U.S. patent application number 12/314929 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for partition system for a building space.
Invention is credited to Derek Goddard.
Application Number | 20100058688 12/314929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41798021 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100058688 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goddard; Derek |
March 11, 2010 |
Partition system for a building space
Abstract
A partition system for dividing a building space, the building
space having a floor, a ceiling and walls bounding the space
between the ceiling and floor. The partition system includes
self-supporting wire mesh paneling, which is attached to least one
post that is mounted to the floor of the building space. Each post
extends from the floor up to a predefined height that may be less
than the height of the ceiling of the building.
Inventors: |
Goddard; Derek;
(Beaconsfield, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHLESINGER, ARKWRIGHT & GARVEY LLP
5845 Richmond Highway, Suite 415
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22303
US
|
Family ID: |
41798021 |
Appl. No.: |
12/314929 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11826083 |
Jul 12, 2007 |
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12314929 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/238.1 ;
52/270; 52/745.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 1/125 20130101;
E04B 2/7453 20130101; E04B 2001/405 20130101; E04B 2/7433 20130101;
E04H 12/2261 20130101; E04H 17/161 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/238.1 ;
52/745.13; 52/270 |
International
Class: |
E04B 2/76 20060101
E04B002/76; E04B 2/74 20060101 E04B002/74 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 2007 |
CA |
2,582,839 |
Claims
1. A partition system in a building space, the building space
having a floor, a ceiling and side walls bounding the space between
the floor and the ceiling, said partition system comprising: a) at
least one post having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end
mounted to the floor of the building space, the upper end being
freestanding without attachment to the ceiling of the building
space; b) self-supporting wire mesh paneling mounted to said at
least one post, said paneling including at least one panel of
unframed, substantially flat wire mesh; c) wherein said at least
one post and said paneling are arranged to define at least one wall
dividing the building space.
2. A partition system as defined in claim 1, wherein said paneling
extends over a length of at least one of said at least one
wall.
3. A partition system as defined in claim 2, wherein said at least
one post extends from the floor of the building space up to a
predefined height that is lower than a height of the ceiling of the
building space.
4. A partition system as defined in claim 3, wherein said at least
one panel of unframed, substantially flat wire mesh is
self-supporting.
5. A partition system as defined in claim 4, wherein each of said
at least one panel is made up of vertical and horizontal wires that
are joined where they cross, the wires between four and ten gauge
in diameter.
6. A partition system as defined in claim 5, wherein the horizontal
wires are characterized by a gauge that is heavier than that of the
vertical wires.
7. A partition system as defined in claim 6, wherein the horizontal
wires are six gauge in diameter and the vertical wires are 8 gauge
in diameter.
8. A partition system as defined in claim 5, wherein the wires of
each panel are spaced apart by a distance of between one and a half
inches and three inches.
9. A partition system as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said
at least one post includes a main tubular body member having a
diameter that is between one and a half inches and four inches.
10. A partition system as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said
at least one post includes a main tubular body member having a
diameter that is at least three inches.
11. A partition system as defined in claim 10, wherein said main
tubular body member is characterized by a square cross-section.
12. A partition system as defined in claim 9, wherein each of said
at least one post has a plate member at its lower end that abuts
against, and is anchored to, the floor of the building.
13. A partition system as defined in claim 12, wherein each of said
at least one post is adjustable in length.
14. A partition system as defined in claim 2, wherein at least one
of said at least one wall is defined by at least two spaced-apart
posts, said self-supporting wire mesh paneling being mounted to
each of said at least two spaced-apart posts.
15. A partition system as defined in claim 2, wherein said
partition system includes a closure in one of said at least one
wall, said closure mounted between first and second spaced-apart
posts.
16. A partition system as defined in claim 3, wherein said
partition system includes a plurality of posts, said partition
system further including a cap structure mounted atop each post for
joining together said plurality of posts.
17. A partition system as defined in claim 1, wherein said
partition system includes a plurality of posts, said plurality of
posts and said paneling arranged to define first and second
adjoining walls dividing the building space, said paneling
extending over the length of at least one of said adjoining
walls.
18. A partition system as defined in claim 17, wherein said
plurality of posts and said paneling are arranged to define one of
a fully enclosed area and an open-sided area.
19. A partition system as defined in claim 18, wherein said
partition system is positioned within the building space such that
said plurality of posts and said paneling together with at least a
portion of at least one of the building side walls define one of a
fully enclosed area and an open-sided area.
20. A partition system as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one
of said at least one wall of said partition system is attached to a
side wall of the building.
21. A partition system as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least
one post and said self-supporting wire mesh paneling are arranged
to define a storage locker.
22. A partition system as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least
one post and said self-supporting wire mesh paneling are arranged
to define a set of storage lockers.
23. A partition system as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least
one post and said self-supporting wire mesh paneling are arranged
to define an installation that is selected from the group
consisting of: a storage locker, a set of storage lockers, a wall,
a stock cage, a perimeter guard, an open-sided cage and a
corner.
24. A partition system as defined in claim 1, wherein said
partition system includes at least two separate installations, each
installation being formed of a respective arrangement of posts and
self-supporting wire mesh paneling.
25. A partition system as defined in claim 23, wherein each of said
at least two separate installations is selected from the group
consisting of: a storage locker, a set of storage lockers, a wall,
a stock cage, a perimeter guard, an open-sided cage and a
corner.
26. A method for installing a partition system in a building space,
the building space having a floor, a ceiling and side walls
bounding the space between the floor and the ceiling, the partition
system including at least one post and self-supporting wire mesh
paneling, the paneling including at least one panel of unframed,
substantially flat wire mesh, said method comprising: a) mounting
the at least one post to the floor of the building; b) mounting the
paneling to the at least one post, whereby the at least one post
and the paneling are arranged to define at least one wall dividing
the building space; c) adapting the partition system to a condition
of the building space by cutting at least one panel of the paneling
at the time of installation without affecting an integrity of the
installed paneling.
27. A partition system for a building space, the building space
having a floor, a ceiling and side walls bounding the space between
the floor and the ceiling, said partition system comprising: a) at
least one post adapted to be mounted to the floor of the building
space; b) at least one panel of unframed, substantially flat wire
mesh made up of vertical and horizontal wires that are joined where
they cross, the horizontal wires being characterized by a gauge
that is heavier than that of the vertical wires; c) wherein said at
least one panel is mountable to said at least one post for defining
at least one wall within the building space.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 11/826,083, filed Jul. 12, 2007, which claims the priority
of Canadian application no. 2,582,839, filed Mar. 22, 2007, and
each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a partition
system for dividing a building space, such as a basement or a
warehouse.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Storage lockers are presently constructed with walls
composed of wood or metal framing covered with panels of material
to close in the locker storage space. The lockers are usually built
against a wall of a building containing the lockers to have the
building wall form the back wall of the locker. Adjacent lockers
have a common side wall. The framing is rigid enough to define the
shape of the locker.
[0004] Storage lockers are actually a type of partition system,
since their purpose is to divide a large space into several,
smaller self-enclosed spaces. The partition systems that are
currently used to divide building spaces (such as a warehouse
floor) into several separate areas are constructed with panels of
lightweight wire mesh, where each panel is formed by welding the
wire mesh into a rigid metal frame that supports the panel.
Alternatively, instead of welding the wire mesh into a frame, the
panels are formed by press braking the wire mesh material to define
one or more bends in the material at specific and strategic
locations, thereby adding strength to the unframed panels such that
they become self-supporting. These panels can be arranged in, for
example, straight-run, corner, three-sided or fully self-enclosed
installations of varying sizes and shapes, in order to partition an
open space according to custom layouts.
[0005] Unfortunately, storage locker and partition system
construction using framing is relatively expensive. Furthermore,
both the metal framing and the bends formed by press braking in
unframed paneling make it very difficult if not impossible to
modify or reconfigure the walls/panels of the lockers or partition
systems at the time of installation in order to adapt to uneven
floors and walls, pipes and ductwork close to the ceiling of the
building space. Although it may be physically possible to cut a
wall/panel in order to reduce a height/width or to remove a piece
thereof, such modification/reconfiguration of the wall/panel
deteriorates and possibly even sacrifices the integrity of the
wall/panel, and thus of the partition system as a whole.
[0006] Consequently, there exists a need in the industry to provide
an improved partition system for dividing a building space.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved
partition system for dividing a building space that overcomes the
drawbacks of the prior art.
[0008] In accordance with a broad aspect, the present invention
provides a partition system in a building space, the building space
having a floor, a ceiling and side walls bounding the space between
the floor and the ceiling. The partition system includes at least
one post and self-supporting wire mesh paneling. Each post has a
lower end and an upper end, the lower end mounted to the floor of
the building space, the upper end being freestanding without
attachment to the ceiling of the building space. The
self-supporting wire mesh paneling is mounted to the at least one
post and includes at least one panel of unframed, substantially
flat wire mesh. The at least one post and the paneling are arranged
to define at least one wall dividing the building space.
[0009] In accordance with another broad aspect, the present
invention provides a method for installing a partition system in a
building space, the building space having a floor, a ceiling and
side walls bounding the space between the floor and the ceiling,
the partition system including at least one post and
self-supporting wire mesh paneling, the paneling including at least
one panel of unframed, substantially flat wire mesh. The method
includes mounting the at least one post to the floor of the
building and mounting the paneling to the at least one post,
whereby the at least one post and the paneling are arranged to
define at least one wall dividing the building space. The method
also includes adapting the partition system to a condition of the
building space by cutting at least one panel of the paneling at the
time of installation without affecting an integrity of the
installed paneling.
[0010] In accordance with yet another broad aspect, the present
invention provides a partition system for a building space, the
building space having a floor, a ceiling and side walls bounding
the space between the floor and the ceiling. The partition system
includes at least one post adapted to be mounted to the floor of
the building space and at least one panel of unframed,
substantially flat wire mesh made up of vertical and horizontal
wires that are joined where they cross, the horizontal wires being
characterized by a gauge that is heavier than that of the vertical
wires. The at least one panel is mountable to the at least one post
for defining at least one wall within the building space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage locker, according
to a non-limiting example of implementation of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the locker shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the locker shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the locker shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable length post
used in the locker of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of clips used to fasten wire
panels to the posts;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of brackets used to attach wire
panels to a building wall;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a detail of the transom
connection to the corner post;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a storage locker, according to a
variant example of implementation of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a storage locker, according to a
further variant example of implementation of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the start of a set of lockers,
according to yet another variant example of implementation of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a storage locker, according to
another variant example of implementation of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of a locker with a roof with
the roof partly open, according to a non-limiting example of
implementation of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a top view of the locker with the roof, according
to a non-limiting example of implementation of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a detail perspective view showing a roof section
attached to a wall panel;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a detail perspective view showing one roof
section attached to another;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a top view showing a modification of the roof,
according to a non-limiting example of implementation of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 18 is cross-section view similar to FIG. 13 but showing
a modification of the roof where it is recessed within the locker
walls, according to a non-limiting example of implementation of the
present invention;
[0029] FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 illustrate a storage locker, according
to a variant example of implementation of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 22 illustrates a set of free-standing storage lockers,
according to the variant example of implementation shown in FIGS.
19-21;
[0031] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a partition system for
dividing a building space, according to a non-limiting example of
implementation of the present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 24 and 25 are perspective views of variant types of
installation of the partition system, according to non-limiting
examples of implementation of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a warehouse floor divided by
various installations of the partition system, according to a
non-limiting example of implementation of the present
invention;
[0034] FIGS. 27A, B, C and D illustrate a base plate for mounting a
post of the partition system to the floor, according to
non-limiting examples of implementation of the present invention;
and
[0035] FIG. 28 is a cross-section view of an anchor mounted in the
base plate of FIG. 27, according to a non-limiting example of
implementation of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The present invention is directed to a partition system for
dividing a building space, such as a basement or a warehouse floor,
into two or more separate areas, where this building space has a
floor, a ceiling and walls bounding the space between the ceiling
and floor. The partition system includes self-supporting wire mesh
paneling, which is attached to least one post that is mounted to
the floor of the building space. Each post of the partition system
extends from the floor up to a predefined height that may be less
than the height of the ceiling of the building space. The wire mesh
paneling and posts of the partition system are arranged to define
at least one installation. Each such installation may be fully
enclosed or, alternatively, may have one or more open sides, as
will be discussed in further detail below.
[0037] In a specific example, the partition system is arranged to
define a storage locker, as per the non-limiting example of
implementation of the present invention shown in FIG. 1. The locker
1 is adapted to be built in a storage area 3 such as in the
basement of an apartment and/or condominium building. As shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4, the storage area 3 in the building is defined by a
floor 5, a ceiling 7, and walls, two walls 9, 11 of which are
shown. The locker has at least four straight walls 13, 15, 17, and
19 joined to define a storage space 21. The floor area of the
locker 1 defined by the walls 13, 15, 17 and 19 is usually
rectangular but it could have a square or irregular shape as
well.
[0038] At least two adjacent walls 13, 15 of the locker 1 have
spaced-apart posts 23A, 23B, 23C extending between the floor 5 and
ceiling 7 of the storage area 3. The posts are identical. The posts
are spaced apart a standard distance, such as four feet for
example. The posts are preferably adjustable in length as will be
described and are fastened to both the floor 5 and ceiling 7. The
walls 13, 15 are normally perpendicular to each other and joined at
a first corner 25 where there is a post 23A common to both walls.
The first wall 13 is an end wall of the locker and the second wall
15, which is longer than the first wall 13, is a side wall of the
locker. The first wall 13 has two spaced apart posts 23A, 23B with
a closure 27 mounted to and between the posts, the closure
providing access to the locker storage space 21. The second post
23B is adjacent the fourth wall 19 of the locker. The second wall
15 also has two spaced apart posts 23A, 23B with wire mesh
panelling 29 extending over its length, the panelling joined to the
posts including the corner post 23A and extending to the third wall
17 of the locker. The third wall 17 of the locker, an end wall and
opposite the first wall 13, is formed by a portion of the building
wall 9. The fourth wall 19 of the locker, a side wall and opposite
the second wall 15, is formed by a portion of the other wall 11 of
the building. The third and fourth walls 17, 19 of the locker join
to form a right angle second corner 31 of the locker diagonally
opposite the right angle first corner 25 formed by the first and
second walls 13, 15. The side wall 15 of the locker could have more
than two posts 23A, 23C if the locker is made larger, as could the
end wall 13.
[0039] The closure 27 has a door 35, the door hinged on one side 37
to the corner post 23A. There are co-operating latch means (not
shown) on the other side 39 of the door 35 and on the second post
23B to be used to close and lock the door. The transom space above
the closure 27 is closed by a self-supporting wire panel 40
fastened to the posts 23A, 23B in a manner to be described.
[0040] Specific to the present invention, the wire mesh panelling
29 preferably comprises wire mesh panels 41 of standard width, the
width generally matching the standard spacing employed between the
posts 23A, 23C. These panels 41 are unframed and are substantially
flat, without any significant bends therein. A first panel 41A
extends between the posts 23A, 23C and is fastened to both posts. A
second panel 41B extends between the second post 23C and the end
wall 17. The second panel 41B can be cut to fit the length between
the second post 23C and the end wall 17 if the distance is less
than the standard distance. The second panel is fastened to both
the second post 23C and the end wall 17.
[0041] In more detail, each post 23A, 23B, 23C, as shown in FIG. 5,
has a main tubular member 43 with a top leg 45 and a bottom leg 47
extending out from the top and bottom ends 49, 51, respectively of
the member 43. The legs 45, 47 are telescopically mounted in the
post member 43. The legs 45, 47 are substantially the same except
for top leg 45 being longer than bottom leg 47 so only one leg will
be described in detail. Bottom leg 47 has a mounting post 53 sized
to snugly fit within the post member 43, and a mounting plate 55
extending across one end 57 of the mounting post 53. The mounting
plate 55 has fastening openings 59 at its ends, one on either side
of the mounting post 53. The tubular post member 43 has a square
cross-section, as do the mounting posts 53 of the legs 45, 47.
[0042] Each post 23 is long enough to extend between the floor 5
and the ceiling 7 of the storage area 3 with the legs 45, 47
telescopically extended from the ends of the post member 43. Each
post 23 can be mounted in position by first fastening the mounting
plate 55 of the bottom leg 47 to the floor 5 with suitable
fasteners (not shown) passing through the openings 57 and then
mounting the post member 43, carrying the top leg 45, on the bottom
leg 47. The top leg 45 is then extended from the top of the post
member 43 to the ceiling 7 and its mounting plate 55 is attached to
the ceiling with suitable fasteners (not shown). Finally, the post
member 43 is raised several inches from the floor 5, relative to
the top and bottom legs 45, 47 and then fastened in place with a
screw 60 inserted through a wall of the post member 43 into the
mounting post 53 of leg 45. The posts are mounted to have their
inner wall, facing into the storage space, aligned. The post
construction permits solid mounting of the posts to the floor and
ceiling even if one of the floor or ceiling slopes or is otherwise
uneven with respect to the other. While one telescopic post
construction has been described, other constructions could be used.
