GB2501538A

GB2501538A - Workspace Booth

Info

Publication number: GB2501538A
Application number: GB1207537.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Liarikos
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-27
Filing date: 2012-04-27
Publication date: 2013-10-30
Also published as: GB201207537D0; WO2013160647A1

Abstract

A workspace booth 1 comprises an entrance opening portion via which a user can access the booth, a first shell portion 2 partially enclosing a first workspace zone 4, and a second shell portion 3 partially enclosing a second workspace zone 5. The first workspace zone has an opening (9, fig 2) which a user can access the first workspace zone from the entrance portion (7, fig 2) and the second shell portion also has an opening (10, fig 2) which a user can access from the entrance portion 7. The workspace zones also comprises sound dampening material and includes collapsible chairs and worksurfaces.

Description

Workspace Booth This invention relates to workspace booths.

The increasing use of personal electronic devices such as mobile telephones and laptops allows people to work even when not in a traditional office location/set up.

Further there is a desire to create more flexible working environments and minimise the use of space. On the other hand, typically, people desire relative privacy when working. Privacy may also be desirable for relaxing or talking on a mobile telephone.

It is therefore desirable to provide some form of privacy providing furniture/device which is suitable for working away from a traditional office Iocationfset up.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a workspace booth comprising an entrance portion via which a user can access the booth, a first shell portion partially enclosing a first workspace zone, and a second shell portion partially enclosing a second workspace zone; the entrance portion comprising an entrance opening via which a user can access the booth from the exterior, a first workspace zone opening via which a user can access the first workspace zone from the entrance portion and a second workspace zone opening via which a user can access the second workspace zone from the entrance portion; wherein the first workspace zone opening is provided in the entrance portion on one side of the entrance opening and the second workspace zone opening is provided in the entrance portion on an opposite side of the entrance opening.

A user of the booth is thus able to selectively position themselves to be within one of the two workspace zones, and possibly both.

One of the first and second workspace zones may be arranged for a user to use the workspace zone whilst sitting. Another of the first and second workspace zones may be arranged for a user to use the workspace zone whilst standing or leaning.

At least one of the first workspace zone and the second workspace zone may comprise at least one support surface above floor level. Preferably both of the first workspace zone and the second workspace zone comprise at least one support surface above floor level.

The support surface may be for supporting a portion of a user's body, or for supporting an object, for example a laptop computer or a book. The support surface may be one of a seat, a footrest, a worksurface, for example a desk or table, or a ledge.

The workspace booth may be freestanding. The workspace booth may comprise a base portion to which the first and second shell portions are mounted. The base portion is distinct from any support surface. The first shell portion and/or the second shell portion may comprise an end wall portion and two side wall portions located to either side of the end wall portion.

At least one of the first and the second shell portions may have a generally U-shaped horizontal cross-section. Preferably, both the first and the second shell portions have generally U-shaped horizontal cross-sections. The arrangement of the workspace booth may thus provide multiple workspace zones whilst minimising the At least one of the first and the second shell portions may extend to a height for screening a user (from an environment exterior to the workspace booth) when the user is sifting or standing. The height may be head height. The respective shell portion may extend from a floor or the base to head height.

The first shell portion and the second shell portion may be spaced apart from one another so as to define the entrance portion between the first shell portion and the second shell portion.

At least a portion of an interior surface of at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may comprise a sound damping material portion for damping sound between a respective workspace zone and the exterior of the workspace booth. Preferably at least a portion of an interior surface of both of the first shell portion and the second shell portion comprises a sound damping material portion.

At least a portion of an interior surface of at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may comprise a plurality of sound damping material portions for damping sound between a respective workspace zone and the exterior of the workspace booth. Preferably at least a portion of an interior surface of both of the first shell portion and the second shell portion comprises a plurality of sound damping material portions.

Thus, the workspace booth may be arranged to damp (or attenuate) sound between one or both workspace zones and the exterior of the workspace booth. In such a case, within the workspace zone(s), sound coming from the exterior of the workspace booth will be damped, resulting in a quieter environment within the workspace zone(s). Likewise, sound from a sound source located within the workspace zone(s), for example a Sound emitted from a personal electronic device or a person talking, will be damped and will therefore appear quieter to a person located outside the workspace booth.

This increases the acoustic privacy of a user of the workspace booth located in one of the workspace zones, i.e. external chatter/background noise is reduced, and/or sound from a sound source located within a workspace zone is less likely to be heard outside the workspace booth. Hence not only does the workspace booth minimise disturbances from the exterior environment to a workspace zone, but it also minimises disturbances to the exterior environment from a workspace zone.

At least one of the plurality of sound damping material portions may be of a different material to at least one other of the sound damping material portions. At least one of the plurality of sound damping material portions may be provided on a different portion of one of the first and the second shell portions to at least one other of the sound damping material portions.

S

The or each sound damping material portion may comprise foam. The type of foam may be selected to give a desired sound damping effect. A plurality of sound damping material portions may comprise two or more types of foam. The two or more types of foam may be used in the same shell portion.

The sound damping material portion may comprise a fabric portion. Acoustic fabrics, for example loosely woven fabrics that permit sound waves to pass through the fabric, may be suitable for the fabric portion. Preferably, the sound damping material portion is ribbed. Such ribbing provides a greater surface area for the sound damping material portion.

A first sound damping material portion may be continuous with a second sound damping material portion. There may be a spacing between the first sound damping material portion and the second sound damping material portion.

One of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may be provided with a seat mounted to the workspace booth. The seat may be mounted to the respective shell portion. The seat may be mounted via an adjustable mounting means. The seat may be pivotable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. In the first stowed position, the seat may be positioned towards the respective shell portion so as to reduce the space within the workspace booth taken up by the seat.

In the first stowed position the seat may be arranged to provide a rest for a user of the workspace booth to rest against. The seat may comprise an outward facing surface, which faces away from the respective shell portion when the seat is in the first stowed position. The outward facing surface may comprise a sound damping material portion. The outward facing surface may be cushioned. The sound damping material portion may provide the cushioning. The outward facing surface may comprise the rest.

One of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may be provided with a first footrest mounted to the workspace booth. The first footrest may be mounted to the respective shell portion. The first footrest may be mounted via an adjustable mounting means. The first footrest may be pivotable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. In the first stowed position, the first footrest may be positioned towards the respective shell portion so as to reduce the space within the workspace booth taken up by the first footrest. Preferably the seat and first footrest are provided in the same shell portion.

At least one of the seat and the first footrest may be height adjustable. A height adjusting mechanism comprising a gas cylinder may be provided to allow adjustment of the height of one or both of the seat and the first footrest. The seat and the first footrest may be coupled together. The coupling may allow the seat and the first footrest to move together between respective first stowed positions and second deployed positions, and/or to be height adjustable together.

Where one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is provided with a first footrest, the other of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may be provided with a second footrest mounted to the workspace booth The second footrest may be mounted to the respective shell portion. The second footrest may be mounted via an adjustable mounting means.

One of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may be provided with a worksurlace mounted to the workspace booth. Where one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is provided with a seat and/or a first footrest, the other of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may be provided with a worksurlace mounted to the workspace booth. The worksurface may be arranged such that it can be used as a desk by a user of the workspace booth. The worksurlace may be mounted in a generally horizontal orientation. The worksurface may be mounted to the respective shell portion. The worksurface may be mounted by a worksurface adjustable mounting means. The worksurface adjustable mounting means may comprise runners for allowing the worksurlace to be positionable between a first extended position and a second retracted position. The worksurface adjustable mounting means may comprise securing means for securing the worksurface in the first extended position and/or the second retracted position.

The side wall portions of at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may have generally vertically extending edges adjacent the entrance opening.

The side wall portions of at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may have edges adjacent the entrance opening that comprise cut-away portions towards a lower portion of the side wall portions such that the spacing between the side wall portions of the first shell portion and the side wall porUons of the second shell portion is larger towards the lower portion of the side wall portions than the spacing towards an upper portion of the side wall portions.

The side wall portions of one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may have generally vertically extending edges, and the side wall portions of the other of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may comprise cut-away portions. The entrance opening may thus provide mare space for a user's feet and/or bags when entering or exiting the workspace booth, and hence allow for easier access to the workspace booth.

At least one of the side wall portions of one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may comprise a recessed portion. Preferably both of the side wall portions of the respective shell portion comprise a recessed portion. At least one of the side wall portions of one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion may comprise a ledge. Preferably both of the side wall portions of the respective shell portion comprise a ledge. The recessed portion or ledge may provide an armrest for a user of the workspace booth. Thus the recessed portion or ledge may be provided at a convenient height for use as an armrest by a user of the workspace booth.

The recessed portion or ledge may be provided between the first sound damping material portion and the second sound damping material portion. The recessed portion or ledge may be provided in the spacing between the first sound damping material portion and the second sound damping material portion.

The workspace booth may comprise at least one movable screen. The movable screen may be mounted to at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion. The movable screen may be for movement relative to the respective shell portion so as to change the effective size of the entrance opening. The movable screen may be arranged for pivotal movement or sliding movement relative to the respective shell portion. The movable screen may be mounted to at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion by an adjustable screen mounting means.

Preferably at least two movable screens are mounted to a respective one of the first and second shell portions. Preferably one of the at least two movable screens is mounted to one of the side wall portions of the respective shell portion, and another of the at least two movable screens is mounted to the other of the side wall portions of the respective shell portion. That is, the movable screens may be mounted one on each side of a shell portion.

Preferably at least one movable screen is mounted to the first shell portion and at least one other movable screen is mounted to the second shell portion. Preferably the movable screen is mounted to the side wall portion of the respective shell portion.

Preferably the movable screen is mounted to one of the side wall portions of one of the first and the second shell portions and another movable screen is mounted to the other of the side wall portions of the respective shell portion. That is the movable screens may be mounted diagonally opposite one another.

The adjustable screen mounting means may comprise runners for allowing the movable screen to slide relative to the respective shell portion. The movable screen may be arranged such that in a first stowage position it does not extend into the entrance opening and in a second deployed position it at least partially extends into the entrance opening so as to reduce the size of the entrance opening. In this way, the movable screen is deployable so as to enhance the sound damping/attenuation between the workspace zone(s) and the exterior. Thus the movable screen may be selectively positionable so that a user of the workspace booth may achieve a greater or lesser privacy, for example acoustic privacy, within the workspace booth.

In one set of embodiments the first and second shell portions have generally U-shaped horizontal cross-sections, and extend from the floor to a user's head height when standing, a portion of an interior surface of the first shell portion comprises at least two sound damping material portions and a portion of an interior surface of the second shell portion comprises a sound damping material portion.

In another particular set of embodiments a seat is mounted to the first shell portion by an adjustable mounting means such that it is pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position with the seat comprising an outward facing surface, which faces away from the first shell portion when the seat is in the stowed position, the outward facing surface comprising a cushioned sound damping material for providing a rest for a user and a first footrest being mounted to the first shell portion by an adjustable mounting means such that it is pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the workspace booth comprising a worksurface mounted to the second shell portion by a worksurface adjustable mounting means comprising runners for allowing generally horizontal sliding movement of the worksurface and comprising securing means for securing the worksurface in an extended and/or a retracted position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a an entrance portion via which a user can access the workspace booth, and a first shell portion partially enclosing a first workspace zone; the entrance portion comprising an entrance opening via which a user can access the workspace booth from the exterior, and a first workspace zone opening via which a user can access the first workspace zone from the entrance portion; wherein at least a portion of an interior surface of the first shell portion comprises a sound damping material portion for damping sound between the first workspace zone and the exterior of the workspace booth.

