Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-03
2001-01-16
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S036100, C052S284000, C052S481200, C052S745100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173545
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a connector for attaching a first partition to a second partition, where the connector is configured to facilitate the interconnection but further is configured to provide a secure connection.
Partition systems commonly include connectors for interconnecting first and second partitions. The connectors are designed to be secure, relatively easily attached, and relatively low cost. However, improvement is desired in security, attachability, and cost. In particular, connectors are desired that have a minimum of parts and pieces, that are self-locking, and that integrate the fasteners for attaching the connectors to the partitions into the locking system without requiring the installer to hold or manipulate multiple pieces at a time.
Accordingly, a connector is desired solving the aforementioned problems, and having the aforementioned advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention includes a partition system having a partition with a face including an off-module attachment system accessible through the face, and a connector for securing furniture components to the face of the partition. An improvement is provided that includes a clip having a pair of legs forming a first end with hooks securely engaging the off-module attachment system in the face and having a resilient intermediate section connecting the legs. The legs can be flexed together to an install position for insertion into the off-module attachment system in the partition and flexed apart to a retained position.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of attaching a furniture component to a partition having a face and an off-module attachment system accessible through the face, includes steps of: providing a furniture component having an abutting end adapted to be positioned adjacent the face; and providing a connector for securing the abutting end to the face, the connector including a pair of legs forming a first end with opposing hoods configured to securely engage the off-module attachment system in the face, and having a resilient intermediate section. The method further includes flexing the legs together to an install position for insertion into the off-module attachment system in the partition; flexing the legs apart to a retaining position and securely engaging the hooks with the first partition, the intermediate section and the legs forming an interior space therebetween; and preventing the legs from being inadvertently moved to the install position by inserting an object in the interior space.
In yet another aspect, a clip is adapted for use in a partition system where the partition system has a partition with a face including an off-module attachment system accessible through the face, and a connector for securing furniture components to the face of the partition. The clip includes a clip having a pair of legs forming a first end with hooks adapted to securely engage the off-module attachment system in the face and having a resilient intermediate section connecting the legs in a U-shaped arrangement. The legs can be flexed together to an install position for insertion into the off-module attachment system in the partition and flexed apart to a retained position, the resilient intermediate section and the pair of legs forming an open area.
These and other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by persons skilled in the art by a thorough reading of the present specification, claims, and appended drawings.
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Progetto 25.90 by Unifor, Inc., U.S.A.; Long Island City, New York; 5 pages, unknown, but prior to Jan. 1, 1991.
Panneli PL by Unifor, Inc., U.S.A.; Long Island City, New York; 35 pages, unknown, but prior to Jul. 26, 1995.
Teknion-Office Furniture Systems 440905, Price List, Apr. 1983 (31 pages).
Feldpausch Michael J.
Feldpausch Stephen J.
Hofman William K.
Friedman Carl D.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Steelcase Development Inc.
Wilkens Kevin D.
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