For example, the bottom leg 45 could be fixed to the post member
43. Then only the top leg 45 is telescopic. In another example, the
screw 60 could be fastened to the bottom leg instead of to the top
leg.
[0043] Each wire mesh panel 41, as shown in FIG. 6, is composed of
evenly spaced apart vertical wires 61 transversely crossing evenly
spaced apart horizontal wires 63. Note that the number of vertical
wires 61 in each panel 41 may be equal to or different from the
number of horizontal wires 63 in the respective panel 41.
Furthermore, the vertical wires 61 of each panel 41 may be
characterized by an interspacing distance that is different from
that of the horizontal wires 63 of the respective panel 41, without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0044] The wires of each panel 41 are normally made from steel and
attached where they cross by spot-welding or the like to form
squares 65 (or rectangles) small enough to prevent a person's hand
from passing through. The squares/rectangles are preferably around
two inches to a side although they can range from around one and
half to three inches to a side, among other possibilities. The
wires 61, 63 are around six or eight gauge in size but can range
between four and ten gauge. The wider the spacing between the
posts, the thicker the wire used. The wires are normally galvanized
and thus do not require painting when cut. The panels 41 are
normally constructed to have a vertical wire 61A adjacent each side
edge 67 of the panel and a horizontal wire 63A adjacent each top
and bottom edge. The panels are rigid enough to generally keep
their shape during handling and installation. While steel wires are
preferred the wires can be made from other material such as
aluminum, plastic or a composite.
[0045] Wire clips 71 are used to attach the panels 41 to the posts
23A, 23B, etc. In a specific, non-limiting example of
implementation, each clip 71 is generally `P` shaped, when viewed
from the top, with a pair of flat adjacent legs 73, 75 forming the
stem of the `P`, the legs joined at one end by a loop 77 forming
the loop of the `P`. The free ends of the legs 73, 75 have aligned
holes 79 there through. The wire clips 71 are attached to each
vertical wire 61A at the vertical edges 67 of the panels 41 at
spaced apart vertical locations, starting at the top edge of the
panel, and usually about two to three feet apart. There is usually
a clip at or near the bottom edge of the panel as well. The clips
are attached by manipulating the clip 71 to place the side edge
wire 61A on the panel between the legs 73, 75 of the clip and into
the loop 77. Each clip 71 is fastened onto the flat inner wall 81
of the post member 43 of the posts by a screw fastener 83 passed
through the aligned holes 79 in the legs 73, 75. The flat wall 81
of the post member 43 faces into the storage space 21 and the clips
71 are within the storage space. It is important to note that
various types and shapes of clips 71, as well as different methods
of attachment, may be used to attach the panels 41 to the posts 23
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0046] The free end of the last panel 41B in the side wall 15 is
attached to the second end wall 17 formed by part of the building
wall 9 by brackets 85 and clips 71 as shown in FIG. 7. In a
specific, non-limiting example of implementation, the brackets 85
are sections of angle members having a first leg 87 for attachment
to the end wall 17 and a second leg 89 at right angles to the first
leg 87 for attachment to the panel 41B with the clips 71. A
vertical line of brackets 85 are attached to the end wall 17 by
fasteners 91, such as screw fasteners, passing through fastener
openings 93 in the first leg 87, the first leg 87 being flush
against the wall 17. The brackets 85 are attached to have the
second legs 89 aligned with the inner wall 81 of the posts 23A, 23C
in the side wall 15, the brackets 85 being inside the locker when
the locker is completed. The last vertical wire 67B in the free end
of the panel 41B is held by clips 71 to the brackets 85 and thus to
the end wall 17. The clips 71 are attached, via their legs 73, 75,
to the second bracket leg 89 by fasteners 95; such as carriage
bolts, passed through the aligned holes 79 in the clip legs 73, 75
and fastener openings 97 in the leg 89. Obviously, various
different methods and mechanisms for attaching a panel 41 to a
building wall are possible and can be used without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0047] The transom panel 40 is attached to the posts 23A, 23B in
the end wall 13 using the clips 71A. As shown in FIG. 8, the clips
71A are the same as clips 71 but can have longer legs 73A, 75A if
needed. The clips 71A are attached to sides of the panel 40 by the
loops 77, the loops 77 encircling the vertical end wire 95 in the
sides of the panel 40. The legs 73A, 75A of the transom clips 71A
pass under the side edge wire 61A of the panel 41 attached to post
23A and are attached to the flat inner wall 81 of the post member
43 of post 23A by suitable screw fasteners 83. The clips 71A on the
post 23A are vertically spaced from the clips 71 fastening panel 41
to the post 23A. The other side of the transom panel 40 is attached
to the flat inner wall of post 23B in a similar manner. It will be
seen that the clips 71, 71A on the corner post 23A are inside the
wire panel 41 and the transom 40.
[0048] The locker described is relatively small and narrow. The
locker can be made larger by widening the end wall and by
lengthening the side wall. As shown in the FIG. 9, the locker 101
has an end wall 113 that includes a panel section 141C extending
from the second post 123B in the wall to the other side wall 119 of
the locker formed by the other building wall 111. The panel section
141C is cut to the length needed to span the distance between the
second post 123B and the side wall 119 and is fastened to the
second post 123B by clips and to the second side wall 119 by
brackets 185 fastened to the side wall and clips fastening the
panel 141C to the brackets 185. The panel section 141C is aligned
with the closure 127. The panel section 141C could be a standard
width and the end wall 113 could terminate with a third post member
(not shown) aligned with the first and second post members 123A,
123B and fastened directly adjacent the second side wall. The first
side wall 115 could be lengthened by adding one or more additional
posts aligned with the posts 123A, 123C.
[0049] The partition system defining a locker has been described as
being mounted in a corner of a building. The locker could also be
constructed to be mounted against one wall only of the building. As
shown in FIG. 10, the locker 201 has second and third parallel side
walls 215, 219 extending transversely out from the building wall
209, a portion of which forms an end wall 217 of the locker. The
side walls 215, 219 are joined by an end wall 213 having a closure
227 therein. The side walls 215, 219 are constructed the same as
the side wall 15 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, with the
posts 223 in the side walls 215, 219 attached to the floor 205 and
ceiling of the building storage space and the wire mesh panels 241
attached to the posts 223 with clips and with the last panel 241B
in each side wall 215, 219 attached to the building wall 209 with
brackets 285 and clips. The end wall 213 could be as wide as the
end wall 13 shown in the first example of FIG. 1 or could be wider
as shown by the end wall 113 in the second example of FIG. 9.
[0050] The same construction of the partition system could be used
to define a set of adjacent lockers, according to a variant example
of implementation of the present invention. After the first corner
locker 1 has been built, as shown in FIG. 1, additional lockers can
be added. The first additional locker 301, as shown in FIG. 11, is
added by merely building two additional walls 313, 315 onto the
first locker 1. The first additional wall 313 is built as an
extension of the first wall 13 in the first locker 1, using one
additional post 323A and a closure 327 that extends between the one
additional post 323A and the first corner post 23A in the first
locker 1. The one additional post 323A itself forms a first corner
post in the second locker 301. The second wall 315 is built the
same as the first wall 15 in the first locker 1 with post 323
including the corner post 323A and wire mesh panels 341 and is
parallel to the second wall 15 of the first locker. The second wall
315 abuts the building wall 9 and is attached thereto with brackets
385 and clips. A portion of the building wall 9 forms the third
wall 317 of the second locker opposite the first wall 313. The
second wall 15 of the first locker 1 forms the fourth wall 319 of
the second locker 301, parallel to the second wall 315 of the
second locker 301. Additional lockers are added in the same manner
one after the other using two additional walls for each additional
locker, incorporating one wall of the previous locker as a wall of
the new locker and using a new portion of the building wall as the
fourth wall of the new locker.
[0051] The additional lockers can have a width the same as the
width of the locker shown in FIG. 1 or the same as the width of the
locker shown in FIG. 9. The additional lockers can be added to the
corner locker shown in FIG. 1 or to the building wall backed locker
shown in FIG. 10.
[0052] In another variant example of implementation, the locker
could be built free of the building walls if desired or, if needed,
with all the walls of the locker solely formed of posts and wire
mesh panels, there being a post at each corner of the locker common
to two adjacent walls. As shown in FIG. 12, the locker 401 has side
walls 415, 419 joined by end walls 413, 417. The end wall 413 has a
closure 427 therein. The side walls 415, 419 have spaced-apart
posts 423 attached to the floor 405 and ceiling of the storage
space, with a corner post 423A and 423B at each end of each side
wall and one or more intermediate posts 423C between the corner
posts depending on the length of the side walls. The corner posts
423A, 423B of each side wall 415, 419 are common with the end walls
413, 417. The side walls 415, 419 each have wire mesh panels 441
extending between the posts 423 in each side wall, the wire panels
being the same as the wire panels used in the example of FIG. 1.
The wire panels 441 extend between adjacent posts 423 and are
attached to the inner wall of the posts 423 with clips as in the
example of FIG. 1. The end walls 413, 417 are also each composed of
posts and wire mesh panels. If the locker is narrow, the end walls
may each have only two spaced apart posts, the posts in the end
wall 417 being the corner posts 423A in both side walls 415, 419
and the posts in the end wall 413 being the corner posts 423B in
the side walls 415, 419. The closure 427 in the end wall 413
extends between the two common corner posts 423B. A transom (not
shown) is provided above the closure 427, and attached to the
corner posts 423B in the same manner the transom 40 is attached to
the posts 23A, 23B as shown in FIG. 8, to complete the end wall
413. A wire panel 443 can extend between the common corner posts
423A in the side walls 415, 419 to form the end wall 417. The wire
mesh panel 443 is attached to the posts 423A with clips in the same
manner that the transom 40 is attached to the corner posts 23A, 23B
as shown in FIG. 8. The clips attaching the wire panels and the
transom to the posts are all located within the storage space. The
locker could be made wider if desired with the end panels having
one or more intermediate posts between their corner posts.
[0053] The locker 401 can have a width the same as the width of the
locker shown in FIG. 1 or the same as the width of the locker shown
in FIG. 9. A set of the free standing lockers can be made in
generally the same manner as the set of lockers shown in FIG. 11
are made, with the exception that an additional end wall 417 is
needed for each locker.
[0054] In yet another variant example of implementation of the
present invention, any of the lockers described above can be
provided with roofs if needed. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, a locker
401 by way of example, as described in FIG. 12, can be provided
with a roof 449. The roof 449 is shown closed in FIG. 13. The roof
is made of the same wire mesh panelling as the side walls 415, 419
of the locker. The roof 449 is in two half sections 451, 453. One
half section 451 is hingedly mounted by hinge means 455 along one
long side 457 to the top 459 of the side wall 415 as shown in FIGS.
13 and 15. The other half section 453 is hingedly mounted by hinge
means 461 along one long side 463 to the top 465 of the other side
wall 419. The hinge means 455 comprises the outer wire 467 defining
the one long side 457 of the half roof section 451, the top wire
469 defining the top 459 of the side wall 415, and a plurality of
longitudinally spaced apart clips 471 which are the same as the
clips 71 previously described. The loop 473 of each clip receives
the wires 467, 469 and the legs 475, 477 of the clip are joined by
a nut and bolt fastener 479 to retain the wires in the loop. The
wires 467, 469 are loosely held in the loops 473 allowing the roof
section 451 to pivot about the top wire 469 of the side wall 415.
The hinge means 461 is the same as the hinge means 455 using clips
471 to join the outer wire in the other roof section 453 to the top
wire in the other side wall 419.
[0055] The roof sections 451, 453 can abut when pivoted to a
horizontal position but preferably one section is slightly wider
than the other so they slightly overlap when pivoted to a
horizontal position as shown in FIG. 16. Clips 471 join adjacent
wires 481, 483 from the roof sections 451, 453 respectively in the
overlapping section to have the roof sections form the roof 449.
The clips 471 extend over the length of the roof sections 415, 453
at predetermined intervals in the overlapped section. Normally, the
roof 449 of the locker is located some distance below the ceiling
481 of the storage space to provide clearance for any sprinkler
head 483 located over the locker as shown in FIG. 13. If there is
sprinkler head 483 above the roof 449 of the locker and it needs to
be serviced, the clips 471 joining the roof sections 451, 453
together are removed allowing both roof sections to swing down
inside the locker, as shown by their dotted line position and
arrows `A` in FIG. 13, to rest against the side walls 415, 419 thus
opening up the top of the locker.
[0056] Where a roof is to be provided for a locker having a side
wall provided by a building wall, the roof section is hinged to the
building wall with brackets similar to the brackets 85 employed to
fasten the wire mesh panels of the side wall to the building wall
as shown in FIG. 1. The hinge clips are attached to the outermost
wire of the roof section and then bolted to the brackets which
extend across the length of the locker on the building wall at
spaced apart intervals.
[0057] To make it easier to mount and to open and close the roof
449, each roof section 451, 453 can be composed of two or more
individual roof panels. Roof sections 451', 453' of roof 449' are
each composed of two roof panels 491, 492 and 493, 494 respectively
as shown in FIG. 17. Each panel 491, 492 in roof section 451' is
opposite a similar panel 493, 494 in roof section 453'. Panels 491
and 493 overlap as do panels 492 and 494 when the roof 449' is
closed, the overlapping panels joined to each other by clips 471'
the same as clips 471 used to join roof sections 451, 453. Panels
491, 492 are hingedly connected along an outer side to the top of a
side wall 415' of a locker by hinge means 459' in the same manner
that roof section 451 was connected to side wall 415. Similarly
panels 493, 494 are hingedly connected along an outer side to the
top of a side wall 419' by hinge means 461' in the same manner that
the roof section 453 was connected to side wall 419. The hinge
means 459', 461' are the same as the hinge means 459, 461 used for
the roof sections 451, 453 just not as long. The individual panels
are easier to move than the half roof sections, and if there is a
sprinkler head within the locker perimeter that needs servicing
only the panels under the head need be moved to provide access to
it and not the entire roof.
[0058] In some cases where the lockers are built in storage areas
with eight foot ceilings, the locker roof may have to be recessed
within the locker to provide clearance for any sprinkler heads. As
shown in FIG. 18, in such a low storage area, the roof sections
451'', 453'', or the panels making up the roof sections, of the
roof 449'' are hingedly mounted to the side walls 415'', 419'' of
the locker 410'' well below, about two feet or so, the top 459'' of
the side walls. The recessed roof 449'' would prevent the person
using the locker 410'' from piling goods and possessions close to
the sprinkler head 483''. Building codes normally require a
suitable clearance for the sprinkler head.
[0059] Advantageously, the flat, unframed wire mesh panels in the
side walls of the lockers make it very easy to accommodate piping
or ducts in or near the ceiling of the building storage space at
the time of installation of the lockers. Openings are easily cut
the mesh from the top of the panel down to accommodate any pipes or
ducts entering or leaving or traversing the lockers, without
affecting the integrity of the panel.
[0060] In yet another variant example of implementation of the
present invention, the partition system defines a storage locker
that is unanchored at its upper end, in that it is not mounted to
the ceiling of the building space. FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are
perspective, side and front views illustrating a non-limiting
example of this variant storage locker 501, which is shown
installed in the storage area 3 of the building that is defined by
floor 5, ceiling 7 and walls 9, 11. The locker 501 is very similar
to the locker 1 of FIG. 1, except that the spaced-apart posts 523A,
523B and 523C that are mounted to the floor 5 do not extend all the
way up to the ceiling 7 of the storage area 3 and are not mounted
to this ceiling 7. Rather, these posts 523A, 523B, 523C, which may
be adjustable in length, extend up to a predefined height H' that
is less than the height H'' of the ceiling 7 and are unanchored or
freestanding at their upper ends 524A, 524B, 524C. In other words,
the upper ends 524A, 524B, 524C of the posts 523A, 523B, 523C are
not attached to the ceiling 7 of the building.
[0061] As in the case of locker 1, the wire mesh paneling 529 of
locker 501 is formed of substantially flat, wire mesh panels or
sheets 541 of standard width, the width generally matching the
standard spacing employed between the posts 523A, 523C. These
panels 541 are fastened to the posts 523 and/or to a building wall
in the same manner as described above with regard to storage locker
1. In a specific, non-limiting example, the wires of each wire mesh
panel 541 range between four and ten gauge. For a wider spacing
between the posts 523, as well as for a greater height H', a
thicker (heavier gauge) wire may be used, ensuring that the panels
541 are rigid enough to generally keep their shape during handling
and installation. While steel wires are preferred, the wires can be
made from other material such as aluminum, plastic or a composite,
among other possibilities.
[0062] In a specific, non-limiting example of implementation of the
present invention, each wire mesh panel 541 of the locker 501 is
composed of spaced-apart horizontal wires transversely crossing
spaced-apart vertical wires, where the horizontal wires are thicker
than the vertical wires. Thus, the horizontal wires are
characterized by a heavier gauge than the vertical wires. For
example, a panel 541 may be composed of six gauge horizontal wires
and eight gauge vertical wires, among other possibilities. The
thickness/heaviness of the horizontal wires of the panel 541
provides the necessary strength and rigidity to the panel 541 to
allow the panel 541 to be self-supporting and to generally keep its
shape during handling and installation. This is particularly true
since, upon installation, each panel 541 is mounted such that its
horizontal wires run from one post or building wall to another post
or building wall.
[0063] Note that although the number of horizontal wires in a panel
541 may be equal to the number of vertical wires in the panel 541,
other constructions of the panels 541 are also possible and
included in the scope of the present invention. More specifically,
the number of horizontal wires in a panel 541 may differ from the
number of vertical wires in the panel 541. Furthermore, while both
the horizontal wires and the vertical wires may be evenly
spaced-apart, the interspacing distance between adjacent wires may
be different for the horizontal wires than for the vertical wires.
For example, the vertical wires may be characterized by 3 inch
interspacing, while the horizontal wires are characterized by 11/2
inch interspacing, among many other possibilities.
[0064] The posts 523A, 523B, 523C, are substantially identical to
the posts 23A, 23B, 23C of locker 1, except that there is no top
leg extending from the top ends 524A, 524B, 524C thereof, since
these top ends 524A, 524B, 524C are not anchored to the ceiling.
Bottom leg 547, which is shown in detail in FIG. 27A, is
telescopically mounted in the main tubular member 543 of the post
523. This bottom leg 547, which may also be referred to as a base
plate, has a mounting post 553 sized to snugly fit within the post
member 543, and a mounting plate 555 extending across one end 557
of the mounting post 553, the mounting plate 555 having at least
two fastening or anchor openings 559. As seen in FIGS. 27B, 27C and
27D, mounting plate 555 may be characterized by various different
sizes, shapes and arrangements of the openings 559, without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0065] Each post 523 can be mounted in position by first fastening
the mounting plate 555 of the bottom leg 547 to the floor 5 with
suitable fasteners or anchors 556 passing through the openings 559
(see FIG. 28) and then mounting the post member 543 on the bottom
leg 547. The post member 543 may then be raised such that the top
end of the post 523 is at the predefined height H', at which point
the post member 543 can be fastened in place with a screw inserted
through a wall of the post member 543 into the mounting post 553 of
bottom leg 547 (not shown). Alternatively, for a height H' that is
greater than a specific height, for example 8 feet, the post member
543 may be welded to the mounting post 553 of bottom leg 547.
[0066] Although the upper ends 524 of the posts 523 are free
standing, in that they are not anchored to the ceiling 7 of the
building space, a cap structure 560 may be provided to interconnect
all of the posts 523 at their upper ends 524. This cap structure
560, which may be an angle iron or a combination of several angle
iron pieces, is designed to run along the top perimeter of the
locker 501 for covering and joining together the upper ends 524 of
the posts 523. It is important to note that this cap structure 560
is optional and may take on any one of various possible designs and
types of physical implementation, without departing from the scope
of the present invention.
[0067] The post construction and anchoring permits solid mounting
of the posts 523 to the floor 5, such that the posts 523 can hold
their position and support themselves, as well as the wire mesh
paneling 529, without any mounting to the ceiling 7. For a greater
height H', posts 523 of greater diameter and larger anchors 556 may
be used, ensuring sufficient support for the storage locker 501. In
a specific example, each post 523 has a diameter of at least 3
inches. In another specific example, each post 523 has a diameter
that is between 1.5 inches and 4 inches.
[0068] Continuing with the variant example of a storage locker that
is unanchored at its upper end, the partition system may be
constructed to define a set of adjacent storage lockers. FIG. 22 is
a front plan view of a set of storage lockers 601 that are not
anchored to the ceiling 7, according to a non-limiting example of
implementation of the present invention. After the first locker
601A has been built, additional lockers 601B, 601C can be added by
building additional walls with the posts 623 and wire mesh
paneling, as discussed above with regard to the example of FIG. 11.
Obviously, one wall of each locker 601A, 601B, 601C is provided
with a closure 627 that extends between a pair of adjacent posts
623, for providing access to the storage space inside each storage
locker 601. A transom 640 is provided above each closure 627 and
attached to the respective posts 623, in order to complete each end
wall. The walls of wire mesh paneling (not shown) are attached to
the posts 623 and/or to a wall of the building in the same manner
as described in the foregoing storage locker examples.
[0069] As seen in FIG. 22, each post 623 is mounted to the floor 5
in the same manner as described above with regard to storage locker
501. The height H' of the posts 623, and thus of the storage
lockers 601, is significantly lower than the height H'' of the
ceiling 7. Since the top ends 624 of the posts 623 are not anchored
to the ceiling 7, but rather are free standing, an optional cap
structure 660 is provided to cover and interconnect these posts 623
at their top ends 624.
[0070] Recalling that the storage locker is but one example of a
partition system according to the present invention, it is
important to note that the various different examples of
implementation of a storage locker that are described above may
also apply more generally to other constructions of the partition
system, which may include one or more installations of various
different layouts.
[0071] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a partition system 701,
according to a non-limiting example of implementation of the
present invention. In the example of FIG. 23, the partition system
701 is arranged within a building space to define a stock cage,
which is very similar to a storage locker but much larger in size.
More specifically, the posts 723 and wire mesh paneling 729 are
arranged to define four walls 702, 703, 704 and 705 that fully
enclose a space 721. A closure 727 is provided in end wall 703,
extending between a pair of posts 723, for providing access to the
space 721. Optionally, a roof structure (not shown) may be provided
for the stock cage 701. The details of manufacture and installation
for the posts 723, the wire mesh paneling 729, the closure 727, the
roof structure, the mounting of the posts 723 to the floor 5 of the
building space and the mounting of the paneling 729 to the posts
723 are consistent with those given above with regard to the
various examples of implementation of the storage locker.
[0072] In the example of FIG. 23, the partition system 701 is
mounted to the floor 5 of the building space but is unanchored at
its upper end, as in the case of the example of storage locker 501.
Thus, upper ends 724 of the posts 723 are free standing, in that
they are not mounted to the ceiling (not shown) of the building
space. Accordingly, details of the construction of the posts 723
and of the mounting of these posts 723 to the floor 5 of the
building space are as described above with regard to storage locker
501. Furthermore, an optional cap structure 760 may be provided for
covering and joining the upper ends 724 of all of the posts 723 of
the partition system 701. In a variant example of implementation of
partition system 701, the posts 723 of the partition system 701 may
be anchored to both the floor 5 and the ceiling of the building
space, as described above with regard to storage locker 1.
[0073] As discussed earlier, a partition system according to the
present invention is arranged to define one or more installations,
each of which may be characterized by any one of various different
possible layouts. The partition system 701 shown in FIG. 23 is
arranged to define a fully self-enclosed installation that may be
positioned anywhere within the building space. Alternatively, the
posts and wire mesh paneling of the partition system may be
arranged to define a two-sided installation, as shown in FIG. 24,
or a three-sided installation, as shown in FIG. 25, among many
other possibilities. In yet another alternative, the posts and wire
mesh paneling of the partition system may be arranged to define a
single wall that may be straight (also referred to as a
straight-run), zigzagging or curved, among other possibilities.
This single wall could be used within the building space as a
separator or a perimeter guard, either attached to one or more of
the building walls or spaced apart therefrom.
[0074] Any one of the different possible types of partition system
installations may be positioned with the building space such as to
abut against one or more of the building walls. Taking for example
the two and three-sided installations shown in FIGS. 24 and 25,
these installations may be positioned with respect to one or more
of the building walls such that the walls defined by the wire mesh
paneling of the partition system together with the building walls
form a fully enclosed installation, similar to the examples of
storage locker 1 and storage locker 201 given above. Obviously, in
such a scenario, one of the walls defined by the wire mesh paneling
of the partition system must include a closure providing access to
the interior of the fully enclosed installation. Alternatively, a
two-sided or three-sided installation of the partition system such
as that shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. 25 may be positioned within the
building space such that the installation has one or more open
sides, in which case the partition system does not require a
closure built into one of the walls defined by the wire mesh
paneling.
[0075] It is important to note that, for any type of installation
of the partition system, the wire mesh paneling of the partition
system may be arranged to define any number of walls and these
walls may be positioned at different angles with respect to one
another, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In other words, the open-ended or fully enclosed space defined by
the partition system installation may be characterized by various
different shapes, other than the standard square and rectangle
shapes.
[0076] Furthermore, regardless of the type of installation of the
partition system, the upper end of the partition system may be
either unanchored or mounted to the ceiling of the building,
without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the
examples of FIGS. 24 and 25, the two-sided and three-sided
installations are freestanding at their upper end, in that the
posts are not mounted to the building ceiling, but rather extend up
to a height that is significantly lower than the height of the
building ceiling.
[0077] Advantageously, as in the case of the storage locker, by
providing a partition system constructed of unframed, substantially
flat panels of mesh wire that are self-supporting and attach to
posts mounted in the floor, it is possible at the time of
installation of the partition system to adapt the walls of the
partition system to specific conditions and construction anomalies
of the building space, such as for example the presence of piping
or ducts or an uneven floor. More specifically, if necessary, the
wire mesh panels can easily be cut to reduce in height and/or width
a wall of the partition system, without compromising the integrity
of the partition system. Thus, installation of the partition system
is rendered much easier than in the case of prior art systems.
Furthermore, the components of the partition system (including in
particular the flat, unframed wire mesh panels and the posts) can
easily and inexpensively be packaged and shipped to a point of
installation.
[0078] For the sake of illustration, FIG. 26 is a top plan view of
a partition system 800 installed in a warehouse, according to a
non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention.
The partition system 800 is arranged to define a plurality of
distinct installations 802 (802A, 802B, 802C, 802D, 802E 802F),
some of which are mounted to both the floor and the ceiling of the
warehouse (such as the set of lockers 802A) and others of which are
mounted only to the floor (such as the wall 802B). Certain
installations 802 are fully enclosed (either self-enclosed by the
walls of the wire mesh paneling or in combination with one or more
of the building walls), while others are characterized by one or
more open sides. For example, the stock cage 802C is fully
self-enclosed, while the wall 802B is positioned with respect to
three of the building walls to form a fully enclosed installation.
Obviously, many different configurations for such a partition
system 800 are possible, including more or less installations,
additional or different types of installations, different
installation layouts, etc.
[0079] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further
modifications, and uses and/or adaptations of the invention and
following in general the principle of the invention and including
such departures from the present disclosure as come within the
known or customary practice in the art to which the invention
pertains, and as may be applied to the central features
hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention
or limits of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *