U.S. patent application number 10/864194 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-06 for modular office panels.
Invention is credited to Wright, David.
Application Number | 20050000168 10/864194 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33555752 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050000168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wright, David |
January 6, 2005 |
Modular office panels
Abstract
Privacy screen core panels (38) are mounted to extrusions (50)
having two slots (52), each slot (52) having two sets of opposed
grooves (84, 86). The extrusions (50) are joined together by mating
V-shaped notches (56) and V-shaped ends (58) formed in the
extrusions (50), and extending tube plates (62) between the
extrusions (50). Core panels (458) are secured to tubes (28) formed
of the extrusions (50) by fitting mounting brackets (452) into the
slots (52), with two ears (472, 474) of the mounting bracket (452)
extending outward from the slot (52). The two ears (472, 474) have
apertures (476) for receiving a pin (454) which extends
transversely through the core panel (458). A threaded fastener
(460) extends through the extrusion (50) and the mounting bracket
(452), through an end of the core panel (458), and is secured
within a through-hole (486) in the pin (454).
Inventors: |
Wright, David; (Irving,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHAUZA & HANDLEY, L.L.P.
PO BOX 140036
IRVING
TX
75014
US
|
Family ID: |
33555752 |
Appl. No.: |
10/864194 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60484858 |
Jul 3, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/36.1 ;
52/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2002/7483 20130101;
E04B 2/82 20130101; E04B 2/7845 20130101; E04B 2/7427 20130101;
E04B 2002/7461 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/036.1 ;
052/027 |
International
Class: |
E04C 002/34 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for privacy panels, comprising: a core panel; a
tube formed from a length of an extrusion, said extrusion having
two slots formed to into said extrusion in opposite sides of said
extrusion, said two slots extending along said length of said
extrusion, each of said two slots having a slot wall disposed
opposite an open end of respective one of said two slots, wherein
said slot walls extend substantially said length of said extrusion;
a tube plate extending into said extrusion between walls of said
two slots, and said tube plate extending in supportive engagement
with a plurality of contact portions of said length of said
extrusion; and wherein said core panel is received within said one
of said two slots, and said tube plate retains said core panel in
said one of said two slots of said extrusion.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said slots walls
each have at least two support ribs which extend both substantially
for said length of said extrusion and from respective ones of said
sidewalls toward a central portion of said extrusion.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein support ribs define
at least part of said plurality of contact portions of said length
of said extrusion.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said extrusion
further comprises two protrusions which extend inward from opposite
sides of outer side walls of said extrusion, respectively, in
respective directions which are perpendicular to said first and
second directions in which said two slots extend into said
extrusion, said two protrusions inwardly extending within said
extrusion.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: at least
one set of grooves formed into at least one of said slots, with
said grooves being disposed on opposite sides of said one of said
slots and said grooves extending transverse to a direction in which
said at least one of said slots extends from an outer portion of
said extrusion to an inner portion of said extrusion; a trim having
a base portion and two legs which outwardly extend from said base
portion for receiving an edge of said core panel therebetwen, said
base portion having lower edges on opposite sides of said base
portion which define mounting tabs for fitting within said grooves
and encloses said slot and said edges of said core panel.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said tube defines a
vertical tube and a second tube formed of said extrusion defines a
horizontal tube which is joined to said vertical tube, and the
apparatus further comprises: said vertical tube having a V-shaped
notch which extends into a central portion of said extrusion; said
horizontal tube having a V-shaped end which is formed for mating
flush with said V-shaped notch of said vertical tube: said tube
plate extending from said vertical tube into said horizontal tube,
and having opposite sides which engage slots walls of said
extrusion providing said horizontal tubes; a threaded fastener
securing said tube plate to a threaded member secured within said
horizontal tube; and wherein a second edge of said core panel
extends into a slot of said extrusion which is adjacent to said
core panel and said core panel is retained within said slot of said
extrusion at least in part by said tube plate securing said
horizontal tube to said vertical tube.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a pin
extending within said core panel, transverse to two sides of said
core panel, and having an aperture which extends transversely
through said pin; a mounting bracket fitting into one of said slots
of said extrusions, said mounting bracket having two ears which
extend outward from said extrusion on opposite sides of said core
panel, said two ears each having a respective one of pin apertures
for receiving said pin which extends transversely through said core
panel, and said mounting bracket having a web portion with a
fastener hole extending through said web portion; and a fastener
extending through said tube plate in said extrusion, through said
fastner hole in said mounting bracket and between the two ears, and
through said end of said core panel ain into said pin.
8. An apparatus for privacy panels, comprising: a core panel; a
tube formed from a length of an extrusion, said extrusion having
two slots formed to into said extrusion in a first direction and a
second direction, respectively, wherein said second direction is
opposite said first direction, and said two slots extending along
said length of said extrusion, with said two slots being disposed
on opposite sides of said extrusion and each having a slot wall
disposed opposite an open end of respective one of said two slots,
wherein said slot walls extend substantially said length of said
extrusion; inner grooves and outer grooves formed into respective
one of said slot walls, with two of said inner grooves being
disposed on opposite sides of each of said two slots and two of
said outer grooves being disposed on opposite sides of each of said
two slots, with said inner grooves and said outer grooves extending
transverse to said first and second directions into which said
slots extend into said extrusion and transverse to at least a
portion of said bottom wall, with said inner grooves disposed
inward within said two slots from said outer grooves; a tube plate
extending into said extrusion at least between said slot walls of
said two slots in said first and second directions, and extending
along a portion of said length of said extrusion; and wherein said
core panel is received within one of said two slots in one of said
first and second directions, and retained within said one of said
two slots by means of said tube plate.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said sidewalls of
said slots each have at least two support ribs which extend both
substantially for said length of said extrusion and from respective
ones of said sidewalls toward said central portion of said
extrusion.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said support ribs
contact said tube plate in supportive engagement.
11. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said extrusion
further comprises two protrusions which extend inward from opposite
sides of outer side walls of said extrusion, respectively, in
respective directions which are perpendicular to said first and
second directions in which said two slots extend into said
extrusion.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said protrusions
have interior ends which define a central portion of said
extrusion, said interior ends of said protrusions, said protrusions
being generally T-shaped with said interior ends defining arcuately
shaped ends for said protrusions, wherein said central portion of
said extrusion is substantially tubular with open sides.
13. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: an
inner trim having a base portion and two legs which outwardly
extend from said base portion for receiving an edge of said core
panel therebetween, said base portion having lower edges on
opposite sides of said base portion which define mounting tabs for
fitting within said inner grooves; two outer trim members disposed
on opposite sides of said inner trim member within a respective one
of said slots within which said inner trim member is disposed, each
trim member having a main body and a protuberance which extends
from an outward side of said main body to define a longitudinally
extending mounting tab, said protuberance having a substantially
rounded-shaped profile which defines a bulbous body for fitting
within an outer groove of the slots to retain said outer trim
between a sidewall of said respective slot and said inner trim, and
said main body extending outward of said slot and against a side of
a core panel disposed within said inner trim; and wherein said
inner and outer trim enclosing said slot and said edge of said core
panel.
14. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said length of said
extrusion is perpendicular to said first direction and said second
direction.
15. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said tube defines a
vertical tube and a second tube formed of said extrusion defines a
horizontal tube which is joined to said vertical tube, and the
apparatus further comprises: said vertical tubes having V-shaped
notches which extend into a central portion of said extrusion; said
horizontal tubes having V-shaped ends which are formed for mating
flush with said V-shaped notches of said vertical tubes: said tube
plate extending from said vertical tubes into said horizontal
tubes, and having opposite sides which engage slots walls of said
extrusion providing said horizontal tubes; a threaded fastener
securing said tube plate to a threaded member secured within said
horizontal tube; and wherein a second edge of said core panel
extends into a slot of said extrusion which is adjacent to said
core panel.
16. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a pin
extending within said core panel, transverse two sides of said core
panel, and having an aperture which extends transversely through
said pin; a mounting bracket fitting into one of said slots of said
extrusions, said mounting bracket having two ears which extend
outward from said extrusion on opposite sides of said core panel,
said two ears each having a respective one of pin apertures for
receiving said pin which extends transversely through said core
panel, and said mounting bracket having a web portion with a
fastener hole extending through said web portion; and a fastener
extending through said tube plate in said extrusion, through said
fastner hole in said mounting bracket and between the two ears, and
through said end of said core panel ain into said pin.
17. An apparatus for privacy panels, comprising: a core panel; a
tube formed from a length of an extrusion, said extrusion having
two slots formed to into said extrusion in a first direction and a
second direction, respectively, wherein said second direction is
opposite said first direction and said first and second directions
are perpendicular to said length of said extrusion, and said two
slots extending along said length of said extrusion, with said two
slots being disposed on opposite sides of said extrusion and each
having a slot wall disposed opposite an open end of respective ones
of said two slots, wherein said slot walls extend substantially
said length of said extrusion; said extrusion having two
protrusions which extend inward from opposite sides of outer side
walls of said extrusion, respectively, in respective directions
which are perpendicular to said first and second directions in
which said two slots extend into said extrusion, said two
protrusions inwardly extending within said extrusion, said
protrusions have interior ends which define a central portion of
said extrusion; and said extrusion further having two support ribs
which inwardly extend from said slot walls toward an interior of
said tube, said support ribs extending substantially for said
length of said extrusion; a tube plate extending into said
extrusion and disposed in supportive engagement with each of said
support ribs along a plurality of contact regions which extending
longitudinally along a portion of said length of said extrusion;
and wherein said core panel is received within one of said two
slots in one of said first and second directions, and retained
within said one of said two slots by means of said tube plate.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, comprising: inner grooves
and outer grooves formed into respective one of said slot walls,
with two of said inner grooves being disposed on opposite sides of
each of said two slots and two of said outer grooves being disposed
on opposite sides of each of said two slots, with said inner
grooves and said outer grooves extending transverse to said first
and second directions into which said slots extend into said
extrusion and transverse to at least a portion of said bottom wall,
with said inner grooves disposed inward within said two slots from
said outer grooves; an inner trim having a base portion and two
legs which outwardly extend from said base portion for receiving an
edge of said core panel there-between, said base portion having
lower edges on opposite sides of said base portion which define
mounting tabs for fitting within said inner grooves; two outer trim
members disposed on opposite sides of said inner trim member within
a respective one of said slots within which said inner trim member
is disposed, each trim member having a main body and a protuberance
which extends from an outward side of said main body to define a
longitudinally extending mounting tab, said protuberance having a
substantially rounded-shaped profile which defines a bulbous body
for fitting within an outer groove of the slots to retain said
outer trim between a sidewall of said respective slot and said
inner trim, and said main body extending outward of said slot and
against a side of a core panel disposed within said inner trim; and
wherein said inner and outer trim enclosing said slot and said edge
of said core panel.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said tube defines
a vertical tube and a second tube formed of said extrusion defines
a horizontal tube which is joined to said vertical tube, and the
apparatus further comprises: said vertical tubes having V-shaped
notches which extend into a central portion of said extrusion; said
horizontal tubes having V-shaped ends which are formed for mating
flush with said V-shaped notches of said vertical tubes: said tube
plate extending from said vertical tubes into said horizontal
tubes, and having opposite sides which engage slots walls of said
extrusion providing said horizontal tubes; a threaded fastener
securing said tube plate to a threaded member secured within said
horizontal tube, and wherein a second edge of said core panel
extends into a slot of said extrusion which is adjacent to said
core panel.
20. The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: a pin
extending within said core panel, transverse two sides of said core
panel, and having an aperture which extends transversely through
said pin; a mounting bracket fitting into one of said slots of said
extrusions, said mounting bracket having two ears which extend
outward from said extrusion on opposite sides of said core panel,
said two ears each having a respective one of pin apertures for
receiving said pin which extends transversely through said core
panel, and said mounting bracket having a web portion with a
fastener hole extending through said web portion; and a fastener
extending through said tube plate in said extrusion, through said
fastner hole in said mounting bracket and between the two ears, and
through said end of said core panel ain into said pin.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/484,858, filed Jul. 3, 2003,
entitled "Modular Office Panel Features," and invented by David
Wright.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to furniture, and
in particular to privacy screens and related accessories for
modular office furniture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Modular office furniture has been provided by rigid panels
which are connected together by vertical support members. The
vertical support members typically have mounting slots formed on
various sides for receiving mounting brackets which secure the
rigid panels to the vertical support members. The mounting slots
are typically visible from each side of the vertical support
members. Various accessories such as shelving and such are mounted
in the mounting slots formed into the vertical support members. The
mounting slots will face outward from the support members,
perpendicular to the plane of the rigid panels, for receiving
mounting tabs of the shelving and accessories. Any downward pull on
the accessories will pull directly against the portion of the
mounting tabs inserted into the mounting slots. The mounting slots
are typically formed into steel to provide sufficient strength for
mounting the accessories with mounting brackets having tabs
whichfit into the mounting slots. The mounting slots are typically
visible to a person facing the rigid panels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Modular office furniture is disclosed which includes privacy
screens provided by rigid panels. The rigid panels include core
panels mounted to a rigid frame formed from various support tubed
provided by vertical and horizontal tubes formed of aluminum
extrusions. The extrusions providing the vertical and horizontal
tubes have two slots formed into opposite, longitudinal sides of
the extrusions. The two slots preferably each have a substantially
rectangular shape defining a groove with a profile which includes
two sets of opposed grooves, extending on opposite sides of the
slot for the full length of the slots. Various mounting brackets
and hinges are supported in the grooves. The grooves also provide a
means for attaching accessories, and decorative trim such that the
slots are not visible. The horizontal and vertical support tubes
are secured together by forming a miter joint with a rigid tube
plate extending within the miter joint. The miter joint is provided
by forming V-shaped notches in the vertical tubes and V-shaped ends
on the horizontal tubes. The V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes
fit flush within the V-shaped notches of the vertical tubes. The
V-shaped notches are spaced apart along the length of the vertical
tubes for receiving the V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes. The
tube plates extend from the vertical tubes into the horizontal
tubes with a threaded fastener securing the tube plate to the
horizontal tubes to rigidly secure the vertical tubes to the
horizontal tubes. An inner trim is inserted into the slots, and has
mounting tabs which extend into the opposed inner grooves of the
slots. An outer trim fits in the slots between sidewalls of the
slots and the inner trim, with tabs which fit into the outer
grooves of the slots. Hinges are also mounted in the slots, with
mounting tabs that fit into the inner grooves.
[0005] The core panels are also secured to the vertical tubes by
means of a mounting assembly which includes a mounting bracket, a
core panel pin and a threaded fastener. A longitudinal aperture is
provided by a blind hole formed into an end the core panel,
preferably parallel to the plane of the main surfaces of the core
panel. A transverse aperture is formed to extend transversely
through the core panel, and preferably perpendicular to the plane
of the main surfaces of the core panels. The transverse aperture
intersects and extends transversely through the longitudinal
aperture. A core panel pin is disposed in the transverse slot, and
has a threaded, transverse through-hole which extends transverse to
a longitudinal axis of the core panel pin for aligning with the
longitudinal aperture. The core panel pin is preferably wider than
the core panel, such that opposite ends of the core panel pin
protrude outward on opposite sides of the core panel when the core
panel pin is disposed within the transverse aperture. The mounting
bracket is preferably U-shaped, having a web portion and two spaced
apart mounting ears which extend outward from the web portion in
parallel, at right angles to the web portion. Each of the two ears
has a pin aperture for receiving the portions of the core panel pin
which protrude outward from the core panel, and the web portion has
a bolt aperture for aligning with the longitudinal slot such that
the core panel pin is extending through the pin apertures in the
two ears. The web portion fits against a tube plate secured in the
extrusion providing the vertical tube, with the two ears extending
outward for receiving one of the core panels between the two ears.
The core panel pin extends through the core panel and the pin
apertures in the two ears of the mounting bracket, with the
threaded, transverse through-hole axially aligned with the
longitudinal aperture. A V-shaped notch is formed into the
extrusion providing the vertical tube, within which the mounting
bracket is received into the slot in the extrusion. An aperture is
formed for inserting the tube plate into the extrusion. A threaded
fastener is passed through a mounting hole in the tube plate,
through the bolt aperture in the web portion of the mounting
bracket, into the longitudinal aperture in the core panel, and is
secured within the threaded, transverse through-hole of the core
panel pin to secure the core panel pin within the core panel, to
the mounting bracket, and to the extrusion providing the vertical
tube.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in
which FIGS. 1 through 51 show various aspects for modular office
panels devices made according to the present invention, as set
forth below:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of modular
furniture shown having a screen assembly which includes three
panels;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one panel of the screen
assembly;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a partial, exploded view of a corner assembly of
the panel;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an extrusion
providing the vertical and the horizontal tubes for the panel;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the extrusion;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of one of the vertical tubes
of the extrusion, showing V-shaped notches spaced apart at three
places along the longitudinal length of the vertical tube;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the vertical tube;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a first side of the
vertical tube;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a partial view of the first side of the vertical
tube and shows an aperture formed into a slot into one side of the
vertical tube, the aperture aligned along the center of the
slot;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second side of the
vertical tube;
[0017] FIG. 11 shows a partial view of the second side of the
vertical tube showing the two mouning slots formed into the
vertical tube in parallel alignment;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of a horizontal
tube;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a top view of the horizontal tube;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the horizontal tube;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the horizontal tube, taken
along section line 15-15 of FIG. 12, and shows a miter nut being
installed into a hole formed within the horizontal tube;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the horizontal tube, taken
along section line 16-16 of FIG. 12, and shows the miter nut after
being installed in the hole within the horizontal tube;
[0023] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tube plate;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the tube plate;
[0025] FIG. 19 is an end view of the tube plate;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the miter nut;
[0027] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion showing
various trim pieces disposed within slots of the extrusion;
[0028] FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of a top trim;
[0029] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the top trim;
[0030] FIG. 24 is a side view of an inner trim for fitting with an
extrusion slot and receiving a core panel into the extrusion
slot;
[0031] FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of an inner sleeve for
fitting within the space between two legs of the inner trim;
[0032] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate inner trim
provided for thin core panels;
[0033] FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of an outer trim;
[0034] FIG. 28 is perspective view of an outer trim stop;
[0035] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a two panel hinge
member;
[0036] FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the two panel hinge
member;
[0037] FIG. 31 is an end view of the two panel hinge member;
[0038] FIG. 32 is an end view of a four panel hinge member;
[0039] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of hinge pin;
[0040] FIG. 34 is a sectional view of an extrusion to which are
mounted a cable clip and a four panel hinge member;
[0041] FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of a wall mount for
securing a panel to a building wall;
[0042] FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of the wall mount
mounted to a vertical tube;
[0043] FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along section line 37-37
of FIG. 36, which shows an extrusion tube having the wall mount, a
hinge and a tube plate securing the extrusion tube to a building
wall;
[0044] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a panel support foot;
[0045] FIG. 39 is an end elevation view of the panel support
foot;
[0046] FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of the panel support
foot;
[0047] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a lock plate for the
support foot;
[0048] FIG. 41 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the
support foot and an extrusion;
[0049] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a support foot lock
plate;
[0050] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a top cap button;
[0051] FIG. 44 is a side view of a top cap button;
[0052] FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a top and bottom of
a tube end cap;
[0053] FIG. 47 is perspective view of a cable management
assembly;
[0054] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a panel having cable
management assemblies for routing power and data lines;
[0055] FIG. 49 is a perspective view and FIG. 50 is a side view of
a cable clip of the cable management assembly;
[0056] FIG. 51 is a partial perspective view and FIG. 52 is an end
view of a cable tube of the cable management assembly;
[0057] FIG. 53 is a top view and FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a
cable tube end plate;
[0058] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a ceiling plate;
[0059] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clip-on accessory shelf
which is mounted to two vertical tubes of a panel;
[0060] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of and FIG. 58 is a side view
of a mounting bracket for securing the clip on accessory shelf to
panel tubes;
[0061] FIG. 59 is a view of a screen assembly having transactor
surfaces mounted to the top of panels of the screen assembly;
[0062] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a first transactor
surface;
[0063] FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a second transactor
surface;
[0064] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a screen assembly having
shaped core panels;
[0065] FIG. 63 is a partial side elevation view of the screen
assembly, showing a mounting assembly for securing the shaped core
panels to vertical extrusion tubes;
[0066] FIG. 64 is a partial, perspective view of the mounting
assembly secured to a core panel;
[0067] FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly,
a core panel and an extrusion;
[0068] FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of a core panel
showing a longitudinal aperture and a transverse aperture which
intersect within the core panel;
[0069] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a tube plate;
[0070] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket;
[0071] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a core panel pin;
[0072] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a cover cap;
[0073] FIG. 71 is a perspective view of shelf mounting bracket
being assembled to an extruded tube;
[0074] FIG. 72 is a sectional view of the shelf mounting bracket
and the extruded tube; and
[0075] FIG. 73 is a side view of a shelf clip for the shelf
mounting bracket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0076] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of modular
furniture 12 having privacy screens provided by panel 14, panel 16
and panel 18, which are secured together. The panel 8 has an upper
core panel 20 and a lower core panel 22. A table 24 is shown
disposed in front of the panels 14, 16, and 18 of the modular
furniture 12. An accessory shelf 26 is mounted to the panel 14. The
panels preferably each have rigid frames of support tubes provided
by opposed sets of vertical tubes 28 and horizontal tubes 30. The
uppermost ones of the horizontal tubes 30 have a top trim 32 which
extends longitudinally along the length of the horizontal tubes 30.
