Ulllted States Patent [19]
`Yu et al.
`
`US006161347A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`6,161,347
`*Dec. 19, 2000
`
`[54] PANEL ARRANGEMENT
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[75] Inventors: X. Shawn Yu, Ottawa; Bryan R.
`.
`.
`Gingrich, Holland; Robert L. Thttle,
`Saugatuck, Keith Foco, Holland, all of
`Mlch-
`
`_
`
`_
`
`_
`_
`[73] ASSlgIlGGZ Haworth, IIlC., Holland, MlCh.
`
`[*] Notice:
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`[21] Appl NO . 09/220 169
`_
`Flled?
`
`.
`
`..
`
`,
`
`[22]
`
`Dec- 23! 1998
`
`Related [18' Application Data
`[63] Continuation of application No. 08/736,512, Oct. 24, 1996,
`Pat. No. 5,852,904, Which is a continuation-in-part of appli-
`cation No. 08/692,344, Aug. 5, 1996, abandoned.
`
`[51] Int. c1.7 ...................................................... .. E04B 2/74
`
`1/1976 Australia '
`73715/74
`2 075 014 2/1993 Canada .
`2 662 216 11
`680 980 A5 12/1992 Switzerland _
`1 563 890 4/1980 United Kingdom .
`2 247 257 2/1992 United Kingdom .
`2 250 759
`6/1992 United Kingdom _
`
`/1991 France .
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Article “Innovative construction sets Of?ce Specialty’s Plat
`form panel system apart” by Marilyn Zelinsky, Jun. 1995 (2
`pages).
`Steelcase brochure Montage Product OvervieW, 1994 (13
`
`Tgihsilin Furniture Systems Inc brochure entitled “3 reasons
`Why Tekilion Could Change your mind about O?ice furniture
`systems- > 1982 (8 Pages)
`
`Primary Examiner—Michael Safavi
`gléome? Agent» 0’ Firm—F1Ynn> ThieL 130111611 & Tanis>
`
`[52] US. Cl. ........................................... .. 52/220.7; 52/364
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`[58] Field of Search ................................ .. 52/2207, 36.1,
`52/364, 239; 312/2231, 223,6, 2233;
`439/215, 216, 209
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U S PATENT DOCUMENTS
`'
`'
`Re. 27,215 11/1971 PIOPSI et a1- -
`Re- 32,890
`3/1989 Defiluw et a1~ '
`3mg; '
`1’981’240 11/1934 MycNe'? _
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`(List continued on neXt page.)
`
`3’316’624
`3’377’756
`3j428j108
`3,461,349
`3,462,892
`
`A Space-dividing Wall panel system having a plurality of
`base panels Which are serially connectable one With the
`other to de?ne a vertically enlarged Wall supported on a
`?oor. Each base panel is de?ned by at least one horiZontal
`box-beam rigidly connected to a pair of laterally spaced
`apart vertical uprights Which are connected at the opposite
`ends of the box-beam and have a reduced thickness com
`pared thereto. With this clearance betWeen the faces of the
`box-beam and the uprights, the box-beam, cross rails at the
`ends of the uprights as Well as additional extension panels
`are formed With longitudinally extending channels Which are
`positioned free of interference With the vertical uprights and
`aligned With serially-adjacent channels of serially-adjacent
`Wall panels. The channels provide a continuous linear track
`on the opposite sides of the upright Which permit the
`connection of mounting hooks of furniture components and
`permit continuous, uninterrupted sliding or adjustment of
`the furniture components along the entire length of the
`aligned channels.
`
`20 Claims, 27 Drawing Sheets
`
`ALLSTEEL INC.
`Exhibit 1005, Page 1
`
`

`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
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`3/1981
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`7/1981
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`10/1982
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`10/1986
`12/1986
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`1/1988
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`
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`
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`
`Klein .
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`
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`
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`Yamada et a1. .
`Heithecker et a1. .
`Tacke et a1. .
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`Boundy .
`McCrackin .
`
`Lacan .
`
`Breiner .
`Hegg et a1. .
`Keiser .
`
`Boulva .
`Gartung .
`Erickson .
`
`Casasanta .
`Goulish et a1. .
`Nelson .
`VandenHoek et a1. .
`Joly .
`TeXtoris et a1. .
