PATENT APPLICATION
`Docket No: 16196.9.1
`
`DECLARATION, POWER OF ATTORNEY, AND PETITION
`
`We,
`
`Name:
`Address:
`
`Citizenship:
`
`Name:
`Address:
`
`Citizenship:
`
`Geoff Gosling
`32 Collingwood Place NW
`Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2L OP9
`Canada
`
`Mogens Smed
`Box 2, Site 8, RR1
`De Winton, Alberta, Canada TOL OXO
`Canada
`
`declare:
`
`that our citizenships, residence addresses, and post office addresses are as set forth
`
`above; that we verily believe we are the original inventors of the subject matter of the invention
`
`or discovery entitled MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION for which a
`
`patent is sought and which is described and claimed in the application filed May 1, 2007, and
`
`assigned serial number 11/742,591; that we have reviewed and understand the contents of the
`
`above-identified application, including the claims, as amended by any amendment specifically
`
`referred to herein; and that we acknowledge the duty to disclose information which is material to
`
`the patentability of this application in accordance with Section 1.56(a) of Title 37 of the Code of
`
`Federal Regulations.
`
`We hereby claim the benefit under Section 120 of Title 35 of the United States Code of
`
`the earlier filed provisional application, Serial No. 60/796,422 (Workman Nydegger docket
`
`number 16196.9) filed May 1, 2006; and, insofar as the subject matter of each of the claims of
`
`this application is not disclosed in the earlier filed pending application in the manner provided by
`
`the first paragraph of Section 112 of Title 35 of the United States Code, we acknowledge the
`
`1
`
`ALLSTEEL INC.
`Exhibit 1025, Page 1
`
`

`
`duty to disclose material information, as defined in Section 1.56(a) of Title 37 of the Code of
`
`Federal Regulations, which occurred between the filing date of the earlier filed application and
`
`the filing date of this application.
`
`We declare further that all statements made herein of our own knowledge are true and
`
`that all statements made on information and belief are believed to be true; and further that these
`
`statements were made with the knowledge that willful, false statements and the like so made are
`
`punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, under Section 1001 of Title 18 of the United States
`
`Code, and that such willful, false statements may jeopardize the validity of the application or any
`
`patent issuing thereon.
`
`We hereby appoint as our attorneys and/or patent agents those listed under the following
`
`Customer Number with full power to prosecute this application and to transact all business in the
`
`Patent and Trademark Office connected therewith:
`
`022913
`Customer Number
`
`All correspondence and telephonic communications should be directed to:
`
`Michael J. Frodsham
`WORKMAN NYDEGGER
`1000 Eagle Gate Tower
`60 E. South Temple
`Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
`Telephone: (801) 533-9800
`Facsimile: (801) 328-1707
`
`Wherefore, we pray that Letters Patent be granted to us for the invention or discovery
`
`described and claimed in the foregoing specification and claims, declaration, power of attorney,
`
`and this petition.
`
`2
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 2
`
`

`
`..fh
`Signed this /3
`
`day of s~'-/ , 2007.
`
`Inventor:
`
`. .#~
`
`Geoff Gosling
`32 Collingwood Place NW
`Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2L OP9
`
`3
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 3
`
`

`
`--#-
`Signed this /3 day of ~v'--1 , 2007.
`
`Mogens Sme
`Box 2, Site 8, RRl
`De Winton, Alberta, Canada T2Y1Z4
`
`KJBOOOOO 10271 VOO 1.doc
`
`4
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 4
`
`

`
`Title: MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION
`Inventors: G. Gosling and M. Smed
`Docket No.: 16196.9.1.1
`1/9
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`Title: MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION
`Inventors: G. Gosling and M. Smed
`Docket No.: 16196.9.1.1
`2/9
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`Title: MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION
`Inventors: G. Gosling and M. Smed
`Docket No.: 16196.9.1.1
`3/9
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`FIG. 28
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`Exhibit 1025, Page 9
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`

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`Title: MOVABLE WALLS FOR
`Inventors: G G
`. ON-SITE CONSTRU
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`et No.: 16196.9.1.1 med
`6/9
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`Exhibit 1025, Page 10
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`

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`Title: MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION
`Inventors: G. Gosling and M. Smed
`Docket No.: 16196.9.1.1
`7/9
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`Title: MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION
`Inventors: G. Gosling and M. Smed
`Docket No.: 16196.9.1.1
`8/9
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`Title: MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION
`Inventors: G. Gosling and M. Smed
`Docket No.: 16196.9.1.1
`9/9
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`Exhibit 1025, Page 13
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`

`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`DocketNo.: 16196.9.1.1
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT APPLICATION
`
`of
`
`Geoff Gosling
`
`and
`
`Mogens Smed
`
`for
`
`MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 14
`
`

`
`MOVABLE WALLS FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] The present invention is a Divisional Patent Application of U.S. Patent
`
`Application No. 11/742,591, filed on May 1, 2007, entitled MOVABLE WALLS
`
`FOR ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
`
`Provisional patent Application No. 60/796,422, filed on May 1, 2006, entitled
`
`"Movable Walls Configured to be Constructed On-Site." The entire content of each of
`
`the above-mentioned applications is incorporated by reference herein.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1.
`
`Background and Relevant Art
`
`[0002]
`
`Office space can be relatively expensive, not only due to the basic costs of
`
`the location and size of the office space, but also due to any construction needed to
`
`configure the office space in a particular way. For example, an organization might
`
`purchase or rent a large open space in an office complex, and then subdivide or
`
`partition the open space into various offices, conference rooms, or cubicles,
`
`depending on the organization's needs and size constraints.
`
`In general, the
`
`organization will typically subdivide the office space with virtually any type of
`
`material, such as standard dry wall and frame materials, as well as any usage of glass,
`
`resin, or even more modular, cubicle-style materials. The choice of these materials
`
`generally reflects decisions having to do with aesthetic considerations, relative
`
`permanence of the subdivisions, and, ultimately, costs.
`
`[0003]
`
`In general, organizations opting for temporary partitions, such as cubicle-
`
`style, or modular partitions,
`
`tend
`
`to sacrifice aesthetics
`
`in favor of rapid
`
`configurability or reuse/rearrangement and lower costs. By contrasts, organizations
`
`-Page 2-
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 15
`
`

`
`that favor more aesthetically pleasing partitions, tend to sacrifice the ability to
`
`rearrange office space partitions, and typically pay much higher costs from start to
`
`finish. This tends to be the case for a number of different reasons. For example, the
`
`more aesthetically pleasing materials, such as glass or resin panels, tend to be more
`
`expensive than modular components, and further tend to require more expensive,
`
`permanent mountings. This is at least partly since these types of panel materials tend
`
`to be much heavier and more fragile than other types of materials used in a partition.
`
`[0004]
`
`Accordingly, with permanent partitions, the manufacturer will typically
`
`build customized wood and dry wall frames that are tailored to the size of each glass
`
`or resin panel, where the frames securely hold the glass or resin panel in place. In
`
`other cases, the manufacturer might build a customized frame around each particular
`
`panel, and secure each frame (that includes the panel) to a floor, wall, and/or ceiling
`
`support structure.
`
`In any event,
`
`these more permanent structures allow a
`
`manufacturer to position several panels in the same permanent mounting structure or
`
`partition. In addition, and in the event the manufacturer frames two different panels
`
`side-by-side together, the manufacturer may also apply a relatively permanent seal
`
`between the two different panes, such as by applying a silicone caulking therein. One
`
`can appreciate that these types of approaches to positioning and securing a panel as a
`
`partition can be time consuming, and can be expensive.
`
`[0005]
`
`Furthermore, the relative permanence of the mounting materials can make
`
`it fairly difficult to change the configuration of the office space, or can otherwise limit
`
`the type of configuration outlay. For example, removing a set of frame panels that are
`
`encased in a wood frame typically involves destroying the wood frame, and/or
`
`cleaning the silicone caulking off of the panels, and then rebuilding the wood frame
`
`for another area where the panels may be positioned again. Thus, removing the
`
`- Page 3 -
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 16
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`

`
`panels and configurations often involves acts that cause many or all of the partition
`
`materials to be unusable to greater or lesser degrees. In particular, reconfiguration of
`
`the office partitions will result in discarding (or spending significant time restoring)
`
`many of the components used in the partitions themselves.
`
`[0006]
`
`By contrast, and as previously mentioned, the more-light weight, cubicle-
`
`style walls can be much easier to assemble, more reusable, and much less expensive.
`
`For example, with modular components, the manufacturer can simply position the
`
`partitions in a particular pattern, and temporarily secure the partitions to a wall, floor,
`
`or ceiling structures in some cases such as with fasteners.
`
`In some cases, the
`
`manufacturer may also use rollers at the bottom of the modular subdividing
`
`components to roll the subdividing components in and out of a particular subdivision
`
`position. Unfortunately, these more modular, reusable materials, also tend to be less
`
`aesthetically pleasing, and often do not provide many of the privacy benefits generally
`
`found with more permanent partition structures.
`
`[0007]
`
`In many cases, therefore, an organization may desire to implement some
`
`combination of permanent and semi-permanent/temporary (or modular) materials. In
`
`some cases, the organization may even desire to incorporate the benefits of a semi-
`
`permanent or modular subdivision with the heavier, and ultimately more aesthetically
`
`pleasing, glass or resin panel-type materials. As previously mentioned, however, such
`
`heavier-weight materials typically need either a complete frame around the materials
`
`on each side, or some sort of permanent framing system about a set of materials in
`
`order to secure the weight thereof in a particular position.
`
`[0008]
`
`Unfortunately, temporary frame components tend to be highly visible,
`
`such as by requiring a modular frame on all sides of the material to hold the panel in
`
`place. This heightens visibility of the frame components, which can hinder the
`
`-Page 4-
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
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`Exhibit 1025, Page 17
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`

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`otherwise-intended aesthetic (e.g., transparency or translucence) for the panel, and can
`
`create obstructions where a continuous or design look may be desired. For example, a
`
`completely framed panel typically limits a manufacturer to angled alignments, and
`
`can make curved alignments difficult or impossible.
`
`[0009]
`
`Thus, although modular configurations can provide for more rapid
`
`installation and reconfiguration of walls/partitions, the size, arrangement, and
`
`aesthetics of such partitions tends to be fairly limited, particularly compared with
`
`conventional permanent mounting solutions.
`
`These
`
`limitations of modular
`
`configurations can be further compounded by the size and characteristics of each
`
`interior office space, including the size of entry doors or elevators, or the handling
`
`weight of the divider wall, and so forth. That is, although permanent partitions can be
`
`assembled and created with a variety of different finishes to appear as a continuous
`
`unit of almost any dimension, modular partitions tend to resemble a compilation of
`
`segments that that are no larger than the door or elevator dimension through which
`
`they were received.
`
`[0010]
`
`Accordingly, there are a number of difficulties associated with dividing
`
`interior office space with high quality, aesthetically pleasing materials, particularly in
`
`light of cost considerations, and where the need for reconfiguration and reuse of such
`
`components may be desired.
`
`-Page 5-
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 18
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`

