elements 40 for the walls, as indicated in FIX. 9. Preferably, glossy inks are used for the indicia on the graphic symbol elements 38, so that they will adhere to each other about as well as they do to the work sheet 20. However, if desired, when the final plan is complete, the portions of the graphic symbol elements 38 beneath the door and window elements 41 can ~.~33~5~3 be cut out with a scissors so that the door and window elements 41 can be adhered directly to the work surface 21.
Finally, the graphic symbol elements ll2 representative of the various furnishings and fixtures of the house are peeled from the substrate 31 and electrostatically adhered to the work sheet 20 in the proper positions. To Will be appreciated that all the graphic symbol elements I may easily be peeled from the lo work surface 21 and moved about thereon, as desired, for effecting simple modification or revision of the preliminary plan.
When the plan is complete, it can be photocopied on a copying machine photographed, or a sheet of drafting or tracing paper can be placed over it and the individual graphic symbol elements 38 traced directly onto the paper.
When the user is finished with the system 10~ the graphic symbol elements 38 which have been used may be stored in a plastic bag or may be returned to their original positions on the substrate 31. The symbol storage assembly 30 and the work sheet 20 are then rolled-up and reinserted in the tube 12 for storage. In this regard, the work surface 21 is preferably not placed against the symbol storage elements 38, so that they will not be inadvertently peeled off the substrate 31 and adhered to the work surface 21. To prevent this a sheet of porous, non-stick paper may be placed between the work sheet 20 and the symbol storage assembly 30 before rolling them up.
Referring now to FIGS 10-12, there is illustrated a space planning system 50, constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The system 50 includes a work sheet 60 having an obverse work surface 61. The construction of the work sheet 60 is the same as that of the work sheet 20, described above, except for the indicia thereon. Gore particularly, the work sheet 60 has grid indicia 62 thereon which form an axonometric projection of the square grid of the work sheet 20, the work sheet 60 also including ~l~Z3:~23 indicia 63 which define the wall outlines of a corner of the floor space indicated by the grid indieia 62.
The system 50 also includes a symbol storage assembly ill the construction of which it the same as that Pro the symbol storage assembly 30, described above, except for the indicia on the graphic symbol elements thereof.
More particularly the graphic symbol elements of the symbol storage assembly 54 are in the shape of axoonometric views of various items of furniture, fixtures or the like lo which are to be arranged on the grid ox the work surface 61. Thus, by way of illustration, the symbol storage assembly 64 may include graphic symbol events 65 in the shape of kitchen fixtures and appliances, elements 66 in the shape of bathroom fixtures and apply antes (FIG. 11), elements 67 in the shape of retail showroom furniture and appliances, elements 68 in the shape of -warehouse racking and storage systems and fixtures (FIG. 12) and elements 6g in the shape of wall or partition sections (FIG. 11).
The system 50 is used in the same manner as the system 10, it being appreciated that the axono~etric graphic symbol elements 65-69 are designed to cooperate with the axonometric grid indicia 62 and 63 to simulate a three-dimensional view of a space plan, as is best indicated in FIG. 11.
While, for purposes of illustration, the graphic symbol elements 40-44 have been shown as plan view elements for use with the square grid of the system 10, it will be appreciated that those symbol elements could also be provided in axonometric projection views for use with the axonometric grid of the system 50. Similarly, while, for purposes of illustration, the graphic symbol elements 65-69 have been shown as axonometric views or use with the axonometric grid of the system 509 it will be appreciated that they could also be provided in plan Yo-yo for use with the square grid of the system 10~
The grid indicia 22 and 62 are preferably laid out on a scale which may be in a range from about one-sixteenth inch to the foot to about one inch to the ~23~S~3 foot, depending on the application. Thus, for example, a scale of one-eighth inch to the foot could be used for kitchen and bath planning applications, a scale Or one-quarter inch to the foot could be used for general 5 hone planning applications, and a scale of one-half inch to the foot could be used for office planning applications.
