Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
2002-05-02
2004-07-13
Chapman, Jeanette (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S239000, C052S241000, C052S242000, C052S243000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06761004
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the fields of room partitioning components, and especially to interconnection systems and devices for moveable and reconfigurable partitioning panel systems.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT
This invention was not developed in conjunction with any Federally sponsored contract.
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not applicable.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In modern office buildings, business and conference centers, hotels, classrooms, medical facilities, and the like, the fitting-out of occupiable space is continuously becoming more important and ever more challenging. In the competitive business environment, cost concerns alone dictate the efficient use of interior space. Thus, the finishing or fitting-out of building spaces for offices and other areas where work is conducted has become a very important aspect of effective space planning and layout.
Business organizations, their work patterns and the technology utilized therein are constantly evolving and changing. Building space users require products that provide for change at minimal cost. At the same time, their need for functional interior accommodations remains steadfast. Issues of privacy, functionality, aesthetics, acoustics, etc., are unwavering. For architects and designers, space planning for both the short and long term is a dynamic and increasingly challenging problem. Changing work processes and the technology required demand that designs and installation be able to support and anticipate change.
Space allocation and planning challenges are largely driven by the fact that modern office spaces are becoming increasingly more complicated due to changing and increasing needs of users for more and improved utilities support at each workstation or work setting. These utilities encompass all types of resources that may be used to support or service a worker, such as communications and data used with computers and other types of data processors, telecommunications, electronic displays, etc., electrical power, conditioned water, and physical accommodations, such as lighting, HVAC, sprinklers, security, sound masking, and the like. For example, modern offices for highly skilled “knowledge workers” such as engineers, accountants, stock brokers, computer programmers, etc., are typically provided with multiple pieces of very specialized computer and communications equipment that are capable of processing information from numerous local and remote data resources to assist in solving complex problems. Such equipment has very stringent power and signal requirements, and must quickly and efficiently interface with related equipment at both adjacent and remote locations. Work areas with readily controllable lighting, HVAC, sound masking, and other physical support systems, are also highly desirable to maximize worker creativity and productivity. Many other types of high technology equipment and facilities are also presently being developed which will need to be accommodated in the work places of the future. Moreover, the office space layout of these “knowledge workers” changes frequently to accommodate new technology, or to accommodate changing work teams resulting from changing business objectives, changing corporate cultures, or a combination thereof.
Office workers today need flexible alternative products that provide for the obtainment of numerous, often seemingly conflicting objectives. For example, the cultural aims of an organization may require the creation of both individual and collaborative spaces, while providing a “sense of place” for the users, and providing a competitive edge for the developer. Their needs include a range of privacy options, from fully enclosed offices which support individual creative work to open spaces for collaborative team work. At the same time, their products must be able to accommodate diverse organizations, unique layout designs, and dynamic work processes.
Further compounding the challenge are the overall objectives to promote productivity, minimize the expenses of absenteeism and workman's compensation, and reduce potential liability. Meeting these objectives often requires improved lighting, better air quality, life safety, and ergonomic task support.
As previously mentioned, for primarily cost reasons, The efficient use of building floor space is also an ever-growing concern, particularly as building costs continue to escalate. Thus, open office plans that reduce overall office costs are commonplace, and generally incorporate large, open floor spaces. These spaces are often equipped with modular furniture systems that are readily reconfigurable to accommodate the ever-changing needs of specific users, as well as the divergent requirements of different tenants.
An arrangement commonly used for open space office plans includes movable partial height partition panels that are detachably interconnected to partition off the open spaces into individual work settings and/or offices. These panels are typically configured to receive furniture units, such as work surfaces, overhead cabinets, shelves, etc., that hang from a framework. Another common arrangement involves dividing and/or partitioning open plans using of modular furniture, in which a plurality of differently shaped, complementary free-standing furniture units are positioned in a side-by-side relationship, with upstanding partial height privacy screens attached to selected furniture units to create individual, distinct work settings and/or offices. These types of modular furniture systems are considered readily reconfigurable and are easily moved to new sites, and are generally not part of a permanent leasehold improvement. Both of these arrangements typically incorporate panels that are largely hollow and usually comprised of a skeletal framework that support two face panels and some sort of edge plates on the top, bottom and sides.
Further, these arrangements most commonly include partial height partitions or dividers as opposed to full height walls spanning from ceiling to floor. No two office spaces are exactly alike. Floor to ceiling height, location of structural members, permanent walls, and utility and HVAC plenums vary from location to location. Thus, space-dividing systems must be adaptable to accommodate these variables. Furthermore, accommodating the varied requirements of office workers within a given facility may require a combination of fall and partial height dividers to provide a range of privacy levels corresponding to an individual user's job functions.
Historically, office walls or partitions are made by erecting a wood frame, lining each side with gypsum board (sheet rock) panels, then finishing the wall surfaces with a variety of textures and paint. These conventional walls have proven sturdy, provide adequate superior privacy and sound proofing, and provide a surface that easily accepts wall hangings such as pictures, paintings, plaques and the like. Furthermore, as is commonly known, conventional walls can easily be repainted, retextured, and, readily patched and repaired when damaged. However, conventional gypsum board partitions are typically custom built floor-to-ceiling installations, which do not adequately address many of the needs of the ever changing high-tech “knowledge worker.” The need for increased utilities and partial height partitions have both proven to be needs that conventional gypsum board partitions fail to adequately address.
Conversely, presently available full and partial height architectural walls or partitions that are readily reconfigurable, have very little in common with gypsum board walls. Typically, they are comprised of hollow panels built around a metal frame, and are manufactured with a fixed surface such as cloth or other textured material attached to the surface. Consequently, finished walls are generally lightweight and have a less sturdy feel than gypsum walls. Furthermore, finished walls have a surfac
Anglin Todd
Moore Carroll
Steinberg Erez
Affordable Building Systems
Brown Robert W.
Chapman Jeanette
Frantz Robert H.
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