U.S. patent number 3,787,605 [Application Number 05/271,811] was granted by the patent office on 1974-01-22 for wiring access means.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Steelcase Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert C. Van Gessel, Dirk J. Van Kuik.
United States Patent |
3,787,605 |
Van Gessel , et al. |
January 22, 1974 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
WIRING ACCESS MEANS
Abstract
A wiring access enclosure for insertion into a wiring access
opening in a desk or the like. The enclosure is adapted to accept
and secure various wire sizes and includes a generally cube-shaped
plug member having wire-receiving apertures of different sizes on
each of its several sides. A mounting member fixed in an access
opening or recess formed in the furniture is adapted to releasably
secure the plug member in any one of several positions so that a
selected aperture is positioned for passage of a wire. One side of
the plug is solid to close the access opening when desired.
Inventors: |
Van Gessel; Robert C. (Grand
Rapids, MI), Van Kuik; Dirk J. (Jenison, MI) |
Assignee: |
Steelcase Inc. (Grand Rapids,
MI)
|
Family
ID: |
23037194 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/271,811 |
Filed: |
July 14, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/500;
312/223.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
21/06 (20130101); H02G 3/083 (20130101); H02G
3/22 (20130101); A47B 2200/0082 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
21/00 (20060101); H02G 3/08 (20060101); H02G
3/22 (20060101); A47b 013/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;174/48,49,65R,138F,71B
;312/223,194,195,196 ;108/23,50 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gilheany; Bernard A.
Assistant Examiner: Tone; David A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Peter P. Price et al.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property
or
1. In an article of furniture or the like having a wiring access
opening, the improvement comprising: a closure member having a
plurality of side walls, each of at least two of said side walls
having an aperture therein, said apertures being of different sizes
whereby said closure means can be oriented with a different sized
aperture exposed to view in said wiring access opening; cooperating
engagement means on said closure member and said wiring access
opening whereby said closure member can be mounted in said wiring
access opening with one of said two side walls exposed to
2. The article of claim 1 comprising: a passageway opening to the
interior of said furniture when said closure member is in said
access opening; said passageway communicating with each of said
apertures whereby wiring can be brought from the inside of said
furniture, through said passageway, and
3. The article of claim 2 in which at least one of said plurality
of sides is unbroken, having no aperture therein, whereby said one
side can be oriented in an exposed position when no wiring means is
to pass through said access opening; said cooperating engagement
means being adapted to facilitate mounting of said closure member
with said one side exposed to
4. The article of claim 3 in which each of said apertures extends
from the opening of said passage a portion of the distance along
said side, the two apertures closest to one another in size
dimensions being positioned in generally opposite sides whereby a
wire can pass into said closure member partially through said
passage opening and partially through whichever of said opposite
apertures is positioned to the inside of said article of
5. The article of claim 4 in which said cooperating engagement
means includes mounting means positioned in said wiring access and
releaseable engaging means on said closure member and said mounting
means adapted for releasable engagement in such a way that any of
said plurality of sides
6. The article of claim 2 in which said cooperating engagement
means includes mounting means positioned in said wiring access and
releasable engaging means on said closure member and said mounting
means adapted for releasable engagement in such a way that any of
said plurality of sides
7. The article of claim 5 in which said mounting means comprises a
pair of spaced flanges in said access opening, said closure member
fitting over said flanges with opposite ones of said side walls
embracing said flanges; said side walls having the same dimensions;
said flanges having a length equal to the length of each of said
side walls; each of said flanges having a rounded upper corner such
that said closure member can be slid
8. The article of claim 7 in which each of said flanges has a
downwardly projecting leg whereby said flanges can be seated in
said access opening with said legs projecting downwardly therefrom
in abutment with the inside of said article of furniture to thereby
provide a means for locating said
9. The article of claim 6 comprising: at least two of said
plurality of side walls having an aperture therein, said apertures
being of differing dimensions for accommodating different sized
wires; at least one of said side walls being solid whereby the
exposed side wall of said closure
10. The article of claim 9 and further comprising: an end wall
closing one end of said closure member, the other end of said
closure member being open, and said releasable engaging means
including means on said other end of said closure member adapted
for engagement with said mounting means.
11. The article of claim 9 wherein said engaging means on said
other end of said closure member includes a plurality of pin
members extending ouwardly therefrom and said mounting means
includes a plurality of pin-receiving apertures formed in said
mounting means and releasably engaging said pin
12. In an article of furniture having a wiring access opening
therein through which a wire may be passed, the improvement
comprising: a hollow plug having a plurality of side walls, at
least one of said side walls having a wire-receiving aperture
therein; mounting means in said wiring access opening; and
cooperable engaging means on said plug member and said mounting
means adapted for releasable engagement with any one of said one
side and another side of said plug exposed to the exterior of said
desk; said plug member being mounted on said mounting means by said
cooperable
13. The article of claim 12 wherein said plug includes four side
walls forming a square, three of said side walls each having a
wire-receiving aperture therein forming a passageway opening to the
interior of said furniture, the apertures on said side walls being
of different sizes on different side walls of said plug to
accommodate various sizes of wire passing therethrough, said
cooperable engaging means being adapted for releasable engagement
with any one of said four sides exposed to the
14. The article of claim 13 wherein a fourth side wall of said plug
member is solid to thereby completely close said access opening
when selectively
15. The article of claim 14 in which each of said apertures extends
from the opening of said passage a portion of the distance along
said side walls, the two apertures closest to one another in size
dimensions being positioned in generally opposite sides whereby a
wire can pass into said closure member partially through said
passage opening and partially through whichever of said opposite
apertures is positioned to the inside
16. The article of claim 12 comprising: at least two of said
plurality of side walls having an aperture therein, said apertures
being of differing dimensions for accommodating different-sized
wires; at least one of said side walls being solid whereby the
exposed side wall of said plug can
17. The article of claim 16 and further comprising: an end wall
closing one end of said plug member, the other end of said plug
member being open, and said cooperable engaging means including
means on said other end of said plug member adapted for cooperable
engagement with said mounting means.
18. The article of claim 17 wherein said engaging means on said
other end of said plug member includes a plurality of pin members
extending outwardly therefrom and said mounting means includes a
plurality of pin-receiving apertures formed in said mounting means
and releasably
19. The article of claim 18 wherein said engaging means on said
other end of said plug member includes a continuous peripheral
groove formed on said side walls and extending parallel to said end
wall; guideways formed in said mounting means for slidable
engagement with the grooves formed in
20. The article of claim 19 and further including positioning means
on said guideways adapted to abut portions of said grooves adjacent
a selected one of said side walls to position said plug member with
respect to said mounting member when said plug member and said
mounting means are
21. An article of furniture having a wiring access opening, the
improvement comprising: a first member adapted for mounting in the
access opening; a second member releasably engaging said first
member, said second member having a plurality of walls thereon;
means on said first and said second members for selectively
positioning said second member with respect to said first member;
at least one of said walls being adapted, when said second member
is in a first selected position, to provide a wire passageway
therethrough; another of said walls being adapted, when said second
member is in a second selected position, to close said wire
access
22. The closure article of claim 21 wherein said second member is a
plug having four side walls forming a square, three of said side
walls having wire-receiving openings formed therein, the openings
on said side walls being of different sizes on different side walls
of said plug to accommodate various sizes of wire passing
therethrough; another of said walls being solid to thereby
completely close said access opening when
23. The article of claim 22 in which each of said openings extends
from the opening of said passage a portion of the distance along
said side walls, the two openings closest to one another in size
dimensions being positioned in generally opposite sides whereby a
wire can pass into said closure member partially through said
passage opening and partially through whichever of said opposite
openings is positioned to the inside of
24. The article of claim 23 and further comprising: an end wall
closing one end of said plug member, the other end of said plug
member being open, and cooperable engaging means including means on
said other end of said plug member adapted for engagement with said
first member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In office furniture such as desks and the like, wire access
openings are generally provided in one of the exterior vertical
panels to provide a means to pass wires and other cabling to the
top surface for telephones, dictating equipment and the like
electrical appliances. Such openings are generally punched through
one of the panels and lined with a rubber 0 ring to prevent cutting
or abrasion of the wire. The opening must be of a size large enough
to accommodate the largest diameter of wire which might be
utilized. The opening is unsightly and severely detracts from the
aesthetic appearance of the furniture.
In an attempt to obviate this unsightliness, some constructions
utilize a rectangular slot which is provided with a slidable access
door to close the opening when wiring is not utilized. The sliding
door is finished in the same manner as the remainder of the
furniture such that when closed, it blends with the furniture. This
type of access opening, however, adds to the cost of the finished
product as it requires extra machining and finishing operations. In
addtion, since the aperture must be sufficiently large to
accommodate the largest anticipated wire, placing smaller wire
through the opening and partially closing the door still leaves a
fairly large opening visible. The wire being free to slide up and
down makes cutting of the wire possible.
In addition to the drawbacks referred to above, it is significant
that the sliding door construction is not readily adaptable for use
in wood desks or desks having wood-clad side panels. In wood desks,
the only alternative is to go around the wooden panel or to cut an
oversized hole therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a wiring access means which is capable of
accommodating several different diameter wires in a way which is
attractive and which does not leave unsightly holes or gaps in the
desk surface. Further, the present invention is particularly
adapted for use on wood or wood-clad desks. The access means of
this invention comprises a closure member for a wiring aperture
which when fixed at the edge of a desk top or at the upper edge of
one of the exterior, vertical panels in an appropriate mounting
means, can be selectively positioned to accommodate different size
wires. Such a member can readily be used as an insert in an
appropriate opening in a wood or wood-clad desk or the like. The
access means may also be positioned to completely close the
opening. The closure member or plug is generally cube-shaped and
can be rotated to expose any one of its several faces. One of the
faces, when positioned in the receiving member, presents a
continuous unbroken surface which blends with the furniture
construction and closes the wire access opening. The remaining
faces each have an aperture of a different size formed therein
through which wire cables of different sizes can be passed in a
closely fitting and eye-appealing manner. This close fit is not
only eye-appealing but also it minimizes movement of the wire which
could lead to damage thereto. When not used, the unbroken face is
positioned to close the opening without detracting from the
appearance of the furniture.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
wiring access means formed as a generally cube-shaped plug having
different size openings on each face thereof to accommodate wiring
cables of various diameters at the edge of a desk top or the like
without excessive gap. More specifically, it is an object to
provide an access means which can be used in wood desks. These and
other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more
fully appreciated upon reading the following description with
reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating several
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the
invention as mounted in a vertical panel of an article of furniture
as a desk;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating the plug and mounting member
of FIG. 1 in an assembled position;
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the assembled plug and
mounting member with a desk top positioned above the vertical
panel;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1
through 3 illustrating the assembly with a wire passing
therethrough;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of
the plug member adapted for use at the edge of a desk top;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mounting member for the plug
member of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the assembly of the
plug and mounting members of FIGS. 5 and 6 in a desk top with a
wire passing therethrough;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of the
plug member adapted for use in an aperture cut in the edge of a
desk top;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting member for the
plug member of FIG. 8; and
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the assembly of the
plug and mounting members of FIGS. 8 and 9 in a desk top with a
wire passing therethrough.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, a first embodiment of the
invention will be described in detail. The wiring access means is
generally indicated by the numeral 10 and includes two separable
components, a plug or closure member 12 and a receiving member or
mount 14. The closure has a plurality of side walls at least two of
which have apertures of different sizes therein whereby the closure
can be oriented with different-sized apertures exposed to view.
Mount 14 is adapted for securement in a recess in a vertical panel
P, as for example, the front panel or side panel of a desk. Mount
14 is adapted for releasable engagement with the closure member
such that any selected one of the plurality of sides can be exposed
to the outside of the article of furniture. Mount 14 is formed of
sheet metal and includes a base portion 16 and a pair of upstanding
side flanges 18. At their innermost ends, i.e., that portion of the
flanges to the inside of the desk, flanges 18 extend downwardly and
form legs 20 below the plane of base 16. When positioned, legs 20
abut against an inner wall of vertical panel P and hole mount 14 in
proper position for securement in the recess as by a wood screw 22
passing through an opening provided in base 16. A rounded upper
corner 24 is formed at the juncture of flanges 18 with legs 20 so
that the closure member or plug can be slid downwardly over the
rounded corner onto the flanges.
Plug 12 (FIG. 1) is formed from square, hollow tubing and has four
side walls of equal size. A first side wall 26 has a first opening
28 provided therein. A second side wall 30, adjacent the first,
includes an opening 32 slightly larger than opening 28. Third side
wall 34, opposite side wall 30, has a third opening 36 formed
therein which is larger than openings 28 and 32. The fourth side
wall 38, opposite the first, presents an unbroken flat planar face.
There are no openings in side wall 38. Plug 12 is open at the
bottom thereof and through the center thereof to define an internal
passage communicating with the side wall openings. The open bottom
is an interior opening, communicating with the interior of the
desk, whereas each of the side wall openings is designed to be an
exterior opening if desired.
Plug 12 and mount 14 are adapted for interengagement with each
other. The inner dimensions of the plug between any pair of
opposite side walls closely approximate the outer dimension across
flanges 18 and legs 20 of mount 14 for assembly purposes.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, plug 12 is shown in mating engagement
with mount 14. Plug 12 is installed by urging it downwardly through
the recess in panel P until a pair of its opposite sides contact
and embrace flanges 18. The radius 24 at flanges 18 and legs 20
compensates for misalignment and allows the bottom edge 48 of plug
12 to slide downwardly thereover. Plug 12 is pressed downwardly
until it bottoms in the recess. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,
the outer face of the plug is flush with the outer surface of the
panel in which it is installed. The inner surfaces of the plug abut
the outermost ends of flanges 18 and base 16 and is held in
position by its abutment with the edges of legs 20. As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, when the flat planar side wall or face 38 is
positioned outwardly, the plug completely closes the recess in the
panel. Preferably, the plug either has a finish thereon which
corresponds to the finish of the desk or has a strikingly
distinctive finish such as chrome. Plug 12 is positioned as shown
in FIG. 3 when the furniture is shipped and when it is used without
electrical accessories thereon which would require wiring to be
brought to the upper surface.
In FIG. 4, the plug is rotated such that side wall 34 and opening
36 are flush with the outer face of vertical panel P. In this
position, a large diameter wire W (shown in phantom) or a group of
smaller diameter wires may be passed through opening 36 and brought
out to the upper surface of the desk top. The wire passes between
flanges 18, legs 20, and through the space between the inner
surface of the panel, the open lower end of plug 12, and the inner
facing wall 30. When smaller diameter wires are utilized, the plug
is rotated so that a side wall having a smaller opening is
positioned flush with the outer surface of the vertical panel.
Accordingly, wiring cables of different diameters can be positioned
in the plug in a closely fitting and more eye-appealing manner.
When not in use, the plug is positioned with flat planar face 38
outwardly so that an unsightly opening does not detract from the
appearance of the desk.
Preferably, the largest aperture 36 is opposite the next largest
opening 32, the smallest opening 28 being opposite the unbroken
side wall 38. In this way, a large wire for passage through
aperture 36 can pass not only through the open bottom of plug 12,
but also partially through the next smaller aperture 32. In
reverse, a wire for passage through aperture 32 can readily be
partially accommodated by aperture 36. In this way, the exposed
opening at the bottom of plug 12 does not have to be designed
sufficiently large to accommodate in and of itself the largest
wires which will pass through plug 12.
When a proper size opening 28, 32, or 36 is selected for a given
wire diameter, the wire passes through an opening which is no
larger than absolutely necessary to hold the wire securely in
position.
In an example of the first embodiment of the invention, both the
plug and mount are fabricated from 18-gauge sheet metal. The plug
is of 1-1/8 inch square tubular material and is 7/8 of an inch in
length. The opening 28 is 3/8 inch in width and depth and opening
32 is one-half inch in width and depth. Opening 38, which
accommodates larger size wires is 9/16 inch wide by approximately
5/8 inch deep. A radius is provided at the bottom of each opening
to closely follow the diameter of the wire positioned therein and
to securely hold it in place. Preferably, the plug is chrome plated
but may be finished as the furniture in which it is installed.
The outer dimensions of the mount, i.e., across flanges 18 and
along their length to the outermost edge of legs 20, forms a square
approximately 1-1/32 inches. The flanges extend upwardly one-half
inch and the lowermost portion of leg 20 is three-sixteenths of an
inch from the top of the flange. Since the mount is not visible
when assembled, it may be finished in any conventional manner as,
for example, zinc plating. The opening in the side walls of the
plug are preferably arranged as outlined above so that the larger
diameter openings are on opposite side walls. In this manner, a
wire passing therethrough, as for example illustrated in FIG. 4,
will have additional clearance provided between the inner surface
of the panel and the innermost side wall of the plug.
SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, a second embodiment of the
invention is illustrated. This embodiment is used where the wiring
access opening is the edge of the top surface of the furniture. A
plug 112 in the shpae of a square box, open at one end, includes a
plurality of side walls 126, 130, and 134 having slots or openings
128, 132, and 136 respectively formed therein. A flat planar side
wall 138 is also provided. An end wall 140 closes one end of the
plug while the opposite end is open. The plug can be molded of
plastic or like material or can be formed of metal. It includes
reinforcing ribs 142 in the inner corners at the juncture of the
side walls. Pin-like members or protrusions 144 formed on ribs 142
extend outwardly at the open end of the plug for cooperative
engagement with apertures 146 provided in a receiving member or
mount 114. The pin and aperture type of mounting could also be used
in the first embodiment.
Mount 114 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is adapted for positioning and securement
in a stepped recess formed at the top surface of a desk. The mount
is fixed therein by a wood screw 122 passing through an opening 123
formed in a back wall 116 of the mount.
Mount 114 includes back wall 116, an intermediate wall 117, and
side walls 118. Apertures 146 are formed in intermediate wall 117.
The side walls at the open or plug-receiving end of the mount
extend to the intermediate wall and extend upwardly a distance
equal to the thickness of a desk top in which it is to be
installed. This distance also corresponds to the outer dimensions
of plug 112. In addition, side walls 118 extend outwardly from the
intermediate wall a distance equal to the length of the plug, i.e.,
from the open end to the top of end wall 140. The opposite end of
the mount, extending from the intermediate wall to the back wall,
has a step 120 formed therein which fits into a corresponding step
in the recess in the desk top. A central opening 124 extends to the
back wall from the intermediate wall.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, when plug 112 is used, a wire (shown in
plantom) positioned behind a vertical panel of the desk passes
through the rear portion of mount 114 between side walls 118
through opening 124 in the intermediate wall and through the hollow
interior of the plug where it is directed outwardly through a side
wall of the plug to the upper surface of the desk. As illustrated,
the plug is positioned so that opening 136 in side wall 134 is in
the upper position and flush with the top of the desk. The plug may
be rotated so that any one of the side walls and openings therein
are positioned at the top surface to accommodate wires of different
diameter.
The plug (and the wire passing therethrough) is securely held in
position by the mating engagement of pins 144 on the plug with the
apertures 146 formed in the mount. The plug is additionally held by
the embracing relationship of side walls 118 with side walls of the
plug. Removal and rotation of the plug is accomplished by simply
snapping the plug out of engagement with the mount. When not used
for wire, the planar face 138 is positioned flush with the top
surface. Regardless of which way the plug is rotated in the mount,
end wall 140 always faces outwardly and is flush with the edge of
the desk top.
THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8
through 10. This, and the above-described second embodiment are
particularly adapted for mounting and use where wiring access is
provided at the top surface of a desk. The plug or closure element
212 is in the shape of a box, open at one end, and includes a
plurality of side walls 226, 230, and 234 having wire-receiving
slots or openings 228, 232, and 236 respectively formed therein. A
fourth side wall 238 has a flat planar face surface. End wall 240
closes one end of the plug. The plug may be molded of plastic or
like material or formed of metal. The side walls at the open end of
the plug each include an outwardly extending peripheral lip 244
which forms a slot or groove 248 about the four side walls for
cooperative engagement with guideways 217 (FIG. 9) formed in a
mounting member 214. This general type of mounting could also be
used in the first embodiment of the invention.
Mount 214, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, is similar to the mount
of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6. The mount is adapted for
positioning and securement in a stepped recess formed in the top
surface of a desk and is fixed therein by means of a screw 222
passing through an opening 223 formed in a back wall 216 of the
mount.
Mount 214 also includes a pair of side walls 218 formed with back
wall 216. A pair of guideways 217 forms an intermediate wall area
including a cross member 219 extending between the side walls and
providing a stop abutment for the plug when it is positioned in the
mounting member. Side wall 218 at the open or plug-receiving end of
the mount extends from the open end to the intermediate wall and
upwardly a distance equal to the thickness of a desk top into which
it is to be installed. This distance also corresponds to the outer
dimension of plug 212. In addition, side walls 218 extend outwardly
toward the open end from guideways 217 a distance equal to the
length of the plug, i.e., from groove 248 to the outside or face of
end wall 240. The opposite end of the mount extending from the
guideways 217 to the back wall has a step 220 formed therein which
fits into a corresponding step in the recess in the desk top. When
the mount is secured in a desk top as illustrated in FIG. 10, the
front panel P of the desk is temporarily moved out of the position
illustrated and the plug is slipped into position through the lower
portion of mount 214 by the interengagement of guideways 217 on the
mount and the recesses 248 formed about the side walls of the plug.
As in the previous embodiment, the plug can be rotated to any one
of four positions to accommodate different diameter wires or to
provide a flat planar surface at the top surface of the desk. The
end wall 240 is always flush with the outer edge of the desk top.
Upper cross member 219 fits into the groove adjacent the upper
facing side wall of the plug to prevent the plug from extending
above the top surface of the desk.
As mentioned above, the plug and mount members may be formed of
metal or plastic-like materials and if desired, the plug may be
finished such that it is compatible with the furniture in which it
is utilized. The first embodiment (FIGS. 1 through 4) is
particularly adapted for use in the vertical panels of metal office
furniture although they may be used in other types of furniture
with equal facility. The second and third embodiments are generally
used in wooden furniture constructions and are particularly adapted
to provide wiring access to the upper surface of the top. The mount
and plug members can be arranged at many different positions and on
different structural components of the furniture. It will also be
realized that the wiring access means of the present invention
provides a simple yet very efficient means of accommodating wire
sizes of various diameters or for accepting several wires of
different diameter and holding them securely in place without
excessive gap. By utilizing the present invention, a finished back
panel, end panel, top surface, or like components of furniture
structure can be readily converted between a smooth flush
appearance to an arrangement in which various size wire-accepting
openings are simple and rapidly provided. No special tools are
required and the plug can be rotated to expose one of the several
faces, each face having an aperture therein of a different size. In
this manner, wiring cables of different diameters can be passed
through the plug in a closely fitting and more eye-appealing
manner.
While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated
and described in detail, it will be readily recognized by those
skilled in the art that many other modifications incorporating the
teachings hereof may readily be made in light of this disclosure.
For example, other types of mounting means and plug members may be
provided and adapted for mating engagement through the utilization
of spring retainers and the like. Accordingly, all modifications
embodying the principles thereof are to be considered as included
in the appended claims unless these claims by their language
expressly state otherwise.
* * * * *