Hinges 34 are provided between each of the panels 14, 16, and 18.
Leveler feet 36 are secured in the lower ends of the horizontal
tubes 30. One of the cores 38 is formed with translucent material
such that objects may be seen behind the material, such as the
chair 40. The panels 14 and 18 have core panels which are
opaque.
[0077] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the panel 16 having two
vertical tubes 28 which are spaced apart and disposed on opposite
sides of the panel 16, and two horizontal tubes 30 which are spaced
apart and disposed opposite sides of the core 38. The vertical
tubes 28 are joined to the horizontal tubes 30 at V-shaped miter
joints having tube plates 62 disposed to extend interiorly within
adjacent portions of the vertical tubes 28 and horizontal tubes 30
at corners of the panel 16 to provide a rigid framework for the
panel 16. The top trim 32 is mounted to the upper most one of the
horizontal tubes 30. End caps 42 are provided in the upper ends of
the vertical tubes 28.
[0078] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a corner connection between
the vertical tube 28 and the horizontal tube 30, providing a miter
joint between the two extruded tubes 28 and 30. An end cap tube
button 44 provides a fastener for fitting in an end of the vertical
tube 28, and threadingly securing the end cap 42 to the top end of
tube 28. The vertical tube 28 and horizontal tube 30 are preferably
extruded aluminum tubes formed of the same extrusion 50, and will
thus have the same profiles. Slots 52 are defined by substantially
rectangular grooves formed to extend on opposite, longitudinally
extending edges of the extrusions 50, with the slots 52 being
symmetrically formed on opposite edges of the extrusions 28 and
extending the full length of the extrusions. Two hinge members 54
are secured in opposite ends of respective ones of the slots 52 for
pivotally securing adjacent panels 14, 16, and 18 together. An
aperture 60 provides a slot formed into the vertical tube 28 for
receiving a tube plate 62. The tube plate 62 is a T-shaped bracket
having three protruding ends which extend within the extruded tubes
28 and 30 in each of the three directions in which the tubes extend
from the miter joint providing the corner connection. The tube
plate 62 is stiff to provide rigidity to the miter joint between
the two extruded tubes 28 and 30, and preferably is formed of
aluminum. A bolt 64 extends outward of an end of the tube plate 62,
extending from within the V-shaped notch 56 for engaging a miter
nut 68 which is secured within an aperture 66 provided by a blind
hole in the horizontal tube 30. The aperture 66 extends
perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the horizontal support
tube 30. The miter nut 68 is secured to the end of the bolt 64 for
securing the horizontal support tube 30 to the vertical tube 28. A
hinge member 54 is secured to the outward end of the tube plate 62,
which secures the tube plate 62 from within the horizontal tube 28,
and which also secures the hinge member 54 at a vertical height of
the vertical tube 28. An inner trim 70 is disposed in the slot 52
for receiving a panel core.
[0079] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end portion of an
extrusion 50 used for providing the vertical tubes 28 and the
horizontal tubes 30, and FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the
extrusion 50. Extrusion 50 has an oval shape, and an interior
profile 72 with two oppositely disposed, interior protrusions 74.
The interior protrusions 74 are preferably of T-shaped cross
section, and have arcuately shaped ends which define a central
portion 76. The central portion 76 is substantially tubular with
open sides. The central portion 76 may be threaded at the upper and
lower ends of the extrusions 50 for threadingly securing a leveler
type mounting foot 36 or an end cap fastener 44. The substantially
tubular central portion 76 also provides a passage for the tube
plate 62 to extend through the extrusion for securing the V-shaped
formed end 58 of a horizontal tube 30 within the V-shaped notch 56
of a mating horizontal tube 28. The inwardly extended protrusions
74 are preferably disposed to extend from the longitudinally
extending sides of the extrusion 50, at a ninety degree angle
around a longitudinal axis 80 of the extrusion 50 from the edges in
which the slots 52 are formed. In some embodiments, the inward ends
76 of the two protrusions 74 may be formed to each engage the tube
plate 62 (see FIG. 2), the miter nut 68 (see FIG. 16), and the tube
plate 458 along at least two lineally extending lines parallel to
the length of the extrusion 50. Two sets of support ribs 78 extend
the full length of the extrusion 50, adjacent to the slots 52, and
inwardly extending into the interior profile 72. The two support
ribs 78 provide a plurality of contact surfaces in a structural,
supportive engagement with the tube plate 62 at four spaced apart,
longitudinally extending contact surfaces within the interior of
the extrusion 50.
[0080] The slots 52 each have a slot profile 82 defined by a groove
which is generally rectangular in shape, and having three sides.
The slot profile 82 also having a pair of outer grooves 84 which
are oppositely disposed on opposite sides of the slot profile 82.
Additionally, two inner grooves are oppositely disposed on opposite
sides of the slot profile 82, directly adjacent to a bottom wall 90
defining a slot wall 90 of the slot 52. Two sidewalls 88 extend in
parallel, adjacent to and at right angles to the bottom wall 90 The
outer grooves 84 and inner grooves 86 are formed to extend into the
sidewalls 88. The inner grooves 86 are adjacent to the bottom wall
90 and are preferably of a generally squared, rectangular shape.
The two outer groove 84 are preferably arcuately shaped, which and
will fit flush with mounting tabs which are of a generally round
shape. The interior profile 72 and slot profile 82 preferably run
the entire length of the extrusion 50, with the inner groves 86 and
the outer grooves 84 extending the full length of the extrusion
50.
[0081] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of one of the vertical tubes
28, showing the V-shaped notches 56 spaced apart at three places
along the longitudinal length of the vertical tube 28. FIG. 7 is a
partial sectional view of the vertical tube 28 of FIG. 6, showing
the V-shaped notch 56 having an angle 92 of approximately ninety
degrees. Preferably, the V-shaped notch 56 extends half way into
the extrusion 50 from which the tube 28 is formed.
[0082] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an edge of the vertical
tube 28, showing the aperture 60 in which the tube plate 62 is
received. The apertures 60 are preferably spaced apart at three
separate portions of the length of the vertical tube 28, disposed
adjacent to and on an opposite side from the V-shaped notches 56.
FIG. 9 is a partial section view showing the aperture 60 formed
into one side of the vertical tube 28, aligned along the center of
the slot 52. Preferably, the aperture 60 will be of a height 94 and
a width 96, which is preferably a height of approximately two and a
half inches and a width of approximately one quarter inches, and
will extend through the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 into which it
is formed. The aperture 60 is disposed between adjacent ones of the
longitudinally extending support ribs 78, such that the
longitudinally extending support ribs 78 will fit flush against a
tube plate 62 (see FIGS. 10 and 37) and a tube place 458 (see FIG.
65).
[0083] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the opposite end of the
vertical tube 28 from that into which the slot 60 is formed. FIG.
10 shows the V-shaped notches 56 formed in three places along the
length of the vertical tube 28. In addition to the V-shaped notches
56, parallel mounting apertures 102 are formed into the slot 52 for
mounting accessories.
[0084] FIG. 11 is a partial section view of the tube 28, showing
the two mounting apertures 102 formed in parallel alignment, on
opposite sides of the slot 52. Preferably, each of the mounting
apertures is approximately 1.2 inches long and 0.13 inches wide.
Accessory mounting brackets will have mounting tabs which fit
within the apertures 102. The mounting apertures 102 extend
parallel and adjacent to the sidewalls 88 of the slot profiles 82
(shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), and through the bottom wall 90 of the
slot 52 between respective ones of the two longitudinally extending
support ribs 78 and the sidewalls 88. The apertures 102 are formed
through the bottom wall 90 at a location disposed between
respective ones the support ribs 78 and the sidewalls 88, such that
the adjacent support ribs 78 and the adjacent sidewalls 88 will
reinforce the strength to the portion of the bottom wall 90 which
is adjacent the apertures 102. Additionally, as discussed below,
accessory brackets 414 which are mounted in the apertures 102 will
pull against the sidewall 88 and push against the support ribs 78
when weight or downward force is applied to the accessory being
mounted, since the accessory is disposed opposite the sidewall 88.
(See FIGS. 14 and 56).
[0085] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, FIG. 13 is a side view, and
FIG. 14 is a bottom view one of the horizontal tubes 30. The formed
ends 58 of the horizontal tubes 30 are preferably formed at an
angle 106 of ninety degrees. An aperture 66 is formed as a blind
hole extending through the bottom slot 52 at a distance 104 from
the end of the tip or terminal end tip of the formed end 58 for
receiving the miter nut 68. The aperture 66 extends perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis 80 of the horizontal tube 30. The aperture
66 is preferably drilled to a depth of which ends after passing
through the two inward protrusions 74 of the interior profile
72.
[0086] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along section line 15-15
of FIG. 12. The aperture 66 is shown extending through the two
inward protrusions 74 of the inward profile 72. The miter nut 68 is
inserted into the aperture 66 in the direction shown. Miter nut 68
has a main body 110 and a tab 112 disposed in the forward end of
the main body 110. An aperture 108 extends through a central
portion of the main body 110.
[0087] FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along section line 16-16
of FIG. 12, and shows the miter nut 68 after it has been disposed
within the aperture 66, in position within the extrusion 50 for
threadingly securing to the bolt 64. The tab 112 on the forward end
of the miter nut 68 will fit between the two parallel support ribs
78, adjacent to the bottom wall 98 of a slot 52 which is disposed
in an opposite end of the extrusion 50 from that in which the
aperture 66 is formed. Preferably, the tab 112 will extend within
the two support protrusions 78 and the two interior protrusions 74
with a slight press fit such that it will not fall out from within
the interior profile 72 of the extrusion 50. The threaded aperture
08 will be aligned perpendicular to a central axis of the extrusion
50 for receiving the bolt 64 from the end of the tube plate 62
(shown in FIG. 3).
[0088] FIG. 17 is a perspective view and FIG. 18 is a side
elevation view, and FIG. 19 is a rearward end view of a tube plate
62. The tube plate 62 is preferably a flat, T-shaped aluminum
member having a main body 16 and a forward end 118. A hole 120
extends through the length of the tube plate 62, centrally disposed
within the main body 16 and the forward end 118. It should be noted
that the hole 120 may also be provided by a slot, preferably one
within which a bolt 64 (shown in FIG. 3) will be retained within
the main body 116 and the forward end 118 of the tube plate 62. The
slot has a forward end 122, from which the end of the bolt 64 will
protrude. The rearward end of the hole 120 has an enlarged portion
124 for receiving the head of the bolt 64. Preferably, the bolt 64
(shown in FIG. 3) is provided by an allen screw having a head which
fits within the enlarged portion 124. Preferably, two threaded
holes 126 are spaced apart in the rearward end face of the main
body 116 of the tube plate 62 for receiving fasteners which secure
the hinge members 54 in the slots 52, which secures the tube plate
62 within the extrusion 50.
[0089] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a miter nut 68, having a
main body 110 and a tab 112. The threaded hole 108 is formed
centrally within the miter nut 68.
[0090] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of an uppermost one of the
horizontal tubes 30, disposed at the top of a panel. A top trim 32
is disposed in the uppermost slot 52 of the tube 30. The top trim
32 has tabs 134 which are secured within the inner groove 86. An
inner trim 150 and an outer trim 152 are disposed in the lower slot
52 for receiving an edge of a core panel 138. The inner trim 150 is
mounted in the inner slot 86, adjacent to the slot bottom 90. The
outer trim 152 fits within the outer groove 84 adjacent to the
sidewalls 82 of the slot 52.
[0091] FIG. 22 is a perspective view, and FIG. 23 is a
cross-sectional view of a top trim 32. The top trim 32 has is
preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion, having a profile 130
defined by lower body portion 132 and an upper body portion 138
with a web portion 136 extending between the lower body portion 132
and the upper body portion 138. Mounting tabs 134 are provided by
flange portions which extend over the longitudinal length of the
lower most end of the lower body portion 132 for fitting within the
inner grooves 86 of the upper slot 52 of a top horizontal member 30
(shown in FIG. 21). The top trim 32 has two sets of oppositely
disposed lower grooves 140 and upper grooves 142. The lower grooves
140 and upper grooves 142 are oppositely disposed in alignment for
optionally receiving decorative trim panels 144 on opposite sides
of the web portion 136.
[0092] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of an inner trim 150. The inner
trim 150 has a base portion 158, with lower edges on opposite sides
of the base portion 158 defining mounting tabs 168 for fitting
within the inner grooves 86 into slot 52. Additionally,
longitudinally extending protuberances 162 extend from the lower
end of the base portion 158 to provide frictional engagement
members for aiding in locking the trim in place within the slot 52.
Two legs 164 outwardly extend of the base portion 158, and are
spaced apart to provide a space 166 between the two legs 164 for
receiving an edge of a core panel 38 which is being secured within
a respective slot 52.
[0093] FIG. 25 is a partial, perspective view of an inner sleeve
170 which may be used for fitting within the space 166 between the
two legs 164 of the tube inner trim 150 for adapting the inner trim
150 for receiving a core panel of smaller size than that which it
would receive without use of the inner sleeve 170. The inner sleeve
170 has a base portion 172 with two legs 174, and is preferably of
a U-shaped profile extruded of plastic materials. The two legs 174
are spaced apart to define a space 176 for receiving an edge of a
core panel. The base 172 of the inner sleeve 170 will fit against
the base 158 of the inner trim 150, with the legs 174 extending
adjacent to the legs 164.
[0094] FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of a second inner trim
180 provided for thin core panels, such that it may be used to
replace use of both the inner trim 150 combined with the inner
sleeve 170. The inner trim 180 is preferably provided by a plastic
extrusion, having a base portion 182 with opposite edges which
providing flange portions that define mounting tabs 184 for fitting
within the inner grooves 86 of one of the slots 52. Two
longitudinally extending protuberances 186 extend the longitudinal
length of the interior side of the base portion 182. Two legs 188
extend from the outward side of the base portion 182, and are
spaced apart to define a space 190 for receiving a thin core panel.
The outward ends 192 of the legs 188 extend back towards with base
portion 182 to provide longitudinally extended flanges which extend
the length of the inner trim.
[0095] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an outer trim 152. The
outer trim 152 includes a main body 196 which fits flush against a
sidewall 82 of one of the slots 52. The outer trim has an inwardly
extending portion 198 which extends from the main body 196 inward
to define an end tip 200 which will extend outward of the inner
trims 150 or 180 and fit against a core panel to provide a more
decorative appearance, and to fully enclose the slot 52 within one
of the inner trims 150 and 180, and the outer trim 152. The outer
trim 152 further has a protuberance 202 which extends from an
outward side of the main body 196 to define a longitudinally
extending, mounting tab. The protuberance 202 preferably has a
substantially rounded-shaped profile which defines a bulbous body
204 for fitting flush within the rounded profile of the outer
groove 84 of one of the slots 52. Two indentations 206 extend into
opposite sides of the protuberance 202, adjacent to the main body
196, for receiving inwardly protruding edges of the outer portion
of the outer groove 84.
[0096] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an outer trim stop 212. The
outer trim stop 212 has a first portion 214 and a second portion
216. The first portion 214 will fit in the end of a slot 52, with
edges of the first portion providing mounting tabs which extend
into the inner groove 86 of the slot 52. The second portion 216 of
the outer trim stop will extend outward of the slot 52 and prevent
the outer trim 152 from sliding longitudinally from the slot 52.
End caps 42, mounting feet 36, and hinge members 54 and the like
will retain the outer trim stops 212 within the slots 52.
[0097] FIG. 29 is a perspective view, FIG. 30 is side view, and
FIG. 31 is an end view of a two panel hinge member 54. The hinge
member 54 has is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion having
a main body 220 with two mounting tabs 222 defined by flange
portions which longitudinally extend from opposite sides of the
main body 220 for fitting within the inner grooves 86 of a slot 52,
with the mounting tabs 222 fitting flush against the bottom wall 90
of the slot 52. The hinge member 54 further includes a boss 224
which extends to a collar 226. The collar 226 has an aperture 228
defining a hinge loop for rotatably receiving a hinge pin 252 for
pivoting within the collar 226. Two through holes 230 are provided
for passing to a threaded fasteners which are threadingly secured
to two holes 126 in one of the tube plates 62 to which the hinge
member 54 is secured, which secures the hinge member 54 in a fixed
position within one of the slots 52.
[0098] FIG. 32 is an end view of a four panel hinge member 234. The
hinge member 234 is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion, and
has a main body 236 with two mounting tabs 38 provided by flange
portions for fitting within the inner grooves 86 of a slot 52. A
boss 240 extends to an outer portion 242. The outer portion 242 has
three collars 244 which define three apertures 246 to define hinge
loops for receiving hinge pins 252. One hinge member 234 is mounted
to one panel, and then three two panel hinge member 54 are mounted
to three other panels for securing to hinge pins 252 in respective
ones of the collars 226 and collars 244 to pivotally secure the
edges of four panels together.
[0099] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of hinge pin 252. The hinge
pin 252 has an upper cylindrical portion 254 which defines an upper
pin portion, and a lower cylindrical portion 256 which defines a
lower pin portion, and an annular-shaped collar 258 which is
disposed between the upper cylindrical portion 254 and the lower
cylindrical portion 256. Two tapped holes 260 are provided in
opposite ends of the hinge pin 252 for securing fasteners in the
ends of the hinge pins 252 for securing the hinge pins 252 within
the collars 228 and 244.
[0100] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of one of the extrusions
50 with the four panel hinge member 234 secured in the slot 52 and
a cable clip 354 secured within the two opposite slots 52. The tube
plate 62 is shown extending from beneath the hinge member 234, to
rigidly connect the hinge member 234 to the extrusion 50.
[0101] FIG. 35 is a side elevation view, FIG. 36 is a perspective
view, and FIG. 37 is a sectional view of a wall mount 262 for
securing a panel to a building wall. The wall mount 262 is
preferably provided by the same extrusion as that which used to
provide the two-panel hinge member 54, and thus has the same
cross-section as that shown for the hinge member 54 in FIG. 31. The
wall mount 262 has end portions 264 and central portion 266 having
notches 268, 270 and 272 for providing gaps in which collars 226 of
hinge members 54 are disposed for rotatably securing to the wall
mount 262 with hinge pin 252. The hinge pin 252 will be secured in
the vertical tube 28, adjacent a tube plate 62 having an end
portion 274 for securing a core panel to the vertical tube 28 and
the wall.
[0102] FIG. 38 is a perspective view, FIG. 39 is an rear elevation
view taken along section line 39-39 of FIG. 38, and FIG. 40 is a
side elevation view a support foot 292. The support foot 292
includes a base plate 294 and a post member 296 for securing the
lower ends of selected vertical tubes 28. The post member 296
includes channel member 298 and gussets 300. Set screw holes 302
are provided in channel member 298. The channel member 298 will fit
within one of the slots 52. Two slots 304 are provided for
receiving a support foot lock plate 308, which is shown as being
installed in the slots 304 in FIG. 39.
[0103] FIG. 41 is a partially exploded view of the support foot 308
being installed within the extrusion 50 providing the vertical tub
28. The channel portion 298 of the support foot 308 fits within the
slot 52, with the edges 310 of the support plage 308 fitting in the
outer grooves 84 of the slot 52. After the channel portion 298 of
the support foot 308 is fully inserted within the slot 52, a tube
end cap 332 will be installed into the lower end of the extrusion
50. A leveler foot 36 will then be installed through the end cap
332. The leveler foot 36 has a threaded shank 316 and a round
support foot 318. The threaded shank 316 extends through the end
cap 332 and engages with threads formed in the central portion 76
of the protrusions 74 of the extrusion 50. After the leveler foot
36 is rotatably adjusted to select a height for the lower end of
the extrusion 50 from a floor, the support foot 308 is lowered to
engage the floor. The set screws 314 (shown in FIG. 42) are
threadingly secured within the threaded holes 312 of the support
foot lock plate 308 to extend through the two holes 302 in the
channel portion 298 to press against the bottom wall 90 of the slot
52 and retain the support foot 308 in fixed relative relation to
the lower end of the extrusion 50.
[0104] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a support foot lock plate
308. The support foot lock plate 308 has edges 310 which provide
mounting tabs for fitting within the outer grooves 84 of the slots
52. Holes 312 are tapped for receiving set screws 314. The set
screws 314 are threadingly secured within the tapped holes 312 of
the support foot lock plate 308 and pass through the set screw
holes 302 in the channel member 298 of the support foot to engage
the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 and lock the support foot 296 in
a fixed position secured within the lower end of a slot 52 of one
of the vertical tubes 28.
[0105] FIG. 43 is a perspective view and FIG. 44 is a top view of a
tube cap button 320. The button 320 has an upper portion which is
preferably threaded for fitting in an aperture 336 in a tube end
cap 332 (shown in FIGS. 45 and 46). A annular ring portion 324
provides a boss for fitting interiorly within the lower side of the
tube end cap 332, beneath the top portion 334 of the tube cap 332.
A lower portion 326 extends downward for fitting within the central
portion 76 of the interior profile 72 of the extrusion 50, between
the inward protrusions 74 (shown in FIG. 5).
