U.S. patent application number 09/790362 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for bracket assembly for partition panels.
Invention is credited to Ben-Ur, Ela, DeRuntz, Otto D., Gravel, Donald P., Judson, Jared A..
Application Number | 20020112411 09/790362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25150457 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112411 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gravel, Donald P. ; et
al. |
August 22, 2002 |
Bracket assembly for partition panels
Abstract
A furniture system including a substantially planar partition
panel, a furniture unit and a bracket assembly. The substantially
planar partition panel extends in vertical and horizontal
directions and has a framework. The framework has at least first
and second attachment sites, with the first and second attachment
sites being spaced apart. The bracket assembly includes a first
member and a second member. The first member is detachably secured
to the framework at the first attachment site and has a portion
freely extending therefrom relative to the framework. The second
member is detachably secured to the framework at the second
attachment site and has a portion freely extending therefrom
relative to the framework. The freely extending portion of the
first member includes a load transferring body and a mounting
feature supportingly secured to the furniture unit at a position
vertically spaced from the first attachment site whereby a vertical
support load imparted by the furniture unit is transferred by the
first member to the framework through the load transferring body.
The freely extending portion of the second member also has a
bearing surface engageable with the first member and configured to
resist horizontal displacement of the first member.
Inventors: |
Gravel, Donald P.; (Toronto,
CA) ; Judson, Jared A.; (New York City, NY) ;
Ben-Ur, Ela; (Somerville, MA) ; DeRuntz, Otto D.;
(Dunstable, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON
695 KENMOOR, S.E.
P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
25150457 |
Appl. No.: |
09/790362 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/36.1 ;
52/36.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/7422 20130101;
E04B 2002/7483 20130101; E04B 2002/7487 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/36.1 ;
52/36.5 |
International
Class: |
A47F 010/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A bracket assembly for attaching a furniture unit to a
structural framework, said bracket assembly comprising: a first
member having a longitudinally and freely extending load
transferring body with a first attachment feature securable to the
structural framework at a first attachment location on the
structural framework, said first member including a mounting
feature supportingly securable to the furniture unit whereby a
vertical support load imparted by the furniture unit is
transferable in the longitudinal direction to the structural
framework by said first member; and a second member having a second
attachment feature securable to the structural framework at a
second attachment location spaced from said first attachment
location, said second member freely extending from said second
attachment location and having at least one bearing surface
engageable with said first member, said bearing surface oriented to
resist movement of said first member in a direction which is in
part transverse to said longitudinal direction.
2. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein said bearing surface of
said second member at least partially defines a slot in said second
member and said mounting feature of said first bracket extends
through said slot.
3. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second
attachment locations are vertically aligned and said first
attachment location is positioned below said second attachment
location.
4. The bracket assembly of claim 3, wherein said load transferring
body of said first member includes a C-shaped channel section and
said second member includes a C-shaped channel section which is
overlappingly engageable with said load transferring body.
5. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second
attachment features comprise a plurality of tabs selectively
engageable with rows of horizontal slots.
6. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein substantially all of
the vertical support load imparted by the furniture unit to the
framework is transferred by said first member.
7. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein said bearing surface is
non-securably engageable with said first member.
8. The bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein said second member
includes a flexible lock member for securely engaging said second
member with the structural framework.
9. A furniture system comprising: a substantially planar partition
panel extending in vertical and horizontal directions and having a
framework, said framework having at least first and second
attachment sites, said first and second attachment sites being
spaced apart; a furniture unit; and a bracket assembly including a
first member and a second member; said first member being
detachably secured to said framework at said first attachment site
and having a portion freely extending therefrom relative to said
framework, said second member being detachably secured to said
framework at said second attachment site and having a portion
freely extending therefrom relative to said framework; said freely
extending portion of said first member including a load
transferring body and a mounting feature supportingly secured to
said furniture unit at a position vertically spaced from said first
attachment site whereby a vertical support load imparted by said
furniture unit is transferred by said first member to said
framework through said load transferring body; said freely
extending portion of said second member having a bearing surface
engageable with said first member and configured to resist
horizontal displacement of said first member.
10. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein said bearing surface
of said second member at least partially defines a slot in said
second member and said mounting feature of said first bracket
extends through said slot.
11. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein said first and second
attachment sites are vertically aligned and said first attachment
site is positioned below said second attachment site.
12. The furniture system of claim 11, wherein said load
transferring body of said first member includes a C-shaped channel
section and said second member includes a C-shaped channel section
which is overlappingly engageable with said load transferring
body.
13. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein said framework
comprises at least two rows of vertically spaced horizontal slots
defining said first and second attachment sites and said first and
second members each further comprise a plurality of tabs
selectively engageable with said horizontal slots.
14. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein substantially all of
the vertical support load imparted by the furniture unit to the
framework is transferred by said first member.
15. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein said bearing surface
is non-securably engagable with said first member.
16. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein said furniture unit
comprises an overhead storage bin and said framework comprises at
least two horizontal structural members, each of said horizontal
structural members including a row of horizontal slots.
17. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein said second member
includes a flexible lock member for securely engaging said second
member with the structural framework.
18. A method of assembling a furniture system comprising: providing
a substantially planar partition panel extending in vertical and
horizontal directions and having a framework, said framework having
at least first and second spaced apart attachment sites; providing
a bracket assembly including a first member and a second member;
engaging a bearing surface of said second member with said first
member, said bearing surface configured to resist horizontal
displacement of said first member; detachably securing said first
member to said framework at said first attachment site such that a
portion of said first member freely extends relative to said
framework, said portion of said first member including a load
transferring body; detachably securing said second member to said
framework at said second attachment site such that a portion said
second member freely extends relative to said framework;
supportingly securing a furniture unit on a mounting feature of
said freely extending portion of said first member at a position
vertically spaced from said first attachment site; and transferring
a vertical support load imparted by said furniture unit from said
first member to said framework through said load transferring
body.
19. The method of assembling a furniture system of claim 18,
further including extending said mounting feature of said first
bracket through a slot in said bearing surface of said second
member.
20. The method of assembling a furniture system of claim 18,
further including overlappingly engaging a C-shaped channel section
of said load transferring body of said first member with and a
C-shaped channel section of said second member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to bracket assemblies, and in
particular to a bracket assembly for partition panels.
[0002] In new building constructions, partition systems are ordered
so that, when interconnected and assembled, they divide the
building space into a predetermined arrangement of offices, work
areas, and other specialized areas. However, as businesses continue
to evolve and the office area undergoes rearrangement, the
partition systems are often not as flexible as desired, such that
the existing components of the partition systems limit the
rearrangement unless new components are ordered. Such new
components are expensive, delay the rearrangement, and often are
not even available, such as when particular upholstery for covering
the component has been discontinued. Sometimes the components
include removable covers used to cover partition frames of the
partition system. One advantage of removable covers is that, when a
corner of one is damaged, it can be interchanged with another
removable cover that is in a less visible location. However, unless
all of the partition frames are the same size, the removable covers
must be interchanged only with other removable covers that are the
same size. In addition to the above, architects and office
designers are constantly looking for novel constructions that
provide novel and distinctive appearance, but that are flexible
enough to accommodate both modernistic and more conservative
appearance. Furniture units are sometimes added to the partition
frames for personalizing individual work spaces in the partition
system. The furniture units have included bins, shelves,
worksurfaces or any other unit that could be attached to a
partition frame. Brackets have typically extended through the
covers or have been attached to the panels about the periphery of
the covers for connecting the furniture unit to the panels. These
brackets have been of a one-piece construction wherein the
vertically directed loads applied to the brackets have been
transferred through the brackets to be shared by the beams to which
the brackets are connected. The load distribution between the beams
is variable, dependent on the design and tolerances of the beams
and the brackets. However, the one-piece construction of the
brackets does not provide for easy adaptability to tolerances of
the covers or the furniture units unless the space between the
frame and the portion of the brackets connected to the furniture
unit is large. These large gaps between the frame and the brackets
can be aesthetically displeasing.
[0003] Accordingly, an apparatus solving the aforementioned
disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a
furniture system including a substantially planar partition panel,
a furniture unit and a bracket assembly. The substantially planar
partition panel extends in vertical and horizontal directions and
has a framework. The framework has at least first and second
attachment sites, with the first and second attachment sites being
spaced apart. The bracket assembly includes a first member and a
second member. The first member is detachably secured to the
framework at the first attachment site and has a portion freely
extending therefrom relative to the framework. The second member is
detachably secured to the framework at the second attachment site
and has a portion freely extending therefrom relative to the
framework. The freely extending portion of the first member
includes a load transferring body and a mounting feature
supportingly secured to the furniture unit at a position vertically
spaced from the first attachment site whereby a vertical support
load imparted by the furniture unit is transferred by the first
member to the framework through the load transferring body. The
freely extending portion of the second member also has a bearing
surface engageable with the first member and configured to resist
horizontal displacement of the first member.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
bracket assembly for attaching a furniture unit to a structural
framework. The bracket assembly includes a first member and a
second member. The first member has a longitudinally and freely
extending load transferring body with a first attachment feature
securable to the structural framework at a first attachment
location on the structural framework. The first member further
includes a mounting feature supportingly securable to the furniture
unit whereby a vertical support load imparted by the furniture unit
is transferrable in the longitudinal direction to the structural
framework by the first member. The second member has a second
attachment feature securable to the structural framework at a
second attachment location spaced from the first attachment
location. The second member freely extends from the second
attachment location and has at least one bearing surface engageable
with the first member. The bearing surface is oriented to resist
movement of the first member in a direction which is in part
transverse to the longitudinal direction.
[0006] The principal objects of the present invention include
providing a bracket assembly for attaching a furniture unit to a
structural framework. The bracket assembly can be easily and
quickly assembled. The bracket assembly provides simple
construction and assembly without tools. The bracket assembly
allows a top beam of the framework to be substantially free of
vertical loading. The bracket assembly further provides that
substantially all of the vertical loads on the bracket assembly are
transmitted to a central beam of the framework. The brackets
assembly also allows for small gaps between the bracket assembly
and the frame because the brackets assembly can be adjusted for
adapting to tolerances of cover members positioned adjacent the
bracket and for other elements of the furniture system. The bracket
assembly is efficient in use, economical to manufacture, capable of
a long operable life, and particularly adapted for the proposed
use.
[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture system embodying
the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a framework, a second member
of a left-hand bracket assembly and a first member of a right-hand
bracket assembly of the furniture system of the present invention
with cover panels and a furniture unit removed from the furniture
system.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a left-hand bracket assembly
of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of the left-hand bracket
assembly of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of the left-hand bracket
assembly of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of a right-hand bracket
assembly of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a rear isometric view of the right-hand bracket
assembly of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of the furniture system of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary rear isometric view of a second
member of the left-hand assembly bracket of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as orientated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0018] The reference number 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a
furniture system embodying the present invention. The furniture
system 10 includes a substantially planar partition panel 12, a
furniture unit 14 and at least one bracket assembly 16. The
substantially planar partition panel 12 extends in vertical and
horizontal directions and has a framework 18 (FIG. 2). The
framework 18 has at least first 20 and second 22 attachment sites,
with the first 20 and second attachment 22 sites being spaced
apart. Each bracket assembly 16 (FIG. 3) includes a first member 24
and a second member 26. The first member 24 is detachably secured
to the framework 18 at the first attachment site 20 and has a
portion 28 freely extending therefrom relative to the framework 18
(as shown in FIG. 2 without the second member 26 of the bracket
assembly 16). The second member 26 is detachably secured to the
framework 18 at the second attachment site 22 and has a portion 30
freely extending therefrom relative to the framework 18 (as shown
in FIG. 2 without the first member 24 of the bracket assembly 16).
The freely extending portion 28 of the first member 24 includes a
load transferring body 32 and a mounting feature 34 supportingly
secured to the furniture unit 14 at a position vertically spaced
from the first attachment site 20 whereby a vertical support load
imparted by the furniture unit 14 is transferred by the first
member 24 to the framework 18 through the load transferring body
32. The freely extending portion 30 of the second member 26 also
has a bearing surface 36 engageable with the first member 24 and
configured to resist horizontal displacement of the first member
24.
[0019] The illustrated framework 18 (FIG. 2) includes a pair of
opposite side frame members 38, a top frame cross-member 40, a
bottom frame cross-member 42 and a pair of central frame
cross-members 44. Each of the pair of opposite side frame members
38 has a substantially U-shaped cross section, wherein the open
sides of the side frame members 38 face each other. Opposite ends
of the top frame cross-member 40, the bottom frame cross-member 42
and the middle frame cross-members 44 are located within the open
sides of both of the side frame members 44. The top frame
cross-member 40 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and
includes the second attachment site 22. The illustrated second
attachment site 22 comprises a row of horizontal slots located
along the top of a front face 48 of the top frame cross-member 40.
