Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-23
2001-09-11
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S036400, C052S284000, C052S713000, C052S714000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286276
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to partition arrangements for open office spaces and the like, and in particular to a connection system for interconnecting freestanding portable panels in off-module positions where one panel is oriented at an angle to and abuts a face of another panel.
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.
Thus, a wall construction solving the aforementioned problems and providing the aforementioned functionalities is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a bracket system is provided for interconnecting partitions in a partition system. The partition system includes first and second partitions each having vertical side edges. One of the vertical side edges of the second partition is positioned in an off-module position adjacent a face of the first partition and between the vertical side edges of the first partition. The first partition defines a horizontal row of slots, and the one vertical side edge of the second partition has connecting structure thereon proximate the horizontal row of slots. The bracket system for interconnecting the second partition in the off-module position on the first partition includes first and second brackets, each having partition-engaging ends with at least one hook, and further having configured ends shaped for connection to the connecting structure of the second partition. The at least one hooks of the first and second brackets face in opposite directions and lie along a common horizontal plane so that the at least one hooks define a relatively thin vertical dimension. The at least one hooks are configured to laterally interlockingly and securely engage selected ones of the slots of the first partition in opposite directions when the configured ends are fixed relative to each other and secured to the connecting structure. The at least one hooks are spaced apart horizontally and configured to securely stabilize the second partition on the first partition.
In another aspect of the present invention, a bracket construction is provided for attaching a furniture unit to a partition having a frame with a horizontal row of slots. The bracket construction includes a first bracket member defining at least one hook constructed for insertion into a selected one of the slots of the partition, said hook being movable horizontally parallel the row of slots between an installation position and an interlocked position. A second bracket member including a portion constructed for insertion into the horizontal row of slots of the partition is configured to engage the partition to prevent the first bracket member, when positioned in the interlocked position, from being removed from said selected one of said slots. The first and second bracket members are characteristically separate parts that are separately movable and that have a partition-engaging end configured for secure connection to a partition.
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.
Eldon, III James B.
Hobson Phillip M.
Lada Christopher O.
Luchetti Robert J.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Safavi Michael
Steelcase Development Corporation
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