MOBILE WORKSTATION

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of an improved mobile workstation comprising a work surface that is attached at one end to a curved, sound-absorbing partition. At the other end, the work surface is fitted with a fixed support leg opposite the partition. A pair of locking wheels is positioned at the base of the partition, thus providing the workstation with mobility. When movement of the mobile workstation is desired, a user unlocks the wheels, lifts the work surface at the opposite end closest to the support leg and moves the workstation like a wheelbarrow. After the mobile workstation is guided to the appropriate location and desired position, the work surface is lowered and the wheels are locked.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application relates generally to a furniture item designed for a work environment. More specifically, the invention involves an innovative and flexible mobile workstation which allows a user to reconfigure workspace on demand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Depending on the nature of the occupation, a workstation in its broadest sense generally incorporates a desk or a flat surface on which a user may perform assigned duties and tasks. In some contexts, a workstation may further incorporate increased functionality to allow a user to achieve increased productivity and ergonomic utilization of devices located on the workstation. For example, a computer workstation may include surfaces of varying heights on which a computer screen, a printer and a keyboard are located. Such computer workstations may also include other features and compartments that are suitable for use with computers and related hardware, such as a retractable drawer for a keyboard and a compartment for concealing a computer tower.

More recently, modular partitions have been incorporated into workspaces to form cubicles that separate one workspace from neighboring workspaces. The purpose of the modular partitions is to provide workers with some degree of privacy without using a large amount of space or a separate office. Another advantage of using cubicles is that they may be arranged in many configurations. Cubicles may also allow for the incorporation of a variety of ancillary elements, including drawers and storage space lined, for example, along the upper edges of the partitions.

Despite the advancements in workspace design, particularly in the field of modular office furniture, there is still a great need for mobile workstations that are easily moved and intuitively configured and reconfigured as needed. In particular, even though modern modular cubicles are configurable such that a group of, for example, ten cubicles can be arranged into many different floor plans, they are not easily rearranged once the cubicles are set in place. If a user wants to rearrange these ten cubicles, a new floor plan must be considered and created. This task is followed by breaking down the walls, sections and other constituent parts of each cubicle, which in turn is followed by setting up the cubicles according to the newly designed plan. These tasks typically run a minimum of a few hours and more likely a couple of days. For many companies, this loss in productivity of the workers normally occupying the cubicles would result in tens of thousands of dollars in losses. Thus, while a modern cubicle is relatively easy to configure, it is certainly not as convenient to reconfigure when reallocation of space is desired.

Furthermore, while cubicles often afford users with an appropriate level of privacy, existing mobile workspaces lack the privacy that is often necessary to function or function most efficiently, depending on the particular work environment and occupation. Many mobile workstations currently sold in the marketplace are extremely limited and lack even a modicum of privacy. Some in particular simply function as computer carts, consisting of a work surface for accommodating a keyboard and screen attached to a metallic support structure or frame that is mounted on a set of casters. While these types of workstations are useful in settings that are completely or predominantly private (e.g., a private office or bedroom) or where privacy is not required, they are not particularly useful in a work environment where privacy is needed for workers to function efficiently amidst the noise and action taking place around them, such as a customer service call center.

Another drawback of both traditional cubicles and existing mobile workstations is that they are both prone to leaving a worker's computer monitor and/or back completely exposed. While those who pass by a given workstation are generally not interested in what appears on another's monitor, what is transpiring at another's desk and/or what is being discussed with a third party, many workers still feel psychologically compromised and as though others are constantly looking over their back. Over a period of time, this may result in an appreciable loss of productivity and negative sentiment toward the worker's environment, management and co-workers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the deficiencies and drawbacks in the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved mobile workstation that is quickly, easily and efficiently configured and reconfigured as desired thereby increasing worker productivity and minimizing the time associated with arranging workstations.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved mobile workstation that affords a desirable amount of privacy from noise and other distractions present in a typical work environment.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved mobile workstation that at least partially shields a computer monitor or the user from others who pass by the workstation, thereby making the worker more productive and feel more comfortable in the work environment.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved mobile workstation that incorporates the privacy of a cubicle and mobility of a mobile workstation.

Additional objectives will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows.

In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention an improved mobile workstation comprising a work surface that is attached at one end to a curved vertical partition with a three-point attachment configuration. At the other end, the work surface is fitted with a fixed support leg opposite the partition. A pair of locking wheels is positioned at the base of the partition, thus providing the workstation with mobility. When movement of the mobile workstation is desired, a user unlocks the wheels, lifts the work surface at the opposite end closest to the support leg and moves the workstation like a wheelbarrow. After the mobile workstation is guided to the appropriate location and desired position, the work surface is lowered and the wheels are locked. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the curved partition is constructed with material to absorb or diminish sound, thus further increasing privacy and minimizing disruption.

Additional features of the invention are described below in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-described and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which

FIG. 1 is a top, front and left side perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the improved mobile workstation;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view thereof, the right side elevational view being a mirror image;

FIG. 7 is a top, rear and left side perspective view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a top, front and left side perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the improved mobile workstation;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 13 is a left side elevational view thereof, the right side elevational view being a mirror image;

FIG. 14 is a top, rear and left side perspective view thereof;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the interior portion of a partition of the improved mobile workstation with the cover removed therefrom;

FIG. 16 is a left side elevational view of the interior portion of the partition with the cover removed therefrom;

FIG. 17 is a left side elevational view of the cross bar;

FIG. 18 depicts the extremity of the work surface support bar;

FIG. 19 depicts the bushing connector of the work surface support bar;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the interior portion of a partition of a second preferred embodiment of the improved mobile workstation with the cover removed therefrom; and

FIG. 21 depicts the interior portion shown in FIG. 20 with filler incorporated thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, there is shown a preferred embodiment of an improved mobile workstation 10 of the present invention. The mobile workstation 10 comprises a table top or work surface 20 having an exterior or distal end 22 and an interior or proximate end 24. The work surface 20 is preferably formed of chipboard covered with a melamine resin as commonly used in the formation of Formica®. The lateral edges of the work surface 20 are fitted with plastic edging 26 to protect the surface 20 from accidental damage thereto. Although the work surface of the present invention is preferably formed as described above, it should be understood that other suitable materials may be used in the formation of the work surface of the present invention. For example, the work surface may be formed of glass, solid, pressed or laminated wood and other materials known in the art.

The proximate end 24 of the work surface 20 is attached to a vertical curved panel or partition 30. The proximate end of the work surface 20 includes a curved indent 28 which together with the partition 30 forms a space or aperture 29 to run computer wires (e.g., monitor, power cord etc.) from underneath the work surface 20. The maximum distance from the concave side of the partition 30 to the distal edge of the work surface 20 measures approximately 140 cm down the middle of the work surface 20. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7, the partition 30 is approximately 100 cm in height (off the ground). As shown in FIGS. 8-14, a second embodiment of the mobile workstation 110 utilizes a partition 130 that is approximately 160 cm in height (off the ground). While preferred embodiments incorporate partitions 30, 130 of 100 cm and 160 cm, respectively, it should be understood that other heights in a range of approximately 80-200 cm may be utilized, depending on the degree of privacy that is desired.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the curved partition 30 comprises a metallic skeletal frame 32. The perimeter 34 of the frame 32 is formed of steel tubing, preferably 2.5 cm in diameter. The upright posts 36, 37 of the frame 32 are traversed by a horizontal steel tube 38 that is welded at either end to the upright posts 36, 37 of the frame 32. Eleven flat support bars 40, each comprising a substantially flat bar of steel, are incorporated into the frame 32 and welded thereto to provide added structural stability.

The flat bars 40 also serve another function of providing support to filler material that is attached to the support frame 32. FIG. 21 depicts filler 142 in connection with a taller curved partition 130 of the second preferred embodiment of the mobile workstation 110. The filler material helps absorb or diminish sound that contacts the partition 30. A number of different filler materials may be utilized in forming the partition 30, including recycled felt, carpet cushion, carpet underlay or any other relatively soft material that can be manipulated and maintained in the confines of the skeletal support frame 32. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is applied to the bars 40 by means of a friction fit or hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®.

As shown in FIG. 15, welded to the skeletal frame 32 are three tubular connector bars 50, 52, 54, one of which is a tubular crossbar or tie rod 54, together arranged in a triangular configuration. Connector bars 50, 52, 54 attach to the work surface 20 to form a stable connection between the partition 30 and work surface 20. As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 18, the steel connector bars 50, 52 each comprise a support connector or work surface support 55 composed of a cylinder 56 and substantially horizontal and flat support bar 57. As shown in FIGS. 15-17, crossbar 54 extends diagonally upward from the partition frame 32 to complete the triangular connection with the work surface 20 thereby increasing stability and support. The crossbar 54 is preferably connected to the frame 32 with fasteners and is not welded thereto. The end of the crossbar 54 also comprises a cylinder 56 as used in connection with the two steel connector bars 50, 52. A bushing connector 58, as shown in FIG. 19, connects the work surface 20 to the connector bars. The bushing connector 58 fits into the cylinder 56 of the connector bars 50, 52, 54 and is fastened from the bottom with a screw. As shown in the lateral views of the mobile workstation, such as FIGS. 6 and 16, the connector bars 50, 52 remain hidden behind the curved sections of the partition 30, while only the cross bar 54 extends beyond, thus providing for increased leg room beneath the work surface.

Connector plates 59 are provided between the underside of the work surface 20 and the connector bars 50, 52 in a recessed cavity in the work surface 20. Another connector plate 59 is provided between the underside of the work surface 20 and the crossbar 54 in a recessed cavity as well.

After combining the skeletal frame 32 and the filler material, a fabric partition cover 60 is applied and fastened at the bottom of the frame 32 with hook and loop fastener straps or other suitable attachment means well known in the art. It should be understood that the partition covers that are used may be customized, allowing for a wide variety of materials, colors, patterns and designs to be used. It should further be understood that the partition covers may be changed without requiring the purchase of an entirely new partition or mobile workstation. This feature enhances the value of the mobile workstation since business owners may purchase a used mobile workstation and merely exchange the used partition cover for a fresh one having different attributes.

At the bottom of the curved partition 30 are a pair of casters or wheels 70. In a preferred embodiment, the wheels 70 are screwed into a section of the skeletal frame 32. The wheels 70 are injection molded, formed of plastic and/or rubber around a die cast core. Each wheel 70 includes a locking brake 72 that prevents the wheel 70 from rolling once the mobile workstation 10 is in a desired location. The locking brake 72 may be engaged and disengaged by foot to avoid having to bend down.

It should be understood that a number of different types of wheels may be used instead of the ones disclosed herein. Likewise, the wheels may connect to the partition by other means known in the art as well.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, a stationary table leg 80 is positioned at the distal end 22 of the work surface 20. The table leg 80 is tubular in construction, having a hollow interior, and attached beneath the work surface 20. Preferably, table leg 80 is of a metallic construction giving it an appreciable amount of weight that prevents the mobile workstation 10 from movement caused by unintended contact and relatively minor impacts. Once the leg 80 is attached, the work surface 20 rests parallel to the ground at a height of approximately 71 cm.

Upon assembly, movement of the mobile workstation 10 is achieved via an intuitive wheelbarrow motion whereby the distal end 22 of the work surface 20 is lifted and the mobile workstation 10 is directed and wheeled to a desired location. To achieve the wheelbarrow motion, a user may unlock the wheels 70, lift the work surface 20 at the opposite end so that the end cap 82 of the leg 80 is no longer in contact with the ground (or in reduced frictional contact) and push or drag the workstation 10 to a desired location. After the mobile workstation 10 is guided to the desired place, the work surface 20 and leg 80 are lowered and the wheels 70 are locked by applying the locking brake 72. Significantly, of the curved shape of the partition 30 helps allow the partition 30 to clear the ground when it is tilted during movement. In further providing sufficient clearance for movement, the partition is raised 15 cm off the ground which generally corresponds to the height of the wheels 70 attached at the base of the partition 30.

The placement of the work surface 20 and curved nature of the partition 30 together provide additional privacy beyond that provided in conventional cubicles. For example, where a computer monitor is placed near the indent 28 of the work surface 20, the two curved ends 39 of partition 30 serve to obstruct the monitor (at least partially) from others who pass by or who wish to spy around the workstation 10. With the feeling that the contents of the screen are protected from the prying eyes of others, a worker is likely to feel more comfortable in the work environment. Similarly, a worker may position himself closer to or against a curved end 39 which would likewise foster a sense being shielded not found when straight walls are utilized.

While the partitions shown in the figures each incorporates a generally smooth contour formed by the skeletal frame, it should be understood that a partition of the present invention may also incorporate a contour with one or more sharp breaks that divide the partition into discrete sections. In connection with this alternative, the ends would also serve to fully or partially shield a computer monitor or a worker from prying eyes as described above in connection with each of the curved ends 39 of curved partition 30. Where there are two sharp breaks, yielding two end sections and a midsection, each sharp break in the contour would result in an interior angle formed between each of the end sections of the partition and the midsection of the partition of no less than approximately 90 degrees.

Combining two or more mobile workstations 20 can create a variety of configurations allowing for collaborative team-based arrangements. However, unlike traditional partition-based systems, the mobile workstations 20 can be rapidly assembled on-site and does not require a costly installer to reconfigure and reassemble. In addition, because the work surface 20 is centrally located relative to the partition, the work surface area can accommodate individuals on three sides of the work surface 20, allowing for up to three or four people to collaborate at a single private workstation.

With reference to FIGS. 8 through 14, and FIGS. 20 and 21, there is shown a second embodiment of an improved mobile workstation 110 of the present invention. This embodiment of the mobile workstation 110 includes nearly all of the same features as provided in connection with the preceding embodiment. Accordingly, much of the detail provided above in connection with the preceding embodiment of the mobile workstation 10, is not repeated. Unless a difference is specifically referenced in the description or the drawings, it should be understood that the mobile workstations 10, 110 are constructed in the same manner, incorporating the same features and benefits.

The mobile workstation 110 comprises a table top or work surface 120 having an exterior or distal end 122 and an interior or proximate end 124. The proximate end 124 of the work surface 120 is attached to a vertical curved panel or partition 130. The partition 130 is approximately 160 cm in height (off the ground).

As shown in FIG. 20, the curved partition 130 comprises a metallic skeletal frame 132. The perimeter 134 of the frame 132 is formed of steel tubing. The upright posts 136, 137 of the frame 32 are traversed by a horizontal steel tube 138 that is welded at either end to the upright posts 136, 137 of the frame 132. In addition to the flat support bars 40 provided in connection with partition 30, the larger partition is further provided with additional flat support bars 140 welded at the upper portion of the partition 130 to provide added structural stability and support for the filler material 142.

As shown in FIG. 20, the partition 130 is connected via three tubular connector bars 150, 152, 154 positioned on the skeletal frame 132 and arranged in a triangular configuration. Connector bars 150, 152 each comprise a worksurface support 155 composed of a cylinder 156 and substantially horizontal and flat support bar 157 akin to connector bars 50, 52 shown in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 20, crossbar 154 extends diagonally upward from the partition frame 132 to complete the triangular connection with the work surface 120.

After combining the skeletal frame 132 and the filler material 142, a fabric partition cover 160 is applied and fastened at the bottom of the frame 132 with hook and loop fastener straps or other suitable attachment means well known in the art. To accommodate the larger frame 132, a larger cover is applied.

At the bottom of the curved partition 130 are a pair of casters or wheels 170. Each wheel 70 further includes a locking brake 172 that prevents the wheel 170 from rolling once the mobile workstation 110 is in a desired location.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 10 and FIG. 13, a stationary table leg 180 is positioned at the distal end 122 of the work surface 120. The table leg 180 is tubular in construction, having a hollow interior, and attached beneath the work surface 120. Preferably, table leg 180 is of a metallic construction giving it an appreciable amount of weight that prevents the mobile workstation 110 from movement caused by unintended contact and relatively minor impacts. Once the leg 180 is attached, the work surface 120 rests parallel to the ground at a height of approximately 71 cm.

Another embodiment of the mobile workstation (not shown) comprises a construction as described in connection with the preceding embodiments with some changes. In particular, one or more locking wheels are positioned at the distal end of the workstation rather than at the partition. To enable lifting of the workstation at the partition end, one or more handles are provided on the partition. In this embodiment, the partition end rests directly on the ground while the opposite end rests on the locking wheels to achieve a similar wheelbarrow motion. In connection with this embodiment, and additional leg and wheel combination may be provided beside the existing one in order to aid in balance of the workstation during movement.

The accompanying drawings only illustrate a mobile workstation and its constituent parts, however, other types and styles are possible, and the drawings are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Thus, although the description above and accompanying drawings contains much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment(s) but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment(s). The drawings and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiment(s) and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiment(s) of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be noted that the certain used herein may be employed to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

Claims

1. A mobile workstation comprising:

a work surface having distal end and a proximate end;

a curved partition comprising a skeletal frame and having at least one curved end, said curved partition being connected to said proximate end of said work surface;

a plurality of wheels each having a locking brake that is manually engageable and disengageable, said wheels being attached to said partition;

a table leg at said distal end of said work surface;

wherein when locking brakes are disengaged and said work surface is lifted at said distal end, said mobile workstation is adapted to move like a wheelbarrow.

2. The mobile workstation of claim 1 wherein said partition further incorporates filler material and a partition cover covering said skeletal frame and said filler material.

3. The mobile workstation of claim 2 wherein said partition further incorporates a set of connector bars to connect said partition to said work surface to form a triangular connection between said partition and said work surface.

4. The mobile workstation of claim 3 wherein each connector bar further incorporates a bushing.

5. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein said proximate end of said work surface includes an indent which together with said partition forms an aperture.

6. A mobile workstation comprising:

a work surface having distal end and a proximate end;

a partition connected to said proximate end of said work surface;

a plurality of wheels attached to said partition;

wherein when said work surface is lifted at said distal end, said mobile workstation is adapted to move like a wheelbarrow.

7. The mobile workstation of claim 6 wherein said partition incorporates a curved wall.

8. The mobile workstation of claim 7 wherein said curved wall incorporates two curved ends.

9. The mobile workstation of claim 6 wherein said partition incorporates a skeletal frame fitted with filler material and a partition cover covering said skeletal frame and said filler material.

10. The mobile workstation of claim 9 wherein said partition further incorporates a set of connector bars to connect said partition to said work surface to form a triangular connection between said partition and said work surface.

11. The mobile workstation of claim 10 wherein each connector bar further incorporates a bushing.

12. The mobile workstation of claim 6 further comprising a table leg positioned at said distal end of said work surface.

13. The mobile workstation of claim 6 wherein said wheels incorporate a locking brake to lock said wheels.

14. The mobile workstation of claim 6 wherein said proximate end of said work surface includes an indent which together with said partition forms an aperture.

15. The mobile workstation of claim 6 wherein said partition is approximately 100 cm in height.

16. The mobile workstation of claim 6 wherein said partition is approximately 160 cm in height.