`Propst et a1. .
`Propst et a1. .
`Timmons .
`Boundy .
`Baker .
`Harter et a1. .
`HaWorth et a1. .
`Mollenkopf .
`Wilson .
`Mollenkopf et a1. .
`White et a1. .
`Ball et a1. .
`Propst et a1. .
`Hasbrouck .
`Leiher et a1. .
`Hasbrouck .
`
`Hasbrouck .
`Tenser et a1. .
`Morrison .
`DeFouW et a1. .
`
`Bates .
`
`Wilcox .
`Hannah et a1. .
`Zacky et a1. .
`Charman .
`
`Menchetti .
`Kelley .
`Backer .
`Wilson et al. .
`Ball et a1. .
`Beard .
`Rydgvist .
`Ball .
`
`Guerin .
`Schiavello et a1. .
`Boundy et a1. .
`Kelley et al. .
`Brown et a1. .
`Glockenstein .
`Chatterson et a1. .
`Pingston .
`Sireci .
`
`Newhouse .
`Kimbrough et a1. .
`Hinden .
`Rl'itsche et a1. .
`Allen .
`Giles et a1. .
`
`3,553,916
`3,567,842
`3,585,768
`3,675,382
`3,749,432
`3,771,277
`3,802,146
`3,814,833
`3,823,251
`3,831,330
`3,834,093
`
`4,203,639
`4,218,579
`
`4,967,531
`
`6,161,347
`Page 2
`
`4,976,080
`4,996,811
`5,004,371
`5,013,112
`5,024,030
`5,038,539
`5,056,577
`5,058,331
`5,058,347
`5,062,246
`5,065,556
`5,069,263
`5,081,808
`5,094,053
`5,101,606
`5,116,235
`5,129,835
`5,134,826
`5,155,955
`5,155,960
`5,172,529
`5,175,969
`5,187,912
`5,195,286
`5,195,287
`5,207,041
`5,209,035
`5,211,502
`5,214,889
`5,214,890
`5,216,859
`5,224,673
`5,228,254
`5,241,796
`5,251,413
`5,274,970
`
`5,277,006
`5,277,007
`5,287,666
`5,287,909
`5,325,649
`5,326,934
`5,337,525
`5,341,615
`5,347,778
`5,357,055
`5,362,923
`5,363,612
`5,370,488
`5,381,994
`5,394,658
`5,400,560
`5,403,232
`
`5,426,904
`5,428,928
`5,465,541
`5,474,402
`5,479,747
`5,487,246
`5,490,357
`5,491,943
`5,502,930
`5 560 418
`5,561,960
`
`a
`
`7
`
`5,826,385
`B1 4,224,769
`B1 4,876,835
`
`12/1990
`3/1991
`4/1991
`5/1991
`6/1991
`8/1991
`10/1991
`10/1991
`10/1991
`11/1991
`11/1991
`12/1991
`1/1992
`3/1992
`4/1992
`5/1992
`7/1992
`8/1992
`10/1992
`10/1992
`12/1992
`1/1993
`2/1993
`3/1993
`3/1993
`5/1993
`5/1993
`5/1993
`6/1993
`6/1993
`6/1993
`7/1993
`7/1993
`9/1993
`10/1993
`1/1994
`1/1994
`1/1994
`1/1994
`2/1994
`2/1994
`7/1994
`7/1994
`8/1994
`8/1994
`9/1994
`10/1994
`11/1994
`11/1994
`12/1994
`1/1995
`3/1995
`3/1995
`4/1995
`4/1995
`6/1995
`7/1995
`11/1995
`12/1995
`1/1996
`1/1996
`2/1996
`2/1996
`4/1996
`10/1996
`10/1996
`10/1997
`4/1998
`5/1998
`5/1998
`10/1998
`5/1990
`6/1992
`
`Zegel et al. .
`Dull et a1. .
`
`Sorensen .
`
`HellWig .
`
`Morrison .
`Kelley et a1. .
`DeLong et a1. .
`Epps .
`Schuelke et al. .
`Sykes .
`DeLong et a1. .
`
`Edwards .
`Bastian et al. .
`
`MilitZer .
`
`Meru .
`
`Nienhuis et a1. .
`DeFouW et a1. .
`La Roche et a1. .
`Ball et a1. .
`
`Shaanan .
`Van De Riet .
`Knauf et a1. .
`
`Hsueh .
`DeLong et a1. .
`Bruggink .
`
`Wills .
`Hodges et a1. .
`Upham-Hill .
`Nienhuis et a1. .
`Levitan et a1. .
`Moreno et a1. .
`
`Webb .
`Honeycutt, Jr. .
`HellWig et a1. .
`Goodman .
`
`Roberts .
`HellWig et a1. .
`Ruster .
`HellWig et a1. .
`Frascaroli et a1. .
`King et a1. .
`Kajiwara .
`LeMaster et a1. .
`Zaccai et a1. .
`Hodges et a1. .
`Bray .
`Sireci .
`Newhouse et a1. .
`Erickson .
`Sykes .
`Welch .
`Schreiner et a1. .
`HellWig et a1. .
`Helm et al. .
`Edwards .
`
`Gilmore .
`HellWig et a1. .
`Lin et a1. .
`Wu .
`
`Wu .
`Hodges et a1. .
`Lin .
`Vondrejs et a1. .
`Burkette et a1. .
`Kissinger .
`Minnick et al. .
`Forslund et a1. .
`Seiber et a1. .
`Luchetti et al. .
`Seiber et a1. .
`Dykstra et a1. .
`Ball et a1. .
`Kelly et al. .
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 1 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`I}
`
`26
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 2 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`I F“ 2
`
`F|G.|B
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 3 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`26
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 6
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 5 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 7
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 6 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`FIG.6A
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 8
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`87(23)
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 9
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 8 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`FIG.7A
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 10
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 11
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 10 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`5 m2 3 5 E I; E.
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 12
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 11 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`1%
`
`b2
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 13
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19, 2000
`
`Sheet 12 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`40-1
`
`55kg —
`
`67-1
`664 \
`
`. \1 \w
`
`67-1
`\n
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 14
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 13 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`O
`
`T3
`
`1%
`
`+8
`
`@3 TE mi / y x
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 15
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 14 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`11-1\' 55-1
`
`551
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 16
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 15 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
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`Exhibit 1005, Page 17
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 17
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 16 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
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`Exhibit 1005, Page 18
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 18
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 17 0127
`
`6,161,347
`
`158
`26-5
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`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 19
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 18 0f 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`145 81-1
`
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`
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`Exhibit 1005, Page 20
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 19 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
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`Exhibit 1005, Page 21
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 21
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 20 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 22
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 22
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 21 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`1 00-3
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`
`153
`
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`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 23
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 23
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 22 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`101-5
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`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 24
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 24
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 23 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 25
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 25
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 24 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`F|G.27
`
`FIG-.26
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 26
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 26
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 25 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 27
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 27
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 26 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 28
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 28
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 19,2000
`
`Sheet 27 of 27
`
`6,161,347
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 29
`
`Exhibit 1005, Page 29
`
`

`
`6,161,347
`
`1
`PANEL ARRANGEMENT
`
`This is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/736,512, filed Oct.
`24, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,904, which is a
`continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/692,344, now abandoned
`filed Aug. 5, 1996. These prior applications are incorporated
`herein by reference.
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to a space-dividing wall panel
`system formed from upright panels and, more specifically, to
`a wall panel system defining an improved load-bearing and
`cable-carrying “spine” wall to which return walls are con-
`nected to define individual workstations.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Commercial buildings typically include large open office
`areas which are divided into smaller work spaces or work-
`stations by any of a number of space divider and panel
`systems that have been developed therefor. These space
`divider arrangements typically employ upright space-
`dividing wall panels which serially connect
`together to
`subdivide the office area into a plurality of smaller work-
`stations of desired size and configuration. Such panels are
`typically less than floor-to-ceiling height, and cooperate
`with other furniture components to define an equipped
`workstation. These components may include work surfaces,
`file cabinets, shelf units and the like which mount directly on
`and are supported by the wall panels, and may also include
`free-standing furniture components such as tables, chairs
`and file cabinets.
`
`In subdividing open office areas into individual
`workstations, the individual wall panel assemblies have a
`variety of constructions. Typically, a plurality of upright
`space-dividing wall panels are employed which serially
`connect
`together
`through two-panel straight or angled
`connections, or
`through suitable three or four-panel
`connections, to subdivide the office area into the plurality of
`smaller workstations.
