Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-28
2001-08-14
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S243000, C052S036500, C052S582100, C052S481200, C160S351000, C403S403000, C403S363000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272803
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns an in-line connection system for partitions.
Freestanding partition systems commonly include preconstructed rectangular partitions and connectors configured to interconnect the partitions in in-line and perpendicular arrangements. The in-line partition arrangements present special problems, since it is easy to site along the in-line partitions and see wandering and snaking of a long (or short) run of partitions. Notably, wandering and snaking is visually unacceptable to many consumers, since it can lead to a cheap appearance and also since it can cause irregular office sizes. Part of the reason for the wandering and snaking is that many known in-line connectors do not provide sufficient bending strength at the joint line to force the partitions into true alignment. Instead, many of the known in-line connectors allow the partitions to be connected at a slight angle relative to the other, either due to local deformations of the connectors and the partition and/or due to clearances and tolerances in the holes and other connecting features. This problem is aggravated in partition frames having horizontal frame members with cantilevered end sections that extend to vertical side edges of the partition frames, because the cantilevered end sections undergo torsional and bending stresses that aggravate the wandering and snaking effect. At the same time, the cantilevered end sections are advantageous in that they allow utilities and wiring to be more easily routed at the vertical side edges of the partition frame. For example, they allow easier routing when the wiring and utilities must be extended around corners into perpendicular partitions or when the wiring and utilities must be extended around corners upwardly into ceiling sources of utilities or downwardly to floor sources of utilities.
Accordingly, a connection system is needed that solves the aforementioned problems and that has the aforementioned needed advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a partition system includes first and second partitions having aligned frame members with horizontally aligned cantilevered end sections that abut. The partition system further includes a U-shaped connector having an elongated cavity matingly receiving an aligned pair of cantilevered end sections. The U-shaped connector engages and is secured to each of the pair of cantilevered end sections, so that the pair of cantilevered end sections is stably held in alignment in the cavity defined by the U-shaped connector.
In another aspect of the present invention, a partition system includes first and second partitions having aligned horizontally extending top frame members, the top frame members having abutting end sections. Elongated top and bottom connectors span between the end sections, with the top and bottom connectors matingly engaging the end sections on top and bottom sides thereof. The top and bottom connectors are secured to each of the end sections, so that the end sections are stably held in alignment by the top and bottom connectors.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a connector system is provided for connecting first and second partitions, where the first and second partitions include horizontally extending frame members with abutting and aligned end sections. The connector system includes a U-shaped connector that mateably engages multiple sides of the end sections and that spans between the end sections. Fasteners secure the U-shaped connector to both of the end sections.
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Exhibit A is a brochure entitledKnoll—Hannah Desk System, 18 pages, dated Oct. 1986.
Exhibit B is a brochure entitledKnoll—Hannah Desk System, 13 pages, undated but published in 1986.
Exhibit C is a publication entitledKnoll—Hannah Desk System—Electrical Assembly Guide, (12 pages), undated but published in 1986.
Exhibit D is a publication entitledKnoll—Hannah Desk System—Assembly Guide, 12 pages, undated but published in 1986.
Gortsema Steven C.
Slager Mark T.
Stachowiak Anthony A.
Friedman Carl D.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Steelcase Development Corporation
Yip Winnie
LandOfFree
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