JP7722102B2 - Desktop booth - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a desktop booth that is suitable for use by placing it on an existing desk or table.

Recently, various desktop booths of this type have been developed that feature a front panel positioned to face the user and side panels that are continuous with the front panel and can be placed on either side of the user, and can be placed on an existing desk or table (see non-patent document 1).

However, conventional products typically have front and side panels formed by connecting hard panel materials via hinges. Furthermore, products designed to suppress sound diffusion are designed so that the lower edges of the front and side panels can be placed against the desk surface with no gaps between them.

As a result, when using the booth on an existing desk or table, if power cables or communication cables need to be routed into the interior space of the desktop booth, these cables must be routed around the front and side panels. This creates the problem of the desktop surface becoming cluttered.

"UCHIDAS Simple Desk Booth (for 60 x 40 cm desks): Learning Support Supplies," [online], [Retrieved September 22, 2021], Internet <URL: https://www.uchidas.net/shop/g/g86175163/>

The present invention was developed with the above in mind, and aims to prevent or minimize clutter on a desk surface when a desk booth is placed on the desk, while also allowing cables such as power cables and communication cables to be routed between the interior and exterior spaces of the desk booth.

The desktop booth of the invention described in claim 1 comprises a front panel arranged in a position facing the user on the desktop surface, and side panels that are continuous with the front panel and can be arranged on both the left and right sides of the user, and a deformable region is formed on the lower edge of at least one of the front panel and side panels that are placed on the desktop surface, and the deformable region is configured to be able to deform between a normal position in contact with or close to the desktop surface and a deformed position where a gap is formed between the front panel and the desktop surface that allows at least cables to pass through, and at least one of the front panel and the side panel comprises a deformable exterior material and a shape-retaining core material arranged inside the exterior material, and the deformable region is an area formed by the exterior material from which the core material has been removed .
The desktop booth of the invention described in claim 2 comprises a front panel arranged in a position facing the user on the desktop surface, and side panels that are continuous with the front panel and can be placed on both the left and right sides of the user, a deformable area is formed on the lower edge of at least one of the front panel and side panels that are placed on the desktop surface, and the deformable area is configured to be able to deform between a normal position in contact with or close to the desktop surface and a deformed position where a gap is formed between the front panel and the side panels that allows at least cables to pass through, and a roof panel that covers the desktop space surrounded by the front panel and the side panels, the front panel and the roof panel forming an integrally continuous central structure, and this central structure and each of the side panels are detachably connected via slide fasteners.

The desktop booth according to the invention of claim 3 is the desktop booth according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the front panel and the side panels are made of a material having a sound leakage suppression function.

The desk booth of the invention described in claim 4 is the one described in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the side panel has an extension portion that extends forward beyond the front end of the lower edge that abuts the desk surface, and the extension portion is configured to be positioned on both the left and right sides of the user.

The desktop booth according to the invention of claim 5 is the desktop booth according to claim 2 , wherein the roof panel is provided with a light-transmitting window.

This invention makes it possible to prevent or minimize clutter on a desk surface when a desk booth is placed on the desk, while allowing cables such as power cables and communication cables to be routed between the interior and exterior spaces of the desk booth.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a desktop booth according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the desktop booth according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the desktop booth according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front side showing a desk on which a desktop booth according to the embodiment is arranged. FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the rear side showing a desk on which a desktop booth according to the embodiment is arranged. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the central structure of the desktop booth according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the side panel and central structure of the desktop booth according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the front panel and the side panel are joined together in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a joining state between the roof panel and the side panel in the same embodiment. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing deformation of the deformable area of the desktop booth according to the embodiment. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing deformation of the deformable area of the desktop booth according to the embodiment. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing deformation of the deformable area of the desktop booth according to the embodiment.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13.

This desktop booth B is placed on the surface of an existing desk or other table for personal use. Figures 5 and 6 show it placed in a corner of a desk D, which can accommodate multiple people sitting face-to-face.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4 to 6, this desktop booth B comprises a front panel 1 positioned on the desktop surface Da so that it can face the user, and side panels 2 that are continuous with the front panel 1 and can be positioned on either side of the user. A deformable region is formed on the lower edge of at least one of the front panel 1 and side panel 2 that are placed on the desktop surface Da. In this embodiment of the desktop booth B, a deformable region 1f is formed on part of the lower edges 1a, 2a of the front panel 1 and side panel 2, specifically, on almost the entire lower edge 1a of the front panel 1.

As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the deformable region 1f is configured to be deformable between a normal position (N) in contact with or close to the desk surface Da and a deformed position (T) where a gap 1f1 is formed between the desk surface Da and the deformable region 1f, allowing at least cables CC to pass through.

More specifically, the front panel 1 and the side panel 2 are made of materials (sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials) that have sound leakage suppression properties, and at least one of the front panel 1 and the side panel 2 has a deformable exterior material and a shape-retaining core material placed inside this exterior material.

Explaining specifically with reference to the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the front panel 1 comprises an exterior material 11 stretched on the inner side of the booth B, an exterior material 12 stretched on the outer side of the booth B, and a core material 13 disposed inside these exterior materials 11, 12. The exterior material 11 on the inner side of the booth B comprises a flexible fabric material 111 and an elastically deformable urethane sheet 112 attached to the inner surface of the fabric material 111, and this exterior material 11 has a quilted, three-dimensional shape. The exterior material 12 on the outer side of the booth B also comprises a flexible fabric material 121 and an elastically deformable urethane sheet 122 attached to the inner surface of the fabric material 121, but this exterior material 12 does not have a quilted, three-dimensional shape. The urethane sheets 112, 122 are disposed over substantially the entire front panel 1 and serve as sound-absorbing materials. The core material 13 is a plate-like material arranged over almost the entire area of the front panel 1 except for the lower edge 1a. It is made of, for example, MDF. MDF has shape-retaining and sound-insulating properties, and therefore also serves as a sound-insulating material. A recessed portion 13a is formed in the lower edge of the core material 13, except for the left and right ends. The area corresponding to this recessed portion 13a is the aforementioned deformable region 1f of the front panel 1. This deformable region 1f is formed only by the exterior material 11 (cloth material 111 and urethane sheet 112) on the inner side of the booth B and the exterior material 12 (cloth material 121 and urethane sheet 122) on the outer side of the booth B, and does not include the core material 13 (MDF). Therefore, this deformable region 1f can be deformed in the thickness direction by the application of an external force. A shape-retaining material 14 made of PP material is arranged between the core material 13 and the urethane sheet 122 of the exterior material 12 on the outer side of the front panel 1.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the side panel 2 comprises an exterior material 21 on the inside of the booth B, a core material 23 with sound-insulating and shape-retaining properties, and an exterior material 22 on the outside of the booth B. The exterior material 21 on the inside of the booth B comprises a flexible fabric material 211 and a urethane sheet 212 attached to the inside of the fabric material 211. Similarly, the exterior material 22 on the outside of the booth B comprises a flexible fabric material 221 and a urethane sheet 222 attached to the inside of the fabric material 221. The urethane sheets 212, 222 are arranged over substantially the entire side panel 2 and, as described above, serve as sound-absorbing materials with sound-absorbing properties. The core material 23 is made of, for example, MDF. As described above, MDF has shape-retaining properties and sound-insulating properties, so it also serves as a sound-insulating material. The exterior material 22 on the exterior of the booth B is composed entirely of flexible fabric. As shown in Figure 2, the side panel 2 has an extension 2e that extends forward beyond the front end 2d1 of the lower edge 2d that abuts the desk top surface Da, and is configured so that the extension 2e is positioned on both the left and right sides of the user.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3-6, the desktop booth B includes a roof panel 3 covering the desktop space S surrounded by the front panel 1 and side panels 2. The roof panel 3 includes a translucent window 3a. As shown in Figures 4 and 10, the roof panel 3 includes exterior materials 31, 32 on the interior and exterior sides of the booth B, each cut out in a region corresponding to the window 3a, and a translucent core material 33 sandwiched between the exterior materials 31, 32. The translucent core material 33 is typically made of transparent PP material. While this PP material is capable of elastic deformation in the thickness direction, it retains its shape in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The shape-retaining material 14 of the front panel 1 extends to the lower part of the roof panel 3, specifically near the lower edge of the window 3a, and also functions to maintain the shape of the connection J between the front panel 1 and the roof panel 3 and the upper edge 1b of the front panel 1. Thus, each exterior material 31, 32 of the roof panel 3 is continuous with each exterior material 11, 12 of the corresponding front panel 1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4-8, the front panel 1 and roof panel 3 form an integral, continuous central structure C, which is detachably connected to each side panel 1 via slide fasteners (wire fasteners) 4. The central structure C is comprised of the aforementioned front panel 1 and roof panel 3, and the inner and outer exterior materials 11, 12 of the front panel 1 and the inner and outer exterior materials 31, 32 of the roof panel 3 are continuous at the connection J. The relative angle between the front panel 1 and the roof panel 3 can be changed by elastic deformation of the core material 33 (PP material) disposed at this connection J. In this embodiment, the front panel 1 and roof panel 3 are unfolded flat during packaging as shown in Figures 7 and 8. When in use, the connection J can be bent so that the roof panel 3 is at an approximately 90° angle with respect to the front panel 1, allowing it to be connected to both side panels 2. Even if the central structure C is bent at the connecting portion J, the core material 33 (PP material) built into this connecting portion J keeps the connecting portion J in a neat, fillet-like shape.

One side edge 1c, 3c of the interconnected front panel 1 and roof panel 3 is detachably connected to the inner surface of edge 2b (straddling from the upper edge to the rear edge) of one side panel 2 by a single continuous slide fastener 4, as shown in Figure 1, and the other side edges 1d, 3d of the front panel 1 and roof panel 3 are detachably connected to the inner surface of edge 2b (straddling from the upper edge to the rear edge) of the other side panel 2 by a single continuous slide fastener 4, as shown in Figures 1, 9, and 10.

1 is a front view of the desktop booth B of this embodiment. 2 is a right side view of the desktop booth B. 3 is a plan view of the desktop booth B. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. 5 is a front perspective view of the desk D on which the desktop booth B is arranged. 6 is a rear perspective view of the desk D on which the desktop booth B is arranged. 7 is a front view of the central structure C of this embodiment. 8(a) is a right side view of the side panel 2 of this embodiment. 8(b) is a right side view of the central structure C of this embodiment. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the joining of the front panel 1 and side panel 2 of this embodiment, illustrating the portion corresponding to the cross section taken along line E-E in FIG. 2. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the joining of the roof panel 3 and side panel 2 of this embodiment, illustrating the portion corresponding to the cross section taken along line F-F in FIG. 2. In FIGS. 1 and 7, patterns are applied to the area corresponding to the deformable region 1f.

With this configuration, the central structure C, which is packaged flat, can be transformed as needed and connected to the left and right side panels 2 to create a finished product, which can then be placed on the table top surface Da of a desk D or the like for use. It can also be moved freely as needed.

In this desktop booth B, the front panel 1 and side panel 2 are constructed from materials with sound leakage suppression properties (soundproofing and sound-absorbing properties). Therefore, even when a personal computer is placed in the desktop space S inside the front panel 1 and side panel 2 for solo remote work in an office area, sound leakage to the surrounding area and disturbing other workers can be effectively prevented. In this case, if the lower edges (lower ends of lower edges 1a, 2a) of the front panel 1 and side panel 2 are abutted against the desktop surface Da to eliminate gaps, sound can be prevented from diffusing along the desktop surface Da through gaps. However, with conventional systems, such measures require power and communication cables taken from the desk's wiring ducts or the like to be routed around the front and side panels when leading these cables into the interior space of the desktop booth. In contrast, the desktop booth B has a deformable area 1f at the lower edge 1a of the front panel 1. By partially deforming this deformable area 1f, cables CC can be passed from the exterior of the booth B to the interior of the booth B without increasing the gap. Figure 11 shows the state before cables CC are inserted. Figure 12 shows the state after the deformable area 1f has been significantly deformed to insert the plugs CC1 at the ends of the cables CC. Figure 13 shows the state after all the plugs CC1 at the ends of the cables CC have been inserted, with the deformable area 1f slightly deformed. This allows cables to be routed without causing the desk surface Da to become cluttered. Note that Figures 11 to 13 are all enlarged cross-sections of the lower edge of the front panel 1 and its vicinity, taken along line A-A in Figure 1.

In addition, in this embodiment of the desktop booth B, the front panel 1 and side panel 2 are equipped with deformable exterior materials 11, 12, 21, 22 and shape-retaining core materials 13, 23 arranged inside these exterior materials 11, 12, 21, 22. Therefore, a deformable area 1f can be formed simply by partially removing the core material 13 at a required position on the lower edge 1a. This deformable area 1f is not visible from the outside, and can be deformed at a required position only when necessary to allow a cable CC to pass through.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the desktop booth B has side panels 2 that are equipped with extensions 2e that extend forward beyond the front end 2d1 of the lower edge 2d that abuts the desktop surface Da, and the extensions 2e are configured to be located on both the left and right sides of the user. This gives the user a strong sense of being enclosed, allowing them to concentrate on their work even when placed on a desk D that can be used by multiple people at the same time, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

In addition, this desktop booth B is equipped with a roof panel 3 that covers the desktop space S surrounded by the front panel 1 and side panel 2, which particularly enhances the degree to which the user can concentrate on their work. Furthermore, because the roof panel 3 of this desktop booth B is equipped with a translucent window 3a, the feeling of being closed in is not too strong, and when performing solo remote work, lighting from the architectural ceiling or the like reaches the user's face, brightening the remote conference screen and emphasizing the user's presence.

In addition, in this desktop booth B, the front panel 1 and roof panel 3 form a continuous central structure C, which is detachably connected to each side panel 2 via slide fasteners 4. This not only simplifies assembly, but also allows the booth to be packed in a low-profile, flat configuration as shown in Figures 7 and 8 for storage and transportation.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the device is described as being placed on a desk that can be used by multiple people at the same time, but it can also be placed on a single-person desk, table, or other desktop.

In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the deformable area is provided at the lower edge of the front panel, but the deformable area may be provided at the lower edge of one or both side panels instead of the front panel. Furthermore, the deformable area may be provided across the front panel and side panels, or individual deformable areas may be provided in the front panel and one or both side panels.

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the front panel and side panels are made of a material with sound leakage suppression properties, but any material may be used for the front panel and side panels. However, as mentioned above, if the front panel and side panels are made of a material with sound leakage suppression properties, this is more desirable in that it effectively prevents sound from leaking into the surrounding area and disturbing other workers, even when a personal computer or the like is placed in the desk space inside the front panel and side panels and solo remote work is performed in an office area or the like.

In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the exterior material of the front panel on both the inside and outside has sound-absorbing urethane attached to the inner side of the fabric material, and the exterior material of the inside of the side panel also has sound-absorbing urethane attached to the inner side of the fabric material. The exterior material of the outside of the side panel is composed solely of flexible fabric material, but the placement of sound-absorbing material such as sound-absorbing urethane may be set as desired. In particular, if the deformable area is configured as in the illustrated embodiment, where the deformable area is composed of exterior material and the core material has been removed, as described above, the deformable area can be formed simply by partially removing the core material at a required position on the lower edge. Furthermore, this deformable area is desirable in that it is not visible from the outside and can be deformed at a required position only when necessary to allow cables to pass through.

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the side panels have extensions that extend forward beyond the usable edge of the desk top surface, and these extensions are configured to be located on both the left and right sides of the user, but the side panels may be any shape.

In addition, while the illustrated embodiment is equipped with a roof panel that covers the desk space surrounded by the front panel and side panels, the roof panel can be omitted. However, as mentioned above, if a roof panel is provided, the degree to which the user can concentrate on their work can be particularly increased. Furthermore, particularly if the roof panel is equipped with a translucent window, as also mentioned above, the feeling of being closed in will not be too strong, and when performing solo remote work, lighting from the architectural ceiling or the like will reach the user's face, brightening the remote conference screen and emphasizing the user's presence.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel and roof panel form an integral, continuous central structure, and this central structure and each of the side panels are detachably connected via slide fasteners. However, any configuration may be used for the connection between the front panel and side panels, and, in the case of a roof panel, the connection between the roof panel and the front panel, and the connection between the roof panel and the side panels.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

B...Desktop booth 1...Front panel 1a...Lower edge of front panel 1f...Deformable area 11, 12...Exterior material 13...Core material 2...Side panel 2e...Extension portion 21, 22...Exterior material 23...Core material 3...Roof panel 3a...Window 4...Slide fastener Da...Desktop surface S...Desktop space

Claims (5)

The device comprises a front panel arranged on the desk surface at a position facing the user, and side panels that are continuous with the front panel and can be arranged on both the left and right sides of the user,
a deformable region is formed in a lower edge portion of at least one of the front panel and the side panel that is placed on the desk surface,
The deformable region is configured to be deformable between a normal position in contact with or close to the desk surface and a deformed position in which a gap is formed between the desk surface and the deformable region, allowing at least the passage of cables,
At least one of the front panel and the side panel includes a deformable exterior material and a core material having shape retention disposed inside the exterior material,
The deformable area is a region formed by the exterior material and from which the core material has been removed . The device comprises a front panel arranged on the desk surface at a position facing the user, and side panels that are continuous with the front panel and can be arranged on both the left and right sides of the user,
a deformable region is formed in a lower edge portion of at least one of the front panel and the side panel that is placed on the desk surface,
The deformable region is configured to be deformable between a normal position in contact with or close to the desk surface and a deformed position in which a gap is formed between the desk surface and the deformable region, allowing at least the passage of cables,
a roof panel that covers a desk space surrounded by the front panel and the side panels,
The front panel and the roof panel form a continuous central structure, and this central structure and each of the side panels are detachably connected via slide fasteners . 3. The desktop booth according to claim 1, wherein the front panel and the side panels are made of a material having a sound leakage suppression function. A desk booth as described in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the side panel has an extension portion that extends forward beyond the front end of the lower edge that abuts the desk surface, and the extension portion is configured to be positioned on both the left and right sides of the user. 3. The desktop booth according to claim 2 , wherein the roof panel is provided with a light-transmitting window.