Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-03
2001-09-04
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S036100, C052S220700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282854
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a frame-based workspace definition system and, more specifically, to a frame-based workspace definition system comprising a framework defined by interconnected frames with attached tiles and accessories, such as worksurfaces, overhead bins, pedestals and shelves, mounted on vertical hanging intelligence. In another aspect, the invention relates to a series of interconnected frames which have tiles detachably mounted thereto whereby the frames and tiles cooperate to define an interior set of raceways which cooperate between the interconnected frames to define an interconnected chamber throughout the system for the passage of electrical and data conduit therein.
2. Description of the Related Art
Workspace definition systems for open room areas, such as office space, have a matrix of interconnected frames which have tiles mounted thereto. The frames often can accommodate electrical and data conduit therein so that several ports or sockets are defined within the framework for the interconnection with office components, such as computers, typewriters, dictation equipment, etc. Often these types of data and sockets and even the electrical data conduit can be provided directly within partition tiles mounted on the framework.
It has been found that the routing of electrical data conduit throughout these types of prior art office space partition systems can be difficult. Further, if the data and electrical connectors or sockets are provided in the tiles, these tiles must often be replaced or rewired with a new connector if the data and electrical needs of the office space partition system change over time. These types of rewiring of electrical and data conduit and the inability of prior art systems to easily accommodate new electrical and data systems have increased the time, expense and frustration with these systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area. Each of the frames have outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames and a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames. The tiles are mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship.
In one improved embodiment, the invention relates to at least one of the frames comprising at least one load rail mounted horizontally between a pair of vertical rails and U shaped in cross section, the upper ends of the legs of the U shape having a reinforcing lip thereon. A pair of the tiles are mounted to the frames form a horizontal access slot therebetween. The horizontal access slot between the pair of the tiles is positioned in register with the upper ends of the legs of the U shaped load rail. The reinforcing lip can comprise an inwardly rolled portion forming a hook. The component can have a bracket mounted to the load rail and supported by the at least one frame. The bracket can be slidably mounted to the load rail.
Electrical power blocks can be mounted within the load rail inwardly of the component bracket whereby the bracket can slide along the rail. The bracket can be slidably mounted to the rail. The load rail can have at least one internal rib on bottom surface. The bracket on the component can seat behind the internal rib. The component can be any office furniture component such as a work surface or a cabinet. The component can have a first width, the frame has a second width and the first width can be different than the second width. The bracket can comprise a first portion adapted to mount to the load rail and having one of a flange and a slot and a second portion mounted to the component and having the other of a flange and a slot, wherein the flange is adapted to be removably mounted within the slot to removably mount the component to the first portion of the bracket. The U shape in the load bar can form a horizontal recess and the vertical rails can have an opening in register with the horizontal recess for routing conduit throughout the framework.
In another embodiment, each of the frames can further comprise a pair of opposed vertical rails having edge faces thereon. The edge faces can be interconnected with the outer faces of the vertical rails by ramped portions which are at an acute angle with respect to the edge faces and the outer faces. A series of aligned vertical slots can be provided in the ramped portions. The tiles can extend horizontally at least as far as the vertical slots to block light from passing directly from one side of the frame to the other side of the frame through the aligned vertical slots.
The edge face on each vertical rail can have a projection and a recess both extending along the vertical length of the rail in laterally spaced juxtaposed relationship to one another whereby the projection on one end face is received within the recess on an adjacent end face when a pair frames are placed into edge abutment with one another to prevent light from passing between the abutting end faces.
The frame can have a threaded opening in a lower portion thereof and the frame can further comprise at least one floor-engaging glide having a threaded shaft which is threadably received in the threaded opening in the frame. The threaded shaft can have a hexagonal head on an upper portion thereof whereby the at least one glide can be adjusted relative to the frame lower portion by a conventional socket tool when the frames are assembled. The frames are rigidly joined together by bolts which extend through abutting edge faces of the frame.
In an additional embodiment, the invention relates to one of the edge faces of the rigid rectangular frames further comprising a threaded aperture and another of the edge faces of the rigid rectangular frames has an aperture in registry with the threaded aperture of adjacent rigid rectangular frames and threaded bolts extending through the apertures of the another edge faces and threadably received in the threaded apertures in the one edge faces of adjacent rigid rectangular frames to rigidly join the rigid rectangular frames together.
The threaded aperture can comprise an integral threaded sleeve having a thickness greater than the thickness of the one edge face. The integral threaded sleeve can comprise a flow drilled extruded length of material formed inwardly from the one edge face.
In a further embodiment, the invention relates to the upper rail upper portion having a reinforcing lip thereon adapted to support at least one modular component. The component can have a bracket mounted to the reinforcing lip of the upper rail. The reinforcing lip can comprise an inwardly rolled portion forming a hook. The upper rail can have at least one internal rib on bottom surface. The bracket on the component can seat behind the internal rib.
The at least one modular component can be a cabinet. The at least one modular component can comprise a frame mounted generally perpendicular to the upper rail intermediate the ends thereof. A bracket can be rigidly mounted to the perpendicular frame and can have a flange mounted over the reinforcing lip of the upper rail. The component can have a first width, the frame can have second width and the first width can be different than second width.
The vertical rails can have an opening in register with the channel in the upper rail for routing the electrical/data cables throughout the framework. The rigid framework can comprise a first rigid frame positioned with respect to a second rigid frame in a generally perpendicular relationship intermediate the edge faces thereof and a first bracket can be rigi
Dang Vance B.
Eastman Michael W.
Elzinga Edward L.
Thompson James J.
Vos Richard L.
Friedman Carl D.
Rader, Fishman, Grauer & McGarry, an Office of Rader, Fishman &
Trendway Corporation
Wilkens Kevin D.
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