[0106] FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a top and bottom of
a tube end cap 332. The tube cap 332 has top portion 334. A
threaded aperture 336 extends through the top portion 334 for
receiving the top cap button 320 (shown in FIGS. 43 and 44). An
inner lip 338 extends around the periphery of the top portion 334
for fitting around the exterior of the outer periphery of the
extrusion 50. Two spaced apart tabs 340 are provided which fit
within the interior profile 72 of an extrusion 50, between two
adjacent support ribs 78 to secure the tube end cap 332 within the
interior profile 72 of one of the extrusions 50.
[0107] FIG. 47 is perspective view of a cable management assembly
352. The cable management assembly 352 includes a cable clip 354
and cable tubes 356. The cable tubes 356 are mounted to the cable
clip 354. Two cable tubes 356 are used so that power and data lines
may be separately run in the two conduits 356.
[0108] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a panel 358 to which
several cable management assemblies 352 are mounted for routing
power and data lines. The cable clips 352 are secured to vertical
tube 28 and horizontal tube 30, with cable tubes 356 extending from
a ceiling, down a vertical tube 28, and to a second set of cable
tubes 356 mounted to the lowermost horizontal tube 30. Flex conduit
(not shown) may be used to connect the spaced apart cable tubes
356. A ceiling plate 402 provides a bracket for securing vertical
runs of the cable tubes 356 to a ceiling.
[0109] FIG. 49 is a perspective view and FIG. 40 is a side view of
a cable clip 354. The cable clip 354 has an arcuately extending
clip portion 366 for securing to two slots 52 disposed on opposite
sides of an extrusion 50 providing the vertical tubes 28 and the
horizontal tubes 30 (see FIG. 34). A mounting tab 368 and a
mounting tab 370 are provided for fitting within the opposite slots
52 of an extrusion 50, locking the clip portion 354 to the
extrusion 50. The arcuate clip portion 366 is preferably shaped to
fit flush against the side of the extrusion 50. The cable clip 354
further includes a flat, or planar, member 374 having two bosses
376 on opposite edges, and a boss 378 intermediate the two bosses
376. The boss 378 preferably extends on one side of the planar
member 374, the side facing the direction in which the arcuately
extending clip portion 366 curves outward. The two bosses 376
extend on opposite sides of the planer member 374. Mounting grooves
380 are formed in the bosses 376 and 378 in opposed arrangements.
Two of the cable tubes 356 are mounted to the planar member 378,
with mounting tabs 386 of the cable tubes 356 fitting in respective
ones of the mounting grooves 380.
[0110] FIG. 51 is a perspective view and FIG. 52 is an end view of
one of the cable tubes 356. The cable tube 356 has a tubular body
382 and is formed to have a longitudinal slot 384 which extends the
full length of the cable tube 356. The slot 384 fits against the
planar member 374 of the cable clip 354. Two mounting tabs 386 are
provided by flanged ends of the cable tube 356, and extend the full
longitudinal length of the tubular body 382 of the cable tube 356
for slidably securing the cable tune 356 within the mounting
grooves 380 formed in the bosses 376 and 378.
[0111] FIG. 53 is a top view and FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a
cable tube end plate 392. The cable tube end plate 392 has a planar
body, with two notches formed in one end to define a lock tab 396
which extends substantially parallel to the plane of the planar
body of the cover end plate 392. A stop tab 398 extends upward at a
right angle to the plane of the cover end plate 392. The cable tube
end plate 392 fits within the two oppositely facing grooves 380
located on the side of the planar member 374 of the cable clip 354
which is opposite the cable tubes 356 (see FIG. 47). The stop tap
398 will fit adjacent the boss 378 to block the grooves 380
extending in the boss 378 and prevent the cable tubes 356 from
being removed from the cable clips 354. The lock tab 396 will be
bent upward with a users hand, without requiring hand tools, to
press against the lower side of the planar member 374 to secure the
cable tube end plate 392 to the cable clip 354 with a frictional
engagement. Optionally, screws could be secured in the holes shown
in the end plate 392.
[0112] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a ceiling plate 402. The
ceiling plate 404 has a main body with an aperture 404 formed
through the ceiling plate 404 for receiving two of the cable tubes
356. (See FIG. 48). The profile of the cable tube end plate 392 is
shaped for fitting substantially flush with the peripheries of the
cable tubes 356 which are adjacent to one another and extending in
parallel. Mounting holes 406 are provided in the ceiling plate 402
for securing the ceiling plate to a ceiling.
[0113] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clip-on accessory 412
which is mounted to two of the vertical tubes 28 a panel. The
accessory 412 is mounted two the vertical tubes 28 by means of an
accessory mounting bracket 414. The accessory mounting bracket 414
includes a mounting tab 416 for securing in one of the mounting
apertures 102 formed into the vertical tubes 28 (see FIGS. 10 and
11).
[0114] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of and FIG. 58 is a side view
of the mounting bracket 414. The mounting bracket has a planar body
418 and a bracket body 424 which are angularly disposed at right
angles from one another. The mounting tab 416 has two slots 420
formed into the sides of the mounting tab 416 at the base thereof,
for mating with ends of the mounting apertures 102 in the vertical
tubes 28 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The mounting holes 422 are provided
for securing the mounting bracket 414 to the accessory 412 with the
tabs 416 of the bracket 414 extending outward from the accessory
412 in a direction which is parallel to the panel to which the
accessory is mounted and parallel to the horizontal length of the
accessory 414. When mounted to one of the vertical tubes 28, the
bracket body 424 will fit in the slot 52 of the extrusion 50 with
the mounting tab 416 extending into the slot 102, and the planar
body 418 will extend outward of the extrusion slot 52, at a right
angle to the bracket body 424. The weight of the accessory 412 will
pull downward against the planar main body 418, rather than pulling
downward directly against the mounting tab 416 and the mounting
apertures 102.
[0115] FIG. 59 is a view of an arrangement of three panels having
an angled transactor surface 428 and a round transactor surface
430. The two transactor surfaces may be of various shapes, and are
secured to the upper end of vertical tubes 28. One of the
transactor surfaces 428 is mounted to the junction of two of the
panels 14 and 16.
[0116] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the angled transactor
surface 428. The transactor surface 428 extends with two portions
at a 120 degree angle. Two mounting tabs 432 and 434 extend
downward for securing within the upper ends of adjacent vertical
tubes 28. A hole is provided through the mounting tab 436 for
optional use of a threaded fastener.
[0117] FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the round transactor
surface 430. The round transactor surface has one downwardly
extending mounting tab 436 for securing within an upper end of one
of the vertical tubes 28. Preferably, the round transactor surfaces
430 is disposed at the ends of a set of panels, and the transactor
surface 428 having two mounting tabs 432 and 434 is secured at the
junction of two vertical tubes 28. A hole is provided through the
mounting tabs 432 and 434 for optional use of a threaded
fastner.
[0118] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a screen assembly 442
having a curved panel 444 and a curved panel 446 which are joined
to vertical tubes 28 with a mounting assembly 448. The panels 444
and 446 are preferably formed of an acrylic, but other materials
may be used. The vertical tube 28 on the left side of the core
panel 444 is preferably mounted to the wall with a wall mount
assembly 262 (shown in FIG. 36). The core panel 444 is preferably
physically secured to the panel 442 with hinges 34 (shown in FIG.
