Work space management system

Abstract

A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area including a first work space configuration and a second work space configuration. The first work space configuration is formed from nonarchitectural rigid walls, and a ceiling. The first work space configuration having a substantially enclosed interior work area. The second work space configuration formed from a framework of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface and crossbeams interconnecting the poles. The framework capable of being arranged in a plurality of patterns and forming a substantially open noncovered work area.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area comprising: 
 a first work space configuration formed from nonarchitectural rigid walls, and a ceiling, said first work space configuration having a substantially enclosed interior work area;    a second work space configuration formed from a framework of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface and crossbeams interconnecting the poles, the framework capable of being arranged in a plurality of patterns and forming a substantially open noncovered work area.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 2  wherein groups of three poles used to form the second work space are arranged at an angle of about 120°.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a work surface adapted to be attached to at least some of the poles.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 4  further comprising barrier members extending between at least some adjacent poles.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 5  wherein said barrier members are formed from a lightweight material.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 6  wherein said ceiling of said first work space configuration is formed from a lightweight and generally flexible material.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 7  wherein said ceiling is formed from a fabric material.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein said first work space configuration includes two adjacent work spaces sharing a common wall.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7  said first work space configuration further comprises a door.  
     
     
         10 . The system of claims  9  wherein said walls of said first work space configuration include a transparent portion.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a work surface adapted to be attached to said walls of said first work space configuration.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  further comprising generally curved support rods which extend from a top portion of said walls of said first work space configuration and support said fabric material.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  including groups of two or more first work space configurations and two or more second work space configurations.  
     
     
         14 . A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area comprising: 
 a first work space configuration forming an enclosed interior space, the first work space formed from nonarchitectural rigid walls, and a ceiling, at least two of the walls interconnected at an angle substantially greater than 90°;    a second work space configuration formed from a framework of spaced apart poles and interconnecting crossbeams, the framework capable of being arranged in a plurality of nonlinear patterns wherein at least two of the poles are interconnected at an angle substantially greater than 90°, the second work space configuration forming a generally open noncovered work area.    
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein groups of three poles used to form the second work space are arranged at an angle of about 120.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  further comprising a work surface adapted to be attached to at least some of the poles.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  further comprising barrier members extending between at least some adjacent poles.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein said barrier members are formed from a lightweight material.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein said ceiling of said first work space configuration is formed from a lightweight and generally flexible material.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein said ceiling is formed from a fabric material.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein said first work space configuration includes two adjacent work space sharing a common wall.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  said first work space configuration further comprises a door.  
     
     
         23 . The system of claims  22  wherein said walls of said first work space configuration include a transparent portion.  
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23  further comprising a work surface adapted to be attached to said walls of said first work space configuration.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24  further comprising generally curved support rods which extend from a top portion of said walls of said first work space configuration and support said fabric material.  
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25  including groups of two or more first work space configurations and two or more second work space configurations.