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US 6,684,583 B2Granted
Utility panel system
AssigneeSteelcase Development Corporation
InventorsRonald R. Hodges, George V. Weller
Life of this patent
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AssigneeSteelcase Development Corporation
InventorsRonald R. Hodges, George V. Weller
Estimating the term…
A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.
A freestanding upright partition for use in a modular office furniture system, the partition comprising:
An upright partition for use in a modular office furniture system, the partition comprising:
An upright partition for use in a modular office furniture system, the partition comprising:
An upright partition for use in a modular office furniture system, the partition comprising:
An upright partition for use in a modular office furniture system, the partition comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
With free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers: with panels and support posts
With separate framed panels without intermediary support posts: details of connection of panels
Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge: details of furniture, e.g. tables or shelves, associated with the partitions
Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge: details of wiring
Term ended 10 Jan 2011 (estimated)
The present invention relates to portable partition arrangements for open office spaces, and the like, and in particular, to a utility panel system.
Portable partition systems for open office spaces, and other similar settings, are well known in the art. Individual partition panels are interconnected in different configurations to form separate offices or workstations. The partition panels are extremely durable, and can be readily disassembled and reassembled into alternative configurations to meet the ever-changing needs of the user. Examples of such partition systems are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,822,146; 3,831,330; and 4,144,924, which are owned by Steelcase Inc., the assignee of the present application.
Most such partition panels are capable of being electrified in some fashion, so as to provide electrical power at the various workstations for computers, typewriters, dictating equipment, and other electrical appliances. These partition panels are also typically capable of routing cabling for telephones, computers, signaling, etc. to the individual workstations. Examples of such panel wiring systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,429,934; 4,060,294; 4,228,834; 4,382,648. Wireways and/or raceways are normally provided within the interiors of the panels to carry the utilities throughout the panel system.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility panel system embodying the present invention, wherein utility panels, and existing partition panels are shown in a partially disassembled condition.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the utility panel system illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein the utility panels, and existing partition panels are shown in a fully assembled condition.
FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a utility panel.
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 FIGS. 1-5. However, it is to understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientation 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 utility panel system embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, a plurality of individual utility panels 2 are provided, each having a relatively thick, skeleton-like panel frame 3, with a foot 4 and opposite sides 5 and 6 shaped for connection with like panel frames 3 to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Removable cover panels 7 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each of the panel frames 3 to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs 8 (FIG. 1) extend continuously between the opposite sides 5 and 6 of each panel frame 3 in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs 8 have open ends 9 located at the opposite panel sides 5 and 6, such that when adjacent utility panels 2 are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs 8 are aligned to form multiple raceways in which various utilities can be carried. Panel connectors 10 are provided to connect the utility panels 2 with each other, and/or one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such as the partition panels 11 and 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. In this configuration, utility panels 2 function as a spine, which supplies utilities to strings of existing partition panels 11 and 12.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, utility panel system 1 is particularly adapted to route a wide variety of different utilities to the individual workstations within the open office. In the present example, utility panel system 1 is particularly adapted to route electrical wiring, and the like, such as 110 volt and 220 volt power lines, signal cables, communication lines, and other similar wiring and cabling that is required to equip and support modern office equipment. However, it is to be understood that other forms of utilities, such as fluid pipes for water, cooling, gases, fuels and the like, as well as air conditioning ducts, and other related utilities can also be routed through the utility panel system 1, such that the term “utilities” as used herein, is intended to include all such facilities.