U.S. patent number 3,733,756 [Application Number 05/118,871] was granted by the patent office on 1973-05-22 for modular partition system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Raymond Loewy/William Snaith, Inc.. Invention is credited to David R. Butler.
United States Patent |
3,733,756 |
Butler |
May 22, 1973 |
MODULAR PARTITION SYSTEM
Abstract
A readily assemblable and disassemblable wall or partition,
consisting of a plurality of smooth faced rectangular panels, each
providing interlocking elements at the rear thereof so that the
smooth faces on each set of panels will together form one side of
the partition and the interlocking faces of the panels will
integrate both sides of the partition. The interlocking panels are
so arranged that each panel interlocks four adjacent quadrants of
four adjacent panels on the opposite side. The peripheral surface
of each panel is so arranged that it provides vertical and
horizontal channels between adjacent panels for utilities such as
wiring with the wiring concealed and so that it also conceals in
such channels mounting means for hanging shelves or other furniture
on the walls.
Inventors: |
Butler; David R. (New York,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Raymond Loewy/William Snaith,
Inc. (New York, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
22381255 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/118,871 |
Filed: |
February 25, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/36.5; 52/563;
52/284 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
2/7401 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
2/74 (20060101); E04b 002/72 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/238,36,241,284,285,286,563,571,584,479,568,569,570,561,590,592,588,604,622 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
|
|
|
232,845 |
|
Apr 1969 |
|
SU |
|
298,350 |
|
Sep 1963 |
|
NL |
|
Primary Examiner: Faw, Jr.; Price C.
Claims
I claim:
1. An erectable and disassemblable partition including a plurality
of rectangular panels arrangeable back to back in interlocking
positions; each panel having a front surface and a rear surface;
the rear surface of each panel having a pair of grooves at right
angles to each other, each groove running along a central axis of
the said surface; and a bead adjacent the periphery thereof; the
back of at least one panel on one side interlocking with the back
of four adjacent quadrants of adjacent panels on the other side;
each groove in the back of each panel on one side of the partition
receiving and positioning a bead of a portion of a panel on the
other side of the partition.
2. The partition of claim 1 in which additional half panels are
provided one side adjacent an edge of said partition, each said
additional panel having a groove across its short dimension
bisecting the panel and a rabbet at one edge of its long dimension
and a bead along at least a portion of its periphery.
3. The partition of claim 1 in which additional quarter panels are
provided on one side in the corner of said partition, each said
additional panel having a rabbet at two abutting sides of its
periphery and a bead along the other two sides and all sides being
equal to half the dimension of the size of a full panel.
4. An erectable and disassemblable partition including a plurality
of rectangular panels arrangeable back to back in interlocking
positions; each panel having a front surface and a rear surface;
the rear surface of each panel having a pair of grooves at right
angles to each other, each groove running along a central axis of
the said surface; and a bead adjacent the periphery thereof; the
vertical edges of at least one panel having a plurality of
vertically aligned bracket support hooks, the edges adjacent the
front surface of adjacent panels being spaced to provide access to
said bracket hooks.
5. The partition of claim 4 in which a plurality of horizontally
aligned panels each have said bracket support hooks; the said hooks
providing means for hanging furniture; and at least one piece of
furniture having a pair of corresponding bracket members spaced
horizontally by the distance between the spaces between
horizontally adjacent panels; said bracket members of the piece of
furniture engaging bracket support hooks of the panels to suspend
said furniture.
6. The partition of claim 5 wherein the edges of said adjacent
panels are each correspondingly recessed to the rear of the hooks
to provide a channel which is substantially concealed between said
panels for utility services.
7. The partition of claim 5 in which the panels are arranged to
provide vertical channels between them, the hooks being accessible
through said vertical channels; and in which a piece of furniture
is provided with a bracket on each side spaced by the distance
between vertical channels; each bracket having a hook engaging
element and a bracing element; said bracing element bearing against
an inner surface of said channel.
