Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-16
2001-12-18
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S036100, C052S036600, C052S220700, C052S220800, C052S243000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330773
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to office partition panel systems, and in particular to a stacking partition configured for quick and easy on-site manual assembly.
The efficient use of building floor space is an ever-growing concern, particularly as building costs continue escalating. Open office plans have been developed to reduce overall officing costs, and generally incorporate large, open floor spaces in buildings that are equipped with modular furniture systems which are readily reconfigurable to accommodate the ever changing needs of a specific user, as well as the divergent requirements of different tenants. One arrangement commonly used for furnishing open plans includes movable or portable partition panels that are detachably interconnected to partition off the open spaces into individual workstations and/or offices. Such partition panels have sufficient structural strength to receive hang-on furniture units, such as worksurfaces, overhead cabinets, shelves, etc., and are generally known in the office furniture industry as “systems furniture.” Such partition panels have an acoustical sound-absorbing configuration to promote a quiet, pleasant work environment.
In an effort to accommodate the changing requirements of the users, “stacking” panel systems have been developed to permit the height of a partition panel to be extended if required for a particular application. Known stacking panel systems may be difficult to install, and further, the stacking panel may interfere with the routing of communications and/or power lines through the partition system. Furthermore, because of the increased height, and/or structural limitations of the stacking panel, mounting of a standard storage bin or shelf to the stacking panel may present safety concerns. Accordingly, a stacking panel system alleviating the above-identified problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is an extension panel for connection to a lower panel of the type having vertical uprights defining upper ends and including a utilities passageway extending along an upper edge of the lower panel for receiving utility conduits therein. The extension panel includes a pair of space-apart upright posts, and at least one beam extending between the posts and rigidly interconnecting the same. A pair of structural members extend downwardly from the lower ends of the posts to engage the lower panel and rigidly interconnect the extension panel and the lower panel. The structural members are laterally spaced-apart to define a downwardly-opening utilities opening therebetween. The utilities opening is positioned in alignment with the utilities passageway of the lower panel to permit utilities conduits to pass through the utilities opening when the extension is secured to the lower panel.
Another aspect of the present invention is an extension panel that is securable to a lower panel of the type having a utilities passageway extending adjacent the upper edge thereof that receives utilities conduits therein. The extension panel includes an extension panel frame defining vertically-extending side edges. The extension panel frame has a horizontal lower extending between side edges and defining therewith a pair of spaced-apart lower corners. The side edges define a vertical plane extending between the side edges. The extension panel frame has a flat plate portion extending downwardly below the lower edge, and the flat plate portion is disposed transverse to the vertical plane. The flat plate portion also has a downwardly-opening utilities cut-out there through positioned in alignment with the utilities passageway when the extension panel is secured to the lower panel to permit passage of utility conduits along the utilities passageway and through the utilities cut-out.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a bracket for interconnecting an A extension panel above a lower panel of the type having a vertical frame member with upper apertures proximate and upper end of the vertical frame member for receiving connectors of hang-on accessory units. The bracket includes an upper portion to be rigidly secured to the extension panel. A lower portion of the bracket extends below a lower edge of the extension panel when the bracket is installed to the extension panel. The lower portion is cut-out to provide clearance through the upper apertures of the vertical frame member, such that the bracket permits reception of support hooks of hang-on accessory units within the upper apertures.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a frame member for an extension panel configured to be interconnected to a lower panel along the upper edge of the lower panel. The frame member defines at least one aperture for reception of a first type of connector of a hang-on accessory unit. A blocking member is positioned inwardly of the aperture and prevents full engagement of the second type of connector in the aperture.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is an adapter bracket for connecting a first type of hang-on accessory unit having standard-size connector hooks to a second type of partition having a lower panel and an extension panel. The bracket includes a first portion configured to receive the standard-size connector hooks and interconnect the adapter bracket with a hang-on accessory unit. The bracket also includes blocking hooks having an enlarged end portion permitting full insertion into apertures of a lower panel, yet preventing full insertion into apertures of an extension panel having blocking members positioned inwardly from the apertures to prevent excessive loading of the extension panel by the accessory unit.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition system including at least a pair of side-by-side partition frames. Each of the partition frames have a rectangular perimeter defining an upper edge, and include a utilities passageway for routing utilities adjacent the upper edge of the frames. Each of the partition frames includes a connector bracket having a downwardly opening utilities cut-out aligned with the utilities passageway to permit routing of the utilities through the utilities passageway and the utilities cut-out. The connector brackets are rigidly interconnected to one another and rigidly interconnect the partition frames.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition frame assembly including a lower partition frame having a pair of spaced-apart structural uprights. The lower partition frame also has a lower portion adapted to abuttingly support the lower partition frame on a floor surface, and has an upper portion defining an upper edge. The lower partition frame further includes a utilities passageway shaped for routing of utilities conduits adjacent the upper edge of the lower partition frame. An upper partition frame defining a lower edge is positioned above the lower partition frame. A pair of spaced-apart rigid structural members extend downwardly from the upper partition frame, and are positioned along side the structural uprights of the lower partition frame. The structural members are rigidly interconnected with the structural uprights of the lower partition frame, such that the upper partition frame is rigidly interconnected with the lower partition frame. The structural members have downwardly-opening apertures therethrough aligned with the utilities passageway to permit utilities conduits to pass through the aperture. The apertures permit installation of the upper partition frame to the lower partition frame without rerouting of existing utilities conduits that extend along the utilities passageway of the lower partition frame.
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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2636224 (1953-04-01), Murdoch et al.
patent: 2777172 (1957-01-01), Debbink
patent: 3180459 (1965-04-01), Liskey, Jr.
patent: 3691709 (1972-09-01), Ostborg
patent: 378206
Chang Joseph
Dykstra James R.
Gravel Donald P.
King Jonathan J.
MacDonald Douglas B.
Friedman Carl D.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Steelcase Development Corporation
Thissell Jennifer I.
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