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AssigneeSteelcase Development Corporation
InventorsHarold Halvorson, Jr., Gary S. Juhlin, David M. Lewis, James H. Davies, Richard A. Benoit, Robert J. Luchetti, Peter C. Greenberg
Estimating the term…
A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable office partitions and the like is adapted for floor-to-ceiling applications which include a floor track shaped to be supported on a floor surface, and a ceiling track shaped to be supported on a ceiling surface. A panel frame is supported in a normally vertical orientation between the floor track and the ceiling track. The panel frame has vertically spaced-apart upper and lower horizontal members with a pair of vertical side members interconnecting the upper and lower horizontal members and extending therebetween to define a generally quadrilateral opening. The upper horizontal member is operably connected to the ceiling track, and the lower horizontal member is operably connected with the floor track. A substantially transparent sheet is removably connected to the frame and extends across at least the portion of the opening. A vertically adjustable support retains the frame at a selected height above the floor track to permit height adjustment and leveling of the frame to account for variations in the floor surface.
A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable floor-to-ceiling office partitions, comprising:
A kit for dividing office spaces comprising:
A movable transparent panel for reconfiguring floor-to-ceiling office partitions comprising:
A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable floor-to-ceiling office partitions comprising:
A method of dividing office spaces comprising:
A method of dividing office spaces comprising:
A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable floor-to-ceiling office partitions comprising:
A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable floor-to-ceiling office partitions comprising:
A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable office partitions comprising:
A movable panel for reconfigurable office partitions comprising:
A movable panel for reconfigurable office partitions comprising:
An edge support releasably retaining the edge of a transparent sheet, comprising:
A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable floor-to-ceiling office partitions comprising:
A movable transparent panel for reconfigurable floor-to-ceiling office partitions comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
No related US applications are recorded in the indexed filing history.
Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO
With panels and support posts, extending from floor to ceiling: glazing details
Using resilient connectors, e.g. clips: clasping a flange of a profile
Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge: details of wiring
Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge: partitions with screw-type jacks
Term ended 10 Mar 2018 (estimated)
USPTO file history isn’t available for this patent, so only indexed dates are shown.
The present invention relates to the finishing or fitting-out of building space and the like of the type having a generally open plan interior, and in particular to an integrated prefabricated furniture system that includes clear or transparent wall panel modules.
The finishing or fitting-out of building spaces for offices, medical treatment facilities, and other areas where work is conducted has become a very important aspect of effective space planning and layout. Work patterns, technology, and business organizations are constantly evolving and changing. The building space users require products which facilitate change at lower cost, yet provide the privacy and aesthetic advantages of permanent floor-to-ceiling architectural wall systems. Space planning is no longer a static problem. Changing technology and changing work processes demand that a design and installation be able to support and anticipate change.
These space planning challenges are driven largely by the fact that modern office spaces are becoming increasingly more complicated and sophisticated due to increasing needs of the users for improved utilities support at each workstation or work setting. These "utilities," as the term is used herein, encompass all types of resources that may be used to support or service a worker, such as communications and data used with computers and other types of data processors, telecommunications, electronic displays, etc., electrical power, conditioned water, and physical accommodations, such as lighting, HVAC, sprinklers, security, sound masking, and the like. For example, modern offices for highly skilled "knowledge workers" such as engineers, accountants, stock brokers, computer programmers, etc., are typically provided with multiple pieces of very specialized computer and communications equipment that are capable of processing information from numerous local and remote data resources to assist in solving complex problems. Such equipment has very stringent power and signal requirements, and must quickly and efficiently interface with related equipment at both adjacent and remote locations. Work areas with readily controllable lighting, HVAC, sound masking, and other physical support systems, are also highly desirable to maximize worker creativity and productivity. Many other types of high technology equipment and facilities are also presently being developed which will need to be accommodated in the work places of the future.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a movable office partition system embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the panel frame;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the panel frame showing the floor track and trim;
For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference numeral 1 (FIG. 1) generally designates a movable transparent panel embodying the present invention, which in the illustrated example, is particularly designed for reconfigurable floor-to-ceiling office partitions and the like. The arrangement shown in FIG. 1 includes a floor track 2 that is shaped to be supported on a floor surface 3, and a ceiling track 4 that is shaped to be supported on a ceiling surface 5. A panel frame 6 is supported in a normally vertical orientation between the floor track 2 and the ceiling track 4, and has vertically spaced-apart upper and lower horizontal frame members 7, 8 with a pair of vertical side members 9 and 10 interconnecting the upper and lower horizontal frame members 7, 8 and extending therebetween to define a generally quadrilateral opening 11 (see also FIG. 2). The upper horizontal member 7 is operably connected to the ceiling track 4, and the lower horizontal member 8 is operably connected with the floor track 2. A substantially clear or transparent sheet, such as glass sheet 12, is removably connected to the panel frame 6, and extends across at least a portion of the quadrilateral opening 11. A vertically adjustable support such as jack screws 13 and 14 retain the panel frame 6 at a selected height above the floor track 2 to permit height adjustment and leveling of the panel frame 6 to account for variations in the floor surface 3.
With reference to FIG. 2, the upper horizontal frame member 7 is removably secured to the vertical side members 9 and 10 by fasteners 15. The vertical side members 9, 10 are connected to the lower horizontal frame member 8 by fasteners 16. As described in more detail below, the fasteners 15 and 16 are received within generally cylindrically-shaped passages which extend along vertical side members 9, 10 as well as lower horizontal member 8. Threaded members 18 and 17 receive jack screws 13 and 14, and are secured to the side members 9, 10 by means of fasteners 19 and 20. Clearance holes 21 and 22 are located in the upper surface 23 of the lower horizontal frame member 8 adjacent each end thereof, and provide clearance for jack screws 13 and 14 when in an assembled condition. In the preferred embodiment, the frame members 7, 8, 9 and 10 are each extruded aluminum members. As discussed below, after adjusting jack screws 13 and/or 14, a cover 26 is connected to side frame members 9 and 10 to cover the jack screws and provide a finished appearance.