Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-13
2001-07-03
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Partition secured to and crossed by preconstructed barrier
C052S220700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253509
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to workspace partition systems such as might be used in an office building to provide individual work stations. In principle, however, the invention could find application in any partition system for space within a building.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Partition systems for office buildings typically comprise groupings of inter-connected wall panels arranged to define individual work areas. The wall panels may extend from floor to ceiling, in which case the partition system usually has a fixed overall configuration. Cables for providing power and data communications connections can then be routed through the wall panels themselves to appropriate locations within the workspace. Typically, cabling is run overhead and then brought down through the wall panels to work height. Where the wall panels are less than full height, cabling can be run through a column or pole that extends upwardly from the partition system to the ceiling.
Electrical codes require that certain precautions be taken to protect cables within a partition system. Appropriate protection can be achieved relatively easily where the system is substantially fixed. However, flexibility often is required. For example, in some office environments there may be a need to reconfigure a partition system at relatively frequent intervals and/or to change the locations at which power and communications services can be accessed within the system. Electrical receptacles and data jacks may be required at desk height at some locations within the partition system, and at floor height at other locations within the system, and these requirements may change over time.
An object of the present invention is to provide a workspace partition system and a wall panel for use in such a system, in which power and/or data access points can readily be relocated on site, while at the same time providing appropriate protection for the cabling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a wall panel for a workspace partition system in which the panel includes a rectangular structural frame and a plurality of cladding elements removably secured to the frame. The frame is made up of a pair of spaced parallel uprights and at least two transverse frame members that extend in spaced parallel positions between the uprights generally at right angles thereto. The panel includes a cable raceway that extends between the uprights of the frame and that is defined at the top or bottom side by one of the transverse frame members and at the other side by a raceway element. The raceway element is made up of a frame member that extends parallel to the structural frame member between the uprights, and spacer means extending from the raceway frame member and co-operating with the structural frame member to position the members in spaced parallel positions. Raceway cover plates are coupled to the frame members to define with those members a substantially closed cable raceway extending transversely through the panel. The raceway element is removably coupled at its ends to the uprights so that the element can be repositioned on site in co-operating relationship with another transverse structural frame member of the panel, for relocating the raceway. At least the uprights of the frame include openings for permitting cables to enter and leave the raceway irrespective of the location of the raceway within the panel.
The raceway is not intended as a structural part of the panel in the sense that the panel has sufficient structural strength to be functional even without the raceway in place, though the raceway may add strength. Once the panel has been installed in a partition system, the location of the raceway can easily be changed by removing the raceway element and simply repositioning it in co-operation with a different transverse member of the structural frame. Different configurations of cladding panels will of course be required. Whatever its location, the raceway comprises a substantially closed conduit for cabling extending transversely through the panel. The cabling is protected top and bottom by the frame members and back and front by the cover plates.
Typically, the structural frame of the panel is a metal fabrication comprising primarily channel-shaped members spot welded or secured together by screws. The raceway element can be a channel-shaped member with two or more short channels projecting outwardly from the base to serve as the spacer means referred to previously. Preferably, the transverse frame member which co-operates with the raceway frame member is also channel-shaped and is positioned so that the bases of the channels of the two members face one another. The sides of the channels can then be used as attachment faces for the cover plates. The short channels defining the spacer means can align with openings in the base of the raceway frame member so that the short channels can serve as “chimneys” through which some of the cables can be routed. For example, data communication cables can be routed through the “chimneys” so that they will be maintained separate from and screened from the power cables.
When the top member of the structural frame is a channel, it preferably is positioned so that the channel is open to the top of the panel. Not only is the base of the channel then positioned appropriately to co-operate with the raceway element if required, but the channel itself can serve as a trough into which some of the cabling can be laid for routing of the cabling through the partition system. For example, in a particular grouping of wall panels, data communications cables may be routed into the trough formed by the frame member at the top of one of the panels at an entry point, laid along the trough of that panel and then into the corresponding troughs of other panels. Where a communications jack is required in a particular panel, one of the cables can be routed downwardly through an opening in the base of the channel of the top frame member, to the raceway. Electrical cabling can then travel separately through the panel and is kept away from the data cables.
In the minimum case, the structural frame of the panel has two transverse frame members, one at the top and one at the bottom. The raceway element can then be used in conjunction with either of those two members. Additional transverse frame members can be provided at one or more intermediate locations depending on the height of the panel and its intended application. For example, power and data connections typically are required at floor height or at desk height. In a relatively tall panel, the raceway element will be used in conjunction with the bottom transverse frame member to provide power and data connections at floor level, or in conjunction with an appropriately positioned intermediate member where connections are required at desk height.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5038539 (1991-08-01), Kelley et al.
patent: 5065556 (1991-11-01), DeLong et al.
patent: 5069263 (1991-12-01), Edwards
patent: 5487246 (1996-01-01), Hodges et al.
patent: 5806258 (1998-09-01), Miedema et al.
patent: 6098358 (2000-08-01), Waalkes et al.
Gill John Francis
Hellwig John
Pearsons Errol Stafford
Verbeek Steven
Verhasselt Randy Joseph
Bereskin & Parr
Cuomo Peter M.
Teknion Furniture Systems Limited
Vu Stephen
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