US3802146A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Panel system
Assignee: Steelcase Inc
•
Filing: 1972-03-14
•
Granted: 1974-04-09
•
Expires: 1992-03-14
Abstract
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
- 👤 R Mckay
- 👤 W Tacke
- 👤 R Ormiston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 18:36
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/74; E04B2/7407; E04B2/7416; E04B2/7422; E04B2/7427; E04B2/7425; E04B2/7431; E04B2002/7483
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
75 words
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.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
177 words
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.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
177 words
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.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
142 words
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.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
142 words
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.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
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.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The partition of claim 5 in which said fingers diverge to define generally a ''''V'''' shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
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.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
68 words
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.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
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.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
76 words
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.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
61 words
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.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
138 words
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.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
138 words
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.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
76 words
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.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
61 words
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.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
152 words
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.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
152 words
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.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
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.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The partition of claim 15 in which said cover comprises a plastic extrusion.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The partition of claim 17 in which said fingers diverge to define generally a ''''V'''' shape.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
167 words
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.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
167 words
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.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
58 words
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.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The partition of claim 20 in which said fingers diverge to define generally a ''''V'''' shape.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
61 words
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.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
93 words
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.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
93 words
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.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
33 words
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.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
132 words
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.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
132 words
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.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
97 words
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.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
101 words
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.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
101 words
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.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
97 words
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.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-04-08 | 1977-10-08 | 1978-04-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-08 | 1981-10-08 | 1982-04-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-08 | 1985-10-08 | 1986-04-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |