US20220192329A1 - Modular office furniture for open, high light environment - Google Patents
Modular office furniture for open, high light environment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220192329A1 US20220192329A1 US17/428,547 US202017428547A US2022192329A1 US 20220192329 A1 US20220192329 A1 US 20220192329A1 US 202017428547 A US202017428547 A US 202017428547A US 2022192329 A1 US2022192329 A1 US 2022192329A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- stand
- screen
- light shade
- articulated light
- axis
- 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.)
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Links
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- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 3
- 244000261422 Lysimachia clethroides Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003319 supportive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B97/00—Furniture or accessories for furniture, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B23/00—Other umbrellas
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B23/00—Other umbrellas
- A45B2023/0093—Sunshades or weather protections of other than umbrella type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
- A47B2200/0084—Accessories for tables or desks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B37/00—Tables adapted for other particular purposes
- A47B37/04—Tables specially adapted for use in the garden or otherwise in the open air, e.g. with means for holding umbrellas or umbrella-like sunshades
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a furniture system for use in an open office environment which has plentiful natural light.
- the furniture system includes components which help to reduce or eliminate glare arising from plentiful natural light present in modern open office environments.
- the furniture system also includes components designed to provide a measure of privacy for office workers to improve concentration while working in an open environment.
- an articulated light shade including a stand having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is stiffer than the second portion, and the first portion defines a longitudinal axis.
- the second portion is flexible such that the second portion is movable relative to the first portion.
- a screen is coupled to the second portion of the stand, wherein the screen is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and tiltable relative to the longitudinal axis.
- an articulated light shade assembly including a base for supporting the articulated light shade assembly, a first flexible stand extending from the base, a first screen coupled to the first flexible stand, where the first screen is movable relative to a first axis.
- An articulated light shade assembly further includes a second flexible stand extending from the base, and a second screen coupled to the second flexible stand, where the second screen is movable relative to a second axis. The second axis is spaced apart from the first axis, and the first axis extends parallel to the second axis.
- an articulated light shade including a stand having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, where at least a portion of the stand between the first end and the second end is flexible.
- a screen is coupled to the first end of the stand, where the screen is a planar panel.
- An attachment member is coupled to the second end of the stand, where the attachment member is configured to removably couple the stand to a piece of furniture.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade according to one embodiment where the articulated light shade is coupled to a desk.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade shown in FIG. 1 shown without the desk.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade shown in FIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is bent in a forward direction.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade shown in FIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is rotated towards a first side.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade shown in FIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is rotated towards a second side.
- FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the articulated light shade shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of the articulated light shade shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates the articulated light shade of FIG. 1 being tilted to the left and to the right.
- FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the articulated light shade shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates the articulated light shade of FIG. 1 being tilted forwards and backwards.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade according to another embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade according to yet another embodiment.
- FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the articulated light shade of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the articulated light shade of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the articulated light shade of FIG. 12 .
- Modern work spaces are often designed to create naturally lit spaces by allowing sunlight to travel throughout a work environment.
- many workspaces are designed with an open concept. These workspace designs may include free standing desks with minimal office walls, or low partition walls.
- the open concept workspaces have certain benefits, such as allowing natural light to flow through the work environment, there are also certain drawbacks.
- work screens i.e., computers, laptops, smart screens, etc.
- This light may include natural sunlight, as well as light illuminated from overhead lights or desk lamps. Accordingly, light shades may be useful to help block at least a portion of the light that may create a glare on a work screen.
- FIGS. 1-10 illustrate an articulated light shade 10 in accordance with one embodiment.
- the articulated light shade 10 includes a screen 12 for casting shade in a desired portion of a user's workspace.
- the screen 12 is supported by a vertical mast or stand 14 .
- the stand 14 can be clamped to a desk 16 or tabletop.
- the stand 14 is bendable (i.e., like a gooseneck) and can be bent and pivoted in any direction to adjust the position and attitude of the screen 12 over the user's workspace.
- the screen 12 is a light-weight screen 12 that can be easily supported by the stand 14 .
- the screen 12 may be composed of a foam board, plastic panel, fabric panel, or any other light-weight material capable of being supported above a user's workspace and casting shade on a user's workspace.
- the illustrated screen 12 is a rectangular screen 12 .
- the illustrated screen 12 is also a planar or flat panel.
- the screen 12 has a length L and a width W that is less than the length L.
- the length L may be, for example, between 30 and 40 inches.
- the width W may be, for example, between 20 and 30 inches.
- the screen 12 may be various shapes and sizes such as circular, triangular, curvy, etc.
- the screen 12 may not be shaped as a flat panel.
- the screen 12 may have a curved shape or may have edges extending around its perimeter.
- the illustrated screen 12 is coupled to the stand 14 at a location offset from the center of the screen 12 . More particularly, the stand 14 is coupled to the screen 12 at a location midway between the long edges of the screen 12 , but closer to one of the short edges of the screen 12 . Such an arrangement allows a majority of the screen 12 to be positioned over a user, but still somewhat balanced over the stand 14 .
- the screen 12 may be coupled to the stand 14 at the center of the screen 12 . In other embodiments, the screen 12 may be coupled to the stand 14 at or near an edge of the screen 12 .
- the stand 14 is an elongated cylindrical tube.
- the stand 14 and the screen 12 may have other shapes and sizes.
- the stand 14 can be a height that is appropriate for use on top of a work surface, as shown in FIG. 2 , or may be a height that is appropriate for use as a floor standing shade, as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the stand 14 when used as a tabletop light shade 10 , the stand 14 may have an overall height of between 30 and 40 inches.
- the stand 14 may have an overall height of between 60 and 90 inches.
- the stand 14 includes a first portion 18 that is stiff and supportive and a second portion 20 that is flexible and movable relative to the first portion 18 .
- the first portion 18 and the second portion 20 may have various ratios relative to one another.
- the first portion 18 and the second portion 20 may be approximately equal lengths (e.g., the second portion 20 is 1 ⁇ 2 the height of the stand 14 ).
- the second portion 20 may be greater than or less than the length of the first portion 18 .
- the second portion 20 may be 1 ⁇ 3 the height of the stand 14 .
- the second, flexible portion 20 may be the entire stand 14 such that the stand does not include a first, stiff portion.
- the second, flexible portion 20 may be a middle portion of the stand 14 positioned between two stiff portions of the stand 14 .
- the first portion 18 is composed of a stiff material that maintains a generally straight (i.e., non-curvy) shape. Accordingly, the first portion 18 defines a longitudinal axis A extending along its length.
- the first portion 18 may be composed of steel, aluminum, wood, hard plastic, or other material that can be used to support the second portion 20 and the screen 12 in an upright position.
- the first portion 18 may have other shapes that retain their shape (i.e., non-flexible shape) in order to provide support for the second portion 20 .
- the first portion 18 may have a curvy shape that is fixed and non-flexible.
- the axis A of the first portion 18 is defined by a line extending between a first end and a second end of the first portion 18 .
- the second portion 20 of the stand 14 is flexible relative to the first portion 18 of the stand 14 and can be used to adjust the position and the orientation of the screen 12 .
- the second portion 20 can extend upwards in a generally straight direction along the axis A defined by the first portion 18 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the screen 12 is positioned at its tallest height H 1 , for example, above the desk 16 .
- the second portion 20 can also be bent, twisted, rotated, or otherwise adjusted to move or reorient the screen 12 . For example, as shown in FIG.
- the second portion 20 is bent over into a u-shape in order to create a gooseneck support for the screen 12 .
- the screen 12 is lowered to a second height H 2 , which is lower than height H 1 .
- the second portion 20 of the stand 14 can be twisted in order to rotate the screen 12 to different positions about the axis A.
- twisting the second portion 20 may rotate the screen 12 from a forward facing position, as shown in FIG. 4 , towards the right (e.g., a first rotational direction R 1 ) or towards the left (e.g., a second rotatoinal direction R 2 ), as shown in FIGS. 4-6 .
- a first rotational direction R 1 e.g., a first rotational direction R 1
- R 2 e.g., a second rotatoinal direction
- the second portion 20 of the stand 14 may be bent in order to tilt the screen 12 to different angles.
- the screen 12 is oriented parallel to a plane P 1 , where P 1 is defined as the plane extending perpendicular to the axis A.
- the second portion 20 may be bent in order to reorient the screen 12 to an angle that is not parallel to the plane P 1 .
- the screen 12 may be tilted (i.e., a first tilt direction T 1 ) relative to the plane P 1 .
- the second portion 20 of the stand 14 may be used to shift the screen 12 on or off-axis.
- the screen 12 is also positioned along the axis A.
- the second portion 20 can be moved relative to the first portion 18 of the stand 14 in order to shift the screen 12 off-axis.
- the second portion 20 of the stand 14 can be shifted towards the right or left of the axis A in order to shift the screen 12 towards the right (i.e., a first shift direction 51 ) or left (i.e., a first shift direction S 2 ).
- the second portion 20 of the stand 14 can be moved forwards or backwards relative to the axis A in order to shift the screen 12 in a forwards direction (i.e., a forward shift direction S 3 ) or backwards direction (i.e., a rearward shift direction S 4 ).
- a forwards direction i.e., a forward shift direction S 3
- backwards direction i.e., a rearward shift direction S 4
- the flexible second portion 20 enables the screen 12 to be rotated, tilted, and shifted to positions in between the example positions described herein such that the movement of the screen is not limited to discrete positions.
- the positions and the orientations described can also be used in conjunction with one another in order to adjust the screen 12 to the user's desired shade position.
- the second portion 20 of the stand 14 may shift the screen 12 off-axis while also tilting the screen 12 to an angle that is not parallel to the plane P 1 defined by the axis A of the first portion 18 of the stand 14 .
- the ability of the screen 12 to be positions and oriented in a variety of angles allows a user to adjust the screen 12 to block more or less light from reaching a work screen 12 or work area. In addition, this flexibility allows the screen 12 to be repositioned to track movement of the sun throughout the day.
- the light shade 10 may also include an attachment member 22 that enables the light shade 10 to be removably coupled to a desk 16 or a tabletop.
- the attachment member 22 is coupled to an end of the stand 14 opposite from the screen 12 .
- the attachment member 22 is an edge clamp that grips the edge of a worksurface.
- the attachment member may include threaded connections, weights, or other connections capable of removably coupling the light shade 10 to a desk 16 .
- the light shade 10 may be coupled to the desk 16 by magnets or an adhesive.
- the light shade 10 may be coupled to the desk 16 by a dedicated or universal receptacle (e.g., a threaded hole, an accessory track, etc.) of the desk 16 .
- a dedicated or universal receptacle e.g., a threaded hole, an accessory track, etc.
- the light shade 10 may be permanently fixed to a desk 16 .
- the screen 12 is directly connected to the second portion 20 of the stand 14 without any joints, hinges, or the like therebetween.
- the stand 14 may be rotatably connected to the clamp assembly 22 through a ball joint, hinge, or other pivotable connection.
- the stand 14 may be rotatably connected to the screen 12 through a ball joint, hinge, or other pivotable connection.
- the stand 14 may include an accessory hook 24 for hanging accessories such as headphones, keys, a water bottle, etc.
- the accessory hook 24 is a single post extending in an upward direction from the first portion 18 of the stand 14 .
- the accessory hook 24 may include a plurality of posts for hanging multiple accessories.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a light shade assembly 100 according to another embodiment in which the light shade assembly 100 includes a base 126 supporting a plurality of light shades 110 .
- the illustrated light shade assembly 100 may be a tabletop (or desk 116 ) light shade assembly 100 in which the base 126 is designed to support the light shades 110 on a desk 116 .
- the illustrated light shade assembly 100 may be a floor standing light shade assembly 100 in which the base 126 is designed to support the light shades 110 from a ground surface.
- the base 126 may be replaced by a clamp or other suitable coupling means to couple the light shade assembly 100 to a desk or tabletop.
- the base 126 may be different sizes and shapes in order to suit the tabletop design and the floor standing design.
- the base 126 supports a first light shade 110 A and a second light shade 110 B spaced apart from one another.
- the light shade assembly 100 includes a greater number of light shades 110 .
- the base 126 supports a first flexible stand 114 A extending upward from the base 126 and a first screen 112 A coupled to the first flexible stand 114 A.
- the light shade assembly 100 further includes a second flexible stand 114 B extending upward from the base 126 and a second screen 112 B coupled to the second flexible stand 114 B.
- the first stand 114 A defines a first longitudinal axis B 1 and the second stand 114 B defines a second longitudinal axis B 2 .
- the axes B 1 , B 2 are generally parallel to one another.
- the first screen 112 A and the second screen 112 B can move relative to one another to block light emitted from different directions.
- the light shades 110 illustrated in FIG. 11 may include the features described above with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10 .
- each of the first stand 114 A and the second stand 114 B may include a first portion 118 A, 118 B and a second portion 120 A, 120 B that is adjustable relative to the first portion 118 A, 118 B.
- the first screen 112 A and the second screen 112 B may be independently adjusted relative to the first stand 114 A and the second stand 114 B, respectively, in order to create shade as desired by the user(s).
- FIGS. 12-15 illustrate a light shade assembly 200 according to another embodiment in which multiple screens 212 extend from a single stand 214 .
- the light shade assembly 200 includes a base 226 , a stand 214 , and a plurality of screens 212 .
- the stand 214 extends upward from the base 226 and defines a central longitudinal axis C.
- the plurality of screens 212 each extend outwardly from the stand 214 at an oblique angle relative to a plane P 2 defined as the plane extending perpendicular to the axis C.
- the screens 212 are adjustable relative to the stand 214 and relative to each other such that they may be pivotated or rotated to different orientations in order to create the desired shade.
- the screens 212 are fixed relative to the stand 214 and may not be adjusted.
- the light shade assembly 200 include three screens 212 , which each have the same size and shape. Specifically, each of the screens 212 has a triangular shape of the same size.
- the illustrated screens 212 are generally spaced circumferentially apart in equal amounts. However, in other embodiments, the screens 212 may have other sizes and shapes. For example, the screens 212 may be rectangular, circular, organic, etc. Likewise, the screens 212 may each have a different size and shape relative to one another. Moreover, in some embodiments, the light shade assembly 200 may include a greater or fewer number of screens 212 .
- the light shade assembly 200 illustrated in FIGS. 12-15 may be a table top (or desktop) light shade assembly 200 in which the base 226 is designed to support the light shades on a table top.
- the illustrated assembly may be a floor standing light shade assembly 200 in which the base 226 is designed to support the light shades from a ground surface.
- the base 226 may be different sizes and shapes in order to suit the tabletop design and the floor standing design.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a furniture system for use in an open office environment which has plentiful natural light. The furniture system includes components which help to reduce or eliminate glare arising from plentiful natural light present in modern open office environments. The furniture system also includes components designed to provide a measure of privacy for office workers to improve concentration while working in an open environment.
- Various embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
- In one embodiment an articulated light shade is provided herein including a stand having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is stiffer than the second portion, and the first portion defines a longitudinal axis. The second portion is flexible such that the second portion is movable relative to the first portion. A screen is coupled to the second portion of the stand, wherein the screen is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and tiltable relative to the longitudinal axis.
- In another embodiment an articulated light shade assembly is provided herein including a base for supporting the articulated light shade assembly, a first flexible stand extending from the base, a first screen coupled to the first flexible stand, where the first screen is movable relative to a first axis. An articulated light shade assembly further includes a second flexible stand extending from the base, and a second screen coupled to the second flexible stand, where the second screen is movable relative to a second axis. The second axis is spaced apart from the first axis, and the first axis extends parallel to the second axis.
- In yet another embodiment an articulated light shade is provided herein including a stand having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, where at least a portion of the stand between the first end and the second end is flexible. A screen is coupled to the first end of the stand, where the screen is a planar panel. An attachment member is coupled to the second end of the stand, where the attachment member is configured to removably couple the stand to a piece of furniture.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade according to one embodiment where the articulated light shade is coupled to a desk. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade shown inFIG. 1 shown without the desk. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade shown inFIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is bent in a forward direction. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade shown inFIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is rotated towards a first side. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the articulated light shade shown inFIG. 1 where the articulated light shade is rotated towards a second side. -
FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the articulated light shade shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of the articulated light shade shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates the articulated light shade ofFIG. 1 being tilted to the left and to the right. -
FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the articulated light shade shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 illustrates the articulated light shade ofFIG. 1 being tilted forwards and backwards. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an articulated light shade according to yet another embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the articulated light shade ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the articulated light shade ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the articulated light shade ofFIG. 12 . - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
- Modern work spaces are often designed to create naturally lit spaces by allowing sunlight to travel throughout a work environment. Rather than creating workspaces that are separated by either closed offices or a tall partition walls, many workspaces are designed with an open concept. These workspace designs may include free standing desks with minimal office walls, or low partition walls. While the open concept workspaces have certain benefits, such as allowing natural light to flow through the work environment, there are also certain drawbacks. For example, the lack of individual office spaces and tall partition walls enables light to shine on work screens (i.e., computers, laptops, smart screens, etc.) from many angles, creating a glare that can be bothersome to the eyes. This light may include natural sunlight, as well as light illuminated from overhead lights or desk lamps. Accordingly, light shades may be useful to help block at least a portion of the light that may create a glare on a work screen.
-
FIGS. 1-10 illustrate an articulatedlight shade 10 in accordance with one embodiment. The articulatedlight shade 10 includes ascreen 12 for casting shade in a desired portion of a user's workspace. Thescreen 12 is supported by a vertical mast or stand 14. In some embodiments, thestand 14 can be clamped to adesk 16 or tabletop. Thestand 14 is bendable (i.e., like a gooseneck) and can be bent and pivoted in any direction to adjust the position and attitude of thescreen 12 over the user's workspace. - The
screen 12 is a light-weight screen 12 that can be easily supported by thestand 14. Thescreen 12 may be composed of a foam board, plastic panel, fabric panel, or any other light-weight material capable of being supported above a user's workspace and casting shade on a user's workspace. Referring toFIG. 2 , the illustratedscreen 12 is arectangular screen 12. The illustratedscreen 12 is also a planar or flat panel. In the illustrated embodiment, thescreen 12 has a length L and a width W that is less than the length L. The length L may be, for example, between 30 and 40 inches. The width W may be, for example, between 20 and 30 inches. However, in other embodiments, thescreen 12 may be various shapes and sizes such as circular, triangular, curvy, etc. Furthermore, in some embodiments, thescreen 12 may not be shaped as a flat panel. For example, thescreen 12 may have a curved shape or may have edges extending around its perimeter. - The illustrated
screen 12 is coupled to thestand 14 at a location offset from the center of thescreen 12. More particularly, thestand 14 is coupled to thescreen 12 at a location midway between the long edges of thescreen 12, but closer to one of the short edges of thescreen 12. Such an arrangement allows a majority of thescreen 12 to be positioned over a user, but still somewhat balanced over thestand 14. In some embodiments, thescreen 12 may be coupled to thestand 14 at the center of thescreen 12. In other embodiments, thescreen 12 may be coupled to thestand 14 at or near an edge of thescreen 12. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