The workspace booth according to the second aspect may comprise any one of, or any combination of, the additional features described above in relation to the workspace booth according to the first aspect defined above.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a workspace booth embodying the present invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the workspace booth of figure 1; Figure 3 shows an alternative perspective view of the workspace booth of figure 1; Figure 4 shows another alternative perspective view of the workspace booth of figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side view of the workspace booth of figure 1; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative workspace booth embodying the invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the workspace booth of figure 1 in an alternative configuration; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of another alternative workspace booth embodying the invention; and Figure 9 shows a perspective view of yet another alternative workspace booth embodying the invention.

Figure 1 shows a workspace booth generally denoted by reference numeral 1. The workspace booth 1 comprises a first shell portion 2 and a second shell portion 3. The first shell portion 2 and the second shell portion 3 are spaced apart from one another so as to enclose a space between the shell portions.

The first shell portion 2 partially encloses a first workspace zone 4. The first workspace zone 4 is arranged for a user of the workspace booth I to use whilst sifting or standing.

The second shell portion 3 partially encloses a second workspace zone 5. The second workspace zone 5 is arranged for a user to use whilst standing, leaning or sifting.

The workspace booth I is freestanding in this embodiment. In the embodiment shown in figure 1 the first shell portion 2 and the second shell portion 3 are mounted to a base 6. This allows the workspace booth Ito be handled as a single unit.

In this embodiment both of the first workspace zone 4 and the second workspace zone 5 comprise support surfaces (above the level of the base 6) for supporting a portion of a users body, or an object, as a user uses the workspace booth 1.

The spacing between the first shell portion 2 and the second shell portion 3 defines an entrance portion 7 in the workspace booth 1. The entrance portion 7 comprises an entrance opening 8 via which a user can access the workspace booth I from the exterior. The entrance portion 7 is provided between the first workspace zone 4 and the second workspace zone 5.

In the embodiments shown the workspace booth I comprises two entrance openings S one on each side of the workspace booth 1. However in alternative embodiments a single entrance opening 8 may be provided.

A first workspace zone opening 9 is provided between the first workspace zone 4 and the entrance portion 7. The first workspace zone opening 9 allows a user to enter the first workspace zone 4 from the entrance portion 7.

A second workspace zone opening 10 is provided between the second workspace zone 5 and the entrance portion 7. The second workspace zone opening 10 allows a user to enter the second workspace zone 5 from the entrance portion 7.

Thus from a position to the exterior of the workspace booth 1, a user may access one or other of the workspace zones 4,5 of the workspace booth 1 by passing through the entrance opening 8 so as to access the entrance portion 7 and then by passing through one or other of the first workspace zone opening 9 and the second workspace zone opening lOso as to access the first workspace zone 4 or the second workspace zone 5 respectively.

The first workspace zone opening 9 and the second workspace zone opening 10 are provided in the entrance portion 7 on opposite sides of the entrance opening 8. Thus, as a user passes through the entrance opening 8 into the entrance portion 7 the user may turn, for example, to the right so as to access the first workspace zone 4 through the first workspace zone opening 9 or to the left so as to access the second workspace zone 5 through the second workspace zone opening 10.

The user of the workspace booth 1 is thus able to selectively position themselves within one or other, or possibly both, of the first workspace zone 4 and the second workspace zone 5. The user may choose the workspace zone in dependence on whether they wish to use the workspace booth I in a standing/leaning position or in a sitting position.

The first shell portion 2 extends from the floor up to a head height of a user. Also the second shell portion 3 extends from the floor up to the head height of a user. Thus, when using the workspace booth 1, and when located within the first workspace zone 4 or the second workspace zone 5, a users head is shielded from the exterior of the workspace booth 1 by the first shell portion 2 or the second shell portion 3, respectively. This provides privacy for the user.

The first shell portion 2 comprises an end wall portion 11 and two side wall portions 12. The side wall portions 12 are located one on each side of the end wall portion 11 and are arranged generally perpendicular thereto. The first shell portion 2 has a generally U-shaped horizontal cross section. Thus the side wall portions 12 and the end wall portion 11 of the first shell portion 2 effectively shield a user within the first workspace zone 4 from the exterior of the workspace booth 1.

Similarly, the second shell portion 3 comprises an end wall portion 13 and two side wall portions 14 located one on each side of the end wall portion 13 and arranged generally perpendicular thereto. Again the second shell portion 3 has a generally U-shaped horizontal cross section. Thus the side wall portions 14 and the end wall portion 13 of the second shell portionS effectively shield a user within the second workspace zone 5 from the exterior of the workspace booth 1.

The arrangement of the first shell portion 2 and the second shell portion 3 in this manner, i.e. with generally U-shaped horizontal cross sections and arranged such that the open sides of the first shell portion 2 and the second shell portion 3 face one another, provides an arrangement whereby multiple workspace zones can be provided whilst minimising the footprint of the workspace booth 1. The workspace booth I is thus economic in the use of floor space such that multiple workspace booths may be placed adjacent or nearby one another without encroaching unnecessarily into a space.

The interior portions of the first shell portion 2 and the second shell portion 3 bound the first workspace zone 4 and the second workspace zone 5, respectively.

The interior surfaces of the first shell portion 2 and the second shell portion 3 are provided with sound damping material portions for both damping or attenuating sound that enters the workspace zones 4,5 from an exterior of the workspace booth 1, for example general background noise, and sound that is emitted from a sound source located within the workspace booth 1, for example within one or other of the first workspace zone 4 and the second workspace zone 5. Such a sound source could be a personal electronic device or a person talking.

Thus a user of the workspace booth 1 who is located within either of the first workspace zone 4 or the second workspace zone 5 will experience a quieter environment than if they were located exterior to the workspace booth I. In other words, background noise emanating from the environment will be damped within the workspace zones giving a user of the workspace booth I who is located in a workspace zone relative acoustic privacy. Thus if a user enters the workspace booth 1 to carry out a task such as making a telephone call or working, the user will be less disturbed by environmental noise than would otherwise be the case.

Also, the damping of sound emitted from a source within the workspace booth 1 minimises any disturbance to the exterior environment, and means that the user of the workspace booth 1 is less likely to be heard from outside the workspace booth 1, increasing the acoustic privacy of the user.

A user of the workspace booth 1 is able to easily increase or decrease the relative privacy, both acoustic and visual, by moving further within a workspace zone or towards the entrance portion 7. The user is thus able to establish direct communication with the exterior, if desired.

As can be seen in Figure 1 the interior surface of the first shell portion 2 comprises a first sound damping material portion 15 and a second sound damping material portion 16. The first sound damping material portion 15 is provided on a lower portion of the interior surface and the second sound damping material portion 16 is provided on an upper portion of the interior surface.

The first sound damping material portion 15 and the second sound damping material portion 16 are arranged to be adjacent one another along a horizontal line 17. The second sound damping material portion 16 is partially recessed towards the first shell portion 2 with respect to the first sound damping material portion 15 so as to form a ledge or armrest 18 along the horizontal line 17. The height above the floor of the ledge or armrest 18 is selected to be at a comfortable height for users of the workspace booth 1 when the user is in a standing position.

The ledge or armrest 18 may be provided at a height above a floor that is comfortable to use when a user of the workspace booth 1 is in a seated position. Of course, a height above the floor of the ledge or armrest 18 may be selected to be at a comfortable height for users of the workspace booth I in both standing and seated positions.

As can be seen in Figure 1 the first sound damping material portion 15 and the second sound damping material portion 16 are different. Whilst both of the first sound damping material portion 15 and the second sound damping material portion 16 are made of foam, the first sound damping material portion 15 has a generally flat surface whereas the second sound damping material portion 16 has a ribbed surface.

The ribbing of the second sound damping material portion 16 is vertical. The ribbing provides a greater surface area for the sound damping material portion. This thus enhances the sound damping/attenuation provided by the second sound damping material portion 16.

The interior surface of the second shell portion 3 comprises a third sound damping material portion 19, provided on an upper portion of the interior surface of the second shell portion 3. As can be seen from Figure 3 the third sound damping material portion 19 is ribbed with the ribbing being vertical.

Each of the sound damping material portions 15,16,19 comprise fabric portions on the surface of the sound damping material portions facing into the respective In order to facilitate use of the workspace booth 1, the first shell portion 2 is provided with support surfaces for use by a user of the workspace booth 1. Referring to Figure 1 the first shell portion 2 is provided with a seat 20 which is adjustably mounted to the first shell portion 2 such that it is height adjustable and pivotable between a stowed position (see figure 1), in which it is positioned towards the first shell portion 2 interior surface, and a deployed position (see figure 7), in which it may be used as a seat. Positioning the seat 20 in a stowed position reduces the space within the first workspace zone 4 that is occupied by the seat 20 and thus provides more space for a user to stand within the first workspace zone 4.

In some embodiments the seat 20 comprises a biasing mechanism for biasing the seat 20 towards the stowed position. In some embodiments the biasing mechanism comprises a spring.

In the stowed position the seat 20 comprises an outward facing surface 21. The outward facing surface 21 faces away from the first shell portion 2 when the seat is in the stowed position. The outward facing surface 21 comprises a cushioned sound damping material portion 22. The cushioned sound damping material portion 22 both enhances the sound damping of the first workspace zone 4 and also provides a more comfortable rest surface for a user of the workspace booth 1 to lean against when standing in the first workspace zone 4.

The first shell portion 2 is also provided with a first footrest 23 which is adjustably mounted to the first shell portion 2 and pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The first footrest 23 is coupled to the seat 20 such that the first footrest 23 is height adjustable and pivotable between the stowed position and the deployed position in conjunction with the seat 20. In the stowed position the first footrest 23 is positioned towards the first shell portion 2 so as to reduce the space within the first workspace zone 4 taken up by the first footrest 23. Hence, positioning the first footrest 23 in the stowed position provides more space for a user to stand In some embodiments the first shell portion 2 comprises a subframe to which the first footrest 23 is mounted.

When the seat 20 and the first footrest 23 are deployed they define between them a storage space. This storage space may be used by a user of the workspace booth I for storage of items such as bags and coats. The creation of the storage space within the first workspace zone 4 helps to minimise the footprint of the workspace booth 1.

The second shell portion 3 is provided with a table 24 which is slidably mounted to the second shell portion 3 such that the table 24 is slidable along a generally horizontal direction between a retracted position (see figure 2), in which it is retracted towards the end wall portion 13 of the second shell portion 3, and an extended position (see figure 7), in which the table 24 extends further towards the entrance portion 7 than in the retracted position, so as to be in a convenient position for use by a user. The table 24 can be secured in any position at or between the retracted position and the extended position such that the table 24 provides a robust working surface for a user of the workspace booth 1.

The second shell portion 3 is also provided with a second footrest 25 which comprises a shelf positioned within the second shell portion 3. A further storage space 26 is created underneath the second footrest 25. Of course, items may be stored above the second footrest 25.

As can be seen from Figure 5 the edge portions of the side wall portions 12 of the first shell portion 2 which are adjacent the entrance opening 8 are generally vertical in one embodiment. The edge portions of the side wall portions 14 of the second shell portion 3 which are adjacent the entrance opening 8 are also generally vertical.

In an alternative embodiment (see figure 6), edge portions of the side wall portions 14 of the second shell portion 3 which are adjacent the entrance opening 8 comprise cutaway portions such that the distance between the edge portions of the side wall portions 12 of the first shell portion 2 and the edge portions of the side wall portions 14 of the second shell portion 3 increases towards the lower portion of the shell portions 2,3. The cutaway portions of the side wall portions 14 of the second shell portion 3 are smoothly curving away from the first shell portion 2. This arrangement of the side wall portions 12,14 provides a wider entrance opening 8 towards a lower portion of the workspace booth 1. This makes it easier for a user to enter and exit the workspace booth I by providing more space for the user's feet and also for any bags that the user may carry with them into the workspace booth 1.

In an alternative the first shell portion 2 comprises two moveable screens. The moveable screens are arranged on the side wall portions 12 of the first shell portion 2 such that they may be slidably moved from a stowage position, in which the entrance opening 8 of the entrance portion 7 is open to its fullest extent, and a deployed position, in which the moveable screens at least partially extend into the entrance opening 8 so as to reduce the size of the entrance opening 8.

The moveable screens are thus arranged such that a user of the workspace booth 1 may selectively position the moveable screens so as to achieve a greater or lesser privacy, for example acoustic privacy, within the workspace booth 1. The interior surface of the moveable screens may be provided with one or more sound damping material portions so as to enhance damping/attenuation of sound.

The moveable screens are mounted on runners mounted to the side wall portions 12 of the first shell portion 2 such that the movable screens are slidably moveable between the stowage and the deployed positions.

The workspace booth 1 may be placed in various locations for use by either business or casual users. For example, the workspace booth 1 may be placed in open plan offices, in common areas of buildings or in public spaces. The workspace booth 1 may be used by a user when they require a relatively quiet environment for The sound damping material portions 1516,19 provided on the interior surface of the first shell portion 2 and the second shell portion 3 are made of foam and thus provide a cushioned support for a user to lean against when using the workspace booth 1.

Further the sound damping material portions may be used as a pin board, further increasing the work effectiveness of the workspace booth 1.

In an alternative embodiment (see figure 8) the exterior of the workspace booth 1 is upholstered. The exterior upholstery comprises vertical ribbing.

In another embodiment (see figure 9) the first shell portion 2 comprises an upper shell portion 27 and a lower shell portion 28. Edge portions of the upper shell portion 27 comprise cutaway portions such that the distance between the upper shell portion 21 and the second shell portion 3 increases towards the lower portion of the upper shell portion 27. A ledge or armrest 29 is provided on an upper surface of the lower shell portion 28. The provision of the ledge or armrest 29 in this manner allows a user to rest their arm so as to extend outside the workspace booth 1. This allows the width of the workspace booth I to be reduced, resulting in a smaller footprint.

The embodiments of the workspace booth I shown in the drawings and described above are made of moulded plywood. It is also envisaged that the workspace booth 1 could be made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which is potentially more suitable for outdoor use. Of course, the workspace booth 1 could be made from other materials.

In some embodiments hooks are provided under the worksurface and/or on the first and/or second shell portions for storage of items such as bags and coats. In some embodiments accessories such as reading lights and mobile telephone chargers are provided in the workspace booth 1. -25

Whilst the sound damping material portions described above are made of foam, they could be made from other materials, including cork.

Claims

Claims 1. A workspace booth comprising an entrance portion via which a user can access the booth, a first shell portion partially enclosing a first workspace zone, and a second shell portion partially enclosing a second workspace zone; the entrance portion comprising an entrance opening via which a user can access the booth from the exterior, a first workspace zone opening via which a user can access the first workspace zone from the entrance portion and a second workspace zone opening via which a user can access the second workspace zone from the entrance portion; wherein the first workspace zone opening is provided in the entrance portion on one side of the entrance opening and the second workspace zone opening is provided in the entrance portion on an opposite side of the entrance opening.
2. A workspace booth according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion comprises an end wall portion and two side wall portions located to either side of the end wall portion.
3. A workspace booth according to claimi or claim 2 wherein at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion has a generally U-shaped horizontal cross-section.
4. A workspace booth according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion extends from a floor to a head height of a user in a standing position, for screening a user from an environment exterior to the workspace booth.
5. A workspace booth according to any preceding claim wherein the first shell portion and the second shell portion are spaced apart from one another so as to define the entrance portion between the first shell portion and the second shell portion.
6. A workspace booth according to any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of an interior surface of at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion comprises at least one sound damping material portion for damping sound between a respective workspace zone and the exterior of the workspace booth.
7. A workspace booth according to claim 6 comprising a plurality of sound damping material portions, wherein at least one of the plurality of sound damping material portions is of a different material to at least one other of the plurality of sound damping material portions.
8. A workspace booth according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of sound damping material portions is provided on a different portion of one of the first and the second shell portions to at least one other of the sound damping material portions.
9. A workspace booth according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein at least one sound damping material portion is ribbed.
10. A workspace booth according to any preceding claim wherein one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is provided with a seat mounted to the respective shell portion.
11. A workspace booth according to claim 10 wherein the seat is pivotable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position.
12. A workspace booth according to claim 11 wherein the seat comprises an outward facing surface, which faces away from the shell portion to which the seat is mounted, when the seat is in the first stowed position, and wherein the outward facing surface comprises a sound damping material portion.
13. A workspace booth according to claim 12 wherein the sound damping material portion provides cushioning on the outward facing surface.
14. A workspace booth according to any preceding claim wherein one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is provided with a first footrest mounted to the respective shell portion.
15. A workspace booth according to claim 14 wherein the first footrest is pivotable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position.
16. A workspace booth according to claim 15 wherein the seat and the first footrest are provided in the same shell portion.
17. A workspace booth according to any of claims 14 to 16 wherein at least one of the seat and the first footrest is height adjustable.
18. A workspace booth according to any of claims 14 to 17 wherein the seat and the first footrest are coupled together, allowing the seat and the first footrest to move together between respective first stowed positions and second deployed positions.
19. A workspace booth according to any of claims 14 to 18 wherein the other of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is provided with a second footrest mounted to the respective shell portion.
20. A workspace booth according to any preceding claim wherein one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion is provided with a worksurface mounted to the respective shell portion in a generally horizontal orientation.
21. A workspace booth according to claim 20 wherein the worksurface is mounted to the respective shell portion by a worksurface adjustable mounting means comprising runners for allowing the worksurface to be slidably positionable between a first extended position and a second retracted position.
22 A workspace booth according to claim 21 wherein the worksurface adjustable mounting means comprises securing means for securing the worksurface in the first extended position and/or the second retracted position.
23. A workspace booth according to any of claims 2 to 22 wherein the side wall portions of at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion have generally vertically extending edges adjacent the entrance opening.
24. A workspace booth according to any of claims 2 to 23 wherein the side wall portions of one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion have edges adjacent the entrance opening that comprise cut-away portions towards a lower portion of the side wall portions such that the spacing between the side wall portions of the first shell portion and the side wall portions of the second shell portion is larger towards the lower portion of the side wall portions than the spacing towards an upper portion of the side wall portions.
25. A workspace booth according to any of claims 2 to 24 wherein at least one of the side wall portions of one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion comprises a recessed portion providing an armrest for a user of the workspace booth.
26. A workspace booth according to any of claims 2 to 24 wherein at least one of the side wall portions of one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion comprises a ledge providing an armrest for a user of the workspace booth.
27. A workspace booth according to any preceding claim wherein the workspace booth comprises at least one movable screen mounted to at least one of the first shell portion and the second shell portion and arranged for movement relative to the respective shell portion so as to change the size of the entrance opening.
28. A workspace booth according to claim 27 wherein the movable screen is arranged for pivotal movement or sliding movement relative to the respective shell portion.
29. A workspace booth according to claim 27 or claim 28 wherein an adjustable screen mounting means for mounting the movable screen comprises runners for allowing the movable screen to slide relative to the respective shell portion, the movabie screen being arranged such that in a first stowage position it does not extend into the entrance opening and in a second deployed position it at least partially extends into the entrance opening so as to reduce the size of the entrance opening.
30. A workspace booth comprising an entrance portion via which a user can access the workspace booth, and a first shell portion partially enclosing a first workspace zone; the entrance portion comprising an entrance opening via which a user can access the workspace booth from the exterior, and a first workspace zone opening via which a user can access the first workspace zone from the entrance portion; wherein at least a portion of an interior surface of the first shell portion comprises a Sound damping material portion for damping sound between the first workspace zone and the exterior of the workspace booth.
31. A workspace booth as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.