Self-contained and enclosed personal environment hosting state of the art technology
A self-contained plug-and-play furniture system is ready to host state-of-the-art technology within a movable, autonomous and cozy environment so that a person may work, play and communicate at optimum efficiency. The assembly of the system includes bridge elements that connect to and span between front and rear towers to define an overall skeletal frame structure that has a front sliding glass door and openings of predetermined size formed between perpendicularly arranged frame members. Insulated wall, ceiling and floor panels fit within the openings to enclose the interior environment. A work surface, multi-level shelves, electrical power system with multiple power outlets, and data and voice outlets allow the system to host computer equipment, telecommunications equipment, lighting and all other supplies and equipment needed by a person to fully function in a highly efficient environment. An air conditioner unit with remote control mounts on top of the ceiling for controlling the climate of the interior environment. The furniture system accommodates and balances the essential trilogy for efficiency, namely an informed person, high-tech equipment and inspiring surroundings.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an enclosed furniture system and, more particularly, to a self-contained and enclosed plug-and-play furniture system that is ready to host state-of-the-art technology in a movable, autonomous, acoustically balanced and climate controlled environment.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
For centuries, people have had the need for a suitable space to think, create, study or just be alone to gather their thoughts in a calm, peaceful environment. These needs have evolved in modern times to include information processing and time management in order to be productive and generate wealth. The use of state-of-the-art technology, including computers and telecommunications equipment, has become essential in today's society. Likewise, the need for peaceful and inspiring surroundings remains as an essential element of efficiency.
In the past, others have proposed various prefabricated fixed or mobile modular systems to build work stations, enclosed rooms or small building structures. Notwithstanding, the numerous proposed systems and structures do not fully meet the emerging needs of a personal home office or commercial work space (e.g. warehouse, factory, etc.). More specifically, the prior art fails to provide a self-contained, movable, autonomous and cozy environment within a plug-and-play furniture system that is ready to host state-of-the-art technology.
Telecommuting, or the ability to work from home, is a new social dynamic or segment of the marketplace that is poised for rapid growth. The term “telecommuter” has been known for more than 20 years, and in that time the category of people it describes has exploded. It is estimated that the number of workers whose only office is at home has doubled over the last three years. Clearly, given the present social issues with spiraling fuel prices, traffic congestion issues, parents needing to be in the home to care for children or elderly, and other factors, telecommuting will continue to become integrated into society. With the emergence of advanced telecommunication services into the home, spaces are now being established within the employee's residence which effectively create a virtual office environment. Accordingly, telecommuting and the ability to work from places other than the traditional office environment is an emerging concept poised for rapid growth.
Future telecommuting market growth will depend not only on the emergence of user friendly and robust, low cost, easy to install home equipment, but also on providing the end user with a sensible, affordable, easily assembled, sound and ambience controlled private space. This space should be specifically designed to satisfy the consumer's needs for working and spending leisure time by providing a comfortable, easily managed and partitioned environment, free from noise and distractions, and which allows people to easily connect into their employer offices and communicate with the world while working from their residence. Given the paradigm shift to the telecommuter or “at-home” worker, technology being targeted for this space must be viewed as a consumer grade service. As such, any design goals must consider the “technology challenged” consumer and require functionality that is inexpensive, simple to construct, and use. In the case of an in-home spatial enclosure suitable for telecommuting, the consumer expectation is that the technology functions properly and requires little more than plugging a cable into the home's power and telecommunication sources to make it permanently ready to work or play.
Success in the consumer market requires that a home office be reasonably priced, easy to install, easy to use, and that it provides all the required surfaces, spaces, shelves, drawers, electrical power, lighting, climate control, power outlets, voice and data outlets all printed to host computer equipment, telecommunications equipment and other supplies and equipment required for an “at-home” work environment. On the other hand, the design should also provide a comfortable environment where one is free to “get away from it all.” An environment to support these objectives is ideally provided in a “plug-and-play” self-contained and enclosed furniture system of the present invention.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTIONConsidering the shortcomings of the prior art, and the definite need to combine an informed person and high-tech equipment within inspiring surroundings in order to improve their effectiveness and efficiency, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, plug-and-play furniture system that allows individual control of temperature and light levels within an acoustically balanced, movable, autonomous and cozy environment that is ready to host state-of-the-art technology so that a person may work, play and communicate in calm and with maximum efficiency.
It is a further object of the present to provide a self-contained, plug-and-play furniture system in a movable enclosure that includes work surfaces, shelves, lighting, electrical power with outlets, voice and data outlets and switches and which is ready to host state-of-the-art computer and telecommunication equipment, as well as all other supplies and equipment needed to work, play and communicate in a peaceful and highly efficient environment.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained furniture system as described above, and which is adapted to be quickly and easily assembled at the point of use to provide a fully enclosed plug-and-play system that is ready to host today's high-tech computer and telecommunications equipment without the need to acquire special building permits.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system as described above, which is adapted to be placed within an existing home or commercial building without the need for remodeling the existing home or building structure.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained furniture system that solves the missing connection between a person and today's high-tech equipment, by providing the person with privacy and total control of their surrounding environment, thus uniquely enhancing their productivity in a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system which provides multiple levels of interior and exterior shelves to accommodate all necessary equipment and supplies needed for a person to function with maximum efficiency within a compact, highly organized area.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system which is constructed entirely with conventional materials.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system as described above, and which includes an electrical system that connects to an existing power supply source via UL rated plug-and-play extension cords, thus eliminating the need for a licensed electrician for assembly and use.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a self-contained, movable and autonomous furniture system, as described above, which provides the further advantages of:
indirect lighting to avoid glare and discomfort,
remote control air-conditioning for climate control,
a heat cube for cold weather,
a fire extinguisher kit (includes a smoke detector)
Sound and weather insulation,
a noise absorbing acoustic ceiling,
easy to clean laminate finishes that can be upgraded to plastic, metal or wood finishes,
an ergonomic variable-posture executive chair
numerous optional items.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are more readily apparent with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a self-contained plug-and-play furniture system that is ready to host state-of-the-art technology within a movable, autonomous and cozy environment so that a person may work, play and communicate within a calm, acoustically balanced atmosphere. The assembly of the system includes bridge elements that connect to and span between front and rear towers to define an overall skeletal frame structure that has a front sliding glass door and openings of predetermined size formed between perpendicularly arranged frame members. Insulated wall, ceiling and floor panels fit within the openings to enclose an interior work environment. A desktop, multi-level shelves, an electrical power system, and multiple power data and voice outlets allow the system to host computer equipment, telecommunications equipment, lighting and all other supplies and equipment needed by a person to fully function in a highly efficient environment. An air conditioner unit with remote control mounts to the ceiling for controlling the climate of the interior environment. The furniture system accommodates and balances the essential trilogy for efficiency, namely and informed person, high-tech equipment and inspiring surroundings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTThe self-contained plug-and-play furniture system is described hereinafter and is referred to generally as 10 throughout the several views of the drawings.
The furniture system 10 has a skeletal frame structure 12 generally comprised of a front tower 14 a rear tower 16 and a central bridge section 18 between the front and rear towers. The bridge section 18 connects the front and rear towers 14, 16 and includes a plurality of straight frame member segments or bridge elements 20 which attach to U-shaped clips 22 fixed to the front and rear towers as seen in
The assembled skeletal frame structure 12, including the front tower 14, rear tower 16 and bridge elements 20 connecting between the front and rear towers forms a cage like structure having four vertical sides, a top side and a base. The front side, on the front tower 14, includes an access door 40 to permit entry into the interior of the assembled structure. In a preferred embodiment, the access door 40 is a double sliding glass door (one fixed glass door and sliding glass door) with a lock. A remainder of the skeletal frame structure 12 is defined by perpendicularly arranged frame members 30, extending horizontally in the 2 horizontal planes of the top and the base and also in the 4 vertical planes of the walls, along with the bridge elements 20 connecting to and spanning between the front and rear towers. The interconnected arrangement of frame members 30 and bridge elements 20 form rectangular and square openings on the four vertical sides, the top and the base. In a preferred embodiment, the frame members 30 are formed of 1¾ inch square aluminum tubing having ⅛ inch wall thickness. The bottom horizontal frame members, however, are of a larger dimension, preferably 2 inch square aluminum tubing have a wall thickness of ⅛ inch, to provide a base frame structure 30a that supports plywood floor planks. Additionally, the front wall frame structure 36, surrounding the sliding glass door 40, including the header rail 42, base rail 44 and side rails 46, is of an increased width to accommodate the width of the sliding glass door and track structure. It should be noted that the choice of particular materials may vary and is not limited to aluminum tubing. Moreover, the dimensions of the numerous structural components may vary and are not intended to be limited to those set forth herein.
The openings on the vertical sides, top and base of the skeletal frame structure, formed by the interconnected frame members 30 and bridge elements 20, are of pre-determined size to accommodate correspondingly sized and configured wall panels 50, as seen in
The top or ceiling frame structure 60, as seen in
As previously noted, the frame members 30a forming the base frame structure are preferably slightly larger in cross-sectional configuration for supporting plywood planks 35. In a preferred embodiment, the plywood planks 35 are sized to rest on the base frame structure, within the interior, and are supported around their perimeter by the top surface of the base frame members. Once the floor panels are dropped into supported position on the base frame structure, a flooring material, such as carpet can be installed to cover the plywood planks 35.
The wall panels 50 are preferably formed of a sandwich construction. More particularly, the wall, ceiling and floor panels (all generally referred to as 50) consist of an insulation core 52 that is sandwiched between outer 54 and inner 56 panel boards, as seen in
As seen in
As seen in
Initial assembly of the skeletal frame structure is preferably performed at the manufacturing site. Specifically, the frame structure of the front tower 14, including the sliding glass door 40, and the rear tower 16 is performed at the manufacturing site. At that time, wheel casters 90 are attached to the base of the frame structure of the front and rear towers. Preferably, the front 14 and rear 16 towers are provided with at least four wheel casters 90, on the bottom corners of the base frame 30a. The front and rear towers can then be packed along with the remaining components, including the bridge element connectors 20, for completion of the assembly at the use site.
As seen in
As seen in
The voice/data jacks provide up to 5 connections including at least one voice connection, a DSL line connection, a fax connection and at least two spare jacks.
While the invention has been shown and described in accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are fully contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention and is not to be limited, except as defined in the following claims as interpreted under the doctrine of equivalence.
Claims
1. A furniture system comprising:
- a movable enclosure surrounding an interior environment and including: a front tower with a closable access door for entering and exiting said interior environment, and said front tower including an interconnected arrangement of frame members; a rear tower including an interconnected arrangement of said frame members; a bridge assembly for placement between said front tower and said rear tower and said bridge assembly including a plurality of bridge elements structured and disposed to span between and connect to said front tower and said rear tower; said frame members of said front tower and said rear tower and said bridge elements are structured and disposed to be assembled and connected as an integral unit to define a skeletal frame structure having a base, a plurality of vertical sides, and a top; said frame members and said bridge elements being interconnected in a manner which creates a plurality of frame openings of predetermined size and arrangement on said base, said plurality of vertical sides and said top; a plurality of insulated panels each being sized and configured for congruent, fitted receipt within one of said plurality of frame openings of congruent size and configuration to enclose said interior environment with a bottom wall, a plurality of vertical side walls including a front wall with said access door, and a ceiling; each of said plurality of insulated panels including a peripheral flanged lip structured for mating engagement and attachment to said skeletal frame structure surrounding said frame opening within which said insulated panel is fitted; a rigid floor sized and configured for supported placement on said base of said skeletal frame structure within said moveable enclosure; at least one horizontal work surface supported along at least one of said vertical side walls within said interior environment and at a height above said floor that is functional to a user when seated in a chair; at least one horizontal shelf supported along at least one of said vertical side walls within said interior environment;
- an air-conditioning system affixed to said skeletal frame structure, and said air-conditioning system being structured and disposed for maintaining an interior temperature of said interior environment within a selected temperature range;
- an electrical power system adapted to be connected to a conventional alternating current power outlet of an external electrical power supply source, and said electrical power system including a plurality of circuits including: a first circuit for supplying electric power to said air-conditioning system for operation thereof; at least a second circuit for supplying electric power to a plurality of outlets within said interior environment and for supplying electric power to lights, machines and equipment within said interior environment; and
- a plurality of voice and data jacks within said interior environment for connecting telecommunications equipment and computer equipment to telephone and Internet connection services.
2. The furniture system as recited in claim 1 wherein said bridge elements have a straight, rigid structure and said front tower and said rear tower include connector elements arranged and aligned for attachment to said bridge elements spanning between said front and rear towers.
3. The furniture system as recited in claim 1 wherein plurality of insulated panels each comprise:
- an outer panel skin;
- an inner panel skin;
- an insulation core sandwiched between said outer and inner panel skins to define a sandwiched panel assembly; and
- a frame fitted about an outer periphery of said sandwiched panel assembly and including said flanged lip.
4. The furniture system as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one horizontal work surface is L-shaped.
5. The furniture system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of said horizontal shelves.
6. The furniture system as recited in claim 5 wherein said plurality of horizontal shelves include a lower shelf below said horizontal work surface, and at least one upper shelf above said horizontal work surface.
7. The furniture system as recited in claim 6 wherein said plurality of horizontal shelves have an L-shaped configuration extending along at least two of said vertical side walls within said interior environment.
8. The furniture system as recited in claim 1 wherein said air-conditioning system includes a remote control for controlling activation of said air-conditioning system and said selected temperature range.
9. The furniture system as recited in claim 1 wherein said front tower and said rear tower include a plurality of castor wheels on said base.
10. A furniture system comprising:
- a movable enclosure surrounding an interior environment and including: a front tower with a closable access door for entering and exiting said interior environment, and said front tower including an interconnected arrangement of frame members; a rear tower including an interconnected arrangement of said frame members; a bridge assembly for placement between said front tower and said rear tower and said bridge assembly including a plurality of bridge elements structured and disposed to span between and connect to said front tower and said rear tower; said frame members of said front tower and said rear tower and said bridge elements are structured and disposed to be assembled and connected as an integral unit to define a skeletal frame structure having a base, a plurality of vertical sides, and a top; said frame members and said bridge elements being interconnected in a manner which creates a plurality of frame openings of predetermined size and arrangement on said base, said plurality of vertical sides and said top; a plurality of insulated panels each being sized and configured for congruent, fitted receipt within one of said plurality of frame openings of congruent size and configuration to enclose said interior environment with a bottom wall, a plurality of vertical side walls including a front wall with said access door, and a ceiling; each of said plurality of insulated panels including a peripheral flanged lip structured for mating engagement and attachment to said skeletal frame structure surrounding said frame opening within which said insulated panel is fitted; a rigid floor sized and configured for supported placement on said base of said skeletal frame structure within said moveable enclosure; at least one horizontal work surface supported along at least one of said vertical side walls within said interior environment and at a height above said floor that is functional to a user when seated in a chair; at least one horizontal shelf supported along at least one of said vertical side walls within said interior environment;
- an air-conditioning system affixed to said skeletal frame structure, and said air-conditioning system being structured and disposed for maintaining an interior temperature of said interior environment within a selected temperature range;
- an electrical power system adapted to be connected to a conventional alternating current power outlet of an external electrical power supply source, and said electrical power system being structured and disposed for supplying electric power to said air-conditioning system for operation thereof and to a plurality of outlets, lights machines and equipment within said interior environment; and
- a plurality of voice and data jacks within said interior environment for connecting telecommunications equipment and computer equipment to telephone and Internet connection services.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 9, 2005
Publication Date: May 11, 2006
Applicant:
Inventor: Ronald Dugand (Boca Raton, FL)
Application Number: 11/271,619
International Classification: A47B 77/08 (20060101);