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`BRIEF SUMMARY
`
`[0011]
`
`Implementations of the present invention provide systems, apparatus, and
`
`methods for assembling and re-assembling partitions of an interior space using high
`
`grade partitioning components.
`
`In particular, implementations of the present
`
`invention comprise a number of different frame components that can hold a wide
`
`range (weight, style, size) of panel materials, such as high-end glass or resin panel
`
`materials, in a stable formation against a given support structure, but without
`
`requiring permanent mounting solutions. The partitioning components used in
`
`accordance with the present invention can provide a permanent-style partition (e.g.,
`
`sets of continuous, and/or curved panel alignments) while, at the same time, being
`
`capable of reuse and realignment as needed without destruction.
`
`[0012]
`
`For example, a system for partitioning an interior space on a semi-
`
`permanent or temporary basis with a plurality of different panels can include a first
`
`horizontal frame component configured to be removably mounted to a support
`
`surface. The first horizontal frame component includes a slot therein for receiving an
`
`edge of at least one panel. The system can also include a first vertical frame
`
`component mounted to the first horizontal frame component on a lower end. The first
`
`vertical frame component also includes a slot therein for receiving a side of an edge of
`
`at least one panel. In addition, the system can include a second horizontal frame
`
`component mounted to an opposing upper end of the first vertical frame component.
`
`The second horizontal frame also includes a slot therein for receiving an edge of at
`
`least one panel.
`
`[0013]
`
`Furthermore, the system can include a gasket positioned in each of the
`
`slots in each of the horizontal and vertical frame components. In general, the slots of
`
`the first and second horizontal frame component, and of the first vertical frame
`
`-Page 6-
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 19
`
`

`
`component, are configured in size and shape to removably receive any of the at least
`
`one panels and/or a plurality of different panels.
`
`[0014]
`
`In addition, a method of partitioning an interior space on-site with reusable
`
`modular components configured to removably hold a plurality of heavy-weight panels
`
`in a stable conformation that is permanent or temporary can include a step for creating
`
`preliminary assembly for removably receiving a plurality of different panels. This
`
`step can include attaching a first horizontal frame component to a support surface,
`
`where the first horizontal frame component has a slot. The step for creating the
`
`preliminary assembly can also include attaching an end of a :first vertical frame
`
`component to an end of the first horizontal frame component, where the first vertical
`
`frame component has a slot.
`
`[0015]
`
`Furthermore, In addition, the step for creating the preliminary assembly
`
`can include attaching an end of a second horizontal frame component to an opposing
`
`end of the first vertical frame component. As with the other two components, the
`
`second horizontal frame component also has a slot. The method can also involve
`
`sliding a plurality of different panels within one or more corresponding slots
`
`corresponding to the frame components of the preliminary assembly. In addition, the
`
`method can involve attaching opposing ends of a second vertical frame component to
`
`corresponding opposing ends of the first and second horizontal frame components.
`
`[0016]
`
`This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts m a
`
`simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This
`
`Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed
`
`subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the
`
`claimed subject matter.
`
`-Page 7-
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 20
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`

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`[0017]
`
`Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the
`
`description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be
`
`learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention
`
`may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
`
`particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the
`
`present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and
`
`appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
`
`hereinafter.
`
`-Page 8-
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 21
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`

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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0018]
`
`In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other
`
`advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular
`
`description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to
`
`specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
`
`Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention
`
`and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be
`
`described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the
`
`accompanying drawings in which:
`
`[0019]
`
`Figure 1 illustrates a partition in accordance with an implementation of the
`
`present invention in which a plurality of panels are aligned vertically;
`
`[0020]
`
`[0021]
`
`Figure 2A illustrates a preliminary assembly of the partition of Figure 1;
`
`Figure 2B illustrates a cross-section of an upper frame component used in
`
`the partition ofFigure 1;
`
`[0022]
`
`Figure 2C illustrates a cross-section of a lower frame component used in
`
`the partition of Figure 1;
`
`[0023]
`
`Figure 3A illustrates a plan view of a vertical frame component in
`
`accordance with an implementation of the present invention when the component is
`
`attached to a wall;
`
`[0024]
`
`Figure 3B illustrates a clip in accordance with an implementation of the
`
`present invention, which is used to attach the vertical frame component of Figure 3A
`
`to a mounting plate;
`
`[0025]
`
`Figure 3C illustrates a plan view of the vertical frame component mounted
`
`to or positioned against a modular wall without a fastener;
`
`-Page 9-
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 22
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`

`
`[0026]
`
`Figure 3D
`
`illustrates a
`
`flexible
`
`insert m
`
`accordance with an
`
`implementation of the present invention that is used to mount a partition against or to
`
`a modular wall;
`
`[0027]
`
`Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of another implementation of the present
`
`invention in which the vertical frame components are combined to create a transverse
`
`junction interface for receiving still another panel of another partition;
`
`[0028]
`
`Figure 5 illustrates a preliminary assembly of a partition m accordance
`
`with an implementation of the present invention m which the panels are aligned
`
`horizontally;
`
`[0029]
`
`Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an implementation of the
`
`present invention in which an office space is built using one or more horizontally-
`
`aligned partitions;
`
`[0030]
`
`Figure 7 illustrates yet another schematic diagram in which an office or
`
`conference room is built using panels that abut directly together at a comer, and thus
`
`without an additional vertical frame component;
`
`[0031]
`
`Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram in which a conference room is
`
`built using vertically aligned panels in a curved formation; and
`
`[0032]
`
`Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of a set of continuous partitions
`
`assembled in accordance with the partitions of Figure 1.
`
`-Page 10-
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 23
`
`

`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0033]
`
`Implementations of the present invention relate generally to systems,
`
`apparatus, and methods for assembling and re-assembling partitions of an interior
`
`space using high grade partitioning components. In particular, implementations of the
`
`present invention comprise a number of different frame components that can hold a
`
`wide range (weight, style, size) of panel materials, such as high-end glass or resin
`
`panel materials, in a stable formation against a given support structure, but without
`
`requiring permanent mounting solutions. The partitioning components used in
`
`accordance with the present invention can provide a permanent-style partition (e.g.,
`
`sets of continuous, and/or curved panel alignments) while, at the same time, being
`
`capable of reuse and realignment as needed without destruction.
`
`[0034]
`
`Accordingly, one will appreciate that implementations of the present
`
`invention can be particularly suited to walls or partitions used in an office interior
`
`environment where both aesthetics and low cost are desired. In addition, and as will
`
`be appreciated more fully herein, implementations of the present invention provide
`
`design freedom. For example, the components in accordance with implementations of
`
`the present invention can be easily manufactured off-site, and subsequently assembled
`
`into virtually any permanent-style configuration on-site. In particular, components in
`
`accordance with the present invention provide for the assembly of large, continuous
`
`or semi-continuous runs of panels used as partitions, which would otherwise need
`
`permanent framing apparatus.
`
`[0035]
`
`In addition, the components m accordance of the present invention are
`
`low-profile with respect to the panels (or panes) they are holding, such that their
`
`visibility with respect to the panels is minimize.
`
`In particular, the use of any
`
`intervening, non-structural elements
`
`located between adjacent panels can be
`
`-Page 11 -
`
`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
`
`Exhibit 1025, Page 24
`
`

`
`significantly minimized. As a result, stable and reconfigurable partition alignments
`
`can be provided in almost any angle or curvature, and in a manner that highlights,
`
`rather than hinders, the aesthetics of the panel used in the partition.
`
`[0036]
`
`For ease of reference, the panes, sheets, or panels used in the movable
`
`walls, are referred to generically herein as "panels" and panel or partition assemblies.
`
`Partitions that are assembled on-site using structural supports and panels can also be
`
`generally referred to as "stick-built" panels, while the components that generally
`
`provide the structure about the panels in the partition are generally referred to herein
`
`as "frame components." Thus, a partition (i.e., "stick built" wall or partition) will be
`
`understood herein to include at least one lower or bottom horizontal frame
`
`component, at least one upper or top horizontal frame component, and, at least
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`initially, a single vertical frame component, wherein a manufacturer can insert a panel
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`into the frame created thereby.
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`[0037]
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`For example, Figure 1 illustrates a partition 100 built using one or more
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`frame components and panels in accordance with an implementation of the present
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`invention. In particular, Figure 1 shows that at least one form of a semi-permanent or
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`temporary partition 1 00 can include a first (or bottom/lower) horizontal frame
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`component 115a, and a second (or upper) horizontal frame component 115b. The
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`partition 1 00 can also include a first vertical frame component 11 Oa, and a second
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`vertical frame component 110b.
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`In addition, Figure 1 shows that each of frame
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`components 110a-b and 115a-b are positioned adjacent each other, and at least
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`partially secured together, by virtue at least of their alignment within the frame
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`component assembly.
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`[0038]
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`As a preliminary matter, one will appreciate that whether a particular
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`frame component is a "first," "second," "upper," or "lower" horizontal component (or
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`-Page 12-
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`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
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`Exhibit 1025, Page 25
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`a "leftward"/"rightward") vertical frame component can be somewhat arbitrary. That
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`is, one will understand more fully from the following specification and claims that
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`there may be some instances in which "first" vertical frame component 11 Oa is used
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`in a different position or orientation (e.g., horizontal, interspersed between panels)
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`from what is shown in Figure 1. Similarly, there may be instances in which the first
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`or "second" horizontal frame components are used in a different position or
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`orientation (e.g., vertical, interspersed between panels) other than what is shown in
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`Figure 1. Thus, the designations herein of "first," "second," "upper," or "lower" are
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`not meant to connote a specific order of assembly, or required position in an
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`assembly, but primarily to distinguish one particular frame component from the other,
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`or to refer to a particularly illustrated implementation or arrangement.
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`[0039]
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`In any event, Figure 1 shows that the partition 100 can comprise a plurality
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`of different panels 1 05a-c that are held in place by only one lower horizontal frame
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`component and only one upper horizontal frame component.
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`In general, the
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`horizontal and vertical frame components can be formed or extruded from virtually
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`any material, although portable lightweight materials will generally be preferred. For
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`example, the horizontal or vertical frame components can comprise any number
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`synthetic or naturally occurring polymeric materials, metal materials, and composites
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`thereof. Furthermore, the horizontal and vertical frame components can be formed to
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`virtually any size, length or dimension, so long as they are sufficiently portable and
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`capable of being passed through a doorway or elevator in one form or another.
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`[0040]
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`For example, Figure 1 shows that the horizontal frame components 115a-b
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`are of a sufficient length that a plurality of different panels 105 are mounted therein.
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`For example, in at least one implementation, the lower and upper frame components
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`115a-b are approximately 8-12' in length, while each panel 105a-c is approximately
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`-Page 13-
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`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
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`Exhibit 1025, Page 26
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`4' in width. As such, three different panels 1 05a, 1 05b, and 1 05c are mounted along
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`the length of the lower and upper frame components 115a-b, while the three different
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`panels each follow the height of the partition. As such, fewer than all of the different
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`panels 105 are held by any given vertical frame component 110 in this case.
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`[0041]
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`Thus, Figure 1 shows at least one advantage of the present invention,
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`wherein each given panel 105a-c need not necessarily be surrounded by frame
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`components on all sides. That is, each given panel 105a-c could directly contact or
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`interface another given panel, in some cases without any intervening seal or holding
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`component. Such a mounting can be done without sacrificing any sense of stability or
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`sense of permanence for the overall partition 100. This is true virtually regardless of
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`the size, weight, look, or feel of the given panel 1 05a-c. For example, any or all of
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`panels 1 05a-c can comprise virtually any size or type of material, including heav-y
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`weight glass or resin materials, which heretofore may have required more permanent
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`frames structures to hold them in place. In particular, the panels 1 05a-c need only be
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`configured in size and shape at (at least) two edges, so that the two edges can be
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`inserted within given slots of an adjacent horizontal and/or vertical frame component.
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`[0042]
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`Along these lines, Figure 2A illustrates the partition of Figure 1 as it is
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`being assembled m accordance with one or more implementations of the present
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`invention. As shown, a manufacturer (or "assembler") creates a preliminary partition
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`assembly 103 into which the manufacturer can slide or otherwise insert the plurality
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`of different panels 105a-c. For example, Figure 2 shows that the manufacturer can
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`position the bottom horizontal frame component 115a in a particular or desired
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`position. The manufacturer can then secure an end of the bottom horizontal frame
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`component 115a to an end of vertical frame component 11 Oa, and secure an end of
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`top horizontal frame component 115b to an opposing end of the vertical frame
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`-Page 14-
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`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
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`Exhibit 1025, Page 27
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`component. As such, the resulting structure may have a generally U (or C)-shaped
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`profile.
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`[0043]
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`Thereafter (or prior to creating all of the preliminary assembly 103), the
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`manufacturer may also secure the bottom horizontal frame component 115a to a lower
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`guide track 140 (Figure 2C).
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`In at least one implementation, for example, the
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`manufacturer can secure guide track 140 to a support surface (e.g., floor), and then
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`secure the lower horizontal frame component 115a to guide track 140. In order to
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`accommodate any variation in wall or ceiling height, the manufacturer can also
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`perform any vertical adjustments through the lower horizontal frame component 115a.
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`[0044]
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`For example, Figure 2C shows that lower horizontal frame component
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`115a can also include a leveler assembly 135.
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`In general, leveler assembly can
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`include any components for vertical adjustment, such as components operating on
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`rotational, hydraulic, or otherwise graduated adjustment mechanisms. Once lower
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`frame component 115a is in position, the manufacturer can then adjust upward or
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`downward the leveler assembly 135, as needed, which, in tum, raises or lowers
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`preliminary assembly 103 relative to the ceiling or floor.
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`[0045]
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`In at least one implementation, and with the preliminary assembly in place,
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`the manufacturer can then begin sliding or otherwise positioning each panel 1 05a-c
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`into the preliminary assembly. For example, Figure 2A shows that the manufacturer
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`first inserts panel 105a into position so that at least one edge ofpanel105a is within a
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`slot of horizontal frame components 115a-b and vertical frame component 110a. For
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`example, and with further respect to Figures 2B, 2C, and 3A, panel 1 05a is inserted
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`into slots 113 and 11 7.
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`[0046]
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`In at least one implementation, and prior to inserting the panel 105 into
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`these slots, the manufacturer may also position one or more gaskets 130 in any or all
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`-Page 15-
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`Docket No. 16196.9.1.1
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`Exhibit 1025, Page 28
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`of the slots 113, 117, etc. of each frame component 110, 115. In general, one will
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`appreciate that gasket 130 can be used to accommodate any variations in width or
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`dimension between an edge of a panel 105 and the width or dimension of a given slot
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`113, 117, etc. Gasket 130 can also be used to accommodate any expansion or
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`contraction that occurs with a given panel or frame to ensure a stable mounting
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`interface. Accordingly, gasket 130 can give partition 100 a sense of stability typically
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`provided only by more permanent components, and even though gasket 130 is capable
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`of being moved and reused.
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`[0047]
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`Accordingly, Figures 2B, 2C, and 3A show that gasket 130 has been
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`positioned between an edge of a given panel and the inside surface of a given slot.
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`This can occur any number of different ways. For example, the manufacturer may
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`position gasket 130 directly inside each given slot 113, 117, etc., or may alternatively
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`position gasket 130 on each edge of the given panel before insertion into a particular
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`slot. In at least one implementation, gasket 130 is a length of flexible material having
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`flexible internally-facing wings or flanges positioned within a flexible gap or slot.
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`Gasket 130 can be provided in a lengths of flexible or rubber-bas