U.S. patent number 3,802,146 [Application Number 05/234,492] was granted by the patent office on 1974-04-09 for panel system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Steelcase Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert H. McKay, Robert B. Ormiston, William H. Tacke.
United States Patent |
3,802,146 |
Tacke , et al. |
April 9, 1974 |
PANEL SYSTEM
Abstract
A partition system including a frame to which different types of
covering panels can be readily hooked into place. Vertical wiring
channels are provided at the end elements of the frame and covers
are provided which simultaneously cover the wiring channels and
mask the edges of the panel. Brackets for supporting superstructure
can be secured to the end elements of the frame in channels which
are defined by an end trim piece on one side and by a wall of the
wiring channel on the other side. Adjacent partitions can be
secured together angularly by means of a single link at the top and
a single link at the bottom thereof. They can be secured in
alignment by a pair of adjacent links at the top and at the bottom.
Vertically spaced platforms can be mounted on feet at the bottom of
the partitions to define spaced wiring channels. Telescoping end
caps are provided for covering the ends of the wiring channels and
the top portion of each end cap can be telescoped downwardly to
allow access to the connecting links at the bottom of the
partition. The wiring channels can be covered on either side by a
molding which is releasably securable to the bottom of the
partitions. In the case of wiring which must pass from one
partition to another where the partitions are to be disposed at an
angle, a telescoping corner cap is provided. Finally, special
connector brackets are provided for connecting partitions of
different heights to one another at various angles.
Inventors: |
Tacke; William H. (Wyoming,
MI), Ormiston; Robert B. (Grandville, MI), McKay; Robert
H. (Grand Rapids, MI) |
Assignee: |
Steelcase Inc. (Grand Rapids,
MI)
|
Family
ID: |
22881610 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/234,492 |
Filed: |
March 14, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/793.11;
52/481.2; 52/800.12; 52/71; 52/239; 52/511; 52/656.1; 52/220.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
2/7425 (20130101); E04B 2/7431 (20130101); E04B
2/7427 (20130101); E04B 2002/7483 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04B
2/74 (20060101); E04b 002/74 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/238,239,481,241,483,489,220,221,620,624,716 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
911,099 |
|
Feb 1946 |
|
FR |
|
932,540 |
|
Nov 1947 |
|
FR |
|
Primary Examiner: Murtagh; John E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Price, Heneveld, Huizenga &
Cooper
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows.
1. A movable partition comprising: a frame including top and bottom
elements joined by vertical end elements; a crosspiece joining said
end elements intermediate and generally centrally of said top and
bottom elements; a removable panel for covering each side of said
frame; means generally at the center of said panel on the inside
face thereof cooperating with said crosspiece to hold the center of
said panel thereto; means at said top, bottom and end elements for
masking the edges of said panel; said panel including a plurality
of reinforcing studs secured to the inside surface thereof; said
studs being positioned against said top and bottom elements and
said crosspiece; said studs being generally channel-shaped, having
spaced sidewalls extending from said panel and being joined by a
base spaced from said panel; each of said side panels including
equal numbers of said channel-shaped studs being positioned
generally opposite one another when said panels are in place; a
generally U-shaped clip for each pair of said oppositely disposed
channels, said clip being positioned over said top frame element
with one leg extending downwardly into one of said channels and the
other leg extending downwardly into the other of said channels.
2. The partition of claim 1 in which a plurality of different types
of panels are provided for securing to said frame; each of said
panels being of a different thickness; the reinforcing studs for
said panels having thicknesses inversely proportional to the
thickness of said panels whereby the combined thickness of each of
said panels and its respective studs is equal to the combined
thickness of each of the other of said panels and studs.
3. A movable partition comprising: a frame including top and bottom
elements joined by vertical end elements; a crosspiece joining said
end elements intermediate and generally centrally of said top and
bottom elements; a removable panel for covering each side of said
frame; means generally at the center of said panel on the inside
face thereof cooperating with said crosspiece to hold the center of
said panel thereto; means at said top, bottom and end elements for
masking the edges of said panel; said panel including a plurality
of reinforcing studs secured to the inside surface thereof; said
studs being positioned against said top and bottom elements and
said crosspiece; a plurality of different types of panels being
provided for securing to said frame; each of said panels being of a
different thickness; the reinforcing studs for said panels having
thicknesses inversely proportional to the thickness of said panels
whereby the combined thickness of each of said panels and its
respective studs is equal to the combined thickness of each of the
other of said panels and studs.
4. A movable partition comprising: a frame including top and bottom
elements joined by vertical end elements; a crosspiece joining said
end elements intermediate and generally centrally of said top and
bottom elements; a removable panel for covering each side of said
frame; means generally at the center of said panel on the inside
face thereof cooperating with said crosspiece to hold the center of
said panel thereto; means at said top, bottom and end elements for
masking the edges of said panel; each said vertical end element
including an outwardly opening vertical first channel into which
wiring or the like can be stored; a cover for said first channel;
said cover extending beyond said first channel in the direction of
said panel and overlying the edge thereof to constitute said means
at said end elements for masking the edges of said panel.
5. The partition of claim 4 in which said outwardly opening first
channel includes one wall having a lip at the edge thereof; said
cover including a pair of fingers for embracing the opposite sides
of said wall; said finger on the lip side of said first channel
wall including a hook thereon for snapping over said lip and being
retained thereby.
6. The partition of claim 5 in which said fingers diverge to define
generally a "V" shape.
7. The partition of claim 4 in which each of said end elements
includes a second vertical outwardly opening channel disposed
adjacent first channel in a direction away from said panel; said
second channel including means therein for cooperating with
brackets for mounting superstructure to said partition.
8. The partition of claim 7 in which said first channel comprises a
member of generally U-shaped cross section secured to said end
element; said second channel being defined by one wall of said
generally U-shaped member and by an end trim piece secured to said
vertical frame element and defining a pair of channel walls, one
extending generally laterally away from each side of said vertical
end element.
9. The partition of claim 8 in which said second channel is narrow,
having sufficient width to accommodate only a thin, flat mounting
bracket; said second channel including a plurality of slots therein
to provide means for securing said brackets to said partition.
10. The partition of claim 4 comprising: a top trim piece for
securing to said top frame element; said top trim piece and said
top frame element including means cooperating to secure said top
trim piece thereto; said top trim piece including an overhanging
lip at each side thereof extending downwardly in the direction of
said panel and overlying the edge thereof to define said means at
said top element for masking the edge of said panel.
11. The partition of claim038023446 10 in which said bottom frame
element includes a ledge projecting laterally from each side
thereof, said ledge including an upturned lip at the extremity
thereof, extending upwardly in a direction of said panel and
overlying the edge of said panel to define said means at said
bottom frame element for masking the edge of said panel.
12. A movable partition comprising: a frame including a vertical
element at each end and a crosspiece joining said vertical
elements; a removable panel for covering each side of said frame;
each panel including at least one hook thereon for cooperating with
said crosspiece to thereby secure said panel to said frame; said
frame including top and bottom elements joining said vertical end
elements; means at said top, bottom and end elements for masking
the edges of said panel; each said vertical end element including
an outwardly opening vertical first channel into which wiring or
the like can be stored; a cover for said first channel; said cover
extending beyond said first channel in the direction of said panel
and overlying the edges thereof to constitute said means at said
end elements for masking the edges of said panel.
13. The partition of claim 12 comprising: a top trim piece for
securing to said top frame element; said top trim piece and said
top frame element including means cooperating to secure said top
trim piece thereto; said top trim piece including an overhanging
lip at each side thereof extending downwardly in the direction of
said panel and overlying the edge thereof to define said means at
said top element for masking the edge of said panel.
14. The partition of claim 13 in which said bottom frame element
includes a ledge projecting laterally from each side thereof, said
ledge including an upturned lip at the extremity thereof, extending
upwardly in the direction of said panel and overlying the edge of
said panel to define said means at said bottom frame element for
masking the edge of said panel.
15. A partition comprising: panel means; an outwardly opening
vertical channel therein into which wire or the like can be stored;
a cover for said channel; means on said cover cooperating with said
channel to hold said cover in place; said cover including a face
constructed of material sufficiently soft and thin that it can be
readily cut to facilitate passage of wire or the like through said
cover; said outwardly opening vertical channel including one wall
which is exposed on both sides thereof; said cover including a pair
of fingers projecting rearwardly from said face; said fingers
embracing said exposed sides of said one wall of said channel to
thereby hold said cover in place over said channel; said face
extending from said fingers over the other of said channel walls
and having a generally planar configuration whereby said face can
readily be cut along its edge adjacent said other channel wall.
16. The partition of claim 15 in which said one wall has a lip at
the edge thereof; said finger on the lip side of said channel wall
including a hook thereon for snapping over said lip and being
retained thereby.
17. The partition of claim 15 in which said cover comprises a
plastic extrusion.
18. The partition of claim 17 in which said fingers diverge to
define generally a "V" shape.
19. A partition comprising: a frame including a vertical end
element; said end element defining adjacent first and second
outwardly opening vertical channels, said first channel being
disposed closest to the end of the partition; a panel secured to
said frame with one edge adjacent a wall of said second channel; a
cover being secured to said second channel for covering the same
and extending therebeyond in the direction of said panel for
masking the edge thereof; said first channel including means
therein for cooperating with brackets for mounting superstructure
to said partition; said vertical end element comprising a pair of
opposed sidewalls and an end wall; an end trim piece secured to
said vertical end element and defining a pair of first walls; one
extending generally laterally away from each said sidewall; a pair
of generally channel-shaped members, one being secured to each said
sidewall and defining said second channel; said first channel being
defined by said first wall and the adjacent wall of said
channel-shaped member.
20. The partition of claim 19 which includes one wall of said
second channel having a lip at the edge thereof; said cover
including a pair of fingers for embracing the opposite sides of
said wall; said finger on the lip side of said channel wall
including a hook thereon for snapping over said lip and being
retained thereby.
21. The partition of claim 20 in which said fingers diverge to
define generally a "V" shape.
22. The partition of claim 19 in which the base of said first
channel is defined by a portion of said sidewalls; said base
including slots therethrough into which said brackets can be
secured; said vertical end element including a blind secured to the
inside thereof and extending between the slots in said opposite
sidewalls to thereby prevent light from passing therebetween.
23. A partition comprising: a vertical frame element at each end
thereof having opposed sidewalls and an end wall; an end trim piece
secured to said vertical frame element and defining a pair of first
walls, one extending generally laterally away from each sidewall; a
pair of second walls, one extending away from each sidewall in
close proximity to said first wall to define a narrow recessed
channel therebetween; each said sidewalls including a plurality of
slots therein located between said first and second sidewalls to
provide means for securing superstructure to said panels.
24. The partition of claim 23 in which said vertical frame element
includes a blind secured therein and extending between said
sidewalls in line with said slots to thereby prevent light from
passing therebetween.
25. A movable partition system comprising: a frame; a plurality of
different types of said panels being provided for securing to said
frame; each of said panels and said frame including cooperating
means cooperating to releasably hold said panel to said frame such
that any one of said panels can be secured to said frame but can be
removed therefrom for substitution of another of said panels; each
of said panels being of a different thickness; a plurality of
reinforcing studs being secured to each said panels, the
reinforcing studs for said panels having thicknesses inversely
proportional to the thickness of said panels whereby the combined
thickness of each of said panels and its respective studs is
generally equal to the combined thickness of each of the other of
said panels and studs.
26. The partition of claim 25 in which: said studs are generally
channel-shaped, having spaced sidewalls extending from said panel
and being joined by a base spaced from said panel; each of said
side panels including equal numbers of said channel-shaped studs
being positioned generally opposite one another when said panels
are in place; a generally U-shaped clip for each pair of said
oppositely disposed channels, said clip being positioned over the
top of said frame with one leg extending downwardly into one of
said channels and the other leg extending downwardly into the other
of said channels.
27. A movable partition system comprising: a frame; a removable
panel for covering each side of said frame; cooperating means on
said panel and on said frame cooperating to releasably hold said
panel to said frame; an end trim piece secured to said frame and
projecting laterally away from each side thereof; studs engaging
said frame, each of said panels including a plurality of studs
secured to one face thereof, the combined thickness of each of said
panels and its respective studs being such that the surface of said
panel is generally flush with the lateral extremity of said end
trim piece.
28. The partition of claim 27 in which: said studs are generally
channel-shaped, having spaced sidewalls extending from said panel
and being joined by a base spaced from said panel; each of said
side panels including equal numbers of said channel-shaped studs
being positioned generally opposite one another when said panels
are in place; a generally U-shaped clip for each pair of said
oppositely disposed channels, said clip being positioned over the
top of said frame with one leg extending downwardly into one of
said channels and the other leg extending downwardly into the other
of said channels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to movable partition systems. Such
systems provide versatility in office arrangements and decrease
overhead by eliminating the need to erect permanent partitions.
However, such partition systems are still extremely expensive. One
factor which contributes to this expense is the need for
versatility of styling. In order to provide versatility of styling,
manufacturers construct a basic partition having one type of
exterior surface and merely secure additional surface materials,
such as tack board or the like, thereto. In the alternative,
completely different partitions are constructed for different
colors, styles and the like. Unfortunately the consumers who
purchase the latter type partitions are locked in one one type of
styling for the life of the partitions.
Some semipermanent wall systems, as opposed to the readily movable
partition systems to which the present invention is directed,
include frames erected from floor to ceiling and with panels
secured to the frames. These systems could not be used in movable
partition systems because the rather ineffective panel securing
means which are typically employed would allow the panels to fall
off when the partitions are moved. Further, the securing means
utilized in these systems allow the panels to bow outwardly away
from the frames, thereby creating an undesirable, cheap
appearance.
Another factor contributing to the expense of prior art movable
partition systems are the complicated interconnecting mechanisms
which are employed for joining adjacent partitions. Such mechanisms
additionally contribute to a lack of versatility in the system. One
prior art system uses a single joining tab between adjacent
connected partitions, but this system suffers from wobbling of one
partition with respect to another when the two partitions are
placed in direct alignment.
While some prior art partition systems have concealed wiring areas
at the base of the partitions, none of the systems offer any
flexibility in vertical wiring. There may be vertical wiring
channels in some of the systems, but they are either completely
open and exposed, or in the alternative are completely closed and
offer no way of leading wiring out of the channel where
desired.
Even in systems having base wiring areas, the wiring areas are
frequently inadequate for required usage. Most state and local laws
require that casual wiring and telephone wiring be stored in a
separate compartment from permanent wiring. Some partition systems
do employ two separate channels in the base wiring area. However,
these separate channels are permanent and thereby create additional
expense for the purchaser who does not intend to place any wiring
in the base. In the alternative, only one channel wiring area is
provided and the use of permanent lines in conjunction with casual
wiring requires the user to improvise a makeshift divider of some
type.
The base wiring areas generate yet another source of expense in
that elaborate moldings or covers are required to cover these
areas. These moldings must be readily removable. When service lines
or casual wiring is passed between two partitions cocked at an
angle, the moldings or covers do not extend beyond the ends of the
partitions and the wiring is left exposed.
Also expensive are the stabilizers which are employed when a single
partition or a plurality of partitions in direct alignment must be
stabilized. Prior art systems employ complicated stabilizer
structures which include integral leveler glides at the ends
thereof. Thus, the systems employ a leveler on the partition for
use without a stabilizer in addition to a leveler on the stabilizer
itself.
Finally, prior art systems lack versatility in joining partitions
of different height, or in joining partitions to adjacent cabinets
or the like. The concept employed in the present invention obviate
or minimize all of the above as well as other drawbacks in prior
art partition systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides versatility of partition styling in
an economical manner by providing a frame to which any number of
different types and styles of panels can be readily secured. The
frame includes top and bottom elements joined by vertical end
elements and a crosspiece, the latter being positioned intermediate
the top and bottom elements. Each removable panel includes means
generally at the center thereof on its inside face for cooperating
with the crosspiece to hold the center of the panel in place.
Preferably, means are provided at the top, bottom and end elements
for masking the edges of the panel.
Stability and simplicity are the keynotes of the manner in which
adjacent partitions are joined together. A pair of links are
secured to the top end of each of a pair of adjacent partitions.
The links are disposed adjacent one another, but are spaced towards
opposite sides of the partitions. At least one of the links is
pivotally secured at one end to one of the partitions and the other
of the links is removable. Thus when the partitions are joined in
direct alignment, the two links provide lateral stability and
prevent wobbling. When an angular relationship is desired, the
removable link can be removed and one of the partitions pivoted
about its pivotal connection to the link.
Preferably, each of the links joining the top ends of the
partitions includes first and second legs disposed generally at an
obtuse angle with respect to one another. The first leg is secured
at one end to the top of one partition and is joined to the other
partition generally at the juncture of the first and second legs.
The second partition is again joined to the second leg generally at
the end thereof. This triple connection of the link further lends
to lateral stability of the system.
Versatility in vertical wiring is achieved by providing an
outwardly opening vertical channel into which wire can be stored. A
cover is secured to the channel to completely cover it, but the
cover includes a face which is constructed of material sufficiently
soft and thin that it can readily be cut to facilitate passage of
wire or the like through the cover. Preferably, the cover includes
a pair of fingers projecting rearwardly from its face for embracing
opposite sides of one sidewall of the channel. The face itself then
projects from these fingers and is generally planar in
configuration whereby it can readily be cut in alignment with the
channel opening.
In another aspect of the invention, the cover for the wiring
channel simultaneously provides a means for masking the side edges
of the detachable panels. Thus, the face projects not only the
wiring channel, but also projects in a direction towards the
detachable panels to thereby mask the edges thereof. This further
increases the utilization of the vertical end frame elements to
which the wiring channels are preferably secured.
Maximum utilization of the vertical end elements of the frame is
further facilitated by providing a pair of adjacent channels at the
ends of the partitions as part of the end elements. The first
channel is for wiring and the second includes means for cooperating
with brackets whereby superstructure can be mounted to the
partition. Preferably, the vertical frame element itself comprises
opposed sidewalls and an end wall with an end trim piece secured
over the end wall and defining a pair of first walls extending away
from the sidewalls. These first walls, combined with one of the
wiring channel walls, define the bracket mounting channel.
Preferably, this channel is quite narrow and includes slots at the
base thereof into which the superstructure mounting brackets can be
secured. To prevent light from passing through the slots from one
sidewall of the vertical frame element to the other, a blind is
secured to the inside of the frame element and passes between the
opposed slots.
In the base wiring area, the dual channel wiring problem is solved
by providing a foot at each end of the frame, the foot having a top
wall, sidewalls and a bottom wall and being open through its center
in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the partition.
The vertical end element of the partition frame extends below the
level of the bottom frame element and is secured to the top wall of
the foot. The top wall of each foot includes means for securing a
first platform thereto to define a wiring channel between the first
platform and the bottom frame element. The bottom wall of each foot
includes means for securing a second platform thereto for defining
a second wiring channel between the first and second platforms and
through the openings in the feet.
The base wiring area is covered on either side by a simplified
molding which cooperates with a tab projecting outwardly from each
side of each foot. The tab is resiliently flexible downwardly. The
molding includes a top edge which abuts the underside of the panels
and a bottom edge which includes recesses therein for matingly
engaging the tabs.
In another aspect of the invention, an end cap member is provided,
for covering the ends of the base wiring area, which includes first
and second telescopically interfitting members. The first member is
positioned generally adjacent the bottom of the partition and is
slidable downward onto the second member in order to allow access
to the partition joining means which are positioned generally in
line with the bottom edges of the panels. Preferably, both of the
telescopically interfitting members include knockouts whereby
electrical wiring can be passed therethrough from one panel to
another if desired.
To facilitate covering of wiring passing between adjacent
partitions which are cocked at an angle, a special corner member is
provided which comprises telescopically interfitting first and
second members. The first member is secured to the bottom,
generally outside edge of one partition and the second is secured
to the bottom generally outside edge of the other. Each of the
first and second members includes a curved sidewall and a top wall
which is shaped generally like a segment of a circle. These first
and second members are then telescopically interfitted whereby the
angle between adjacent partitions can be varied.
Stabilization is simplified and economized by providing each of the
feet at the base and end of the partition with a leveler and by
providing a stabilizer which is mounted to the foot in slidable
vertical relationship with respect thereto. Securing means are
provided for tightening the stabilizer with respect to the foot
such that the leveler glide can be used to adjust the height of the
partition with the stabilizer loose and free to slide, and the
stabilizer can then be tightened with the securing means.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
plurality of related joining brackets to facilitate joining
partitions of different heights and to facilitate joining
partitions to cabinets or the like. Generally, these brackets are
characterized in that they include one leg for cooperating with the
channel which is normally used to secure superstructure to the
partition and a second leg which includes means for joining it to
that portion of the panel which is normally used to join adjacent
partitions in endwise relationship. Another innovation involves the
use of a wing bolt which can be threaded into the side of a cabinet
or the like and which includes means on the wing thereof for
securing to the top end of an adjacent partition.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be
more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the written
specification and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical arrangement of the
partition system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the partition frame
and a panel for securing thereto;
FIG. 3 is a broken, cutaway view of the central portion of the
frame and panel shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled partition with the
top trim piece exploded away;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane V--V of FIG.
2;
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the top trim piece; transversly
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane VII--VII of FIG.
4;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a pair of adjacent partitions joined
together;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a link for joining adjacent
partitions together;
FIG. 10 is a generally elevated perspective view of the corner
portions of a pair of partitions joined together and cocked at an
angle;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a pair of partitions joined together
with the end portions of the top trim pieces broken away;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a pair of partitions joined together
with the end portions of the top trim pieces broken away;
FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the corner portions of a
pair of adjacent partitions;
FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the lower lefthand portion of a
partition with no molding secured thereto;
FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of that portion of a partition shown
in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of two vertical wiring channel covers
with portions thereof notched to facilitate passage of wire
therethrough;
FIG. 17 is an end elevational view of the end cover for the base
wiring area of a partition;
FIG. 18 is a slightly elevated perspective view of a corner cover
for adjacent partitions;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a partition joining bracket
and showing the manner in which partitions can be joined using this
bracket;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another partition joining bracket
and showing the manner in which partitions can be joined using this
bracket;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of still another partition joining
bracket and a showing of the manner in which partitions can be
joined using this bracket; and
FIG. 22 is a plan view of two alternative wing bolts which can be
used in this invention to join a partition to a cabinet or the
like.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows a typical arrangement of the partition system in which
partitions 1 are used to support files 2 and a work table 3. One
end partition is shown joined to a filing cabinet 4. The partition
1 itself is the heart of this entire system.
In the preferred embodiment, partition 1 consists of a frame 10
which can be covered by panels 30 hung on either side thereof (FIG.
2). A top trim piece 40 is secured to the top of frame 10 and masks
the top edges of panel 30 (FIG. 4). The side edges of the panel 30
are masked by covers 60 which additionally cover a vertical wiring
channel 50 at each end and on each side of the partition (FIGS. 4
and 5). At its base, each partition 1 is supported by a foot 80 at
either end thereof (FIG. 2), each including a leveler glide 88
(FIG. 14). The area between feet 80 is a base wiring area in which
various electrical wiring can be inserted. This area is hidden at
its sides by detachable moldings 120 (FIGS. 4 and 7) and by end
covers 110 (FIG. 4).
Adjacent partitions can be joined together by means of adjacent
links 70 (FIG. 8). If desired, one of the links 70 can be removed
and placed in a stored condition, leaving only one link joining the
partitions and allowing the partitions to be arranged angularly
with respect to one another (FIG. 10). If a single partition is to
be free standing, or if a plurality of partitions are to be
arranged in a line, a stabilizer 130 is slidably mounted to foot 80
(FIGS. 7 and 14). Proper height is set by leveler glide 88 and
stabilizer 130 is then bolted tightly to foot 80 by bolts 133 (FIG.
14).
When partitions are to be joined at an angle with electrical wiring
passing therebetween, a special corner cover 140 hides the wiring
(FIG. 18). To facilitate joining a taller to a shorter panel in
either aligned or slightly angled fashion, a joining bracket 150 is
provided (FIG. 19). For joining such panels perpendicularly, a
perpendicular joining bracket 160 is provided (FIG. 20). For
joining a taller panel to a shorter panel midway of the shorter
panel, a midway bracket 170 is provided (FIG. 21). Finally, to join
a partition to a cabinet or the like, a wing bolt 180a or 180b can
be utilized (FIG. 22).
Frame 10 includes a pair of vertical end elements 11 joined by top
element 14, bottom element 15 and crosspiece 18 positioned
generally centrally between top element 14 and bottom element 15
(FIG. 2). Each of these elements is formed of tubular stock, formed
sheet metal or the like. Each end element 11 comprises a tubular
post 12 with a generally C-shaped extension 13 welded thereto (FIG.
5). Extension 13 includes an end wall 13a and a pair of sidewalls
13b, the latter being welded at their ends to post 12. Top element
14 is generally tubular in configuration, and includes apertures
14a therein for matingly receiving top trim piece 40 (FIG. 4). It
is welded at its ends to post 12 of end element 11. Bottom element
15 also comprises a generally tubular post (FIG. 7). A
channel-shaped member is welded to the bottom of bottom element 15
to define a ledge 16 having an uprturned lip 17 projecting
laterally from either side of bottom element 15. Panels 30 are
received in the channels formed by ledge 16, lip 17 and bottom
element 15.
Crosspiece 18 is generally channel-shaped (FIGS. 3 and 7) including
sidewalls 19 and a base 20. The channel sidewalls 19 provide means
for cooperating with connecting means on panels 30.
Secured to the end of end element 11 is an end trim piece 21 (FIGS.
2, 4 and 5). End trim piece 21 is secured by tack welding or the
like to end wall 13a of end element 11 and wraps around to jut back
inwardly to join sidewalls 13b and define channel walls 22
extending laterally from sidewalls 13b (FIG. 5). These channel
walls 22, along with the outside walls 52 of vertical wiring
channels 50 cooperate to define a narrow, recessed channel 28 which
includes means therein for securing brackets to partition 1.
Superstructure such as work shelf 3, filing cabinets 2, etc., can
be supported on partitions 1 by means of such brackets.
Specifically, this securing means comprises slots 23 in sidewalls
13b at the base of channel 28. To prevent light from passing
through the slots 23 from one sidewall 13b to the other, and to
thereby minimize the visual noticeability of channel 28, a blind 24
is secured to the inside of end element 11, specifically to end
wall 13a of extension 13, and projects into the space between the
opposing slots 23.
To facilitate the joining of adjacent partitions 1, end trim piece
21 also includes nuts 25 welded therein at each side of end element
11 (FIGS. 5, 11 and 12). It is into these nuts 25 which bolts 74
are threaded in order to secure links 70 to the partitions 1. One
such nut 25 is also positioned at the bottom and one side of end
trim piece 21 (FIGS. 5 and 13). However, the other side is equipped
only with a downwardly projecting pin 25a which passes through a
receiving aperture in a link 70. This modification is designed to
ease the job of securing links 70 to the bottoms of the partitions.
Also to facilitate securing links 70 to the partitions, each top
element 14 and each bottom element 15 includes a pair of spaced
apertures or slots 26 therein (FIGS. 8, 11 and 12). These cooperate
with links 70 in a manner which will be more fully set forth
hereinafter.
Panels 30 comprise a face or board 31 backed by several rigidifying
studs 32 secured to the back side thereof (FIG. 2). Face 31 can be
any one of a multitude of different types of board. For example, it
might be tack board or cork board. It could simply be a sheet of
hardboard or fiberboard. It could be an upholstery covered board.
An infinite variety and styles of boards can be used for face
member 31.
Rigidifying studs 32 are generally channel-shaped in configuration,
having sidewalls 33 and a base wall 34 (FIGS. 2 and 8). Each of the
sidewalls 33 includes a flange 33a projecting laterally therefrom
for securance to the back of face member 31 by means of glue,
screws, tack welding or the like. The combined thickness of
channels 32 and face member 31 is always the same, regardless of
what particular type of face member 31 is utilized. Thus, the
thickness, or depth, of each rigidifying stud channel 32 is
inversely proportional to the thickness of the face member 31 used.
This is illustrated particularly in FIG. 8, where on the left-hand
side, a thinner face member 31 is used, requiring thicker studs 32
and on the right, a thicker face member 31 is used, requiring
thinner studs 32. Preferably, the overall thickness of each panel
30 is such that the front or outside surface of face 31 is
approximately flush with the lateral extremities of end trim piece
21 (FIG. 8).
Each panel 30 is secured to frame 10 by means of a plurality of
hooks 35, each of which is secured to the base wall 34 of a
rigidifying stud 32 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 7). The hooks 35 are located
generally centrally of panel 30 such that when they are hooked over
the wall 19 of crosspiece 18, they positively hold the center area
of the panel 30 tightly against frame 10. This prevents the
occurrence of undesirable bowing.
Panels 30 are not only hooked over crosspiece 18, but also they are
inserted into the channel defined by ledge 16 and lip 17 (FIG. 7).
Lip 17 thereby acts as a means for masking the bottom edge of panel
30 and aids in holding panel 30 tightly against frame 10. At the
top of panel 30, a plurality of generally U-shaped clips 36 are
provided to aid in holding the tops of panels 30 tightly against
top piece 14 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 7). One leg of each clip 36 hooks into
the top of the channel-shaped stud 32 on one side of crosspiece 14,
and the other leg similarly hooks into the channel-shaped stud 32
on the panel 30 at the opposite side of top piece 14. Each clip 36
then sets down on top of crosspiece 14 in the manner shown in FIG.
4.
Top trim piece 40 includes securing clips 41 projecting downwardly
from the bottom thereof (FIG. 6) which can be inserted into
apertures 14a in top frame element 14 (FIG. 4). Top piece 40
includes a peripheral lip 42 projecting downwardly therefrom which
slips down over the top edges of panels 30 and thereby acts to mask
those top edges (FIGS. 4, 6 and 7). A downwardly projecting center
piece 43 sets snugly atop top frame element 14 when top trim piece
40 is in place (FIGS. 6 and 7).
Secured to each vertical end element 11 on either side thereof is a
generally channel-shaped member defining a vertical wiring channel
50 (FIG. 5). Vertical wiring channel 50 includes an inside wall 51
spaced inwardly away from end trim piece 21, an outside wall 52,
spaced towards end trim piece 21, and a joining base 53. This
member is formed of metal or the like and is secured to the
sidewalls 13b of extension 13 by means of tack welding or the like.
The edges of each of the walls 51 and 52 are folded over to define
a smooth exterior edge. However, inside wall 51 is folded over only
partially, to leave a lip 54 extending the length thereof. Lip 54
cooperates with the securing means of cover 60 to secure cover 60
to channel 50.
Cover 60 is a plastic extrusion which comprises a face 66 with a
pair of fingers projecting rearwardly therefrom (FIG. 5). These
include an inside finger 61 which goes to the inside of channel 50
and an outside finger 62 which goes to the outside thereof. Outside
finger 62 includes a hook 63 thereon which slips over lip 54 and
thereby holds cover 60 in place. Preferably, fingers 61 and 62
diverge to define generally a "V," with hook 63 hooking back
towards finger 61 (FIG. 5). This makes it easier to slip these
fingers over channel wall 51. Preferably, lip 54 is an outward and
rearward bend. However, FIG. 8 does show an acceptable
alternative.
Face 66 extends laterally away from fingers 61 and 62 in the
direction of outside channel wall 52. This portion of face 66
completely covers channel 50 and hides any wiring that is inserted
therein from view. It is important that this portion of face 66 be
generally planar in configuration such that it can easily be cut or
notched inwardly from the side edge thereof in the manner shown in
FIG. 16. In the right side view of FIG. 16, face 66 includes a hole
64 punched therein and a cut 64a cut inwardly from the side edge.
This effects an opening through cover 60 into wiring channel 50 and
allows a wire to be passed out through hole 64. In the alternative,
a notch 65 could simply be cut in from this edge of cover 60.
Face 66 also extends laterally from fingers 61 and 62 in the
opposite direction. This portion of face 66 overlaps and masks the
side edge of panel 30 such that the side edges thereof are not
visible (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
The links 70 which are used to join adjacent partitions together
are generally flat pieces of steel having a pin 73 projecting
downwardly from one end thereof (FIG. 9). Specifically, each link
70 includes a joining leg 71, which is the primary connection
between adjacent partitions and a rigidifying leg 72 (FIGS. 8 &
10). At the top of adjacent partitions, joining leg 71 is joined at
one end to one of the partitions by means of a bolt 74. Each link
70 is joined to the other partition generally at the juncture of
joining leg 71 and rigidifying leg 72 by a second bolt 74.
Rigidifying leg 72 is secured at its end to the same partition by
means of downwardly projecting pin 73 engaging one of the apertures
or slots 26 in top frame member 14. One link 70 is secured to one
side of the adjoining partitions and one is secured to the other.
This provides greater lateral stability than would be obtained
through the use of only a single link 70. The fact that rigidifying
leg 72 is also connected to one of the partitions further increases
lateral stability. Rigidifying leg 72 is joined to joining leg 71
at an oblique angle, primarily so that it will deviate away from
the face of the partition to a point above top element 14 into
which a secure fastening can be maintained. Aperture 26 in frame
element 14 is somewhat elongated in order to allow for variations
in tolerance.
It will be noted that each top element 14 includes two spaced slots
26. This facilitates joining adjacent partitions 1 at a wider
variety of angles. When partitions are joined in alignment, as
shown in FIG. 8, the pin 73 of rigidifying leg 72 is positioned
within the innermost of the two slots 26. In order to adjust the
partitions angularly with respect to one another, one of the links
70 is removed, as shown in FIG. 11, and the partition which is
secured to the end of joining leg 71 is rotated slightly. Due to
the desirability of maintaining a close fit between the adjacent
panels, however, a point is reached where the corners of the end
trim pieces 21 begin to interfere. At this point, further angular
adjustment from the position shown in FIG. 11 becomes somewhat more
difficult. Accordingly, the joining link 70 can be removed and
readjusted with pin 73 positioned within the endmost slot 26 in the
manner shown in FIGS. 10 & 12. This enables the joined
partitions to be disposed at a perfect right angle to one another
(FIG. 10), or to be cocked slightly at an angle greater than
90.degree., but less than 135.degree. (FIG. 12). When a link 70 is
not being used, the end of joining leg 71 is bolted to one
partition and link 70 is oriented with pin 73 projecting into the
open end of wiring channel 50. Links 70 join partitions 1 at their
bottom ends in substantially the same way. The only exception, as
heretofore pointed out, is that a pin 25a (FIGS. 5 and 13) projects
downwardly for projecting through that aperture at the end of
joining leg 71 which would normally receive a joining bolt 74.
The entire frame 10 is supported by a pair of feet 80, one being
positioned at the bottom and each end thereof (FIG. 2). Each foot
80 includes a top wall 81 a pair of spaced sidewalls 83 and a
bottom wall 82 (FIG. 7). These define a large central opening 84
extending through foot 80, generally in a direction parallel to the
plane of partition 1. Opening 84 serves to provide a wiring access
opening into the base area of partition 1.
The post 12 of end frame element 11 extends downwardly below the
level of bottom frame element 15 and is mounted by welding or the
like to top wall 81 of foot 80 (FIGS. 7 and 14). Top wall 81 also
includes an aperture 85 therein into which a bolt 91 can be
threaded or might pass, for securance to a nut on the opposite
side, to facilitate the mounting of a top platform 90 to top wall
81 (FIG. 14). Platform 90 is a divider made of sheet metal or the
like which extends between the top walls 81 of the feet 80 at
opposite ends of the partition. It provides a wiring channel
between it and the bottom of bottom frame element 15. It is a
readily attachable or detachable option to the system which is
necessary if the base wiring area is to be divided into two
separate channels, one for casual wiring and one for permanent
wiring.
Bottom wall 82 includes a similar aperture 86 therein whereby a
bottom platform 100 can be secured thereto by means of nut and bolt
combinations 101 or the like (FIGS. 7 and 14). Bottom platform 100
aids in defining a wiring channel between itself and top platform
90, through the opening 84 in feet 80. Bottom platform 100 prevents
any wiring in this channel area from being exposed below the level
of molding 120 which is used to cover this base wiring area.
A leveler glide 88 is also secured to each foot 80, being threaded
into the bottom wall 82 thereof (FIG. 14). By threading leveler
glide 88 upwardly or downwardly, the level of the partition can be
adjusted. Each foot 80 includes a pair of elongated vertical slots
87 in each sidewall 83 to facilitate the slidable joining of
stabilizer 130 thereto in a manner which will be subsequently
described.
Each sidewall 83 includes a pair of threaded openings therein
positioned in vertically adjacent relationship whereby bolts 114
can be threaded thereinto to secure end cover members 110 to feet
80 (FIG. 14). An end cover 110 is secured to each foot 80 at each
end of the partition to provide a decorative cover therefor. Each
end cover 110 comprises a pair of telescopically interfitting
members, a bottom member 111 and a top member 115 (FIGS. 14 and
17). Bottom member 111 includes a front wall 112 and a pair of
spaced sidewalls 113 which embrace the sidewalls 83 of foot 80. The
bolts 114 pass through appropriate apertures in sidewalls 113 to
secure bottom member 111 to foot 80. Top member 115 similarly
includes a front wall 116 and sidewalls 117. The sidewalls 117 are
somewhat shorter in distance from front wall 116 than are the
sidewalls 113 from front wall 112 (FIG. 14). Sidewalls 117 are just
long enough so that they fit under the edge of at least one of the
bolts 114 whereby top member 115 can be securely fastened against
slidable movement with respect to bottom member 111. However in
order to facilitate access to the bottom of end trim piece 21, at
which point joining links 70 are secured to the bottom of the
partition, top member 115 can be loosened by loosening bolts 114
and can be slid telescopically downwardly onto bottom member
111.
To facilitate the passage of electrical wiring into the base wiring
area of the partition, each of the bottom and top members 111 and
115 of end cover 110 includes a knockout portion 118 in the
respective front face 112 or 116 thereof. In top member 115,
knockout 118 defines a downwardly opening U-shaped slot and in
bottom member 111, knockout 118 defines an upwardly opening
U-shaped slot.
The entire base wiring area can be covered in the manner shown in
FIG. 4 by bottom moldings 120. Each molding 120 is preferably
formed of sheet metal or the like (FIG. 7) and includes a front
wall 121 bent over and downwardly at its top to define a top edge
122. At its bottom, front wall 121 is bent over and upwardly to
define a bottom edge 123. A spring tab member 89 is welded or
otherwise secured to the bottom of foot 80 and its projecting ends
define tabs 89a which are resiliently flexible in a downward
direction. The bottom edges 123 of moldings 120 include apertures
or slots therein for receiving these tabs 89a. Thus to secure a
molding 120 to the base wiring area, the slots are matingly engaged
with the resilient tabs 89a and the tabs 89a are forced downwardly
so that the top edge 122 of each molding 120 can be snapped into
position below ledge 16 of bottom frame element 15. In this manner,
the entire bottom wiring area is readily coverable and is readily
accessible when so desired.
Stabilizer 130, which is provided for supporting either a plurality
of panels in a straight line or a single panel, comprises a base
131 formed of steel or the like and a pair of upwardly depending
sidewalls 132 which define a channel (FIG. 7). These sidewalls 132
pass on either side of foot 80 such that foot 80 is embracingly
maintained within the channel defined thereby (FIGS. 7 and 14).
Each channel sidewall 132 includes apertures therein which align
with the vertical slots 87 in the sidewalls 83 of each foot 80.
Preferably, the apertures in one of the channel sidewalls 132 are
threaded, such that a bolt 133 can be passed through the aperture
in the other channel sidewall, through the slots 87 in the two
sidewalls 83 of feet 80, and threaded into the apertures in the
opposite channel sidewall 132. Bolt 133 can then be loosened while
leveler glide 88 is adjusted to the proper height, thereby allowing
stabilizer 130 to slide or be readily moved vertically with respect
to foot 80. Once the proper height is reached, bolts 133 can be
tightened down, to thereby insure stabilization of the partition at
the proper height.
Because the partitions 1 are joined in such a way that they pivot
on an axis which is generally at the inside corner of adjacent
partitions (FIG. 10) the ends 21 of the partitions are generally
exposed when the panels are adjusted at an angle. If wiring is
passed between adjacent panels cocked at such an angle, the wiring
would be completely visible. To eliminate this, a corner cover 140
is provided which comprises a smaller member 141 which
telescopically interfits with a larger member 142 (FIG. 18). Each
of the two members comprises a generally curved wall 143 joined to
a top wall 144 which is shaped generally like a segment of a
circle. Projecting from each sidewall 143 is a connecting flange
145 which can be bolted to foot 80 in place of end cover 110 by
means of bolts 114. Because the smaller and larger members are
telescopically interfitting, the adjacent partitions can be rotated
to any number of angles, and the wiring will still be covered.
To facilitate joining different height partitions in a variety of
ways, a plurality of special joining brackets 150, 160 and 170 are
provided (FIGS. 19, 20 and 21). Joining bracket 150 comprises a
first leg 151 with hook tabs 152 extending therefrom such that
first leg 151 can be inserted into a channel 28 (FIG. 5) and hooked
into receiving slots 23 to thereby secure joining bracket 150 to a
partition. Second leg 153 projects from first leg 151 generally at
right angles thereto and includes a tab 154 at the top thereof,
bent over in the same general direction that first leg 151
projects. Tab 154 can be bolted by a bolt 74 through aperture 154a
and into the same nut 25 at the top of end member 21 in the same
manner that a link 70 would be secured thereto. With bracket 150,
adjacent partitions of different sizes can be either directly
aligned or cocked at a slight angle as shown in FIG. 19.
Right angle bracket 160 facilitates joining a shorter partition to
a taller partition at a right angle. It is comparable in structure
to bracket 150, having a first leg 161 with hook tabs 162 thereon.
This facilitates securing bracket 160 in channel 28. A second leg
163 extends from first leg 161 generally at a right angle and has a
tab 164 bent over at the top thereof in a direction generally away
from first leg 161. Tab 164 is secured to a partition 1 by a bolt
74 passing through aperture 164a therein and into nut 25 in the
same manner that a link 70 would be secured thereto.
Midway bracket 170 makes it possible to join a taller partition to
a shorter partition midway between the ends thereof, without having
to rely on the nuts 25 disposed at the ends of the partition.
Midway bracket 170 includes a first leg 171 having hook tabs 172
thereon for mounting in channel 28. It also includes a second leg
173 disposed generally at a right angle thereto. However, a third
leg 174 is provided extending generally at a right angle to the
second leg 173 in generally the same direction at first leg 171.
Third leg 174 includes a flange 175 bent over at the top thereof
having an aperture 175a in the end thereof whereby it can be bolted
into the top of top frame element 114. Flange 175 includes an
upward deviation 176 therein to insure clearance over the top edge
of a panel 30 secured to frame 10.
Finally, to facilitate the joining of a partition 1 to a cabinet 4
or the like in the manner shown in FIG. 1, a special wing bolt 180a
or 180b is provided. Wing bolt 180a includes a sheet metal screw
portion 181 with a wing 182 at the end thereof. Sheet metal screw
portion 181 can be threaded into the side of a cabinet 4 and wing
182 can be secured to the end of a partition 1 by means of aperture
183 therein. A bolt 74 is passed through aperture 183 and into a
receiving nut 25 in the same manner as a link 70 would be secured
to the end of partition 1. Wing bolt 180b is identical, except that
its threaded portion 181 is adapted to be threaded into a receiving
nut secured at some point to an adjacent cabinet 4.
OPERATION
In operation, a single frame 10 may be used to provide a plurality
of different styled partitions, merely by interchanging different
styles of panels 30. A panel 30 is slid into the bottom channel
defined by ledge 16 and lip 17 (FIG. 7) and is hooked over
crosspiece 18 by means of hooks 35. Securance at the top is
achieved by slipping the legs of clips 36 over the top of top frame
member 14 into the openings in the ends of the rigidifying channels
32. Cover 40 is snapped onto the top piece 14 and its overhanging
lip 42 masks the top edge of each panel 30 on either side of frame
10. The side edges of a panel 30 are masked by securing a cover 60
in position over each wiring channel 50 (FIGS. 4 and 5). Cover 60
simultaneously covers any wires which may be lying within wiring
channel 50. To insure that the surface of any particular panel 30
is generally flush with the lateral extremities of the end trim
pieces 21, the thickness of the reinforcing ribs 32 is inversely
proportional to the thickness of the face 31 which makes up a
particular panel 30.
The base wiring area between feet 80 at the bottom of a partition 1
is covered by snapping moldings 120 into position. The slots in the
bottom edge 123 of each molding 120 are fitted over the downwardly
resiliently flexible tabs 89a and the top edges 122 of each molding
120 are snapped into position beneath ledge 16 (FIG. 7). The ends
of the base wiring area are covered by end caps 110 which are
bolted to feet 80 in the manner shown in FIG. 14.
If it is desired to pass permanent or casual wiring through the
base wiring area, the knockout portions 118 are knocked out of end
cover members 110. A bottom platform 100 is secured to the bottom
wall 82 of each foot 80 such that no wiring hangs down below the
bottom edge of molding 120. If casual wiring and permanent wiring
are both to be passed through the base wiring area, a top platform
90 is secured to the top wall 81 of each foot 80. Because top wall
81 is spaced slightly below bottom frame element 15, a top wiring
channel is formed between top platform 90 and bottom frame element
15.
Vertical wiring is effected by passing a wire up through wiring
channel 50. If it is desired to bring a wire out of vertical wiring
channel 50 at desk top level (FIG. 1), a notch or the like can be
cut into the edge of the face 66 of cover 60 (FIG. 16). Wire can be
passed directly through such a notch or slot onto the work surface
3 or the like.
Partitions can be joined together in endwise relationship by
securing a pair of links 70 across the top ends of adjacent
partitions and another pair of links 70 across the bottom end of
adjacent partitions. Specifically, the links 70 at the top of the
partition are bolted into receiving nuts 25 in the end trim members
21 (FIG. 8). The downwardly projecting pin 73 on the rigidifying
leg 72 fits into the innermost receiving slot 26 in the top member
14 of each partition. If the panel partitions are to be cocked at
an angle with respect to one another, one of the links 70 is
removed (or left in its stored position). The partition which is
secured to the joining leg 71 only of the remaining link 70 is
rotated to the desired angle. For orientation at an angle greater
than 45.degree. with respect to straight alignment, the link 70 can
be detached and reoriented with its pin 73 positioned in the
endmost receiving slot 26 (FIG. 12).
The only exception to the above description is that each bottom
link 70 is secured to adjacent partitions by one bolt and by one
downwardly depending pin 25a (FIG. 13). After loosening bolts 114
(FIG. 14), the top member 115 of end cover 110 is slid downwardly
onto bottom member 111 to facilitate working with these bottom
links. After joining is effected, top member 115 is slid up again
and bolts 114 tightened.
Where partitions are to be cocked at an angle, and where wiring is
to be passed between the partitions, end covers 110 are replaced by
a corner cover 140 (FIG. 18). The telescopically interfitting
members 141 and 142 of corner cap 140 allow the panels to be
adjusted angularly while still covering any wiring passing
therebetween.
In order to support a plurality of partitions joined in a straight
line, or a single partition in a freestanding fashion, stabilizer
130 can be secured to foot 80 with its channel walls 132 embracing
the same (FIGS. 7 and 14). Leveler glide 88 is turned to adjust the
height of the partition while the bolts 133 are maintained loose.
Thus, the bolts 133 are free to slide in vertical slots 87. Once
proper height is achieved, bolts 133 are tightened down and the
height of stabilizer 130 with respect to foot 80 becomes fixed.
Through the use of joining brackets 150, 160 and 170 in the manner
as described above, low and high partitions can be joined in the
variety of ways shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21. To facilitate joining
a partition to a cabinet 4 in the manner shown in FIG. 1, wing bolt
180a or 180b can be utilized in the manner described above.
CONCLUSION
Thus, the present invention provides a partition system which is
extremely versatile and which maximizes economics of construction.
A variety of different style partitions can be obtained by using
the same skeletal frame in conjunction with a variety of different
types of panels. The need for using a second covering on top of a
partition which has permanent panels affixed thereto is
eliminated.
A link structure is employed in the present invention which
simplifies the joining of adjacent partitions together and yet
which maximizes rigidity therebetween. The same link system is used
whether the partitions are joined in direct alignment, or at an
angle with respect to one another.
Flexibility in vertical wiring is achieved in that wiring can be
brought up through channel 50 and brought out through a slot or
notch in channel cover 60 at any desired level. One merely selects
the level desired and cuts an appropriate slot or notch.
Versatility and economics are achieved in the base wiring area by
providing feet to which spaced top and bottom platforms can be
secured. This makes it possible to divide a wiring area into two
separate sections, one for casual wiring and one for service
wiring. This entire base wiring area is covered by a readily
detachable, ingenious molding which snaps into place by resting on
resiliently downwardly flexible tabs at the very base of the
partition. The end covers provided for the ends of the base wiring
area can be used with or without wiring and are telescopically
constructed to provide access when desired to the means whereby
adjacent partitions are joined at their bottoms. Where the adjacent
partitions are to be cocked at an angle with service lines passing
therebetween, a telescoping corner cover can be utilized to thereby
allow angular adjustment without exposing the wiring.
The stabilizer structure for use in conjunction with the partitions
is greatly simplified by eliminating any leveler glides therein and
simply providing a channel which matingly embraces the feet of the
partition in a slidable relationship. The leveler glide on the
partition is then adjusted and when proper height is achieved, the
stabilizer is made secure with respect to the foot. Finally, where
odd sized partitions are to be joined in odd ways, unique joining
brackets are provided to facilitate these junctures.
Of course, it is understood that the above is merely a preferred
embodiment of the invention and that many changes and alterations
can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and broader
aspects of the invention.
* * * * *