stand 14 is an elongated cylindrical tube. However, in other embodiments, thestand 14 and thescreen 12 may have other shapes and sizes. For example, thestand 14 can be a height that is appropriate for use on top of a work surface, as shown inFIG. 2 , or may be a height that is appropriate for use as a floor standing shade, as shown inFIG. 12 . For example, when used as atabletop light shade 10, thestand 14 may have an overall height of between 30 and 40 inches. When used as a floor standinglight shade 10, thestand 14 may have an overall height of between 60 and 90 inches. - The
stand 14 includes afirst portion 18 that is stiff and supportive and asecond portion 20 that is flexible and movable relative to thefirst portion 18. Thefirst portion 18 and thesecond portion 20 may have various ratios relative to one another. For example, in some embodiments, thefirst portion 18 and thesecond portion 20 may be approximately equal lengths (e.g., thesecond portion 20 is ½ the height of the stand 14). In other embodiments, thesecond portion 20 may be greater than or less than the length of thefirst portion 18. For example, thesecond portion 20 may be ⅓ the height of thestand 14. In some embodiments, the second,flexible portion 20 may be theentire stand 14 such that the stand does not include a first, stiff portion. In further embodiments, the second,flexible portion 20 may be a middle portion of thestand 14 positioned between two stiff portions of thestand 14. - The
first portion 18 is composed of a stiff material that maintains a generally straight (i.e., non-curvy) shape. Accordingly, thefirst portion 18 defines a longitudinal axis A extending along its length. For example, thefirst portion 18 may be composed of steel, aluminum, wood, hard plastic, or other material that can be used to support thesecond portion 20 and thescreen 12 in an upright position. In other embodiments, thefirst portion 18 may have other shapes that retain their shape (i.e., non-flexible shape) in order to provide support for thesecond portion 20. For example, in some embodiments, thefirst portion 18 may have a curvy shape that is fixed and non-flexible. In this embodiment, the axis A of thefirst portion 18 is defined by a line extending between a first end and a second end of thefirst portion 18. - The
second portion 20 of thestand 14 is flexible relative to thefirst portion 18 of thestand 14 and can be used to adjust the position and the orientation of thescreen 12. For example, thesecond portion 20 can extend upwards in a generally straight direction along the axis A defined by thefirst portion 18, as shown inFIG. 2 . When thesecond portion 20 is aligned along the axis A of thefirst portion 18, thescreen 12 is positioned at its tallest height H1, for example, above thedesk 16. Thesecond portion 20 can also be bent, twisted, rotated, or otherwise adjusted to move or reorient thescreen 12. For example, as shown inFIG. 3 , thesecond portion 20 is bent over into a u-shape in order to create a gooseneck support for thescreen 12. When thesecond portion 20 is bent into a u-shaped, thescreen 12 is lowered to a second height H2, which is lower than height H1. - Additionally, the
second portion 20 of thestand 14 can be twisted in order to rotate thescreen 12 to different positions about the axis A. For example, twisting thesecond portion 20 may rotate thescreen 12 from a forward facing position, as shown inFIG. 4 , towards the right (e.g., a first rotational direction R1) or towards the left (e.g., a second rotatoinal direction R2), as shown inFIGS. 4-6 . These same orientations are also possible when thesecond portion 20 is aligned along the axis A and thescreen 12 is positioned at height H1. - Furthermore, the
second portion 20 of thestand 14 may be bent in order to tilt thescreen 12 to different angles. For example, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9 , when thesecond portion 20 is aligned along the axis of thefirst portion 18, thescreen 12 is oriented parallel to a plane P1, where P1 is defined as the plane extending perpendicular to the axis A. However, as shown inFIGS. 4-6 , thesecond portion 20 may be bent in order to reorient thescreen 12 to an angle that is not parallel to the plane P1. For example, thescreen 12 may be tilted (i.e., a first tilt direction T1) relative to the plane P1. - Similarly, the
second portion 20 of thestand 14 may be used to shift thescreen 12 on or off-axis. For example, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9 , when thesecond portion 20 of thestand 14 is aligned along the axis A of thefirst portion 18, thescreen 12 is also positioned along the axis A. However, thesecond portion 20 can be moved relative to thefirst portion 18 of thestand 14 in order to shift thescreen 12 off-axis. For example, referring toFIG. 8 , thesecond portion 20 of thestand 14 can be shifted towards the right or left of the axis A in order to shift thescreen 12 towards the right (i.e., a first shift direction 51) or left (i.e., a first shift direction S2). Likewise, referring toFIG. 9 , thesecond portion 20 of thestand 14 can be moved forwards or backwards relative to the axis A in order to shift thescreen 12 in a forwards direction (i.e., a forward shift direction S3) or backwards direction (i.e., a rearward shift direction S4). As will be understood by a person of ordinary still in the art, the flexiblesecond portion 20 enables thescreen 12 to be rotated, tilted, and shifted to positions in between the example positions described herein such that the movement of the screen is not limited to discrete positions. - The positions and the orientations described can also be used in conjunction with one another in order to adjust the
screen 12 to the user's desired shade position. For example, thesecond portion 20 of thestand 14 may shift thescreen 12 off-axis while also tilting thescreen 12 to an angle that is not parallel to the plane P1 defined by the axis A of thefirst portion 18 of thestand 14. The ability of thescreen 12 to be positions and oriented in a variety of angles allows a user to adjust thescreen 12 to block more or less light from reaching awork screen 12 or work area. In addition, this flexibility allows thescreen 12 to be repositioned to track movement of the sun throughout the day. - The
light shade 10 may also include anattachment member 22 that enables thelight shade 10 to be removably coupled to adesk 16 or a tabletop. Theattachment member 22 is coupled to an end of thestand 14 opposite from thescreen 12. In the illustrated embodiment, theattachment member 22 is an edge clamp that grips the edge of a worksurface. In other embodiments, the attachment member may include threaded connections, weights, or other connections capable of removably coupling thelight shade 10 to adesk 16. In some embodiments, thelight shade 10 may be coupled to thedesk 16 by magnets or an adhesive. In further embodiments, thelight shade 10 may be coupled to thedesk 16 by a dedicated or universal receptacle (e.g., a threaded hole, an accessory track, etc.) of thedesk 16. Alternatively, in some embodiments, thelight shade 10 may be permanently fixed to adesk 16. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
screen 12 is directly connected to thesecond portion 20 of thestand 14 without any joints, hinges, or the like therebetween. In some embodiments, thestand 14 may be rotatably connected to theclamp assembly 22 through a ball joint, hinge, or other pivotable connection. Similarly, in some embodiments, thestand 14 may be rotatably connected to thescreen 12 through a ball joint, hinge, or other pivotable connection. - Furthermore, in some embodiments, the
stand 14 may include anaccessory hook 24 for hanging accessories such as headphones, keys, a water bottle, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, theaccessory hook 24 is a single post extending in an upward direction from thefirst portion 18 of thestand 14. In other embodiments, theaccessory hook 24 may include a plurality of posts for hanging multiple accessories. -
FIG. 11 illustrates alight shade assembly 100 according to another embodiment in which thelight shade assembly 100 includes a base 126 supporting a plurality of light shades 110. The illustratedlight shade assembly 100 may be a tabletop (or desk 116)light shade assembly 100 in which thebase 126 is designed to support the light shades 110 on a desk 116. Alternatively, the illustratedlight shade assembly 100 may be a floor standinglight shade assembly 100 in which thebase 126 is designed to support the light shades 110 from a ground surface. Alternatively, thebase 126 may be replaced by a clamp or other suitable coupling means to couple thelight shade assembly 100 to a desk or tabletop. The base 126 may be different sizes and shapes in order to suit the tabletop design and the floor standing design. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
base 126 supports afirst light shade 110A and a secondlight shade 110B spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, thelight shade assembly 100 includes a greater number of light shades 110. With continued reference toFIG. 11 , thebase 126 supports a firstflexible stand 114A extending upward from thebase 126 and afirst screen 112A coupled to the firstflexible stand 114A. Thelight shade assembly 100 further includes a secondflexible stand 114B extending upward from thebase 126 and asecond screen 112B coupled to the secondflexible stand 114B. Thefirst stand 114A defines a first longitudinal axis B1 and thesecond stand 114B defines a second longitudinal axis B2. The axes B1, B2 are generally parallel to one another. Thefirst screen 112A and thesecond screen 112B can move relative to one another to block light emitted from different directions. - The light shades 110 illustrated in
FIG. 11 may include the features described above with respect to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-10 . For example, each of thefirst stand 114A and thesecond stand 114B may include afirst portion second portion first portion first screen 112A and thesecond screen 112B may be independently adjusted relative to thefirst stand 114A and thesecond stand 114B, respectively, in order to create shade as desired by the user(s). -
FIGS. 12-15 illustrate alight shade assembly 200 according to another embodiment in whichmultiple screens 212 extend from asingle stand 214. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, thelight shade assembly 200 includes abase 226, astand 214, and a plurality ofscreens 212. Thestand 214 extends upward from thebase 226 and defines a central longitudinal axis C. The plurality ofscreens 212 each extend outwardly from thestand 214 at an oblique angle relative to a plane P2 defined as the plane extending perpendicular to the axis C. In some embodiments, thescreens 212 are adjustable relative to thestand 214 and relative to each other such that they may be pivotated or rotated to different orientations in order to create the desired shade. In other embodiments, thescreens 212 are fixed relative to thestand 214 and may not be adjusted. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
light shade assembly 200 include threescreens 212, which each have the same size and shape. Specifically, each of thescreens 212 has a triangular shape of the same size. The illustrated screens 212 are generally spaced circumferentially apart in equal amounts. However, in other embodiments, thescreens 212 may have other sizes and shapes. For example, thescreens 212 may be rectangular, circular, organic, etc. Likewise, thescreens 212 may each have a different size and shape relative to one another. Moreover, in some embodiments, thelight shade assembly 200 may include a greater or fewer number ofscreens 212. - Similar to the
light shade assembly 200 illustrated inFIG. 11 , thelight shade assembly 200 illustrated inFIGS. 12-15 may be a table top (or desktop)light shade assembly 200 in which thebase 226 is designed to support the light shades on a table top. Alternatively, the illustrated assembly may be a floor standinglight shade assembly 200 in which thebase 226 is designed to support the light shades from a ground surface. The base 226 may be different sizes and shapes in order to suit the tabletop design and the floor standing design. - Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/428,547 US20220192329A1 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2020-02-26 | Modular office furniture for open, high light environment |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201962810622P | 2019-02-26 | 2019-02-26 | |
US17/428,547 US20220192329A1 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2020-02-26 | Modular office furniture for open, high light environment |
PCT/US2020/019949 WO2020176656A1 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2020-02-26 | Shade for high light workplace environment |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220192329A1 true US20220192329A1 (en) | 2022-06-23 |
Family
ID=72238695
Family Applications (1)
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US17/428,547 Pending US20220192329A1 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2020-02-26 | Modular office furniture for open, high light environment |
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US (1) | US20220192329A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020176656A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD990937S1 (en) * | 2019-04-17 | 2023-07-04 | MillerKnoll, Inc. | Table |
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US20190037983A1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-02-07 | Veronica Y. Bourassa | Foldable bicycle sunshade |
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USD261843S (en) * | 1978-09-13 | 1981-11-17 | Wall William O | Portable sun visor attachment for a seat or similar article |
US5033528A (en) * | 1990-01-11 | 1991-07-23 | Yanon Volcani | Personal portable sunshade |
US20060213401A1 (en) * | 2005-03-28 | 2006-09-28 | Hsi-Chin Huang | Table with multiple sunshades |
US9243747B2 (en) * | 2010-10-15 | 2016-01-26 | Charles E. Ramberg | Shade structure |
US9402469B2 (en) * | 2014-07-18 | 2016-08-02 | Amy Sue Finstad | Detachable utility holder for table umbrella |
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2020
- 2020-02-26 US US17/428,547 patent/US20220192329A1/en active Pending
- 2020-02-26 WO PCT/US2020/019949 patent/WO2020176656A1/en active Application Filing
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US4887786A (en) * | 1988-03-23 | 1989-12-19 | Stokes R W | Portable dual umbrella holder |
US20070034342A1 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2007-02-15 | Fill Steve G | Adjustable sunshade |
US10030407B1 (en) * | 2014-12-09 | 2018-07-24 | Sierra Pacific Ventures LLC | Adjustable canopy and shade system for office workspace |
US20170044792A1 (en) * | 2015-08-10 | 2017-02-16 | Jalal Pashandi | Collapsible Sun Shade |
US10271622B2 (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2019-04-30 | Ryan C. Fleming | Portable sunshade |
US20190037983A1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-02-07 | Veronica Y. Bourassa | Foldable bicycle sunshade |
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USD990937S1 (en) * | 2019-04-17 | 2023-07-04 | MillerKnoll, Inc. | Table |
USD1019212S1 (en) | 2019-04-17 | 2024-03-26 | MillerKnoll, Inc. | Cabinet assembly |
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WO2020176656A1 (en) | 2020-09-03 |
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