8. An erectable and disassemblable partition including a plurality
of rectangular panels arrangeable back to back in interlocking
positions; each panel having a front surface and a rear surface;
the rear surface of each panel having a pair of grooves at right
angles to each other, and a bead adjacent the periphery thereof;
the edges of adjacent panels being each correspondingly recessed to
provide a channel the cross-sectional area of which is
substantially concealed; the said backing strips extending along
the base of each vertical channel on one side and along the base of
each horizontal channel on the other side; and fastening devices
extending through each backing strip on one side at the point where
the backing strip crosses the center of a panel on the other side;
said fastening device extending into the said center of the panel
on the other side.
9. The partition of claim 8 in which any one such fastening device
secures the adjacent corners of four panels on one side to the
center of one panel on the other side.
10. An erectable and disassemblable partition including a plurality
of rectangular panels arrangeable back to back in interlocking
positions; each panel having a front surface and a rear surface;
the rear surface of each panel having a pair of grooves at right
angles to each other, each groove running along a central axis of
the said surface; and a bead adjacent the periphery thereof; the
back of at least one panel on one side interlocking with the back
of four adjacent quadrants of adjacent panels on the other side; a
portion of the groove in the back of the said panel on one side of
the partition receiving and positioning a portion of the bead on
the said panel on the other side of the partition.
11. The partition of claim 1 in which the said interlocked panels
on opposite sides of the partition are identical.
12. The partition of claim 10 in which the said interlocked panels
on opposite sides of the partition are identical.
13. An erectable and disassemblable partition including a plurality
of rectangular panels arrangeable back to back in interlocking
positions; each panel having a front surface and a rear surface;
the rear surface of each panel having a pair of beads at right
angles to each other, each bead running along a central axis of the
said surface; and a groove adjacent the periphery thereof; each
groove in the back of each panel on one side of the partition
receiving and positioning a bead of a portion of a panel on the
other side of the partition.
14. The partition of claim 4 in which said vertical edges are
recessed and the hooks are hooked in vertical series in said
recess, said hooks being concealed by said recess.
15. The partition of claim 14 in which a plurality of horizontally
aligned panels each have said recesses, the front surface of said
panel being of lesser extent than the rear wall thereof; the
corresponding edges of adjacent panels forming channels
communicating with said recesses.
16. The partition of claim 15 in which a furniture bracket is
provided, said bracket having an extension insertable and slidable
in said channel; and a tab on said extension at an angle thereto
engageable with a selected hook.
Description
The present invention relates to a partition system suitable for
either partial or full, floor to ceiling arrangement, which is
assembled from a plurality of interlocking one piece molded cast or
otherwise fabricated rectangular panels. The partitions require no
studs and can be quickly assembled or dissassembled with a minimum
of skill. Each of the individual panels may have service runs (open
conduit) and bracket supports molded into the panel or carried by
the panel. The largest individual panel is of a size such as 30
inches by 30 inches so that the disassembled system may easily be
transported to any spot in a new or existing structure.
The panels may be made of any suitable material, preferably a
plastic of a sufficient density to create structurally sound panels
of sufficient strength to make up a partition which will support
floor to ceiling bookshelves or other furniture in loaded condition
on both sides of the wall or a dynamically loaded wall with only
one side containing full bookshelves and the other side empty. The
panels or a portion of the panels should be made of materials which
allow for on site modification of the panel dimensions to conform
to the space available so that the system may be utilized in any
space and not just those that are proportioned relative to the
module. In the event of change in decor or in the event of damage
to a portion of the partition, a single panel can readily be
removed and replaced without affecting the structural integrity of
the partition and without requiring modifications of either side of
the partition.
Service runs are accessible from the face of the partition without
removing any parts and allow for running service wires in both the
horizontal and vertical direction. Once in place the wires
contained in the service runs are completely hidden from view.
Essentially the front of each of the panels is smooth but may have
any functional devices, or decorative arrangement or embossment.
Bracket supports may be molded as an integral part of the panels
along the edges thereof to provide supports for shelves or other
furniture thereto. Such bracket supports may be added as a separate
material, mechanically fastened to the panel or molded into the
panel.
Essentially the invention contemplates a plurality of panels which
are grooved on their rear side in such manner that any one panel
will interlock with from one to four panels. In the case of one
panel interlocking with four, each quadrant of each panel on one
side will interlock with a quadrant of a panel on the other side of
the partition. In no case will the joints, vertical and horizontal,
on one side of the wall be aligned with the joint on the other side
of the portion or wall except of course at the edges top and bottom
of the partition.
Since the partition should be finished on both sides whether or not
the partition extends from the floor to the ceiling, it will thus
be obvious that half panels must be provided that have the full
horizontal dimension but only half the vertical dimension (as
viewed when used in a horizontal mode) so that the half panels will
each interlock with two horizontally adjacent panels.
It is also obvious that quarter panels must also be provided that
will have half the horizontal and half the vertical dimension so
that the quarter panel will interlock with one panel located at the
top or bottom of the end of a partition equal in height to some
multiple of the basic full module.
Thus, in any single partition which is, for instance 90 inches
high, assuming the utilization of 30 inches panels, one side of the
partition will have three full panels in any vertical run while the
other side of the partition will have two full vertical panels and
one half panel at the bottom and top of each run. The same will be
true horizontally; at the lower and upper corners, a quarter panel
will be used as shown.
It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide a
modular wall partition which may readily be assembled and
disassembled and which consists of a plurality of panels with the
rear of each panel provided with interlocking grooves so that any
one panel will interlock with a plurality of adjacent panels
forming the opposite surface of the wall so that when the wall or
partition is completed, all of the panels therein interlock with
each other.
The foregoing and many other objects of this invention will become
apparent in the following description and drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective, showing on the right side, the
inner surface of a completed partition wall with various types of
furniture supported thereon and on the left side a wall in process
of erection.
FIG. 2 is a view in elevation of the rear side of one of the full
size panels which is utilized to make up the partitions of FIG. 1.
The half panels at the bottom and top of the inner surface of the
partition on the left side of FIG. 1, constitute simply a bottom
half or top half of the structure shown in FIG. 2 with the addition
of a channel 65 along the cut edge as shown in panel 32 of FIGS. 6
and 7. The quarter panels shown at the rear of the inner surface of
the partition on the left side of FIG. 1, constitute simply a
corner quadrant of the structure shown in FIG. 2 with the addition
of a channel around the entire perimeter.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 2,
looking in the direction of the arrows.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4--4 of FIG. 2,
looking in the direction of the arrows.
FIG. 5 is a side view in elevation taken from line 5--5 of FIG. 2,
looking in the direction of the arrows.
FIG. 6 is a vertical view in cross-section taken on line 6--6 of
FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.
FIG. 7 is a vertical view in cross-section taken on line 7--7 of
FIG. 1, and 7--7 of FIG. 8, looking in the direction of the arrows.
At this cross-sectional view it will be noted that the panels on
one side are seen edge-on while the panels on the other side of the
same partition are seen in cross-section.
FIG. 8 is a vertical elevation of a partition showing the
arrangement of the panels with lines in phantom indicating
adjacency of panels.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 9--9 of FIG. 8,
looking in the direction of the arrows, indicating schematically a
piece of furniture mounted thereon.
FIG. 10 is a rear view in perspective showing the bracket
arrangement on the panels and the manner of mounting furniture
elements thereon.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a piece of furniture which may be
mounted on the partition.
FIG. 12 is a view in perspective of a single panel showing the
arrangement of parts.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the partition 20 and the partition 21 are
shown with partition 20 fully assembled and furniture supported
thereby and partition 21 in a stage of partial assembly. It will be
noted with respect to partition 20 that the inner or visible
surface of the partition consists of a series of panels 22, 23, 24
which are vertically arranged, the said panels being repeated in
adjacent vertical runs. The small spaces 25 between panels provide
access to mounting brackets hereinafter described on which may be
hung mounting elements of furniture such as shelves 26, closets 27,
drawer arrangements 28 and other furniture such as a desk 29.
The opposite side of the partition 20 consists in each of its
vertical runs of full panels 30, 31, half panels 32, and quarter
panels 33. As will be seen by examining the partially completed
partition 21, the inner side or surface of the partition 21
corresponds to the outer or non visible side of partition 20. In
this case the full partition panels 30 and 31 in each vertical run
are clearly seen and the half partition panels 32 and the quarter
partition panels 33 are each clearly seen.
It will also be noted that in the partially completed partition 21,
partition panel 22' corresponds to the partition panels
horizontally adjacent to panel 22 of partition 20 and it will
therefore be noted that the partition panels 30 and 22' are so
arranged that they interlock. Each of the full size partition
panels interlocks with four partition panels on the other side of
the wall.
