Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-29
2001-06-05
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S633000, C052S650300, C052S651100, 28, C220S089200, C312S265300, C312S265200, C312S265400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240687
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to modular office furniture and, in particular, to a frame construction for modular office systems which incorporates upright frame members and crossbeams connecting the uprights for stable mounting of panels and desktops.
II. Description of the Prior Art
Modular office systems have become increasingly popular for their ease of installation and relatively low cost in association with the flexibility such systems provide. Office cubicles, desks and partitions can be easily rearranged or disassembled as personnel requirements change. However, these office systems must also be stable enough to withstand continuous use while also being capable of delivering essential utilities such as electrical power, telephones and computer networking. Because of the modular construction of such office systems, supplying such utilities must be conveniently accomplished. It is also desirable to organize the utility wiring throughout the modular system to facilitate repair or replacement.
Prior known office systems are very rigid in their construction variations. Typically, a frame is provided to which appropriate panels, drawers and desktops are mounted. Wiring may be run through the frame or between panels. However, such prior known systems do not provide an opportunity to alter the system configuration using the same components.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior known modular office systems by providing a frame construction having upright supports for supporting panels and desktops and detachable cross beams extending between the uprights to stabilize the frame.
The frame construction of the office system of the present invention includes upright supports for attaching components such as shelves, desktops and panels and crossbeams connected between upright supports to provide strength and stability. The uprights have a substantially tubular configuration to facilitate the feeding of wiring and include slots to mount cluster shelf panels and shelf brackets. The uprights include laterally extending support legs. The crossbeams are secured to the uprights at predetermined positions using fasteners. The crossbeams also have a tubular construction and include substantially triangular gussets which engage the uprights to improve the stability of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the gussets are formed as a separate component and inserted into slots formed in the crossbeam. An end plate holds the gusset in position.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Doigan Lloyd D.
Friedman Carl D.
Syres Christy M.
The Marvel Group, Inc.
Zarins Edgar A.
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