Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – With adjunctive means for assembly or disassembly – Removable prop or brace combined with structure component
Patent
1997-12-31
1999-06-22
Friedman, Carl D.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
With adjunctive means for assembly or disassembly
Removable prop or brace combined with structure component
5212711, 52239, 526511, 527491, 2483541, E04G 122, E04G 2504
Patent
active
059137835
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an extendible and contractible column or pole arrangement specifically for use in office environments and the like, which column can be telescopically extended to permit secure clamping engagement between a floor and a ceiling, with the column permitting numerous other related accessories or functions to be disposed for cooperation therewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many office environments utilize drop ceilings, and small power poles or columns often project downwardly from the drop ceiling to permit power or telecommunication cables to be fed downwardly therealong into work areas disposed adjacent the floor. However, these power poles or columns typically have the upper ends disposed for cooperation with the drop ceiling, and thus the power pole itself has little structural integrity or strength, and the work stations or areas are typically defined by other structural elements such as panels and the like.
With the more recent trend toward the utilization of more open work stations and working regions, and less reliance on panels, there is a need to be able to provide structural support for various components which are used in the working area, including various types of panels and other upright furniture components. There is also a need to permit, under some circumstances, the downward feeding of cables from the ceiling.
This invention relates to an extendible and contractible support pole or column which is intended to be readily positionable and relocatable so as to be clampingly engaged with and extend vertically between the floor and a ceiling, with the upper portion of the pole assembly having a releasable clamping structure which is normally disposed above the drop ceiling and permits the pole assembly to be readily extended and disposed in snug clamping engagement at upper and lower ends thereof with the respective fixed ceiling and floor. The column assembly is provided with structural flanges extending longitudinally therealong to permit other components such as clamps or brackets to be attached thereto so as to permit other office accessories to be mounted in association therewith.
Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons familiar with structures of this type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view illustrating the extendible pole assembly of this invention extending between and clampingly engaged with a floor and a fixed ceiling.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pole assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view illustrating the clamping structure associated with the pole assembly.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view illustrating the telescopic relationship between the upper and lower pole members.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the bottom upright or pole.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the bottom upright and illustrating the mounting of various clips or covers thereon.
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a cover which mounts on the upright pole.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken in part along line 8--8 in FIG. 7 and illustrating the manner in which two covers vertically align and partially overlap.
FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of one type of pole-engaging clip.
Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words "upwardly", "downwardly", "rightwardly" and "leftwardly" will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "upper" and "upwardly" will refer to a direction toward the ceiling, and the word "down" or "downwardly" will refer to a direction toward the floor. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the assembly and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of
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Andersen Barry Lee
Weener Robert C.
Friedman Carl D.
Haworth Inc.
Yip Winnie S.
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