Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Processes – Barrier construction
Utility Patent
1999-06-17
2001-01-02
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Processes
Barrier construction
C052S745130
Utility Patent
active
06167676
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 that 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 method is provided for attaching furniture components to an existing partition having a horizontal row of slots that extend along a horizontal/lateral direction parallel a face of the existing partition. The method includes a step of providing bracketry having hooks movable between an installation position where the hooks define a compact shape permitting selective insertion into the horizontal row of slots in the existing partition, and an interlocked position where the hooks define a modified shape for securely engaging selected ones of the slots. The method further includes steps of positioning the bracketry for insertion including moving the hooks to the installation position, manipulating the bracketry to orient the hooks, and inserting the hooks into engagement with selected ones of the slots, moving the hooks in a horizontal/lateral direction parallel the face of the existing partition to the interlocked position, and fixing the hooks in the interlocked position.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for attaching an adjustable partition to an existing partition, where the existing partition defines a horizontal row of slots that extend horizontally/laterally across the existing partition. The method includes positioning a vertical side edge of the adjustable partition against a face of the existing partition at a selected location between vertical side edges of the existing partition, providing brackets with hooks configured to engage selected ones of the slots, and attaching the brackets to the vertical side edges of the adjustable partition with the hooks facing horizontally/laterally in opposite directions and engaging the selected slots that correspond to the selected location, whereby the adjustable partition is securely attached and accurately positioned at the selected location.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for attaching a furniture unit to a partition having a frame with a horizontal row of slots, includes a step of providing a bracket having a hook constructed for insertion into a selected one of the slots in the horizontal row of slots of the partition and to move horizontally between an installation position and an interlocked position. The method further includes steps of selectively inserting the hook into a selected one of the slots in the horizontal row of slots of the partition, with the hook being positioned in the installation position, moving the hook horizontally/laterally to the interlocked position, attaching the bracket to the furniture unit, and securing the hook in the interlocked position.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of connecting partition panels includes a step of providing a first partition panel including a partition frame having upper and lower horizontal frame members, at least one of which includes a horizontal row of horizontally spaced and aligned discrete site locators, including at least one discrete site locator positioned between vertical side edges of the partition frame. The discrete site locators are configured and adapted to locate an off-module-located second partition panel along the partition frame at any one of a number of known locations characteristically without the need to measure to accurately locate the second partition panel. The method further includes a step of accurately locating an off-module-located second partition panel on the first partition panel relative to a selected one of the discrete site locators.
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.
Eldon, III James B.
Hobson Phillip M.
Lada Christopher O.
Luchetti Robert J.
Price Heneveld Cooper Dewitt & Cooper
Safavi Michael
Steelcase Development Inc.
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