`
`In one type of arrangement, a common panel construction
`is used to construct all of the walls of the workstations
`
`whereby each panel is individually connectable with serially
`adjacent panels through the aforementioned straight or cor-
`ner connections. With such an arrangement, a group of
`workstations can be formed, for example, with a common
`central section of wall panels separating one row of work-
`stations on one side of the central section from a separate
`row of workstations formed on the opposite side thereof.
`Since each workstation usually requires power as well as
`communications capability such as for computers and tele-
`phones or the like, the wall panels preferably have power
`and telecommunications cabling within interior raceways
`thereof. Typically the central wall section formed by the wall
`panels carries the greatest number of cables since it provides
`access to all or most of the adjacent workstations formed on
`opposite sides thereof. In such an arrangement, however, the
`wall panels typically have a relatively narrow thickness to
`minimize the floor space being used and thereby have a
`limited cabling capacity. As a result, it may become difficult
`to accommodate all of the power and telecommunication
`cabling for all of the workstations associated with a particu-
`lar group of workstations. Additionally,
`the central wall
`section also supports furniture components for the multiple
`workstations.
`
`To provide an expanded capacity for the space dividing
`panels, a second type of space divider system is known
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`which utilizes interconnected beams or wall panels having
`an increased cabling capacity to form a central divider wall.
`This increased capacity divider wall typically runs the length
`of a group of workstations and is commonly referred to as
`a “spine” wall. Such spine walls also provide an increased
`load-bearing capacity for readily supporting and mounting
`thereon furniture components of individual workstations.
`In one known spine-type space dividing arrangement as
`disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,155,955 (Ball et al), an office
`space dividing system is provided where rectangular struc-
`tural frames are formed of vertical mitered stiles having a
`vertically enlarged horizontal base rail proximate the lower
`ends of the mitered stiles and additional horizontal cross
`
`rails are disposed thereabove. The frames are connected with
`adjacent frames such that vertical columns are formed by the
`mitered stiles. Cabling is accommodated within each frame
`such that
`the communication cabling extends vertically
`through the mitered stiles in the region between the serially-
`adjacent
`frames and horizontally through passageways
`formed through the mitered stiles. This arrangement,
`however, requires the removal of furniture components
`when moving these components between panels and also
`routes horizontal cabling through the posts which thereby
`makes reconfiguration of workstations more difficult.
`In a further spine wall arrangement as disclosed in U.S.
`Pat. No. 4,831,791 (Ball), a plurality of interconnected
`beams disposed at work surface height are supported by
`vertical posts at the opposite ends thereof, which beams have
`a hollow interior in which cabling is accommodated. Such
`interconnected beams have stabilizer beams extending
`sidewardly therefrom which are connectable in the region
`intermediate the support posts. Additional patents relating to
`this particular arrangement are U.S. Pat. Nos. B1 4,224,769,
`4,404,776 and 4,771,583. This arrangement also requires
`removal of furniture components when moving these com-
`ponents between wall sections.
`In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the invention
`to provide a readily reconfigurable space-dividing wall panel
`system having base panels supported on a floor and a
`vertically adjustable modular height which is adjusted by the
`addition or removal of extension panels onto or off of the
`lower base wall panels. It is a further object that the wall
`panel system accommodate a variety of workstation com-
`ponents such as shelves and desks as well as return walls. It
`is still a further object that the panel system permit continu-
`ous off-modular adjustment of the furniture components or
`return walls connected thereto to minimize reconfiguration
`costs wherein continuous off-modularity refers to the ability
`to adjust
`the position of the return walls and furniture
`components not only continuously along the length of each
`individual wall panel but also continuously between serially-
`adjacent wall panels without interruption.
`It is also an object that electrical and/or telecommunica-
`tion cabling be laid into the wall panels over vertical posts
`therein without routing through the posts. It is further an
`object that the cabling be readily accommodated and acces-
`sible in a base raceway or a beltline raceway whereby the
`raceway cabling is routable both vertically within the base
`panel between the base and beltline raceways, and horizon-
`tally through horizontally adjacent raceways of serially-
`adjacent panels. It is still a further object that the base and
`beltline raceways be accessible along the length of a wall
`panel arrangement with individual receptacles being con-
`tinuously relocatable along the length of each panel.
`It is another object of the invention to provide wall panels
`and in particular, base panels supported on the floor which
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`have an increased load-bearing capacity so as to accommo-
`date the furniture components of a large number of work-
`stations.
`It
`is an object
`that such load-bearing capacity
`readily handle the loads associated with the individual
`furniture components supported on the base panel, as well as
`the loads transferred thereto by return walls which are
`connected to the base panel and are loaded with their own
`furniture components and equipment.
`In View thereof, the present invention relates to a space-
`dividing wall panel system and in particular, a spine wall
`system having a plurality of base panels which are serially
`connectable one with the other so as to define a vertically
`enlarged wall supported on a floor. Preferably each base
`panel has a rectangular frame which includes at least one
`horizontal composite box-beam and a pair of laterally
`spaced apart vertical uprights rigidly connected at the oppo-
`site ends of the box-beam. The box-beam is connected either
`
`intermediate the opposite upper and lower ends of the
`vertical uprights or alternatively, at one of the ends of the
`vertical uprights. The free ends of the vertical uprights have
`horizontal cross rails connected thereto which are vertically
`spaced from the box-beam to define cavities therebetween.
`The box-beam is vertically enlarged and has a height
`which is a substantial portion of the height of the vertical
`uprights such that the connection of the box-beam to the
`vertical uprights provides a structurally strong and rigid
`connection therebetween. Additionally, the outer faces of the
`box-beam and the outward faces of the vertical uprights are
`thereby spaced sidewardly one from the other so as to define
`a clearance space therebetween.
`To permit the connection of furniture components, the
`box-beam as well as the cross rails are formed with longi-
`tudinally extending horizontal channels, which channels are
`positioned outwardly of the uprights on the opposite sides
`thereof. The channels are free of interference with the
`
`vertical uprights while extending to the opposite ends of the
`base panel to thereby align with corresponding channels on
`a serially-adj acent base panel. The aligned channels define a
`continuous linear track preferably along the entire linear
`length of the spine wall system. The channels or more
`specifically, the tracks accommodate appropriate mounting
`hooks of furniture components such as return walls to
`fixedly secure the components to the base panel while
`permitting continuous, uninterrupted sliding or adjustment
`of the furniture components along the entire linear length of
`the track. Such an arrangement thus provides continuous
`off-modularity for the furniture components including the
`return walls.
`
`To accommodate cabling therein, the cavities above and
`below the box-beam define respective beltline and base
`raceways which communicate with adjacent raceways of
`serially-adjacent base panels by the clearance space formed
`adjacent the uprights. The cabling is laid in the raceways and
`passes around the uprights. Additionally, horizontally relo-
`catable receptacles are provided which connect
`to the
`cabling and are adapted to be horizontally adjustable along
`the length of each individual base panel. Such receptacles
`preferably are either mounted to an elongate mounting rail
`connected between the uprights so as to be horizontally
`movable within the confines of the raceways, or alterna-
`tively are disposed on the exterior of the base panel while
`being connected to the slide rail or the continuous track to
`permit horizontal sliding of the receptacle therealong.
`Typically the box-beam has finished outer surfaces which
`are adapted to be flush with removable cover panels which
`enclose the beltline and base raceways so that a space or
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`passage is provided between the cover panel and the
`uprights through which the cabling passes. Additionally,
`adjacent horizontal edges of the cover panels and the box-
`beam surfaces are vertically spaced apart to define a hori-
`zontal gap which opens into the beltline and base raceways
`and permits routing of cabling into and out of the raceways.
`Such cabling can be extended either to office equipment
`positioned within the workstation or into an adjacent end of
`a return wall which is mounted to the base panel.
`Further, to allow for modular adjustment of the height of
`the wall panels, extension panels are mountable on the base
`panels, such as by a bayonet connection, so as to extend
`vertically above the base panel. The extension panel can be
`formed with two vertical uprights having either an additional
`box-beam connected therebetween for significant structural
`strength or additional cross rails connected therebetween so
`as to define a substantially rectangular frame which is
`attachable to the upper end of the base panels. The additional
`box-beam or the cross rails of the extension panel similarly
`are formed with channels along the length thereof which are
`free of interference with the uprights thereof so as to define
`additional continuous off-modular tracks extending along
`the linear length of a wall panel arrangement.
`Other objects and purposes of the invention, and varia-
`tions thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following
`specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1A is a top plan view illustrating a first embodiment
`of a space-dividing wall panel system of the invention.
`FIG. 1B is a front perspective view illustrating one
`configuration of the space-dividing wall panel system of the
`invention.
`
`FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating another
`alternative configuration of the space-dividing wall system.
`FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a further
`alternative configuration of the space-dividing wall system.
`FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view in cross-section of a
`gap-filler assembly for a return wall as viewed in the
`direction of arrows 4—4 in FIG. 3.
`
`FIG. 5 is a front-perspective view of the space-dividing
`wall panel arrangement of FIG. 3 with cover panels
`removed.
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`FIG. 6A is an exploded front perspective view of a base
`panel of the space-dividing wall panel system illustrated in
`FIGS. 1-5.
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`FIG. 6B is an exploded front perspective view of an
`extension or add-on panel of the space-dividing wall panel
`system illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.
`FIG. 7A is an exploded front perspective view of a second
`variation of the base panel of FIG. 6A.
`FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of a third variation of
`the base panel.
`FIG. 7C is a front perspective view of a fourth variation
`of the base panel.
`FIG. 8 is a partial front elevational view of a second
`embodiment of the space-dividing wall panel system with
`cover tiles removed.
`
`FIG. 9 is a partial front elevational view of the space-
`dividing wall panel system of FIG. 8 illustrating one
`arrangement of cabling therein.
`FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of one wall panel
`assembly of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.
`FIG. 11 is a top plan view in cross-section of a box-like
`beam of the base panel as viewed in the direction of arrows
`11—11 in FIG. 8.
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`FIG. 12 is a top plan View of the base panel as Viewed in
`the direction of arrows 12—12 in FIG. 8.
`
`FIG. 13 is a top plan View of an extension panel as Viewed
`in the direction of arrows 13—13 in FIG. 8.
`
`FIG. 14 is a top plan View in cross-section of a lower cross
`rail of the base panel as Viewed in the direction of arrows
`14—14 in FIG. 8.
`
`FIG. 15A is a side cross-sectional View of the wall panel
`assembly as Viewed in the direction of arrows 15A—15A in
`FIG. 8.
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`FIG. 15B is an enlarged side cross-sectional View illus-
`trating a top cross rail having coVer panels attached thereto.
`FIG. 15C is a top plan View in cross-section as Viewed in
`the direction of arrows 15C—15C of FIG. 15B.
`
`FIG. 16 is a partial perspective View of the extension
`panel.
`FIG. 17A is a partial side eleVational View in cross-section
`illustrating a receptacle mounting assembly for the base
`panel.
`FIG. 17B is a partial side cross-sectional View illustrating
`the box-beam of FIG. 15A with upper and lower septums.
`FIG. 17C is a top plan View in cross-section of the
`box-beam of FIG. 17B.
`
`FIG. 18 is a front eleVational View illustrating a first
`embodiment of a furniture component connector bracket.
`FIG. 19 is a front eleVational View illustrating a second
`embodiment of a furniture component connector bracket.
`FIG. 20 is a side eleVational View of the furniture com-
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`ponent connector bracket of FIG. 19.
`FIG. 21 is a side eleVational View of a third embodiment
`
`of a furniture component connector bracket.
`FIG. 22 is an exploded side eleVational View of a fourth
`embodiment of a furniture component connector bracket for
`the connection of return walls to the space-diViding wall
`panel system of FIG. 8.
`FIG. 23 is a front eleVational View of the connector
`bracket of FIG. 22.
`
`FIG. 24 is a partial side View in cross-section of an
`alternatiVe construction for the box-beam of the base panel.
`FIG. 25 is a side eleVational View of an alternatiVe
`
`embodiment of the base panel.
`FIG. 26 is a partial side eleVational View illustrating an
`alternatiVe connecting structure for coVer tiles.
`FIG. 27 is a partial front eleVational View illustrating the
`alternatiVe mounting structure of FIG. 26.
`FIG. 28 is a front perspectiVe View of a further embodi-
`ment of a wall panel assembly.
`FIG. 29 is an exploded perspectiVe View of the box-beam
`of the wall panel of FIG. 28.
`FIG. 30 is an enlarged perspectiVe View illustrating the
`box-beam and a coVer panel connector.
`FIG. 31 is a partial top plan View in cross-section illus-
`trating the ends of two adjacent base panels being joined
`together.
`Certain terminology will be used in the following descrip-
`tion for conVenience in reference only, and will not be
`limiting. For example,
`the words “upwardly”,
`“downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to
`directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The
`words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions
`toward and away from, respectiVely, the geometric center of
`the arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said termi-
`nology will
`include the words specifically mentioned,
`deriVatiVes thereof, and words of similar import.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the inVention generally
`relates to a space-diViding wall panel system 10 for subdi-
`Viding an office area. The wall panel system 10 includes a
`selected number of upstanding wall panel assemblies 12
`horizontally serially connected,
`for example,
`in straight
`configurations so as to define a primary space-diViding wall
`14 haVing substantial
`load-bearing and cable-carrying
`capacities. The wall 14 is commonly referred to as a “spine
`wall”, and typically is proVided in combination with return
`walls 15 for subdiViding the office area into separate work-
`stations 16.
`
`To accommodate substantial loads and cabling, the wall
`panel assemblies 12 of the inVention include base panels 17
`(FIGS. 5 and 6A) which each include an enlarged horizon-
`tally extending box-like cross beam 18 connected between
`Vertical uprights 19. The base panels 17 define horizontal
`raceways 21 and 22 (FIG. 5) respectiVely aboVe and below
`the box-beam 18, which raceways are enclosed by remoV-
`able panel coVers or tiles 23. The wall panel assemblies 12
`also support extension or add-on panels 24 thereon as well
`as furniture components 25. The construction of the wall
`panel assemblies 12 permits continuous off-modular adjust-
`ment of furniture or workstation components 25 along the
`spine wall 14, wherein “continuous off-modularity” refers to
`the ability to adjust the position of the return walls 15 and
`other furniture components 25 not only continuously along
`the length of each indiVidual wall panel assembly 12 but also
`continuously between serially-adjacent wall panel assem-
`blies 12 without interruption.
`The inVentiVe wall panel system is diagrammatically
`illustrated in and described with respect to FIGS. 1-7. In
`particular, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate seVeral configurations of the
`wall panel system 10 which are formed of common com-
`ponents such as the base panels 17, extension panels 24 and
`return walls 15 as well as other components. Amore detailed
`discussion of a preferred embodiment of the wall panel
`system 10-1, howeVer, is proVided below with respect to
`FIGS. 8-23, and further features of the inVention are illus-
`trated in FIGS. 24-27.
`
`Generally, with respect to the different components and
`configurations of FIGS. 1-7, the inVentiVe wall panel system
`10 typically includes the wall panel assemblies 12 as well as
`the return walls 15 which are selectiVely positioned and
`connected together to form Various configurations of work-
`stations 16 (FIGS. 1-3). To define the workstations 16, the
`wall panel assemblies 12 are serially connected one with the
`other to form at least a lower section of the linearly extend-
`ing spine wall 14. To these base panels 17, the return walls
`15 are connected so as to project transVersely therefrom and
`hence define separate workstations 16. The spine wall 14, as
`described hereinafter, proVides the primary load-bearing and
`cable-carrying capacity of the wall panel system 10 while
`the return walls 15 are branched off from the spine wall 14
`and accommodate cabling receiVed therefrom.
`More particularly, each serially-connected wall panel
`assembly 12 (FIGS. 1-3) typically includes one base panel
`17 supported in load-bearing relation on a floor, and one or
`more modular extension panels 24 positioned Vertically one
`aboVe the other in a Vertical plane so as to define a modular
`wall panel height which is Variable. The wall panel assem-
`blies 12 are serially-connected together in a typically linear
`spine wall arrangement and haVe a plurality of return walls
`15 connected on either or both of the opposite sides thereof.
`The return walls 15 are arranged in any of a Variety of
`configurations to define the indiVidual workstations 16 on
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`6,161,347
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`one or both sides of the spine wall. The spine wall 14,
`however, not only serves the space dividing function served
`by the return walls 15, but also accommodates sufficient
`cabling (i.e., both communication and power) preferably for
`all of the workstatio