It will be appreciated that there has been prGYided a novel space planning system and method which off actively eliminates multiple redrawings of space plans 10 and rather permit is simple changes, variations and rearrangements of a preliminary plan without redrafting.
The system and method of the present invention is par' ocularly advantageous and is very inexpensive and easy to use, so that it can be used by lay persons as well as 15 pro c. en s i oval s .
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to space planning, such as the preparation of floor plans and furniture arrangements in buildings and the landscape planning ox yards and the like. The invention has particular application to apparatus and methods to facilitate sun planning operations.
Space planning may take several forms. For example, in the case of` new construction or the remodeling of existing construction, such planning typically includes the original design of a floor plan layout or the modification of an existing floor plan. Such planning also includes the planning of the placement of furnishings and fixtures in the rooms of a building. Space planning also includes exterior planning such as landscape planning for yards and the like, including the selection and placement of plants and the placement of exterior structures. All such space planning is typically don by drawing the plans on paper, which normally requires the skill of a professional. Preliminary plans are drawn, and these undergo a series of changes and revisions to arrive at a final plan. Each such change or revision in the plan, therefore, entails the preparation of new drawings or the modification of existing drawings, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
Magnetic space planning kits have been developer for the use of professionals. Such kits include a magnetic work surface and a number of magnetic elements in the shapes of furniture 9 fixtures or any other type of article to be located in the space being designed, these elements being magnetically positioned on the work surface. This greatly facilitates plan modification, since the elements can be easily moved around on the work surface. However, such magnetic kits are heavy, bulky and quite expensive.
Planning kits have also been provided utilizing light and less bulky materials, such kits being disclosed, ton example, in US. Patents No. 4,ZS0,64Z, No. 4,Z45,401 and No. 4,148,148. But such kits have utilized work sheets of complex composite construction which are relatively stiff.
The present invention provides an improved system and method for space planning which alleviates the disadvantages of prior systems and methods, while affording additional structural and operating advantages.
According to one aspect thereof the present invention provides a system for planning the design ox an area and the arrangement of items in the area, said system comprising: a unitary, one-piece work sheet having a smooth, non-porous work surface, said work sheet bearing indicia in the Norm ox a grid visible from said work surface and a flexible symbol storage assembly, said assembly including a relatively thick substrate sheet of flexible material having a smooth non-porous storage surface, and a graphic symbol sheet comprising a thin, smooth flexible sheet of static cling vinyl material adhered only electrostatically to said storage surface, said graphic symbol sheet having a plurality of graphic symbol elements formed : thereon so as to be separable from one another and from said storage surface while leaving said storage surface intact and continuous, said elements being respectively in the shapes of views of portions of the boundaries of the area and items to be located therein; whereby said elements may be selectively peeled from and electrostatically adhered to said storage surface of said substrate and said work surface of said work sheet for defining the area and arranging the placement of the items therein.
Such a system can easily be used by laymen, such as homeowners, as well as professional space planners.
.
The space planning system is of simple and economical construction, and is lightweight, flexible and capable of compact storage.
The invention in another aspect thereof provides a US
method or planning the design ox an area and the arrangement of items in the area, said method comprising the steps owe providing a work sheet having a smooth non-porous work surface and bearing indicia in the form of a grid visible from said work surface, providing a smooth non-porous storage surface and a plurality ox graphic symbol elements each formed of a thin, smooth sheet of static cling vinyl material electrostatically adhered to said storage surface, said elements being respectively in the shapes of views of portions of the boundaries ox the area and items to be located therein, and selectively peeling the elements from the storage surface without disturbing the storage surface and applying them to the grid of the work surface and arranging the elements on the work surface to define the area and position the items therein.
Such a method of space planning eliminates the expense of drafting an redrafting preliminary plans.
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the container for the space planning system of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1, thus-treating the rolled-up space planning system being removed from the container;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the work sheet and sum-boy storage assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, unrolled for use;
:: 3. :
Jo - 3 -., .