Each of the central frame cross-members 44 includes a pair of
rectangular rails 50 arranged vertically. The top rail 50 of each
of the central frame cross-members 44 includes the first attachment
site 20. The illustrated first attachment site 20 also comprises a
row of horizontal slots. Likewise, the bottom rail 50 of each of
the central frame cross-members 44 includes another second
attachment site 22 comprising a row of horizontal slots. Therefore,
the second member 26 is detachably secured to the framework 18 at
the second attachment site 22 of the top frame cross-member 40 or
one of the central frame cross-members 44. Furthermore, the first
member 24 is detachably secured to the framework 18 at the first
attachment site 20 of one of the central frame cross-members 44.
Consequently, the furniture unit 14 can be located between the top
frame cross-member 40 and one of the central frame cross-members 44
or between the two central frame cross-members 44. The front face
of each of the top frame cross-member 40 and the central frame
cross-members 44 includes apertures 50. Cover panels 52 (see FIG.
1) are connected to the framework 18 by inserting attachment
members (not shown) into the apertures 50. Furthermore, as seen in
FIG. 1, trim strips 54 are placed in between faces of the side
frame members 38 and over the bottom frame cross-member 42.
[0020] The illustrated furniture unit 14 (FIG. 1) comprises an
overhead storage bin for holding papers, books and other goods.
Although the furniture unit 14 is shown as being a substantially
rectangular open faced bin, the furniture unit 14 could also have a
lift-up lockable door. The furniture unit 14 could also be a
partition, a shelving unit or any other furniture unit that could
be connected to the substantially planar partition panel 12.
[0021] In the illustrated example, the bracket assembly 16 (FIGS.
2-5) comprises the first member 24 detachably secured to the
framework 18 at the first attachment site 20 and the second member
26 detachably secured to the framework 18 at the second attachment
site 22. Although each of the bracket assemblies 16 includes the
first member 24 and the second member 26, the first member 24 and
the second member 26 are each shown individually attached to the
framework 18 in FIG. 2. The second member 26 includes the portion
30 freely extending from the framework 18. The illustrated portion
30 includes a substantially vertical portion 56 and a substantially
horizontal portion 58. The vertical portion 56 has a C-shaped
channel cross-section and includes the bearing surface 36. The
bearing surface 36 includes a pair of elongated vertically aligned
slots 60. The horizontal portion 58 is a plate connected to the top
edge of the vertical portion 56. The horizontal portion 58 includes
a pair of horizontally extending L-shaped tabs 62 configured to be
inserted into a pair of adjacent horizontal slots of the second
attachment site 22 to attach the second member 26 to the framework
18. The first member 24 includes the portion 28 freely extending
from the framework 18. The illustrated portion 28 includes a
substantially vertical portion 64 and a substantially horizontal
portion 66. The vertical portion 64 has a C-shaped channel
cross-section and includes the load transferring body 32 and the
mounting feature 34 adapted to be supportingly secured to the
furniture unit 14. The horizontal portion 66 of the first member 24
includes a pair of horizontally extending L-shaped tabs 63
configured to be inserted into a pair of adjacent horizontal slots
of the first attachment site 20 to attach the first member 24 to
the framework 18. The illustrated mounting feature 34 comprises a
pair of vertically aligned, upwardly extending hooks 68. The hooks
68 each have a planar cross-section and are configured to be
inserted into the pair of elongated vertically aligned slots 60 of
the bearing surface 36 of the second member 26. Although two hooks
68 are shown as the mounting feature 34, it is contemplated that
only one hook or any other mounting features 34 could be used. The
furniture unit 14 is connected to the hooks 68 by inserting the
hooks 68 into slots in the rear of the furniture unit 14 and by
moving the furniture unit 14 downward. The furniture unit 14 is
therefore supported by the hooks 68 by gravity. Each of the hooks
68 also include holes 70 for insertion of fasteners. The furniture
unit 14 can therefore be securely connected to the first member 24
by inserting fasteners through the furniture unit 14 and into the
holes 70 of the hooks 68.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment, the furniture system 10
includes a left hand bracket assembly 16 (FIGS. 3-5) for attachment
to the left side of the furniture unit 14 and a right hand bracket
assembly 16a (FIGS. 6 and 7) for attachment to the right side of
the furniture unit 14. The right hand bracket assembly 16a is a
mirror image and includes all of the elements of the left hand
bracket assembly 16. Preferably, the hooks 68 of the left hand
bracket assembly 16a extend adjacent the left side of the left hand
bracket assembly 16 and the hooks 68 of the right hand bracket
assembly 16a extend adjacent the right side of the right hand
bracket assembly 16a.
[0023] The illustrated furniture unit 14 is connected to the panel
12 by preferably attaching the cover panels 52 to the framework 18.
However, the cover panels 52 do not have to be attached to the
framework 18 in order to connect the furniture unit 14 to the panel
12. As seen in FIG. 8, the second attachment location 22 is located
above the cover panels 52. Furthermore, the first attachment
location 20 is located below the cover panels 52. Thereafter, the
bracket assembly 16 is assembled by extending the mounting feature
34 of the first member 24 of the bracket assembly 16 through the
slots 60 in the second member 26. Therefore, the C-shaped channel
section of load transferring body 32 of the first member 24 is
overlappingly engaged with the C-shaped channel section of the
second member 26. Furthermore, the bearing surface 36 of the second
member 26 is non-securably engaged with the first member 24. The
tabs 62 of the second member 26 and the tabs 63 of the first member
24 of the bracket assembly 16 are then inserted into vertically
aligned pairs of slots of the second attachment location 22 and the
first attachment location 20, respectively. The first member 24 and
the second member 26 are then slid laterally until a portion of the
tabs 62 and 63 are located behind a portion of the framework 18
(e.g., FIG. 8). The horizontal portion 58 of the second member 26
is therefore located above a top edge of the cover panel 52 and the
vertical portion 64 of the first member 24 is located directly
adjacent an outer face of the cover panel 52 (see FIG. 7). The
furniture unit 14 is connected to the bracket assembly 16 by
inserting the hooks 68 into slots in the rear of the furniture unit
14 and moving the furniture unit 14 downward.
[0024] Once the furniture unit 14 is connected to the bracket
assembly 16, a vertical support load imparted by the furniture unit
14 is transferable in the vertical direction by the support feature
34 and the load transferring body 32 of the first member 24 to the
framework 18. Furthermore, the bearing surface 36 of the second
member 26 is oriented to resist movement of the first member 24 in
a direction that is in part transverse to the vertical direction.
Therefore, the second member 26 and the top frame cross-member 40
of the framework 18 are substantially free of vertical loads.
Consequently, the gap between the cover panel 52 and the framework
18 can be kept to a minimum.
[0025] In the preferred embodiment, the illustrated bracket
assembly 16 also includes a flexible lock member 72 (FIG. 9) for
securely attaching the bracket assembly 16 to the framework 18. The
lock member 72 includes a bent vertical section 73 connected to an
inside face 74 of the vertical portion 56 of the second member 26
and a horizontal section 76 located adjacent the horizontal portion
58 of the second member 26. The horizontal section 76 of the lock
member 72 includes a strip 78 that extends behind one of the tabs
62 of the horizontal portion 58 of the second member 26. The first
member 24 of the bracket assembly 16 includes a U-shaped slot 79
(see FIG. 3) in the top edge of the vertical portion 64 of the
first member 24 for accepting the lock member 72 when the C-shaped
channel section of load transferring body 32 of the first member 24
is overlappingly engaged with the C-shaped channel section of the
second member 26. As seen in FIG. 8, the horizontal portion 58 of
the second member 26 of the bracket assembly 16 includes a
centrally located hole 80 and a groove 82 located behind one of the
tabs 62. The groove 82 is configured to accept the strip 78 of the
lock member 72 and the hole 80 assists in unlocking the lock member
72. The lock member 72 securely attaches the bracket assembly 16 to
the framework 18 by moving the horizontal section 76 of the lock
member 72 towards the vertical portion 56 of the second member 26
before the tabs 62 of the second lock member 26 are inserted into
the pair of slots of the second attachment site 22. After the
bracket assembly 16 is slid laterally until a portion of the tabs
62 are located behind a portion of the framework 18, the lock
member 72 is released and the strip 78 will flex into one of the
slots of the second attachment site 22 to occupy the remaining
space in the slot. The tab 62 adjacent the strip 78 therefore will
not be able to slide out of the slot, thereby locking the tab 62 in
the slot and locking the bracket assembly 16 to the framework 18.
The strip 78 is removed from the slot by inserting an item through
the hole 80 in the horizontal portion 58 of the second member 26 of
the bracket assembly 16 and into an aperture 84 in the horizontal
section 76 of the lock member 72. The horizontal section 76 of the
lock member 72 is then pulled towards the vertical portion 56 of
the second member 26 until the strip 78 is no longer in the slot,
thereby allowing the tab 62 to slide out of the slot.
[0026] In the forgoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *