# US 2003/0177713 A1 · Modular in-wall medical services unit

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- Number: US 2003/0177713 A1
- Document ID: US20030177713A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 10/100,768
- Filed: 2002-03-19
- Published: 2003-09-25
- Earliest claimed: 2002-03-19
- Assignees: Modular Services Company
- Inventors: James A. Walker; Taylor C. Culpepper; Richard J. Webb; John R. Pierson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20030177713A1

## CPC

- A61G 12/005: {mounted on the wall}
- E04F 17/08: for receiving utility lines, e.g. cables, pipes (covers giving access to the ducts or channels, covers of inspection holes E04F19/08)
- E04H 3/08: Hospitals, infirmaries, or the like; Schools; Prisons
- A61G: TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS (appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk A61H3/00); OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES (embalming corpses A01N1/00)
- E04F: FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS (windows, doors E06B)
- E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D)

## Abstract

A modular in-wall medical services unit for medical care facilities. A frame supports a cabinet with a cover panel providing electrical and/or gas outlets. Built-in electrical and gas conduits are included. A junction box and ends of the gas conduits near the top of the frame are accessible after wallboard is applied. Thus, wallboard can be installed before or after wiring is completed and gas connections are made. The self-aligning cover panel is “floatingly” supported on the frame so that a bead of sealant can be applied around the edge before the cover panel is “snugged up” to the wall and secured. The trim flanges on the cover panel include vertical equipment mounting tracks. Manufacturing is simplified by making the height of the frame adjustable; the same frame elements can be used to assemble units for different ceiling heights, decreasing the number of required parts in inventory and expediting assembly.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A modular in-wall medical services unit for installation in the wall of a structure having a first room with a floor and a ceiling level and a wall at least partially defining the first room, the wall comprising a wall space defined in part by wallboard, the unit comprising:
a frame having a first side, the frame sized to extend from the floor to above the ceiling level of the first room and adapted to be installed in the wall space of the structure;
a first service outlet supported on the frame to be between the floor and the ceiling level of the structure, the first service outlet to be accessible from the first side of the frame;
a first service conduit supported on the frame to extend from the first service outlet to above the ceiling level of the first room; and
a service connection operatively connected to the first service conduit and supported on the frame to be above the ceiling level of the structure and to extend from the first side of the frame forward of the wall space into the first room so as to be accessible after installation of the wallboard.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 wherein the frame is vertically adjustable.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The modular medical services unit of claim 2 wherein the first service outlet is an electrical outlet, wherein the first service conduit is an electrical conduit, and wherein the first service connection is a first electrical junction box.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 comprising a plurality of service outlets including the first service outlet, a plurality of service conduits including a first service conduit, and a plurality of service connections including the first service connection.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The modular medical services unit of claim 4 wherein the first service outlet is a first electrical outlet and wherein the plurality of outlets further includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first service conduit is a first electrical conduit and wherein the plurality of conduits further includes a first gas conduit, wherein the first service connection is a first electrical junction box and wherein the plurality of service connections further includes a first gas connection.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The modular medical services unit of claim 5 wherein the frame is vertically adjustable

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 wherein the first service outlet is an electrical outlet, wherein the first service conduit is an electrical conduit, and wherein the first service connection is a first electrical junction box.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a main frame assembly and a top frame assembly, wherein the first service outlet is mounted in the main frame assembly and the first service connection is mounted in the top frame assembly, and wherein the top frame assembly is vertically adjustable relative to the main frame assembly.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The modular medical services unit of claim 8 further comprising a first cabinet supported on the main frame assembly to house the first service outlet.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a first mounting flange adapted to support the edge of the wallboard on the interior side.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The modular medical services unit of claim 10 further comprising a cover panel through which the first service outlet is accessible, wherein the cover panel comprises a first trim flange generally parallel to the first mounting flange on the frame, wherein the first trim flange is positioned forwardly of the first mounting flange so that the wallboard can be sandwiched therebetween.

### Claim 12

The modular medical services unit of claim of 11 including means for securing the first trim flange and first mounting flange to wallboard therebetween.

### Claim 13 (depends on 111)

The modular medical services unit of claim 111 further comprising a first cover strip sized to be attached over the first trim flange after installation of the wallboard in the first room.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The modular medical services unit of claim 13 wherein the first cover strip defines a vertical equipment mounting track.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a first mounting flange adapted to support the edge of the wallboard from behind, and wherein the unit further comprises a first cabinet sized to enclose the first service outlet, wherein the first service outlet is fixed relative to the first cabinet, the first cabinet having a first vertical trim flange extending generally parallel to the first mounting flange on the frame, wherein the first trim flange is positioned forwardly of the first mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive the wallboard therebetween, wherein the first cabinet is movable horizontally relative to the frame during installation of the wallboard between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first trim flange is spaced a distance forward of the wallboard and wherein in the second position the first trim flange engages the wallboard.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 wherein the frame is vertically adjustable for use in structures with different ceiling heights, wherein the frame comprises a first mounting flange adapted to be connected to the edge of wallboard defining the first room in the structure, and wherein the unit further comprises a first trim flange extending generally parallel to the first mounting flange, wherein the first trim flange is positioned forwardly of the first mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive wallboard during installation of the unit in the first room, wherein the first trim flange is movable horizontally relative to the first mounting flange of the frame during installation of the unit between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first trim flange is spaced a distance forward of the wallboard and wherein in the second position the trim flange engages the wallboard.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 further comprising a first cover panel through which the first service outlet is accessible.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

The modular medical services unit of claim 1 wherein the structure comprises a second room sharing a common wall space with the first room, wherein the frame of the unit comprises a second side, and wherein unit further comprises:
a second medical service outlet supported on the frame to be between the floor and the ceiling level of the structure, the second service outlet to be accessible from the second side of the frame; and
a second service conduit supported on the frame to extend from the second service outlet to above the ceiling level of the structure.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The modular medical services unit of claim 18 wherein the first and second service outlets are electrical outlets, wherein the first and second service conduits are electrical conduits, wherein the first service connection comprises at least one electrical junction box, and wherein the first and second electrical conduits are connected to the at least one junction box.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The modular medical services unit of claim 19 further comprising a first plurality of service outlets including the first electrical outlet for the first side of the frame, a second plurality of service outlets including the second electrical outlet for the second side of the frame, a first plurality of service conduits including the first electrical conduit for the first side of the frame, a second plurality of service conduits including the second electrical conduit for the second side of the frame.

### Claim 21 (depends on 20)

The modular medical services unit of claim 20 wherein the first plurality of service outlets on the first side of the frame includes a first gas outlet, wherein the second plurality of service outlets on the second side of the frame includes a second gas outlet, wherein the first plurality of service conduits includes a first gas conduit, wherein the second plurality of service conduits includes a second gas conduit, wherein the unit further comprises a plurality of service connections comprising a gas connection for each gas conduit.

### Claim 22 (depends on 21)

The modular medical services unit of claim 21 wherein the frame comprises a main frame assembly and a top frame assembly, wherein the first and second electrical outlets and the first and second gas outlets are mounted in the main frame assembly and the service connections are mounted in the top frame assembly, and wherein the top frame assembly is vertically adjustable relative to the main frame assembly.

### Claim 23 (depends on 22)

The modular medical services unit of claim 22 further comprising a first cabinet supported on the main frame assembly to house the first gas and electrical outlets and a second cabinet supported on the main frame assembly to house the second gas and electrical outlets.

### Claim 24 (depends on 23)

The modular medical services unit of claim 23 wherein the frame comprises a first mounting flange adapted to support the wallboard defining the wall of the first room in the structure and a second mounting flange adapted to support the edge of wallboard defining the wall of the second room in the structure.

### Claim 25 (depends on 24)

The modular medical services unit of claim 24 further comprising a first trim flange generally parallel to the first mounting flange on the frame, wherein the first trim flange is positioned forwardly of the first mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive wallboard during installation of the unit in the first room, and a second trim flange generally parallel to the second mounting flange on the frame, wherein the second trim flange is positioned forwardly of the second mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive wallboard during installation of the unit in the second room.

### Claim 26 (depends on 25)

The modular medical services unit of claim 25 further comprising a first cover strip sized to be attached over the first trim flange after installation of the wallboard in the first room, and a second cover strip sized to be attached over the second trim flange after installation of the wallboard in the second room.

### Claim 27 (depends on 26)

The modular medical services unit of claim 26 wherein the first and second cover strips define vertical equipment mounting tracks.

### Claim 28

A modular in-wall medical services unit for installation in the wall of a plurality of structures, wherein each of the structures has a first room, a floor and a wall space, and wherein each of the structures has a different ceiling level, the unit comprising:
a frame having a first side and a length adjustable to extend from the floor to above the ceiling level of any of the plurality of structures, wherein the frame is adapted to be installed in the wall space of the structure; and
a first medical service outlet supported on the frame to be between the floor and the ceiling level of all of the plurality of structures, the first service outlet to be accessible from the first side of the frame in the first room.

### Claim 29 (depends on 28)

The modular medical services unit of claim 28 further comprising:
a first service conduit supported on the frame to extend from the first service outlet to above the ceiling level of any of the plurality of structures; and
a first electrical conduit extending from the first electrical outlet to above the ceiling level of all of the plurality of structures.

### Claim 30 (depends on 29)

The modular medical services unit of claim 29 further comprising a first service connection operatively connected to the first service conduit and supported on the frame to be above the ceiling level of the structure and to extend forward of the wall space in to the first room.

### Claim 31 (depends on 28)

The modular medical services unit of claim 28 wherein the frame comprises a main frame assembly and a top frame assembly, wherein the first service outlet is mounted in the main frame assembly, and wherein the top frame assembly is vertically adjustable relative to the main frame assembly.

### Claim 32 (depends on 29)

The modular medical services unit of claim 29 further comprising a first cabinet supported on the main frame assembly to house the first service outlet.

### Claim 33 (depends on 28)

The modular medical services unit of claim 28 wherein the frame comprises a first mounting flange adapted to support the edge of wallboard in the first room during installation of the unit.

### Claim 34 (depends on 33)

The modular medical services unit of claim 33 further comprising a first trim flange generally parallel to the first mounting flange on the frame, wherein the first trim flange is positioned forwardly of the first mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive wallboard in the first room during installation of the unit.

### Claim 35

The modular medical services unit of claim of 34 including means for securing the first trim flange and first mounting flange with the wallboard therebetween.

### Claim 36 (depends on 35)

The modular medical services unit of claim 35 further comprising a first cover strip sized to be attached over the first trim flange after installation of the wallboard in the first room.

### Claim 37 (depends on 36)

The modular medical services unit of claim 36 wherein the first cover strip defines a vertical equipment mounting track.

### Claim 38 (depends on 28)

The modular medical services unit of claim 28 wherein the frame comprises a first mounting flange adapted to support the edge of wallboard in the first room, and wherein the unit further comprises a first cabinet sized to enclose the first service outlet, the first cabinet having a first vertical trim flange extending generally parallel to the first mounting flange on the frame, wherein the first trim flange is positioned forwardly of the first mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive wallboard during installation of the unit, wherein the first cabinet is movable horizontally relative to the frame during installation of the wallboard between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first trim flange is spaced a distance forward of the wallboard and wherein in the second position the first trim flange engages the wallboard.

### Claim 39 (depends on 38)

The modular medical services unit of claim 38 wherein the first cabinet comprises a first cover panel through which the first service outlet is accessible from the first room when the unit is installed.

### Claim 40 (depends on 39)

The modular medical services unit of claim 39 wherein the structure comprises a second room sharing a wall space with the first room, wherein the frame has a second side for the second room, and wherein the unit further comprising:
a second service outlet supported on the frame to be between the floor and the ceiling level of all of the plurality of structures, the second service outlet to be accessible from the second side of the frame in the second room;
a second service conduit supported on the frame to extend from the second service outlet to above the ceiling level of all of the plurality of structures;
a second cabinet supported on the frame to house the second service outlet;
a second mounting flange on the frame adapted to support the edge of wallboard in the second room during installation of the unit;
a second trim flange positioned generally parallel to and forwardly of the second mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive wallboard therebetween in the second room during installation of the unit;
a second cover strip sized to be attached over the second trim flange after installation of the wallboard in the second room;
a second cover panel on the second cabinet through which the second service outlet is accessible from the second room when the unit is installed.

### Claim 41 (depends on 40)

The modular medical services unit of claim 40 wherein the frame comprises a main frame assembly and a top frame assembly, wherein the first and second service outlets are mounted in the main frame assembly, wherein the first service connection is mounted in the top frame assembly, and wherein the top frame assembly is vertically adjustable relative to the main frame assembly.

### Claim 42

The modular medical services unit wherein the first and second cover strips define vertical equipment mounting tracks.

### Claim 43

A modular in-wall medical services unit for installation in the wall of a structure having a first room defined in part by a wall having a wall space covered by wallboard, the unit comprising:
a frame adapted to be installed in the wall space of the structure, the frame having a first side for the first room;
a first mounting flange on the frame adapted to be connected to the edge of wallboard in the first room;
a first cover panel supported on the first side of the frame;
a first trim flange on the cover panel generally parallel to the first mounting flange on the frame, wherein the first trim flange is positioned forwardly of the first mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive wall board therebetween during installation of the unit;
a first medical service outlet supported on the first side of the frame to be accessible in the first room through the first cover panel;
wherein the first trim flange is movable horizontally relative to the first mounting flange during installation of the wall board between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first trim flange is spaced a distance forward of the wallboard between the first mounting flange and the first trim flange, and wherein in the second position the first trim flange engages the wallboard.

### Claim 44

The modular medical services unit of claim of 43 including means for securing the first trim flange and first mounting flange and the wallboard therebetween.

### Claim 45 (depends on 44)

The modular medical services unit of claim 44 further comprising a first cover strip sized to be attached over the first trim flange after installation of the unit.

### Claim 46 (depends on 45)

The modular medical services unit of claim 45 wherein the first cover strip defines a vertical equipment mounting track.

### Claim 47 (depends on 43)

The modular medical services unit of claim 43 further comprising a first cabinet supported on the first side of the frame for containing the first service outlet.

### Claim 48 (depends on 43)

The modular medical services unit of claim 43 wherein the structure includes a second room and the frame has a second side for the second room, and wherein the unit further comprises:
a second mounting flange on the frame adapted to support the edge of wallboard in the second room;
a second cover panel supported on the second side of the frame;
a second trim flange on the cover panel generally parallel to the second mounting flange on the frame, wherein the second trim flange is positioned forwardly of the second mounting flange a distance sufficient to receive wallboard therebetween during installation of the unit;
a second service outlet supported on the second side of the frame to be accessible in the second room through the second cover panel;
wherein the second trim flange is movable horizontally relative to the second mounting flange during installation of the wallboard between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second trim flange is spaced a distance forward of the wallboard between the second mounting flange and the second trim flange, and wherein in the second position the second trim flange engages the wallboard.

### Claim 49

The modular medical services unit of claim of 48 including means for securing the second trim flange and second mounting flange and the wallboard therebetween.

### Claim 50 (depends on 49)

The modular medical services unit of claim 49 further comprising a second cover strip sized to be attached over the second trim flange after installation of the unit.

### Claim 51 (depends on 50)

The modular medical services unit of claim 50 wherein the second cover strip defines a vertical equipment mounting track.

### Claim 52 (depends on 51)

The modular medical services unit of claim 51 further comprising a second cabinet supported on the second side of the frame for containing the second service outlet.

### Claim 53

A modular in-wall medical services unit for installation in the wall of a structure having a first room with a floor and a ceiling level and a wall at least partially defining the first room, the wall comprising a wall space and wallboard forming the wall's exterior surface, the unit comprising:
a frame having a first side, the frame being adapted to be installed in the wall space of the structure;
a vertically-oriented cover panel supported by the frame, the cover panel having a height and a width, the height being greater than the width, and wherein the cover panel comprises a pair of vertically-oriented side edges;
a first medical service outlet supported on the frame and accessible through the cover panel on the first side of the frame from within the first room; and
a trim flange along at least a portion of at least one of the vertically-oriented side edges of the cover panel and adapted to join the side edge of the cover panel to the wall board, wherein the trim flange defines a vertically-oriented equipment mounting track therein; and
wherein the cover panel is positioned on the frame so that when the frame is installed in the wall space, the first service outlet and the equipment mounting track are positioned to be used conveniently by a human operator standing in the first room.

### Claim 54

A modular in-wall medical services unit for installation in the wall of a structure having a first room with a floor and a ceiling level and a wall at least partially defining the first room, the wall comprising a wall space, the unit comprising:
a frame having a first side, the frame being adapted to be installed in the wall space of the structure;
a vertically oriented cover panel supported by the frame, the cover panel having a height and a width, the height being greater than the width, wherein the height of the cover panel is less than the distance between the floor and the ceiling level of the first room;
a first medical service outlet supported on the frame and accessible through the cover panel on the first side of the frame from within the first room; and
wherein the cover panel is positioned on the frame so that when the frame is installed in the wall space, the first medical service outlet is positioned to be conveniently used by a human operator standing in the first room.