~23~523 Fig. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view of a portion of the work sheet of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the symbol storage assembly of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a further enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of the symbol storage assembly of Fig. 3, illustrating removal of one of the graphic symbols therefrom;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating application of the graphic symbols to and removal of them from the work sheet of Fig. 4;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view in vertical section of the symbol storage assembly of Fig. 5;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary view in vertical section of a portion of the system of Fig. 7, illustrating apply-cation of the graphic symbol elements to the work sheet and teach other;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view ox a portion of a work sheet in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a reduced, fragmentary, top plan view of the work sheet of Fig. 10 with graphic symbol elements applied thereto; and it. 12 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a portion of a symbol storage assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
3~;i23 Description of the Preferred Embodiment ___ Referring to FIGS. 1-3t there is illustrated a space planning system, generally designated by the numeral 10, constructed in accordance with and embodying the features of a first embodiment of the present invention. The system may be packaged in a container 11, which includes a cylindrical tube 12 closed at both ends thereof by end caps 13, although it will be appreciated that other types of packaging cord be utilized.
lo Referring also to FIG. 4, 7 and 9, the system 10 includes a work sheet 20 which comprises a flat, rectangular, flexible sheet of a suitable material having an obverse work surface 21 (see FIG. 4) which is extremely smooth and non-porous. The work sheet 20 is formed of lo an optically clear 9 durable material which can be fabricated in thin, flexible sheets. Preferably, the work sheet 20 is formed of a pro jester material, such as a polyester film ox the type sold by ELI. Du Pont de Numerous Co., Inc. under the trade ok "MYLAR", although it will be appreciated that other materials having the necessary characteristics could be utilized.
The work sheet 20 -us provided with indicia 22 in the form of a square grid. Preferably, the indicia 22 are imprinted on the reverse surface of the work sheet 20, as by silk-screening. Printing on the reverse surface permits the indicia 22 to be visible from the work surface 21 without impairing the smoothness thereof. The indicia 22 may be imprinted in any desired color, but are preferably imprinted in a relatively light sopor. The indicia 22 are then overprinted on the reverse surface of the work sheet 20 with a opaque background indicia 23 ox a darker or contrasting color, which covers the entire reverse surface of the work sheet 20. This background indicia 23 serves to provide an even, uniform background and prevents the indicia 22 from being confused or obscured by underlying objects or material which otherwise might be visible through the work sheet 20.
~3~LS2~
Referring alto to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the system 10 also includes a symbol storage assembly 30, which includes a relatively thick substrate 31 having a very smooth, substantially non-porous storage surface 32. The substrate 31 may be formed of any suitable sheet material, having a thickness such that the substrate 31 has sufficient flexibility that it can be rolled into a tube for storage in the container 11. Preferably, the substrate 31 is formed of a cast-coated paper material, the storage lo surface 32 being the coated surface of the paper.
Overlying the substrate 31 is a relatively thin sheet 35 of an optically transparent static cling vinyl material which is dimensioned to cover the entire storage surface 32 of the substrate 31 an is electrostatically adhered thereto. The sheet 35 is preferably formed of a polyvinyl chloride material and is manufactured by a calendering process, as is well known in the art. The obverse surface of the vinyl sheet 35 is imprinted with a number of indicia 36 in the form of items which might be located in the space to be planned with the space planning system 10. The vinyl sheet 35 is then die cut, as at 37, along the outlines of the indicia 36 to form a plurality of discrete graphic symbol elements 38 which can be manually peeled from the storage surface 32, separating from the surrounding vinyl sheet I along the die cut lines 379 as indicated in Fly. 6.
T he i ndi at a 36 may be printed, as by silk-screening, in various colors, selected so as to show up clearly against the grid indicia 22 and the background indicia 23. Preferably, the symbol storage assembly 30 is formed with the vinyl sheet 35 adhered to the substrate 31, and thereafter the vinyl sheet 35 is imprinted with the indicia 36, the final step being the die cutting operation.
The indicia 36 may take various forms, depending upon the particular application for the system 10. Thus, for example, in the planning of the floor space for residential homes and the like, the indicia 36 may include ~23~S~
exterior and interior wall section elements 40, window and door elements 41, elements 42 for various items of household furniture, as well as many other types of items of home furnishings and fixtures (not shown), Seiko as appliances, shelving, doors, sinks and the like.
Preferably, a plurality of each of these different types of graphic symbol elements 38 will be formed in the vinyl sheet 35, in sufficient quantity to completely furnish and equip a home of a predetermined size.
lo It will be appreciated that for other applications of the space planning system 10, the symbol storage assembly 30 may be provided with different types of graphic symbol elements 38. Thus, in the case of Ward or landscape planning, for example, the indicia 36 may include plant elements 43 and elements (not shown) for other types of items which might typically be fount in a yard, such as trees, fences, hedges, swimming pools or the like. When the system 10 is intended to be used for the planning of office space, the graphic symbol elements 38 may include elements I for items of office furniture such as a secretarial desk, or other office furniture or equipment (not shown), such as modular secretarial stations, computer and word processing equipment, copying machines file cabinets and the like. It will, of Casey be appreciated that the principles of the present invention could be utilized for planning other types of spaces.
The use of the space planning system 10 will be explained in connection with the planning of a floor space of a home, by way of example, but it will be underwood that similar techniques would be applied for planning other types of spaces. Initially, the user ox the system 10, which may be a professional space planner or a lay person such as a homeowner, would, in the case of an already existing space, first sketch the space on paper. Thus, a rough layout of existing conditions would be drawn with the positions of walls, doorways, windows and other permanent fixtures such as fireplaces, sinks, closets, radiators and the like positioned approximately ~l~3~5;23 in their proper locations. Next, the overall sizes of each room and the distance between elements in them would be measured and these measurements applied to the couch The positions of locator, phone and cable outlets and switches are noted and the direction of door swings are indicated.
When toe rough sketch is completed, the outlines of the rooms are transferred to the work sheet 20. More specifically, tune work sheet 20 is spread flat with the lo work surface 21 facing up. In this regard, it is a significant feature of the present invention that the polyester material of the work sheet is flexible and substantially without "memory" so that it can be easily rolled-up for storage and yet can be unfolded and laid flat substantially without any residual curl in the sheet.
Graphic symbol elements 40 representative of exterior walls are peeled from the substrate 31 and electrostatically adhered to the work surface 21 along the lines of the grid indicia 22 in the desired positions. If the exterior wall graphic symbol elements 40 are not of the proper length they may be trimmed with a scissors to the desired length.
Preferably, the graphic symbol elements 4C representing walls may be provided in both solid and dashed versions, with the solid -nails representing existing structures and the dashed walls being used to indicate new walls to be built, in the case of remodeling or reconstruction.
Next, the graphic symbol elements 40 for the interior walls and the elements 41 or the doors and windows are peeled from the substrate 31 and adhered in the proper positions on the work surface 21. Door and window graphic symbol elements 41 may be adhered on top of the graphic symbol elements 40 for the walls, as indicated in FIX. 9. Preferably, glossy inks are used for the indicia on the graphic symbol elements 38, so that they will adhere to each other about as well as they do to the work sheet 20. However, if desired, when the final plan is complete, the portions of the graphic symbol elements 38 beneath the door and window elements 41 can ~.~33~5~3 be cut out with a scissors so that the door and window elements 41 can be adhered directly to the work surface 21.
Finally, the graphic symbol elements ll2 representative of the various furnishings and fixtures of the house are peeled from the substrate 31 and electrostatically adhered to the work sheet 20 in the proper positions. To Will be appreciated that all the graphic symbol elements I may easily be peeled from the lo work surface 21 and moved about thereon, as desired, for effecting simple modification or revision of the preliminary plan.
When the plan is complete, it can be photocopied on a copying machine photographed, or a sheet of drafting or tracing paper can be placed over it and the individual graphic symbol elements 38 traced directly onto the paper.
When the user is finished with the system 10~ the graphic symbol elements 38 which have been used may be stored in a plastic bag or may be returned to their original positions on the substrate 31. The symbol storage assembly 30 and the work sheet 20 are then rolled-up and reinserted in the tube 12 for storage. In this regard, the work surface 21 is preferably not placed against the symbol storage elements 38, so that they will not be inadvertently peeled off the substrate 31 and adhered to the work surface 21. To prevent this a sheet of porous, non-stick paper may be placed between the work sheet 20 and the symbol storage assembly 30 before rolling them up.
Referring now to FIGS 10-12, there is illustrated a space planning system 50, constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The system 50 includes a work sheet 60 having an obverse work surface 61. The construction of the work sheet 60 is the same as that of the work sheet 20, described above, except for the indicia thereon. Gore particularly, the work sheet 60 has grid indicia 62 thereon which form an axonometric projection of the square grid of the work sheet 20, the work sheet 60 also including ~l~Z3:~23 indicia 63 which define the wall outlines of a corner of the floor space indicated by the grid indieia 62.
The system 50 also includes a symbol storage assembly ill the construction of which it the same as that Pro the symbol storage assembly 30, described above, except for the indicia on the graphic symbol elements thereof.
More particularly the graphic symbol elements of the symbol storage assembly 54 are in the shape of axoonometric views of various items of furniture, fixtures or the like lo which are to be arranged on the grid ox the work surface 61. Thus, by way of illustration, the symbol storage assembly 64 may include graphic symbol events 65 in the shape of kitchen fixtures and appliances, elements 66 in the shape of bathroom fixtures and apply antes (FIG. 11), elements 67 in the shape of retail showroom furniture and appliances, elements 68 in the shape of -warehouse racking and storage systems and fixtures (FIG. 12) and elements 6g in the shape of wall or partition sections (FIG. 11).
The system 50 is used in the same manner as the system 10, it being appreciated that the axono~etric graphic symbol elements 65-69 are designed to cooperate with the axonometric grid indicia 62 and 63 to simulate a three-dimensional view of a space plan, as is best indicated in FIG. 11.
While, for purposes of illustration, the graphic symbol elements 40-44 have been shown as plan view elements for use with the square grid of the system 10, it will be appreciated that those symbol elements could also be provided in axonometric projection views for use with the axonometric grid of the system 50. Similarly, while, for purposes of illustration, the graphic symbol elements 65-69 have been shown as axonometric views or use with the axonometric grid of the system 509 it will be appreciated that they could also be provided in plan Yo-yo for use with the square grid of the system 10~
The grid indicia 22 and 62 are preferably laid out on a scale which may be in a range from about one-sixteenth inch to the foot to about one inch to the ~23~S~3 foot, depending on the application. Thus, for example, a scale of one-eighth inch to the foot could be used for kitchen and bath planning applications, a scale Or one-quarter inch to the foot could be used for general 5 hone planning applications, and a scale of one-half inch to the foot could be used for office planning applications.
It will be appreciated that there has been prGYided a novel space planning system and method which off actively eliminates multiple redrawings of space plans 10 and rather permit is simple changes, variations and rearrangements of a preliminary plan without redrafting.
The system and method of the present invention is par' ocularly advantageous and is very inexpensive and easy to use, so that it can be used by lay persons as well as 15 pro c. en s i oval s .
