Partition panel with modular appliance mounting arrangement

• US 6,851,226 B2
• Filed: 02/15/2002
• Issued: 02/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Steelcase Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation (Steelcase Incorporated)
• Inventors: Salamini, Alexey, Cheng, Larry, Fourt, Jesse A., Inouye, Matthew D., Ludwig, James N., Webster, David M., Pelman, Todd A., MacGregor, Bruce G., Newman, Sven D., Hei, Joseph Lishing, Gresham, David M., Kuchenbecker, Katherine J., Tarbell, Benjamin J. V., Novoa, Juan Carlos Bruce, Schulz, Franz Niklaus, Eich, Thomas B., Grishaver, Alex T., Whitman, Scott A., Cruse, II, Energy
• Primary Examiner(s): Friedman, Carl D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KATCHEVES, BASIL S
• Application Number:
  US10/076,709
• Publication Number:
  US 20030154673A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,089 Days
• Field of Search: 52/361, 522/39, 522/207, 522/431
• US Class Current: 52/36.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2083/006 having an incorporated display screen
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 83/001 Office desks or work-stations combined with other pieces of furniture, e.g. work space management systems
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2/7422 with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2/7435 Glazing details
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/7483 Details of furniture, e.g. tables or shelves, associated with the partitions
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/7487 Partitions with slotted profiles
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/7488 Details of wiring
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/749 Partitions with screw-type jacks
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/046 adapted to upward-downward translation movement
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2014 around a vertical axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2092 comprising means allowing depth adjustment, i.e. forward-backward translation of the head relatively to the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/02 for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/061 Scissors arms
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/065 with a special structure, e.g. reinforced or adapted for space reduction

Abstract

A freestanding partition panel for dividing a floor space includes a rigid partition frame having vertical side frame members and first and second horizontal frame members extending between the vertical side frame members to form a vertically enlarged opening through the frame, and an open space within the panel. At least one intermediate horizontal cross member extends across the vertically enlarged opening and defines upper and lower openings through the frame. The intermediate cross member and at least a selected one of the first and second horizontal frame members include a plurality of horizontally spaced apart attachment locations defining a plurality of discrete, serially adjacent mounting spaces. The partition panel further includes a utility unit that is mountable in a selected one of the mounting spaces. The partition panel further includes a first cover panel secured to the partition frame and extending horizontally between the side edge of the utility unit and the selected vertical side frame member. The first cover panel is connected to the intermediate horizontal cross member and extends vertically between the intermediate horizontal cross member and the selected one of the first and second members. A second cover panel is secured to the partition frame, and extends horizontally between the vertical side frame members. The second cover panel extends vertically between the intermediate horizontal cross member and the other of the selected one of the first and second horizontal members.

Claims

1. A freestanding partition panel for dividing a floor space, comprising:

a rigid partition frame having horizontally spaced apart vertical side frame members and vertically spaced apart first and second horizontal members extending between said vertical side frame members to form a generally quadrilateral vertically enlarged opening through said frame and defining an open space within said panel;

at least one intermediate horizontal cross member extending across said vertically enlarged opening and defining an upper opening through said frame above said intermediate horizontal cross member, and defining a lower opening through said frame below said intermediate horizontal cross member;

said intermediate horizontal cross member and at least a selected one of said first and second horizontal frame members including a plurality of horizontally spaced apart attachment locations defining a plurality of discrete, serially adjacent mounting spaces in a selected one of said upper and lower openings through said frame within said open space;

a modular appliance unit connectable to selected ones of said attachment locations of said intermediate horizontal cross member and said selected one of said first and second horizontal members, such that said utility unit can be mounted in a selected one of said mounting spaces, said appliance unit having a side edge spaced apart from a selected one of said vertical side frame members;

a first cover panel secured to said partition frame and extending horizontally between said side edge of said appliance unit and said selected vertical side frame member, said first cover panel connected to said intermediate horizontal cross member and extending vertically between said intermediate horizontal cross member and said selected one of said first and second members; and

a second cover panel secured to said partition frame and extending horizontally between said vertical side frame members, said second cover panel extending vertically between said intermediate horizontal cross member and the other of said selected one of said first and second members.

2. The partition panel of claim 1, wherein:

said first horizontal member extends proximate an upper edge of said partition panel.

3. The partition panel of claim 2, wherein:

said second horizontal member extends proximate a lower edge of said partition panel.

4. The partition panel of claim 1, wherein:

said intermediate horizontal cross member comprises a first intermediate horizontal cross member; and

including;

an upper horizontal frame member extending between and rigidly interconnecting said vertical side frame members, said first horizontal frame members including said plurality of horizontally spaced apart attachment locations and positioned below said upper horizontal frame member to define a second intermediate horizontal cross member, such that said mounting spaces are defined between said first and second intermediate horizontal cross members.

5. The partition panel of claim 1, including:

a cover panel mounting bracket connected to said intermediate horizontal cross member and to said selected one of said first and second horizontal frame members proximate said side edge of said appliance unit, said first cover panel having a vertical side edge of said appliance unit, said first cover panel including a connector proximate said vertical side edge secured to said cover panel mounting bracket.

6. The partition panel of claim 1, wherein:

said appliance unit comprises a power unit having a power receptacle outlet.

7. The partition panel of claim 1, wherein:

said appliance unit comprises a storage unit having vertically extending side walls and horizontally extending upper and lower walls defining an interior space, said storage unit further including a horizontal shelf extending between said vertical side walls.

8. The partition panel of claim 7, wherein:

said first and second cover panels have an exterior surface defining a vertical plane;

said horizontal shelf having an inner portion disposed within said interior space, and having an exterior portion extending horizontally outward of said vertical plane.

9. The partition panel of claim 1, wherein:

said attachment locations comprise threaded openings;

said appliance unit has a generally quadrilateral perimeter defining four corners; and

including;

at least one threaded fastener proximate each corner received in said threaded openings to secure said appliance unit to said partition frame.

10. A freestanding partition panel for dividing a floor space, comprising:

a rigid partition frame having first and second horizontally spaced apart vertical side frame members, and elongated vertically spaced apart first and second horizontal members extending between said vertical side frame members to define an open space within said panel;

said first and second horizontal members including a plurality of horizontally spaced apart attachment locations defining a plurality of discrete, serially adjacent mounting spaces within said open space;

a modular appliance unit connectable to selected ones of said attachment locations of said first and second horizontal members and extending vertically between said first and second horizontal members;

said appliance unit defining a generally vertical side edge horizontally spaced apart from said first vertical side frame member to define a gap therebetween; and

a cover panel secured to said partition frame, said cover panel having a first vertical side edge proximate said vertical side edge of said appliance unit, and a second vertical side edge proximate said first vertical side frame member, said cover panel secured to said first and second horizontal members and extending therebetween to substantially close off said gap.

11. The partition panel of claim 10, including:

a cover panel bracket secured to said first and second horizontal members and extending therebetween proximate said vertical side edge of said appliance unit;

said cover panel including at least one connector proximate said first vertical side edge of said cover panel securing said cover panel to said cover panel bracket.

12. The partition panel of claim 11, wherein:

said attachment locations comprise threaded openings; and

including;

a plurality of threaded fasteners securing said appliance unit and said cover panel bracket to said thread openings.

13. The partition panel of claim 11, wherein:

said cover panel includes at least one opening; and

said at least one connector comprises a clip received in said opening to secure said cover panel to said cover panel bracket.

14. The partition panel of claim 10, wherein:

said cover panel comprises a first cover panel;

said gap comprises a first gap;

said vertical side edge of said appliance unit comprises a first vertical side edge;

said appliance unit having a second vertical side edge horizontally spaced from said second vertical side frame member to define a second gap therebetween; and

a second cover panel secured to said partition frame and substantially closing off said second gap.

15. The partition panel of claim 10, including:

an upper horizontal frame member extending between and rigidly interconnecting said vertical side frame members, said upper horizontal frame member vertically spaced above a selected one of said first and second horizontal members to define an upper gap;

a lower horizontal frame member extending between and rigidly interconnecting said vertical side frame members, said lower horizontal frame member vertically spaced below the other one of said first and second horizontal members to define a lower gap;

an upper cover panel secured to said partition frame and closing off said upper gap; and

a lower cover panel secured to said partition frame and closing off said lower gap.

16. The partition panel of claim 15, wherein:

said vertical side frame members, first and second horizontal members, and upper and lower horizontal frame members have a plurality of openings;

said upper and lower cover panels each including protruding connectors received in said openings to secure said upper and lower cover panels to said partition frame.

17. The partition panel of claim 10, wherein:

said appliance unit comprises a power unit having a power receptacle outlet.

18. The partition panel of claim 10, wherein:

said appliance unit comprises a storage unit having vertically extending side walls and horizontally extending upper and lower walls defining an interior space, said storage unit further including a horizontal shelf extending between said vertical side walls.

19. The partition panel of claim 18, wherein:

said first and second cover panels have an exterior surface defining a vertical plane;

said horizontal shelf having an inner portion disposed within said interior space, and having an exterior portion extending horizontally outward of said vertical plane.

20. A method of configuring a partition panel, comprising:

providing a freestanding partition frame defining horizontally spaced apart vertical side faces and an interior space between said vertical side faces, said partition frame having first and second generally vertical side edges that are horizontally spaced apart to define a frame width, said partition frame having generally horizontal upper and lower edges defining a generally quadrilateral perimeter with said vertical side edges;

dividing at least a portion of said interior space into a plurality of serially adjacent mounting spaces defining a horizontal row, said mounting spaces each having substantially the same size and configuration;

providing a plurality of modular appliance units, each configured to be mounted into a selected one of said mounting spaces at a selected horizontal position and having an exterior side surface that faces outwardly, a generally vertical side edge and generally horizontal upper and lower side edges defining a height;

securing said appliance unit to said portion frame in a selected one of said mounting spaces at a selected horizontal position with said vertical side edge of said appliance unit spaced inwardly from said first vertical side edge of said partition frame to form a first gap defining a width that is substantially less than said frame width, said upper side edge of said appliance unit spaced downwardly from said upper edge of said partition frame to form an upper gap having a width about the same as said frame width, said lower side edge of said utility unit spaced upwardly from said lower edge of said partition frame to form a lower gap having a width about the same as said frame width;

providing a first cover panel having a width substantially equal to said first gap, and a height substantially the same as the height of said utility unit;

installing said first cover panel to said partition frame to substantially close off said first gap;

installing an upper cover panel to substantially close off said upper gap; and

installing a lower cover panel to substantially close off said lower gap.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein:

at least one of said appliance units includes a power receptacle, and at least one appliance unit includes a shelf.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein:

said vertical side edge of said appliance unit comprises a first vertical side edge, said appliance unit having a second generally vertical side edge;

said second vertical side edge spaced apart from said second vertical side edge of said partition frame to define a second gap; and

including;

providing a second cover panel having width substantially equal to the height of said utility unit.

23. A freestanding partition panel for subdividing the floor space of a building interior, said partition panel comprising:

a plurality of interconnected structural members defining a partition frame configured to be supported on a floor surface, said partition panel having first and second major exterior surfaces disposed on opposite sides of said panel;

a first support member attached to said frame, said first support member attachable to said frame at a plurality of vertically spaced apart support member positions and wherein said first support member is disposed substantially between said first and second major exterior surfaces when attached in said plurality of support member positions;

at least one cover panel defining a first portion of said major exterior surface and having a generally quadrilateral perimeter defining a cover panel height; and

an appliance unit mounted on said partition panel and secured to said first support member, said appliance unit defining a second portion of said first major exterior surface, said second portion having a perimeter defining an appliance unit height, said perimeters being mutually adjacently positioned for a partial vertical length of said outermost perimeter, said cover panel height and said appliance unit height being substantially equal, said appliance unit being securable to said first support member at a plurality of horizontally spaced appliance positions on said first support member and wherein said appliance unit is mountable at a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced apart installation positions on said partition panel, said appliance unit being vertically repositionable by vertically repositioning said first support member, and said appliance unit being horizontally repositionable by repositioning said appliance on said first support member.

24. The partition panel of claim 23, wherein:

said appliance unit is directly secured to both said frame and said first support member.

25. The partition panel of claim 23, further comprising:

a repositionable second support member and wherein said appliance unit is secured to each of said first and second support members.

26. The partition panel of claim 23, wherein:

said first support member is an elongate member having opposite ends attachable to said frame proximate said support member positions, said plurality of appliance positions being spaced between said first and second ends.

27. The partition panel of claim 26, wherein:

said frame defines a rectilinear shape and said first support member is positioned parallel to at least one edge of said rectilinear shape.

28. The partition panel of claim 27, wherein:

said appliance unit is directly secured to both said first support member and said frame and is positioned between said first support member and said frame.

29. The partition panel of claim 27, further comprising:

a second support member extending parallel to said first support member, said appliance unit being securable to said second support member and wherein said appliance unit is positioned between said first and second support members.

30. The partition panel of claim 27, further comprising:

a second repositionable support member extending parallel to said first support member, said appliance being securable to said second support member and wherein said appliance unit is positioned between said first and second support members, said first and second support members being positioned inwardly from said parallel edges; and

said partition panel further comprising a second cover member defining a portion of said first major surface and wherein said first and second cover members are respectively secured to said first and second support members and are positioned on opposite sides of said appliance unit.

31. The partition panel of claim 23, further comprising:

a second cover panel defining at least a portion of said first major surface.

32. The partition panel of claim 23, further comprising:

a vertically repositionable second support member extending parallel to said support member, said support members subdividing said first major surface into a plurality of vertical segments, each of said vertical segments having a vertical dimension substantially equivalent to a selected one of said common vertical dimension and a multiple of said common vertical dimension.

33. The partition panel of claim 32, further comprising:

a second cover panel defining at least a portion of said first major surface.

34. The partition panel of claim 23, wherein:

said appliance unit comprises an articulating support arm for a flat screen display.

35. The partition panel of claim 23, further comprising:

a second appliance unit, said second appliance unit defining a portion of said second major exterior surface and wherein said panel interior is divisible by a centerline plane and comprises a first half located between said centerline plane and said first major exterior surface and a second half located between said centerline plane and said second major exterior surface and wherein each of said appliances is configured to be disposed within only one of said panel interior halves whereby said appliances are positionable directly opposite each other.

36. A freestanding partition panel for subdividing the floor space of a building interior, said partition panel comprising:

a plurality of interconnected structural members defining a frame of said partition panel, said partition panel having first and second major exterior surfaces disposed on opposite sides of said panel and defining a panel interior therebetween;

a repositionable first support member attached to said frame, said first support member attachable to said frame at a plurality of support member positions spaced apart in a first direction and wherein said first support member is disposed substantially between said first and second major surfaces when attached in said plurality of support member positions;

a cover panel support bracket detachably secured to said first support member and extending in said first direction;

an appliance unit mounted on said partition panel and secured to said first support member, said appliance defining a portion of said first major surface;

at least one cover member mounted on said partition panel and secured to said cover panel support bracket, said cover member defining at least a portion of said first major surface and positioned adjacent said appliance, said cover member overlaying a portion of said cover panel support bracket, wherein said cover member and said appliance unit define a common edge therebetween, said common edge extending in said first direction and at least one end of said common edge terminating at a point located on said first major surface inwardly of said structural members, said cover panel support bracket extending along substantially a full length of said common edge.

37. The partition panel of claim 36, wherein:

said plurality of interconnected structural members define a rectilinear frame and said first support member extends across said frame parallel to a first one of said structural members and said cover panel support bracket extends from said first support member to said first structural member.

38. The partition panel of claim 37, wherein:

said cover panel support bracket includes mounting features for attaching said cover member.

39. The partition panel of claim 38, wherein:

said mounting features comprise apertures and said cover member includes spring clips engageable with said apertures.

40. The partition panel of claim 36, wherein:

said plurality of interconnected structural members define a rectilinear frame and said first support member extends across said frame parallel to a first one of said structural members and said partition panel further comprises a second repositionable support member extending across said frame parallel to said first structural member, said cover panel support bracket extending from said first support member to said second support member.

41. The partition panel of claim 40, wherein:

said first and second support members extend vertically and are horizontally repositionable and said cover panel support bracket extends horizontally between said support members.

42. The partition panel of claim 40, wherein:

said first and second support members extend vertically and are vertically repositionable and said cover panel support bracket extends vertically between said support members.

43. The partition panel of claim 42, wherein:

said cover panel support bracket includes mounting features for attaching said cover member.

44. The partition panel of claim 43, wherein:

said mounting features comprise apertures and said cover member includes spring clips engageable with said apertures.

45. The partition panel of claim 42, wherein:

said cover panel support bracket is repositionable at spaced horizontal positions on said first and second support members.

46. The partition panel of claim 36, further comprising:

a second appliance unit, said second appliance unit defining a portion of said second major exterior surface and wherein said panel interior is divisible by a centerline plane and comprises a first half located between said centerline plan and said first major exterior surface and a second half located between said centerline plane and said second major exterior surface and wherein each of said appliance units is configured to be disposed within only one of said panel interior halves whereby said appliance units are positionable directly opposite each other.

47. A freestanding partition panel for subdividing the floor space of a building interior, said partition panel comprising:

a plurality of interconnected structural members defining a partition frame configured to be supported on a floor surface, said partition panel having first and second major exterior surfaces disposed on opposite sides of said panel;

a first support member attached to said frame, said first support member attachable to said frame at a plurality of vertically spaced apart support member positions and wherein said first support member is disposed substantially between said first and second major exterior surfaces when attached in said plurality of support member positions;

at least one cover panel defining a first portion of said major exterior surface and having a generally quadrilateral perimeter defining a cover panel height;

a first appliance unit mounted on said partition panel and secured to said first support member, said first appliance unit defining a second portion of said first major exterior surface, said second portion having a perimeter defining an appliance unit height, said perimeter being mutually adjacently positioned for a partial vertical length of said outermost perimeter, said cover panel height and said appliance unit height being substantially equal, said first appliance unit being securable to said first support member at a plurality of horizontally spaced appliance positions on said first support member and wherein said first appliance unit is mountable at a plurality of horizontally and vertically spaced apart installation positions on said partition panel, said first appliance unit being vertically repositionable by vertically repositioning said first support member, and said first appliance unit being horizontally repositionable by repositioning said first appliance unit on said first support member; and

a second appliance unit, said second appliance unit defining a portion of said second major exterior surface and wherein said panel interior is divisible by a centerline plane and comprises a first half located between said centerline plane and said first major exterior surface and a second half located between said centerline plane and said second major exterior surface and wherein each of said first and second appliances is configured to be disposed within only one of said panel interior halves whereby said first and second appliances are positionable directly opposite each other.

48. A freestanding partition panel for subdividing the floor space of a building interior, said partition panel comprising:

a plurality of interconnected structural members defining a frame of said partition panel, said partition panel having first and second major exterior surfaces disposed on opposite sides of said panel and defining a panel interior therebetween;

a repositionable first support member attached to said frame, said first support member attachable to said frame at a plurality of support member positions spaced apart in a first direction and wherein said first support member is disposed substantially between said first and second major surfaces when attached in said plurality of support member positions;

a cover panel support bracket detachably secured to said first support member and extending in said first direction;

a first appliance unit mounted on said partition panel and secured to said first support member, said first appliance unit defining a portion of said first major surface;

at least one cover member mounted on said partition panel and secured to said cover panel and support bracket, said cover member defining at least a portion of said first major surface and positioned adjacent said appliance, said cover member overlaying a portion of said cover panel support bracket, wherein said cover member and said first appliance unit define a common edge therebetween, said common edge extending in said first direction and at least one end of said common edge terminating at a point located on said first major surface inwardly of said structural members, said cover panel support bracket extending along substantially a full length of said common edge; and

a second appliance unit, said second appliance unit defining a portion of said second major exterior surface and wherein said panel interior is divisible by a centerline plane and comprises a first half located between said centerline plane and said first major exterior surface and a second half located between said centerline plane and said second major exterior surface and wherein each of said first and second appliance units is configured to be disposed within only one of said panel interior halves whereby said first and second appliance units are positionable directly opposite each other.