Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Including component designed to receive a disparate article... – Task-area type repositionable component
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-08
2001-05-01
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Including component designed to receive a disparate article...
Task-area type repositionable component
C052S239000, C052S220700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223478
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wall panel and to a wall panel system of the kind often used in offices to create work stations, sometimes called “cubicles.” In particular, the present invention relates to a wall panel and wall panel system that provides access to power, voice communications and/or data communications at the work station.
Modular wall panel systems are well known. Such systems often include a number of panels that may be interconnected to form office work stations. The panels can often be configured in a number of different ways. This allows the office environment to be reconfigured as needed to accommodate additional employees as well as the departure of employees.
The present invention provides a wall and wall panel system. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a wall panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, first and second raceways, first and second vertical channels communicating with the first and second raceways and a horizontal channel communicating with the first and second vertical channels. The vertical channels may be located along the side edges of the panel. The race ways may be located along the top and bottom edges of the panels. A junction assembly may be located partially within the horizontal channel or partially within the horizontal channel and partially within one of the vertical channels. The junction assembly may include communications ports, fiber optics ports and/or electrical outlets. A core member can be located between the first raceway, the first vertical channel, the second vertical channel and the horizontal channel. A skin may cover the channels.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a wall panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a first vertical channel, a second vertical channel, a horizontal channel and at least one communications port located in the horizontal channel. A communications line may extend from the communications port, through the horizontal channel and into at least one of the vertical channels. The communications line may extend out of the vertical channel and may include a connector. An electrical outlet may be provided in the horizontal channel. A power line may extend from the electrical outlet, through the horizontal channel and into at least one of the vertical channels. The power line may extend out of the vertical channel and may include a connector. The wall panel may also include a fiber optics port, located in either the horizontal channel or one of the vertical channels. A fiber optics cable may likewise extend through the horizontal channel and into one of the vertical channels. The ports and outlets may be located in a junction assembly positioned in the horizontal channel or partially in the horizontal channel and partially in one of the vertical channels.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a wall panel system includes a first panel having at least two vertical channels and at least one horizontal channel communicating with the vertical channels, a second panel located adjacent the first panel, a first race way at least partially located above the first and second panels, a second race way at least partially located below the first and second panels, a communications port and an electrical outlet located in the horizontal channel, a first communications line located in the first race way, a first power line located in the second race way, a second communications line extending from the communications port, through the horizontal channel, through one of the vertical channels and into the first race way, and a second power line extending from the electrical outlet, through the horizontal channel, through one of the vertical channels and into the second raceway. The first power line and first communications lines may enter the system from above or below the panels, as desired.
The race ways used in the various embodiments of the invention may engage the top edges of the panels and may be removed therefrom as a unit. The race way may include a removable cap.
Other features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
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Barnes & Thornburg
DO Groups Inc.
Friedman Carl D.
McDermott Kevin
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