Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-23
2001-07-31
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S124100, C052S745120
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266935
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to partition systems supported on floor channels where the floor channel stably engages a floor, and more particularly relates to a partition system having a partition attached to a floor channel where the floor channel includes attachment features for interconnecting furniture units, such as additional partitions or accessories, to the partition in locations in front of the partition.
Portable partition systems for open office spaces, and other similar settings, are well known in the art. Individual partition panels are interconnected in different configurations to form separate offices, work stations or work settings. The partition panels are extremely durable, and can be readily disassembled and reassembled into alternative configurations to meet the ever-changing needs of the user. Examples of such partition systems are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,822,146; 3,831,330; and 4,144,924, which are owned by Steelcase Inc., the assignee of the present application.
The finishing or fitting-out of building spaces for offices, medical treatment facilities, and other similar environments has become a very important aspect of effective space planning and layout. Work patterns, technology, and business organizations are constantly evolving and changing. The building space users require products which facilitate change at lower costs. Space planning is no longer a static problem. Changing technology and changing work processes demand that a design and installation be able to support and anticipate change. However, often the existing partition systems are limited in their ability to be reconfigured, thus limiting the number and size of different office arrangements that can be constructed, and limiting the speed with which changes can be made.
Consequently, a fully integrated prefabricated furnishing system has been developed to finish or fit-out both new and existing open plan building spaces. One requirement of this integrated furnishing system is a freestanding portable partition system that has enhanced utility carrying capabilities while still facilitating quick and accurate reconfiguration. Concurrently, it is desired to provide a panel connection system having increased flexibility for interconnecting reconfigurable partition panels in office layouts. For example, a partition panel connection system is desired that allows use of standardized base partition panels and that facilitates accurate positioning of the partition panels even where the dimensions of the office layouts are not multiples of the base partition panel width dimension. Additional functionality of the connection system is also desired, such as to permit removing a partition panel from attachment to another panel without having to disassemble both panels. Concurrently, an attachment system is needed that permits quick attachment of a “fin” partition perpendicularly to a main run of “spine” partitions, both at high and low locations, but where the attachment system provides secure attachment without requiring multiple parts and where it does not detract from the overall appearance of the partition system.
Thus, a wall construction solving the aforementioned problems and providing the aforementioned functionalities is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention includes an elongated floor channel comprising a top flange configured to stably engage and support a partition and bottom flanges configured to engage a floor surface. The bottom flanges each define a horizontal row of discrete attachment points configured to receive brackets for connecting a furniture unit to the floor channel, whereby the furniture unit can be attached adjacent the floor surface in a selected off-module position along the floor channel.
In another aspect, the present invention includes a method of comprising steps of providing a first floor channel having a first horizontal row of discrete attachment points and providing a spine partition having a second horizontal row of discrete attachment points. The method also includes steps of providing a second partition and a second floor channel positioned at an angle to the first floor channel, supporting the spine partition on the first floor channel with the first and second horizontal row of discrete attachment points spaced vertically apart, and attaching the second floor channel and the second partition to selected points in the first and second horizontal row of discrete attachment points.
In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a method comprising steps of providing first and second floor channels, each having a partition-supporting center flange adapted to stably engage and support a first partition, and further having floor-engaging flanges located on opposite sides of the partition support feature, and still further having side flanges defining a horizontally-extending attachment feature that extends along the first and second floor channels. The method further includes a step of interconnecting an end of the second floor channel to the attachment feature of the first floor channel at a location between ends of the first floor channel.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.
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Exhibit A is a brochure entitled Knoll—Hannah Desk System, 18 pages, dated Oct. 1986.
Exhibit B is a brochure entitled Knoll—Hannah Desk System, 13 pages, undated but published in 1986.
Exhibit C is a publication entitled Knoll—Hannah Desk System—Electrical Assembly Guide, (12 pages), undated but published in 1986.
Exhibit D is a publication entitled Knoll—Hannah Desk System—Assembly Guide, (12 pages), undated but published in 1986.
Draudt Gregg R.
Hobson Phillip M.
Luchetti Robert J.
Seiber Charles A.
Shipman David A.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Safavi Michael
Steelcase Development Corporation
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