Claims (31)
1. A system for planning the design of an area and the arrangement of items in the area, said system comprising: a uni-tary, one-piece work sheet having a smooth, non-porous work sur-face, said work sheet bearing indicia in the form of a grid vis-ible from said work surface; and a flexible symbol storage ass-embly, said assembly including a relatively thick substrate sheet of flexible material having a smooth non-porous storage surface, and a graphic symbol sheet comprising a thin, smooth, flexible sheet of static cling vinyl material adhered only electrostati-cally to said storage surface, said graphic symbol sheet having a plurality of graphic symbol elements formed thereon so as to be separable from one another and from said storage surface while leaving said storage surface intact and continuous, said elements being respectively in the shapes of views of portions of the boundaries of the area and items to be located therein; whereby said elements may be selectively peeled from and electrostatically adhered to said storage surface of said substrate and said work surface of said work sheet for defining the area and arranging the placement of the items therein.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said indicia are silk-screened on said reverse surface.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said indicia include grid lines imprinted in a first color and a background printed over said grid lines in a second color contrasting with said first color.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said substrate com-prises a cast-coated paper.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said vinyl sheet comprises a calendered sheet of polyvinyl chloride.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said graphic symbol elements has indicia printed thereon.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of windows, doors, fix-tures and furniture.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of office furniture and equipment.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of home furniture and appliances.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of plants and other land-scape items.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of warehouse racking and storage systems and fixtures.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of retail showroom furni-ture and appliances.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein said grid is arranged on a scale in a range from about one-sixteenth inch to the foot to about one inch to the foot.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said grid indicia are in the form of square grid and said graphic symbol elements represent plan views of their respective items.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein said grid indicia are in the form of an axonometric projection of a square grid and said graphic symbol elements represent axonometric views of their corresponding items.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein said work sheet is flexible, and further including a storage tube for accommodating said work sheet and said flexible symbol storage assembly in a rolled-up condition.
18. A method for planning the design of an area and the arrangement of items in the area, said method comprising the steps of: providing a work sheet having a smooth non-porous work surface and bearing indicia in the form of a grid visible from said work surface, providing a smooth non-porous storage surface and a plurality of graphic symbol elements each formed of a thin, smooth sheet of static cling vinyl material electrostatically adhered to said storage surface, said elements being respectively in the shapes of views of portions of the boundaries of the area and items to be located therein, and selectively peeling the ele-ments from the storage surface without disturbing the storage surface and applying them to the grid of the work surface and arranging the elements on the work surface to define the area and position the items therein.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said grid is arranged on a scale in a range from about one-sixteenth inch to the foot to about one inch to the foot.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said work sheet and said graphic symbol elements are flexible, said storage surface being formed on a flexible storage sheet.
21. The method of claim 20, and further including the step of rolling said work sheet and said storage sheet for stor-age when not in use.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said graphic symbol elements are adhered to the grid of the work surface when said work sheet is rolled for storage.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of windows, doors, fix-tures and furniture.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of office furniture and equipment.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of home furniture and appliances.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances.
27. The method of claim 18, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of plants and other land-scape items.
28. The method of claim 18, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of warehouse racking and storage systems and fixtures.
29. The method of claim 18, wherein said graphic symbol elements include elements in the shapes of retail showroom furni-ture and appliances.
30. The method of claim 18, wherein said grid indicia are in the form of a square grid and said graphic symbol elements represent plan views of their respective items.
31. The method of claim 18, wherein said grid indicia are in the form of an axonometric projection of a square grid and said graphic symbol elements represent axonometric views of their corresponding items.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US69407485A | 1985-01-28 | 1985-01-28 | |
| US694,074 | 1991-05-01 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1231523A true CA1231523A (en) | 1988-01-19 |
Family
ID=24787300
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000493423A Expired CA1231523A (en) | 1985-01-28 | 1985-10-21 | Space planning system and method |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| BE (1) | BE904110A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1231523A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2195807B (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4206446C2 (en) * | 1992-02-27 | 1995-04-06 | Volker Doose | Orientation board for the visually impaired |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1315931A (en) * | 1969-01-17 | 1973-05-09 | Key Facts Uk Ltd | Educational toy or game |
| EP0062828A3 (en) * | 1981-04-07 | 1983-05-25 | Peter Norman Robert Hunter | Flow chart symbols for computer programming |
-
1985
- 1985-10-21 CA CA000493423A patent/CA1231523A/en not_active Expired
-
1986
- 1986-01-27 BE BE0/216181A patent/BE904110A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-10-08 GB GB8624147A patent/GB2195807B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2195807B (en) | 1990-08-08 |
| GB2195807A (en) | 1988-04-13 |
| BE904110A (en) | 1986-05-15 |
| GB8624147D0 (en) | 1986-11-12 |
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| MKEX | Expiry |