Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Wall – ceiling – or floor designed for utilities – Partition type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-23
2001-08-21
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Wall, ceiling, or floor designed for utilities
Partition type
C052S239000, C052S506010
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276102
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to partition arrangements for open office spaces and the like, and in particular to a freestanding portable panel and related partition system.
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, workstations, 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.
Most such partition panels are capable of carrying wires in some fashion, so as to provide electrical power at the various workstations for computers, typewriters, dictating equipment, task lighting, and other electrical appliances. These partition panels are also typically capable of routing cabling for telephones, computers, signaling, etc. to the individual workstations. Examples of such panel wiring systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,429,934; 4,060,294; 4,228,834; and 4,382,648. Wireways and/or raceways are normally provided within the interiors of the panels to carry the utilities throughout the panel system.
However, the space available for utility raceways in many such panel systems is rather limited. This is particularly true with respect to several of the older style partition panel systems. The advent of computerized workstations, with sophisticated communication systems and other electronic support equipment, has greatly increased the need for partition panels to carry more power and cabling throughout the panel system. It has also increased the need for privacy is some areas, which is provided by floor-to-ceiling systems, while also increased the need for open communication in other areas, which is better provided by low height, see-over partitions.
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. At the same time, appearance of the building space has become increasingly important to customers and occupants, particularly as companies have realized the importance and positive (or negative) effect on worker's attitudes and their ability to do a job efficiently. Accordingly, one very important requirement of this integrated furnishing system is to provide a freestanding portable partition system, an existing building wall-covering system, and a floor-to-ceiling partition system, each of which have enhanced utility carrying capabilities and are reconfigurable, and that are integrated together to provide a novel attractive appearance even after reconfiguration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, an integrated prefabricated furniture system is provided for fitting-out a building space of the type having a generally open plan interior defined by fixed walls. The wall-covering system includes a wall-covering frame constructed to be positioned against and to selectively cover portions of the fixed walls. A portable partition system spatially divides the open plan interior of the building space into a plurality of work areas. The portable partition system includes freestanding partition frames with at least one of the freestanding partition frames having an end abutted against the wall-covering frame. A plurality of cover panels are removably attached to the wall-covering frame and to the freestanding partition frames for covering the wall-covering frame and the freestanding partition frames. At least some of the cover panels on the wall-covering frame and on the freestanding partition frames have an identical size and shape, so that the identical cover panels can be selectively interchanged between the wall-covering frame and the freestanding partition frames.
In another aspect of the present invention, an integrated prefabricated furniture system for fitting-out a building space of the type having a generally open plan interior defined by fixed walls, comprises a wall-covering system. Said wall-covering system includes a wall-covering frame with a wall-engaging side adapted to stably engage and be attached to one of the fixed walls to selectively cover portions of the fixed walls. A portable partition system spatially divides the open plan interior of the building space into a plurality of work areas. The portable partition system includes freestanding partition frames with at least one of the freestanding partition frames having an end abutted against the wall-covering frame. A plurality of cover panels is removably attached to the wall-covering frame and to the freestanding partition frames for covering the wall-covering frame and the freestanding partition frames. At least some of the cover panels on the wall-covering frame and on the freestanding partition frames have an identical size and shape. The identical cover panels can be selectively interchanged between the wall-covering frame and the freestanding partition frames.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for fitting-out a building space of the type having a generally open plan interior defined by fixed walls, comprises steps of providing a wall-covering system including a wall-covering frame constructed to be positioned against and to selectively cover portions of the fixed walls. It also provides a portable partition system for spatially dividing the open plan interior of the building space into a plurality of work areas. The portable partition system includes freestanding partition frames with at least one of the freestanding partition frames having an end abutted against the wall-covering frame, and provides a plurality of cover panels for covering the wall-covering frame and the freestanding partition frames. The cover panels include upper and lower cover panels. At least some of the cover panels on the wall-covering frame and on the freestanding partition frames have an identical size, so that the identically-sized cover panels can be selectively interchanged between the wall-covering frame and the freestanding partition frames. Another step comprises removably attaching the identically-sized cover panels to the wall-covering frame and to the freestanding partition frame. Another step comprises selectively removing, interchanging and reattaching some of the identically-sized cover panels between the wall-covering frame and the free-standing partition frames.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims, and appended drawings.
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Draudt Gregg R.
Luchetti Robert J.
Shipman David A.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Safavi Michael
Steelcase Development Corporation
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