Since the partition panels are of predetermined length it will be
obvious in order to achieve this interlock that half panels must be
used at the top and bottom of one side of the wall and that quarter
panels must be used in the corners of the same side of the portion
and that these are represented by the partition elements or half
modules and quarter modules 32 and 33 respectively on each
partition.
The essential element of this invention therefore resides in the
partition panels 30, 31, 32 and 33 and a full description thereof
will make it possible to determine just how these partition panels
are interlocked so that they support each other and present a
smooth exterior surface while nevertheless providing mounting means
for supporting furniture such as shelves, drawers or closets
thereon without interfering with the face of the partition.
FIG. 2 shows a rear view or elevation of one of the partition
panels. FIG. 12 shows this rear view in perspective. FIG. 8 shows
the face of one of the panels at the center thereof and shows the
rear of the partition panel of the opposite side of the wall
interlocked by the single partition panel 30. FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are
cross-sectional views as already mentioned showing various elements
of the single partition panel 30. FIGS. 6, 7 and 9 show the method
of interlock as well as the method of supporting furniture. FIG. 8
shows the set-up for interlocking the panels and FIGS. 9, 10 and 11
show the method by which furniture is mounted thereon.
Hence, a preliminary description of a single partition panel
element 30 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 12 and in the cross-sectional
view of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 will make the interlocking method clear.
Thereafter, reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 will show the
interlocking panels in operation.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 12, each partition panel 30 is as
previously described, separately made of a single homogeneous
material such as urethane plastic foam of sufficient density to
create a structurally sound panel or with an integrally molded or
attached metal structure of sufficient strength so that when
combined with other panels to make up a partition, the partition
will support, for instance, bookshelves fully loaded on both sides
of the wall or may constitute a dynamically loaded wall with only
one side containing full bookshelves and the other side empty or
containing other elements.
Each panel has a peripheral surface which matches the peripheral
surface of the adjacent panel on the same side of the wall
contacting the same but with no interlocking element on the
partition panel interconnecting the same. Therefore, each partition
panel may be individually removed and replaced in the event of
damage or a desired change of decor or color scheme from say a
solid color wall to a wall having panels each of a different color.
Each panel provides within itself means for interengagement with
the partition panel on the opposite side. Each full size panel
engages four corresponding panels on the opposite side.
When the partition panels are in place, the wall is completely
integrated and a single structural unit. As hereinafter described
also, the partition panels are so arranged that when aligned with
each other they furnish wiring runs in both horizontal and vertical
directions which are fully concealed and also provide as previously
mentioned furniture bracket supports.
The partition panel 30 of FIGS. 2 and 12, comprises preferably a
single solid member having an integral frame 40, and integral cross
pieces 41, 41a, 42, 42a which define recessed sections 43, 44, 45,
46. The opposite face of the partition in FIG. 2 as seen in FIGS.
1, 2 and 12 is smooth or may be texturally patterned for a variety
of visual effects or functional reasons.
The inside face as above mentioned consists of the frame and the
cross-elements 41, 41a which are continuous with each other and 42
and 42a which are horizontal and also continuous with each other.
The cross elements 41-41a and 42-42a extend toward the peripheral
frame section 40. The outer surface of the frame section 40 is
smooth at the top and bottom and arranged with vertical recesses as
shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 12 which are hereinafter
described.
Each of the cross elements 41, 41a and 42, 42a is provided with a
groove 50, 51 in its surface with the two grooves intersecting at
the center 52. The grooves, 50, 51 extend from the cross elements
41-41a toward the outer periphery of the frame of the panel; the
material defining the groove is notched adjacent the periphery to
permit the panels to overlie and interlock each other. These
grooves as hereinafter described will receive corresponding
elements of the edges of the panels mounted on the other side of
the partition so that the arrangement indicated in FIG. 1 and shown
more clearly in FIG. 8 can be completed with each panel abutting
the rear and being securable with respect to the rear of four
panels on the other side of the same partition.
Each side of the frame section 40 is provided with a peripheral
ridge 53 (horizontal) and 54 (vertical). These peripheral ridges 53
and 54 are so dimensioned that two of them will fit closely into
any one of the channels 50 and 51 to permit the panels to be so
arranged that a panel on one side of the wall will intersect four
panels on the other side of the wall, except for the bottom, top,
and side runs of panels of FIGS. 1 and 2 as previously mentioned,
in which case the intersection of the half panels is with two
adjacent panels on the other side; and in the case of the corners
of the same partition in which case the intersection of the quarter
panel is with one panel on the other side. This is clearly shown in
FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 wherein the full panel 30 in FIG. 8 intersects
with corresponding full panels 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d on the
opposite side. The raised elements or beads 53 and 54 of the panel
30 entering into the grooves 50 and 51 respectively of the panel
30a, b, c, d, leave enough room in the grooves so that the raised
elements 53, 54 of vertically and horizontally adjacent panels may
also enter the said grooves 50 and 51. In order to clarify matters,
only one set of such beads and grooves is provided with reference
numerals in FIG. 9.
Each panel is so constructed that its front surface 60 is smooth.
However the surfaces on the vertical and horizontal sides of the
panel are so arranged that they do not extend the full distance
across the width of the panel but are less than the width of the
panel by the thickness of the vertical backing strip 70 to be
described later.
When the panels are installed, this provides a gap 61 between
panels. The gaps 61 of the vertically aligned panels on each side
are themselves vertically aligned to form an entry to a channel
formed by two horizontally adjacent panels. The channel 65 is a
vertical channel formed by the recess in the vertical side of each
frame member 40. When the panels are put together the gap 61
permits entry to the channel 65 for installation of wiring as well
as for mounting furniture as hereinafter described. The horizontal
edges of the panel are similarly formed to provide similar
horizontal channels 65.
It will thus be seen that a complete wall partition may be
assembled by arranging the series of panels so that the rear of any
one panel on one side intersects with the rear of four panels on
the other side, each of the panels being placed in position
sequentially; when the panels are in place, the channels 65 are
formed, the vertical channel 65 being arranged to provide access
for mounting means as well as other materials such as wiring which
is to be run vertically; and similar matching channels in the
horizontal element providing access also for wiring or other
devices which are to run longitudinally of the wall.
Since the vertical beads 54 of each panel engage the groove 50 of
the staggered adjacent panel on the other side of the partition, a
quadrant of each panel thereby engages a quadrant of an entirely
different panel on the other side of the wall, and a pair of beads
54 of adjacent panels on the same side completely fill the groove
50, initial integration or interlock of the wall parts is achieved.
This also applies to the horizontal beads 53 of each panel which
engage the horizontal groove 51 in each of the adjacent panels.
As the wall is being erected the wall is integrated by placing a
backing strip 70 in each vertical and horizontal channel as the
panels are successively placed to form the channels. The backing
strip 70 as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, is of generally H shaped
form (see particularly FIG. 6) with extensions 71 and 72 defining a
groove 73 which receives the adjacent beads 54; it also has
extensions 74, 75 which define a groove 73a and which provide (in
the case of the backing strip 70 which runs vertically) a support
or guide for a portion of the furniture mounting element as
hereinafter described. The horizontal backing strips are identical
in form with the vertical backing strips and are similarly placed
in horizontal grooves. In addition to acting as a supporting plate
for the extension of the furniture bracket, the backing strip
functions as a washer to spread the force of the through-the-wall
fasteners (81 and 80) over a large area. The backing strip also
interlocks adjacent panels in that it captures adjacent panel beads
(55) in both a vertical and horizontal direction. It will be seen
particularly from FIG. 7 that the horizontal backing strip 70 in
the horizontal grooves and the vertical backing strip 70a in the
vertical grooves, cross each other on opposite sides of the
partition, each within its recess 65.
When the partition panels are assembled, in the arrangement as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 with each panel on one side interengaging
four panels on the other side (except for the half panels on the
bottom, top and sides of one side of the partition in which case
the half panels only engage two horizontally adjacent panels on the
other side), the structure is integrated by the placement of the
backing strips 70 and 70a in the recesses 65 and at the
intersection on opposite sides of the vertical and horizontal
backing strips 70 and 70a. They are attached together by screw
sleeve 80 or by an appropriate fastening device which goes through
the center of the particular panel on one side (the right side of
FIG. 7) and by screw or device 81 which goes through the vertical
backing strip 70 and into the screw sleeve 80. A screw sleeve
device 83 may be embedded at the intersection 52 of the cross
pieces 41 and 42 (see FIGS. 2, 4, 7, 8 and 12) to receive a screw
82 or other appropriate fastening device which passes through the
backing strip 70a. Thus the same kind of backing strip 70 or 70a
may be used interchangeably for the vertical and horizontal
channels 65. As indicated in FIG. 6, the vertical and horizontal
channels 65 may now be used as conduits for wires 82a or for
concealing other service elements, even plumbing.
In order to secure the partition appropriately, the modular
partition system utilizes a base rail as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 7 and
8. The base rail 100 is a metal channel 101 having the vertical
legs 102, 103 and an outer covering 104 of a vibration and sound
absorbing composite material. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower
ends 105, 106 of the bottom panel on each side, enter the channel
formed by legs 102, 103 of the steel channel 101. A plurality of
clamping screws 110 is provided along the length of the channel,
each screw head being available through a recess 111 in the
composite covering 104 and engaging a threaded member 112 which is
connected to a clamping element 113 in recess 114 on the opposite
side of the rail. Rotation of the screw head 110 will cause the
clamping element 113 to move toward or away from the screw head 110
in accordance with the direction in which the screw head 110 is
turned, thereby drawing the elements 103, 102 of the metal rail
toward each other, or permitting them to relax if turned in the
opposite direction. This will serve to clamp the lower ends 105,
106 of the panels in place.
A longitudinal levelling rail 115 is provided between the legs 102,
103 of the steel rail 101. The said longitudinal levelling rail is
provided with through openings 116 at appropriate intervals (FIG.
7) so that the clamping operation above described can take place.
Sections of the levelling rail 115, not aligned with the clamping
elements 110, 112, 113 are provided with levelling screws 119. Each
levelling screw 119 is rotatably mounted in the base of rail 101
and engages a threaded opening 117 in the levelling rail 115. The
upper surface 118 of the levelling screw is provided with an
appropriately shaped recess (120) to receive a turning tool.
Rotation of the levelling screw 116 will thus cause the levelling
rail 115 to move up and down. By providing such levelling screw
arrangements at various portions of the channelling rail, complete
levelling of the levelling rail can be obtained.
The levelling rail 115 may be recessed at its upper surface to form
a longitudinal wire or service conduit 120a communicating with
vertical channels 65.
Preferably when the partition is erected, the clamping screw heads
110 will be located at such a point so that when it is desired to
remove a bottom panel the appropriate clamping screw head 110 may
be turned to loosen the clamp at that point to permit removal of
the bottom panel.
The top rail 120b at the ceiling may also be similarly constructed.
Although the levelling element is not essential, the utilization
thereof is desirable in order to rigidify the wall. If the top rail
is not secured to the ceiling, then the top rail will be secured to
appropriate posts which have sufficient strength to withstand any
dynamic forces on the wall. For a perfectly rigid wall, it may be
highly desirable to utilize the levelling rail at the top as
well.
It will be obvious that the various panels may be inserted
sequentially as indicated at the left side of FIG. 1 in order to
form the partition.
Furniture may be hung on the wall in the manner shown in FIGS. 1,
7, 9, 10 and 11. The side of each panel may be provided with a
vertical metallic bracket support member 130 having a series of
bracket support hook elements 131 thereon. This vertical metallic
bracket support member may, as shown particularly in FIGS. 5 and
10, simply be integrated with the vertical and horizontal side of
each panel or secured thereto in any suitable manner.
The panels are symmetrical on horizontal and vertical axes and
therefore have no specific top, bottom or sides. The specific
orientation of each panel determines which is its top side. It is
also possible since the panels are molded, to mold such bracket
supports as an integral metal structural frame, embedded in or on
the outside of each panel so that, in any case, the bracket is
securely affixed to the panel and carries the load of the furniture
bracket tab 136 on the vertical edge of each panel as indicated at
131a of FIGS. 6 and 7. The bracket supports are designed to
cooperate with the bracket hook elements 135 of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11
on furniture unit 26.
It will be seen that the opening into the vertical channels 65 is
sufficiently wide to permit the re-entrant bracket hook section 136
of bracket 135 to be received within the opening 65. The re-entrant
bracket hook section 136 of bracket 135 then engages one of the
bracket support hooks 131 of bracket support 130 and rests thereon.
The bracket element 135 is also provided with an extension 138
which bears against the vertical channel groove 73a in FIG. 9. The
arrangement of the gap 65 is such that bracket elements of adjacent
pieces of furniture may be hooked in the same channel adjacent each
other. The method of insertion of the hook and the furniture
element is indicated in FIG. 7.
Thus, various types of furniture may be mounted on the wall,
shelves 26 of FIG. 1 being mounted adjacent to each other or
staggered with respect to each other; and any furniture which has
been provided with the brackets 135, may also be mounted on the
wall. Even a piece which is intended to stand on the floor may be
secured to the wall so that it cannot accidentally be moved.
While the panels have been described as having grooves at right
angles to each other, each running along a central axis of the rear
surface and a peripheral bead, it will be obvious that the same
operation and interlocking arrangement may be achieved by utilizing
beads at right angles to each other each running along each central
axis of the rear surface and a peripheral groove.
It will also be obvious that where a foam material is used for a
panel, an appropriate armature may be included where necessary for
strength or rigidity; strengthening elements may be included within
the material as it is molded; or peripheral rigidifying structural
members may be included in said panels or secured thereto.
While for convenience the surface of each panel has been referred
to as smooth, basically the surface of each panel is an ornamental
surface while the back surface is the operative or interlocking
surface. Therefore, the front surface of each panel may have any
conformation consistent with the structure of a wall; it may be
three dimensionally grained or vertically or horizontally
corrugated or have ornamental and even functional moldings,
embossments, structures, extensions or supporting elements
thereon.
By this means therefore a simplified partition is provided which
presents an erectable and disassemblable partition in which the
visible walls are smooth, being composed of 30" squares which are
self supporting, in which each of the panels forming one of the
squares of a partition cooperate and support adjacent quadrants of
four similar panels on the opposite wall, in which means is
provided for supporting various types of hanging furniture and
locallizing and securing floor furniture, wherein conduits or
channels are provided for utilities, and said conduits or channels
concealing the utilities such as electric wire.
Although the partition is thus integrated, solid and strong, it may
readily be disassembled merely by removing the screws or fasteners
80 or 81 as the case may be, any individual panels being removable
simply by removing the particular screws or fasteners which hold it
in place without affecting the structure of the wall. Thus a
partition which is damaged or which is intended to have a different
color scheme or which for instance is supposed to have a blackboard
face, may be modified by inserting a new panel or panels in place
of an existing panel or panels without affecting the structure of
the partition.
Also, if it is necessary to move the partition for any reason, the
partition as a whole may readily be disassembled and reassembled at
the new or moved location. This makes it possible not merely to
erect and disassemble a set of partitions, but in an office
arrangement it makes it possible very readily to enlarge cubicles
or rooms and to change the arrangement of cubicles or rooms. A
corner office for instance which was regarded as of the proper size
by one occupant, may readily be enlarged by moving the wall at the
expense, of course, of decreasing the size of an adjacent room.
Since it has become customary to use office space in a manner which
does not predetermine the size of rooms, but wherein cubicles or
rooms are arranged with walls which are intended to be moved or
partitions which are intended to be knocked down to reshape the
rooms and the offices as variations and requirements make
necessary, the utilization of the novel partition of this type
facilitates such rearrangement while nevertheless permitting the
partitions to be erected, if desired, in such a manner as to create
what appear to be fully enclosed rooms. Where desired, doors or
other pass through elements may be arranged so that they are, for
instance, at modules 30 inches wide and approximately 75 inches
high in order to be integrated with the panels, utilizing a half
panel at the top in order to complete the wall. This would make
possible the moving even of doors as well as the partitions
themselves.
In the foregoing, this invention has been described in connection
with preferred illustrative embodiments thereof. Since many
variations and modification of this invention will now be obvious
to those skilled in the art, it is preferred that the scope of this
invention be defined not by the specific disclosures herein
contained but only by the appended claims.
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