Patent US4771583A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4771583A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Space divider system
Assignee: HAWORTH SUB Inc ONE HAWORTH CENTER HOLLAND MI 49423 A CORP OF MI
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Filing: 1985-12-04
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Granted: 1988-09-20
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Expires: 2005-12-04
Abstract
Abstract An improved and more versatile space divider system for open office interiors includes as a major component a structure beam or spine supported at each end by vertically adjustable legs. Feet on the legs provide the required lateral stability to support or hang components such as work surfaces, filing systems and the like from the beam. Each beam includes two enclosed electrical ducts on the top thereof superjacent work surface height, such ducts being provided for power and communication wiring respectively, with the latter being above the former and laterally enlarged. The power wiring duct is prewired with outlets on both sides, while the communications wiring duct includes both lateral and top access. The legs have a smooth exterior surface yet permit beams to be connected thereto at a wide variety of angles. Enclosures or fillets for the beams and legs permit the ducts to pass through the legs fully enclosed. Each beam may be provided with a midpoint connection so that one beam may be connected to and extend normal to the other without a leg beneath the point of connection. Posts extend upwardly from the beam from which hanger bars are secured for supporting further accessories or acoustical panels. Accessories such as work surfaces may quickly hook onto a recessed hook channel in the beam, such accessories having a movable locking tab to secure the hook edge to the beam.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas C. Ball
- 👤 William Stumpf
- 👤 Gary Ludwig
- 👤 Marshall Walker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 21:23
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B83/00; A47B83/001; E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/74; E04B2/7407; E04B2/7416; E04B2/7433; A47B2200/00; A47B2200/01; E04B2002/7483
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine and legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical wiring ducts on said spine, one above the other, each at approximately such work surface height, and vertically separated wiring passage means in said legs substantially horizontally aligned and in communication with said enclosed electrical wiring ducts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine and legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical wiring ducts on said spine, one above the other, each at approximately such work surface height, and vertically separated wiring passage means in said legs substantially horizontally aligned and in communication with said enclosed electrical wiring ducts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the lower duct includes outlets on opposite sides thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upper duct includes a lift top cover.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spine is formed of a narrow structural beam with said ducts being positioned on top thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said ducts are formed from one or more extrusions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said ducts have the sectional shape of a Y.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said ducts have the sectional shape of an enclosed Y with a laterally enlarged stem.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 7 wherein the upper edges of the Y are rounded.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spine includes a relatively narrow beam, projections extending from the top and bottom of the opposite ends thereof, said legs including a portion adapted to fit between said projections, and fastener means extending through said projections and into said portion to secure said beam to said leg.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
64 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said legs include means to connect a spine at any 90° increment therearound, a second spine connected to one of said legs, said vertically separated wiring passage means in said legs providing enclosed electrical continuity for said wiring ducts from spine to spine through the leg to which said spines are both connected.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 including post means extending from said legs and spine, and an upper structure connected to said post means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said upper structure includes a reticulate frame adapted to support pads, windows, shelves, cabinets and the like, or to form openings.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 including means to support work tops, cabinets and the like at any position along and projecting from said spine.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upper of said passages in said legs is formed by removable segments.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 14 wherein the upper of said ducts is laterally enlarged, and said segments are formed to correspond to the shape of said upper duct.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
74 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical wiring ducts on said spine, one above the other, at substantially such work surface height, the upper duct being laterally enlarged and accomodating communications wiring while the lower duct accomodates prewired power wiring, legs supporting said spine, and corresponding wiring passages in said legs in communication with said ducts.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
74 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical wiring ducts on said spine, one above the other, at substantially such work surface height, the upper duct being laterally enlarged and accomodating communications wiring while the lower duct accomodates prewired power wiring, legs supporting said spine, and corresponding wiring passages in said legs in communication with said ducts.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
54 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, and two enclosed electrical wiring ducts on said spine, one above the other, at substantially such work surface height, the top duct having outwardly inclined sidewalls laterally enlarging the top surface thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
54 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, and two enclosed electrical wiring ducts on said spine, one above the other, at substantially such work surface height, the top duct having outwardly inclined sidewalls laterally enlarging the top surface thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
70 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical wiring ducts on top of said spine, one above the other, each at approximately such work surface height, and legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said legs including vertically separated access passages for extension of the wiring in said ducts through said legs.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
70 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical wiring ducts on top of said spine, one above the other, each at approximately such work surface height, and legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said legs including vertically separated access passages for extension of the wiring in said ducts through said legs.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 18 wherein said legs includes means to support one or more additional spines extending at increments of 45° from said spine.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said top duct is laterally enlarged and includes 45° fillets at the ends of said spine limiting the angle of connection of said additional spines to no less than 90°.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
132 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical ducts on top of said spine, one above the other, superjacent such work surface height, and legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said legs including vertically separated access passages for extension of the wiring in said ducts through said legs and means to support one or more additional spines extending at increments of 45° from said spine, said top duct being laterally enlarged and including 45° fillets at the ends of said spine limiting the angle of connection of said additional spines to no less than 90°, and said leg further including segmented circular enclosures corresponding to the laterally enlarged duct forming said access passages.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
132 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical ducts on top of said spine, one above the other, superjacent such work surface height, and legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said legs including vertically separated access passages for extension of the wiring in said ducts through said legs and means to support one or more additional spines extending at increments of 45° from said spine, said top duct being laterally enlarged and including 45° fillets at the ends of said spine limiting the angle of connection of said additional spines to no less than 90°, and said leg further including segmented circular enclosures corresponding to the laterally enlarged duct forming said access passages.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said enclosures extend circularly of the leg in increments of 45°.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 22 wherein said fillets and enclosures form a continuation of the enclosed duct to or through said leg.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
98 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical ducts on top of said spine, one above the other, superjacent such work surface height, legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said spine including a relatively narrow beam, projections extending from the top and bottom of said beam at each end, said legs each including a portion adapted to fit between respective said projections, and a fastener extending through said projections and said portion to secure said beam to said leg.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
98 words
A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, two enclosed electrical ducts on top of said spine, one above the other, superjacent such work surface height, legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said spine including a relatively narrow beam, projections extending from the top and bottom of said beam at each end, said legs each including a portion adapted to fit between respective said projections, and a fastener extending through said projections and said portion to secure said beam to said leg.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
45 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 24 wherein said portion includes a series of circumferentially spaced vertical holes to accomodate said fastener whereby said beam may be connected to said leg to extend therefrom at the angle dictated by the selected hole.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said holes are paired and said beam is secured to said leg by two fasteners.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said holes are circumferentially arranged to connect a beam to said leg in increments of 45° about the axis of the leg.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
36 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said enclosures form a circular opening above said leg, said opening being adapted to accomodate a structural extension of said leg extending through said opening.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 28 including a socket for said structural extension which is supported on said leg by an open cage forming one of said access passages through said leg.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
43 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 29 wherein said structural extension and its socket is of reduced diameter and includes a plate on the lower end thereof, said plate forming a divider between the access passages for the two ducts.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
117 words
A space divider system for interior offices comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said spine including a relatively narrow beam, projections extending from the top and bottom of the opposite ends of said beam, said legs each including a portion adapted to fit between said projections, and a fastener extending through said projections and said portion to secure said beam to said leg, said portion being cylindrical and including a series of circumferentially spaced vertical holes to accomodate said fastener whereby said beam may be connected to said leg to extend therefrom at an angle dictated by the selected hole.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
117 words
A space divider system for interior offices comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said spine including a relatively narrow beam, projections extending from the top and bottom of the opposite ends of said beam, said legs each including a portion adapted to fit between said projections, and a fastener extending through said projections and said portion to secure said beam to said leg, said portion being cylindrical and including a series of circumferentially spaced vertical holes to accomodate said fastener whereby said beam may be connected to said leg to extend therefrom at an angle dictated by the selected hole.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
33 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 31 wherein said holes are circumferentially arranged to connect a beam to said leg in increments of 45° about the axis of the leg.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 31 wherein said holes are paired and said beam is secured to said leg by two fasteners.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
118 words
A space divider system for interior offices comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said spine including a relatively narrow beam, projections extending from the top and bottom of the opposite ends of said beam, said legs each including a portion adapted to fit between respective said projections, and a fastener extending through said projections and said portion to secure said beam to said leg, said leg further including a vertically extending square post and an enlarged cylindrical sleeve secured to said post, said sleeve including a top surface and a circumferential slot forming said portion adapted to fit between said projections.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
118 words
A space divider system for interior offices comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, said spine including a relatively narrow beam, projections extending from the top and bottom of the opposite ends of said beam, said legs each including a portion adapted to fit between respective said projections, and a fastener extending through said projections and said portion to secure said beam to said leg, said leg further including a vertically extending square post and an enlarged cylindrical sleeve secured to said post, said sleeve including a top surface and a circumferential slot forming said portion adapted to fit between said projections.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 34 including means vertically to adjust the height of said sleeve with respect to said post.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
44 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 34 wherein said fasteners are elongated and extend through the top projection, through the hole in the portion of the leg, and are threaded in the bottom projection to clamp the beam to the leg.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 34 including a cage on top of said sleeve supporting a post extension socket, said cage providing wiring access through the leg.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 37 including means adjustably vertically supporting the bottom of said cage on the top of said square post.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
20 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 37 including a reduced diameter post extension threaded in said pocket.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 39 including means to secure horizontally extending hanger bars to said post extension.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
A space divider system as set forth in claim 40 wherein said last mentioned means comprises a disc secured to said post extension, and means to clamp said hanger bar to said disc.
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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) | 1991-09-20 | 1992-03-21 | 1992-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-03-21 | 1996-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-20 | 2000-03-21 | 2000-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |