Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-04
2001-05-15
Callo, Laura A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S481200, C052S775000, C052S781000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230459
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to office partition panel systems, and in particular to a wall start that connects a partition panel to an existing wall in an off-module configuration.
The efficient use of building floor space is an ever-growing concern, particularly as building costs continue to escalate. 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 work surfaces, overhead cabinets, shelves, etc., and are generally known in the office furniture industry as “systems furniture.” In addition, such partition panels have an acoustical, sound-absorbing configuration to promote a quiet, pleasant work environment.
Numerous partition panel systems have been developed for dividing office workspaces into smaller areas. Partition panel systems, like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,811, utilize prefabricated rectangular partition panel members that have a unitary rigid perimeter frame formed by top, bottom, and end channels that are welded to one another. Decorative cover panels are fastened to opposite sides of the perimeter frame. Each perimeter frame member has a rectangular shape and is fabricated and shipped as a single unit, often with the decorative cover panels pre-fastened to the frame. During installation, the prefabricated perimeter frame of each panel member is fastened to the perimeter frame of an adjacent panel member along the vertical edges thereof, either directly or by a separate fastener post. Each partition panel member includes two height adjustable feet or glides along the bottom edge of each panel member, with one glide being located adjacent each vertical panel edge. Since there are two vertical frame members at each panel joint, this type of panel construction results in structural redundancy. In addition, since each glide must be properly adjusted for height, this configuration requires adjustment of both glides at each panel joint during assembly. Furthermore, although longer panels typically have a lower cost per unit length, longer panels are difficult to handle, which places a practical limit on the size of the partition panel member that can be shipped and installed as a prefabricated unit.
Other partition panel systems, like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,554, utilize prefabricated rectangular partition panel members having a unitary perimeter frame that attaches to a post member along each vertical panel edge. Although this type of design may have a single glide at each post, each panel-to-post connection has at least two vertical structural members. Since only a single vertical member is needed to provide support and height adjustment, this type of system has redundant structure. In addition, the rectangular partition panel members are manufactured and shipped as a unit, limiting the size of the partition panel members that can be used.
Other office divider systems, like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,760, utilize vertical posts and horizontal beams wherein each post attaches to an adjacent post along adjacent vertical edges. Since each post is attached directly to an adjacent post, this configuration also has redundant vertical structural members and glides.
Other office panel dividers, like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,287,666 and 5,219,406, have multiple posts and beams with connector members that hold a pair of beams to adjacent posts. This arrangement has two horizontal beams in a side-by-side relationship at each height location, and also has two vertical posts attached directly together in either a back-to-back or side-by-side relationship. Thus, there is redundancy in both the post and the beam structures. In addition, connector pieces are required to attach the beams to the posts.
Special bracket arrangements have been developed to connect partition panel systems to existing architectural walls and are commonly referred to as “wall starts.” Available wall start brackets position the side edge of the partition panel some distance away from the architectural wall and may require specially fabricated and/or fitted cover panels and trim adjacent the architectural wall. Because the wall start bracket adds width that is not a multiple of a standard panel width, the resulting partition panel has an overall length that is non-standard. Consequently, the partition panel that is connected to the architectural wall and adjoining panels may be misaligned relative to the other partition panels in the system, making it difficult to integrate the non-standard panels with the other panels in the system to provide the desired workspace dimensions. Accordingly, there is a need for a wall start for a partition panel that provides a standard panel width, and also permits quick and easy connection to various types of existing dividers and walls, without requiring custom-fit cover panels and trim.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a wall start panel for knock-down portable partition systems of the type having a plurality of panels, each having standard width posts interconnected by structural members in a spaced-apart relationship to define a standard panel width. The wall start panel includes at least one structural member and a standard width post having a unitary construction and including a connection port. The standard width post also has opposite side faces defining a standard post width therebetween. The wall start panel further includes a wall start post having a connection port and having opposite side faces defining a width therebetween substantially less than the standard post width. The structural member spans between and releasably interconnects the standard width and wall start posts in a spaced-apart relationship. The wall start panel has a substantially standard panel width, such that the wall start post can be secured to an existing wall without use of a trim piece to close off the wall start panel.
Another aspect of the present invention is a wall start panel for knock-down portable partition systems of the type having a plurality of standard width panels with standard width cover panels mounted thereon. The wall start panel includes a wall start frame defining a first side edge shaped for connection to an existing wall and an opposite side edge. A standard width cover panel is secured to the wall start frame and covers at least a portion of the same. The cover panel defines a side edge extending vertically adjacent the existing wall, such that a trim piece is not required along the side edge. The wall start frame includes a standard width post having upper and lower ends and having opposite side faces defining a standard post width therebetween. The standard width post also has at least two beam connection ports. The wall start frame further includes a wall start post configured to be secured to an existing wall and having at least two beam connection ports. Upper and lower beams extend generally horizontally between the standard width and wall start posts and releasably interconnect the posts adjacent the connection ports. The wall start post has opposite side faces defining a width therebetween substantially less than the standard post width, such that the wall start panel has a substantially standard width when secured to an existing wall.
Another aspect of the present invention is a wall start post for knock-down portable partition systems of the type having a plurality of standard width panels including a wall start panel of the type having a sta
Brickley Fredrick M.
Elsholz Michael D.
Hand Richard S.
Jeffers Robert E.
Mead Karl J.
Callo Laura A.
Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt & Litton
Steelcase Development Inc.
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