39). The support feet 292 and the mounting feet 36 are secured to
the lower ends of the vertical tubes 28. The vertical tubes 28 are
preferably formed of the same extrusions 50 as the modular
furniture 12 having the panels 14, 16, and 18 described above.
[0119] FIG. 63 is a partial, perspective view of a core panel 450
secured to a vertical tube 28 by a mounting assembly 448. A top cap
42 is secured to the upper end of the vertical tube 28.
[0120] FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of a mounting assembly
448 secured to the core panel 450 prior to securing the core panel
450 to a vertical tube 28. The mounting assembly 448 includes a
mounting bracket 452, a core panel pin 454 and two decorative cover
caps 456 (one shown). A tube plate 458 is provided for mounting
within a vertical tube 28, and extending a threaded fastener
through the tube plate 458, the mounting bracket 452, into an edge
of the core panel and threadingly securing within the core panel
pin 454.
[0121] FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical tube 28
and the mounting assembly 448 securing a core panel 458 to the
vertical tube 28. The mounting bracket 452 is shown secured within
the slot 52 by a bolt 460. The tube plate 458 is rigidly secured in
the extrusion 50, between the support ribs 458, and providing a
primary structural member for securing the core panel 450 within
the slot 52 of the extrusion 50. The bolt 460 extends through the
tube plate 458, the aperture 462 extending into end of the core
panel 458, and threadingly secures to the pin 454. The core panel
pin 454 extends transversely through the core panel 458, extending
within the transverse aperture 464 and aligned for receiving the
bolt 460. Opposite end portions of the pin 454 protrude from the
core panel 450 and the mounting bracket 454.
[0122] FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of the core panel 458
showing a longitudinal aperture 462 and a transverse aperture 464.
The transverse aperture 464 extends transversely through the plane
of the core panel 454 and intersects with the longitudinal aperture
462. The core panel pin 454 (shown in FIG. 69) will extend through
the transverse aperture 464. The longitudinal aperture 462 is
provided by a blind hole which extends into the edge of the core
panel 454, and parallel to the length of the plane of the core
panel 454 for receiving the mounting bolt 460 (shown in FIG.
65).
[0123] FIG. 67 shows a perspective view of a tube plate 458. The
tube plate is preferably formed of aluminum, and includes a
substantially rectangular body 455, a mounting aperture 468 for
passing the threaded fastener 460 (shown in FIG. 64) through the
rectangular body 455, and a notched portion 470 for receiving the
head of the threaded fastener.
[0124] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket 452.
Mounting bracket 452 includes a web portion 472 with two mounting
ears 474 which extend at a right angle to the web 472. Two pin
apertures 478 extend in each one of the two mounting ears 474,
aligned for receiving the core panel pin 454. A bolt aperture 480
extends through a central portion of the web 470, which will
register with the bolt aperture 462 (shown in FIG. 66) in the core
panel pin 454.
[0125] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a core panel pin 454. The
core panel pin 454 has a cylindrically shaped shank 482, providing
the main body of the core panel pin 454. An annular-shaped stop
ring 484 is provided for extending transversely to the longitudinal
axis of the shank 482, extending around the circumference of the
shank 482. The stop ring 484 is spaced apart from the terminal ends
of the core panel pin 454 for locating the core panel pin 454
within the mounting bracket 452 and the core panel 454. A
transverse through hole 486 extends through the shank 482 of the
core panel pin 454, and is threaded for threadingly securing to the
mounting bolt 460 (shown in FIG. 64). Opposite ends 488 and 490 of
the shank 482 are provided for receiving the cover cap 456.
[0126] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of an interior of the cover
cap 456. The cover cap 456 has a main cap body 492 which, is
preferably diamond shaped. The cover cap 456 further has a core
panel wall 494 and a core panel wall 496 which are disposed
adjacent to the core panel to provide an enclosed region 498. Tube
walls 500 and 502 extend to an end tip 504 for laying flat on the
arcuate outer surface of extrusions 50 providing the vertical tubes
28. A sleeve portion 506 is provided for securing to the outer ends
488 and 490 of the core panel pin 454. The sleeve portion 506 has a
mounting hole 508 which extends transverse to the plane of the cap
body 492. Longitudinally extending ribs 510 extend longitudinally
in relation to the sleeve portion 506, spaced apart around the
mounting hole 508 for providing an interference fit for gripping
the ends 488 and 490 of the core panel pin 454.
[0127] FIGS. 71-73 are various views of a shelf mounting bracket.
The shelf mounting bracket includes a shelf strip 518 having
cut-out, or notched portions 520. The shelf strip 518 will be
riveted within a slot 52 of an extrusion 50 providing a vertical
riser 28. A core panel 522 will fit within the interior of the
shelf strip 518. A shelf clip 524 is provided having locating tabs
526 and a lock tab 528 which mate with the cut-out portions 520 of
the shelf strip 518. A lock tab 528 extends in one of the notched
out portions o520 f the shelf strip 518, and has an outward end
from which a protruding finger 530 transversely extends for fitting
within the outer groove 84 of the slot 52. The core panel 522 fits
within the shelf strip 518 to retain the shelf clip 524 within the
channel provided by the shelf strip 518. A mounting portion 532 is
provided with aperture 534 for receiving a pin, and mating to a
hinge of a shelf or another accessory member.
[0128] Panels for privacy screens made according the present
invention have several advantages. Core panels are mounted to
support tubes secured together to provide rigid support members.
Each of the support tubes are preferably formed of the same
aluminum extrusion. Tube plates provide structural members within
the aluminum extrusions for coupling core panels to the support
tubes and for coupled horizontal support tubes to vertical support
tubes. Two slots are formed into opposite sides of the extrusion
providing the support tubes, each slot having a profile which
defines two sets of opposed grooves which extend on opposite sides
of the profile in a mutually facing arrangement for receiving tabs
of mounting brackets. Vertical and horizontal tubes are joined by
V-shaped notches are provided in the vertical tubes and V-shaped
ends are formed on the horizontal tubes. The V-shaped ends of the
horizontal tubes mate with the V-shaped notches of the vertical
tubes to provide a miter connection, with the tube plates extending
between the tubes as a primary structural support member for either
rigidly securing the support tubes together, or rigidly securing a
core panel to the support tube. Inner and outer trim, hinges and
wall mounted accessories are mounted in the slots. The inner and
outer trim, and the hinges are mounted in the opposed grooves
formed into the sidewalls of the slots. Core panels are also
secured to extrusions providing the vertical tubes by means a
mounting bracket, a core panel pin and a threaded fastener. The
mounting bracket fits into one of the slots of the extrusions, and
has two ears which extend outward from the extrusion on opposite
sides of the core panel. The two ears each have pin apertures for
receiving a pin which extends transversely through a transverse
aperture in the core panel, with a threaded through-hole in the pin
extending traverse to the pin an aligned with a longitudinal
aperture formed into an edge of the core panel. A threaded fastener
extends through the extrusion, through the mounting bracket and
between the two ears, through the longitudinal aperture and is
threadingly secured within the threaded through-hole of the
pin.
[0129] Although the preferred embodiment has been described in
detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions
and alterations can be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
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