CA1284263C - Work space management system - Google Patents
Work space management systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1284263C CA1284263C CA000589186A CA589186A CA1284263C CA 1284263 C CA1284263 C CA 1284263C CA 000589186 A CA000589186 A CA 000589186A CA 589186 A CA589186 A CA 589186A CA 1284263 C CA1284263 C CA 1284263C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- frames
- tiles
- management system
- work space
- space management
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 39
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 6
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- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
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- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
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- 241000842962 Apoda limacodes Species 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 2
- VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyl methacrylate Chemical compound COC(=O)C(C)=C VVQNEPGJFQJSBK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920005372 Plexiglas® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000283984 Rodentia Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009432 framing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
- A47B21/06—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B83/00—Combinations comprising two or more pieces of furniture of different kinds
- A47B83/001—Office desks or work-stations combined with other pieces of furniture, e.g. work space management systems
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7401—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using panels without a frame or supporting posts, with or without upper or lower edge locating rails
- E04B2/7405—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using panels without a frame or supporting posts, with or without upper or lower edge locating rails with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
- E04B2/7422—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
- E04B2/7425—Details of connection of panels
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/28—Installations of cables, lines, or separate protective tubing therefor in conduits or ducts pre-established in walls, ceilings or floors
- H02G3/286—Installations of cables, lines, or separate protective tubing therefor in conduits or ducts pre-established in walls, ceilings or floors in walls
- H02G3/288—Installations of cables, lines, or separate protective tubing therefor in conduits or ducts pre-established in walls, ceilings or floors in walls in modular walls, e.g. wall panels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B37/00—Tables adapted for other particular purposes
- A47B2037/005—Tables specially adapted for laboratories
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B83/00—Combinations comprising two or more pieces of furniture of different kinds
- A47B83/001—Office desks or work-stations combined with other pieces of furniture, e.g. work space management systems
- A47B2083/005—Office wall with desktop function
- A47B2083/006—Office wall with desktop function having an incorporated display screen
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
- A47B2200/01—Office wall with desktop function
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7483—Details of furniture, e.g. tables or shelves, associated with the partitions
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7488—Details of wiring
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S52/00—Static structures, e.g. buildings
- Y10S52/13—Hook and loop type fastener
Abstract
WORK SPACE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A work space management system for dividing a room into separate work areas comprising a wall system having a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area, wire management elements secured to the frames for communication and power wiring and a plurality of modular panels removably hanging on the frames. At least some of the wire management elements are secured to the bottom or baseline of the frames and at least some of the wire management elements are removably secured to a waistline or midportion of at least some of the frames. In some cases, the frames only extend to a waist height and in other cases, the frames extend to a full panel height. The panels are sized to fit between the waistline wire management elements and the baseline wire management elements to substantially cover the frames therebetween. The work management system provides an architectural wall system with flexibility for interchangeable panels for different decorative effects as well as functional features. The panels can be fabric or vinyl covered, or can comprise acoustical panels, window panels, work-in-process panel rails or lighting panels.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A work space management system for dividing a room into separate work areas comprising a wall system having a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area, wire management elements secured to the frames for communication and power wiring and a plurality of modular panels removably hanging on the frames. At least some of the wire management elements are secured to the bottom or baseline of the frames and at least some of the wire management elements are removably secured to a waistline or midportion of at least some of the frames. In some cases, the frames only extend to a waist height and in other cases, the frames extend to a full panel height. The panels are sized to fit between the waistline wire management elements and the baseline wire management elements to substantially cover the frames therebetween. The work management system provides an architectural wall system with flexibility for interchangeable panels for different decorative effects as well as functional features. The panels can be fabric or vinyl covered, or can comprise acoustical panels, window panels, work-in-process panel rails or lighting panels.
Description
-' :1284263 WORK::SPACE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
ThiS application is a division of application Serial No. 473,449 filed February 1, 1985.
Teohnical Fleld ~ his invention relates to work qpace management systems In one of its aspects, the inventlon relates to a work space management 3ystem wherein walls are ea~ily constructed, configured and changed, and wherein convenient electrical and communication acces~ channels are easily installed and movable for ease of set-up and change of systems, and wherein wall covering panels and work tool~ are easily configured and changeable without lnter~erring with th0 underlying rigid frame structure.
Backcround Art Open-plan office systems, pioneered by Herman Mlller, Inc., more than fifteen years ago, provide a series of rigid panels which in turn are rlgidly connect~d together at facing edges to divide work spaces into work or task areas. The panels are guickly and eas~ly coupled together at facing edges for straight line, angled coupling or multiple wall coupl1ng.
Vertical slots are provided at the facing edges to sup-port bra¢kets for hanging cabinets, shelves and work surfaces to effi¢iently use the space. Examples o such wall panel systems are disclosed in the following U.S.
patentss Propst e~ al, 3,418,765, issued December 31, Propst et al, 3,430,997, issuQd ~arch 4, 1969 Beckman, 3,449,887, issued June 17, 1969~
Propst et al, 3,517,469, is~ued 3une 30, 1970.
In these and other currently popular panel systems, the panel~ are preassembled and covered at the factory with a fabric or a vinyl covering. Acoustical panels are also preassembled at the factory. These panel~ must be professionally installed and arranged.
Although the panels are easily changed to change configuration, such changing must b~ done profession-ally. Once the color scheme is set, it cannot be changed without returning the panels to the factory or ~r : '. ' ~ -2- ~i289~2~3 otherwise sending the panels out for recovering. Thus, the panel colors are ordinarily not changed.
Electrical systems were later provided as an addition to the panels. Typically, the electrical systems are provided underneath the panels and are not integrated with the panels. In some cases, the electrical system is removably secured through the slotted hanging intelligence in the panel frames.
Examples of electrical systems used with panels are disclosed in the following U.S. patents:
Propst et al, 4,382,648, issued May 10, 1983;
Propst et al, 4,257,203, issued March 24, 1981;
Propst et al, 4,255,611, issued March 10, l9Bl;
Propst et al, 4,235,495, issued November 25, 1980;
Propst et al, 4,231,630, issued November 4, Propst et al, 4,043,626, issued August 23, 1977;
~extor~, 4,255,610, ~ssued March 10, 1981;
Gartung, 4,056,297, issued November 1, 1977;
Haworth et al, 4,277,123, i~sued March 7, 1981;
VandenHoek et al, 4,203,639, issued May 20, 1980;
Anderson et al, 3,759,297, ~ssued September 18, Because of the prea~sembled factory construc-tion, the electrical outlet~ are provided at the baseline of the panels. Electrical wiring must be run up from the base line to the servlce area on the outside of the panels. OrdinarLly, internal wiring on a selec-tlve basis is not possible without custom manufacturing. Even with custom manufacturing, changes cannot be implemented. Utility channels for wiring have, in some cases, been hung onto panels, for example, as shown in Anderson et al.
Attempts have been made to treat these problems in the past. Palhamus in U.S. patent 3,377,756, is~ued , .. .
~ , -3- ~L2 8 ~
April 16, 1968, discloses a demountable partition construction in which aluminum channels are joined together to provide a framework. The channels have hollow interiors with snap-fit covers and a removable flange to retain the panels within the flanges.
Convenience outlets can be provided in the wall panels in conventional fashion.
Dorr et al in U.S. patent 4,375,829, issued March 8, 1983, discloses a framing system for displays, but otherwise similar to Palhamus. H-shaped channels are joined together at the ends thereof through L-shaped fa~teners like a picture frame. The frames can be arranged vertically, one above the other, with a horizontally oriented tubular joiner therebetween.
Panels can be attached to the framework through Velcro fa~teners. Electrical power is supplied to the frame through a power plug at the top of the frame.
More recently, several manufacturers of open-plan ~ystem~ have ofered a replaceable acoustical panel for a rigit metal frame. ~n example of one such system i- ~hown in U.S. patent No. 4,423,573, issued January 3, 1984.
Although the open-plan ny~tem remains a viable ~olution for many office environments, some busine~
organlzation~ have functional and esthetic requirements whlch cannot be practically or commercially met by the open-plan ~ystem. These new r-guirements are drlven in large mea~ure by the increasing u~e of computer eguip-ment ln the office, by the increa~ing frequency with whlch work team~ and proces~e~ change, by ergonomics of the new computer-driven work place and by new ~tandards regardlng per~onal and human-sen~itive work places throughout all level~ of the bu~iness environment.
As computer technology ~preads throughout the office, there is an lncreasing need to l~nk a diverse range of usera with electronic eguipment and data ba~e~. Thi~ need 1~ solved by a local network of communicat~on wirlng which must be easy to install, . ,~,,. .:
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adaptable to change with a minimum of effort and must be delivered to individual users at a convenient location. The current open-plan system does not meet this need.
Due to rapidly changing business conditions, work teams and work processes change much more rapidly than in the past. The physical environment must be capable of supporting these changes quickly and easily. The office space-management system must be easy to manage in terms of ~pecification, design and ln installation, The current open-plan system does not meet these needs.
The inflexibility of computer terminals and peripheral equipment puts a greater demand on the physical environment to meet the postural, visual and social needs of the office workers. Many office tasks which were once accompllshed by mov~ng or walking about, and through face-to-face meetings with other workers, are now handled by the video dlsplay terminal.
Indlvidual control over lighting, operator positioning and balance between privacy and communication is important to psychological comfort and productivity.
Thus, a modern video display terminal (VDT)-containing work station must adjust to the physical as well as psychological needs of the individual worker and serve as a buffer between him or her and the inflexible computer hardware. The current open-plan office system does not adequately meet these needs.
Whlle fine finishes and materials have long been associated with the senior management level, there is a trend away from bland institutional environments and toward more personal and human-sensitive work places throughout different levels o the business organiza-tion. Changing corporate values of a more participative management style, as well as the growing importance and power of the white-collar worker, also contribute to the increasing demand for customized or user-influenced work environment~. Customization ha~ heretofore required ._.. . . . . ,.. _ ~ ''.
.~ . ,~ .
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.~;. : .', ~5~ 1 2 8 42 6 3 special processing which is costly and lengthy for both customers and manufacturers. Thus, current open-plan systems do not respond to these needs.
Disclosure of Invention According to the invention, a work space management system is provided for dividing a room into separate work areas. The wall system comprises a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area. wire management means are provided for enclosing communication and power wiring. At least some of ~aid wire management means are secured to the bottom or baseline of said frames and at least some of the wire management means are removably secured to a waistline or midportion of at least some of the frames. In some ¢ases, the frames only extend to waist height and in other ca6es, the frame~ may extend to a full panel height. Electrical and/or communicatlon wiring extends between at lea~t ~ome of the baseline wire management mean~ and the wai~tline wire management means. A
plurality of lower panels are ~zed to fit between the wai~tline wlre management mean~ and the basel~ne wire management mean~ to ~ubstantially cover the frames therebetween. Means are provided or removably securing the lower panel~ to the frame~ botween the waistline and 2S ba~elin- wire management means and in 6ubstantially coplanar relation~hip therewith.
The invention thus provide~ a flexible and adaptable wall panel ~ystem in which wiring i~ selec-tively provided at the ba~eline and/or at the wai~t-line. Typically, the frame~ have a plurality of vertical slot~ at the edge~ thereof and brackets fit in the ~lot~ for supporting work ~urface~ and cabinets.
The wai~tline wire management means provides for electrical and/or communication wiring at the work ~urfaces as de~ired.
Some of the waistline wire management means are ~ecured to a midpoint of the frames and there are ... ... . . . ...
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A, .,.,. ,~
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-6- 128426~3 provided a plurality of upper panels sized to fit between the waistline wire management means and an upper edge of the frames to substantially cover the frame at upper portions thereof. ~eans are provided for securing the upper panels to the frames at the upper portions thereo. In some cases, no waistline wire management means are necessary and the upper panels are sized to fit between the lower panels and the upper edge of ~he ~rames to substantially cover the frames. Once again, 1~ the upper panels are removably secured to the frames.
The removable securing o both the wire management means and the panels to the rigid frames permits customizing of any office environment with a minimum of effort.
Acoustical panel~, window panel~ and hard-surface panels can be ~elected as desired to fit the particular needs. Further, because of the segmentation between the upper and lower panels, more expen~ive acou~tical panels can be ~elected for the upper portions of the frames and le~s expensive, non-acoustical panels can be provided at the lower portions of the frame. The removability of the panels on the frames permits the decor to be changed without changing the entire frame and panel.
The wire management mean~ have an elongated conduit chase which i~ removably ~ecured at the ends thereof to the edges of the frame. A cover, sized to cover the cha~e, is mounted to the chase or frame and securable to the cha~e in a snap-fit relationship. The removabillty of the wire management at the waistline frame portion allows the user to flrst customize the work area and make changes a8 des~red. Thu~, a full wai~tl$ne wire management conduit on all panels or dedicated panels with wai~tline wire management i5 unneces~ary.
The wire management means and the panels are designed 80 that the wire management covers are flush with the panels, thereby glving an integrated appearance to the entire panel. The wire management means has ; means for passing the wires f:om frame to rame outside .,, . ... ... , . _ , . ,, . ,, , ,, , _ ;' .,'', ~3..', . ' '~
~7~ 12842~3 .
of the frame structure itself. Covers are provided to removably fit between the chase covers to cover the wires which extend from one wire management means to the next around the frame edges.
3rief Description of the Drawings s The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view o~ an office environment showing a wall panel system according to the invention;
Figure 2 i5 an exploded perspective view of a wall panel assembly;
Figure 3 is an elevation view of a frame with electrical and communication service wiring;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 i5 a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a bottom of a panel showing the electrical service to the panel through a monument;
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the introduction of electrical service through the ceiling and power pole;
Figure 8 is a schematic view of a horizontal sect$on through a wall panel at the beltline showing the manner in which electrical and cabling pass from panel to panel; and Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of Figure 2.
~est Mode for CarrYina Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings and to Figure 1 in partlcular, there is shown an office environment having a single work station 12 and a multiple work statlon 14. Full-slze walls 16 and short walls 18 def~ne the ~ingle work station. Work surfaces 20 are mounted on the walls 16 in cantilevered fa~hion.
Hanging cabinet~ 22 and shelves 24 are also supported by .,_. ' 3 ~" ,~ .
i ,..
~ i ' -8- lZ84263 . , the walls 16. The walls are formed from straight panel sections 30 and curved panel sections 32. A baseboard wire management assembly 26 is provided at the base of each of the walls and a waistline wire management assembly 28 is provided at a midpoint in the walls in selected locations. A slanted panel 29 having an acoustical material is provided as an extension to one portion o~ the walls 16. A panel 30a can have a hard surface for a marker or chalk board. A panel 30b comprises a translucent panel with a source of illumination (not shown) behind it to provide a source of illumination. A panel 30c can have a wood veneer surface thereon.
The multiple work station 14 is of similar nature and i8 ormed by full-size walls 16 and short wall~ 18 which are interconnected. Work surfaces 20, hanging cabinets 22 and shelves 24 are also provided on these walls. In addition, both baseboard wire manage-ment as~emblies 26 and waistline wire management a~emblies 28 are provided in ~elected locations. A
table 34 can be partially supported by the walls and have an outboard support beneath the outer end thereof. Ninety degree joints 35, 120 joints 36 and T-wall connections 37 are formed between various panels a8 desired. Further, straight-wall connections 39 are formed between both otra~ght-wall and curved-wall section~.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a frame 40 comprising a pair of identical vertical member~ 42 welded to horizontal members 44 and 46. The underlying frame need not have a furnlture grade finish and can be formed by roll-forming or other suitable metal-forming techniques. Equal-size panel outserts 48 are removably secured to the frame 40. The term "outsert" is used to designate removable panels or tiles which hang on the outside ~urface of the frame 40, thereby leaving the interior of the frame open. Each of the panel out~erts 48 is of ~dentical size and shape but .~
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`.i ~ -9- ~284263 ., .
may have different outer surfaces or may have acoustical treatment in an interior thereof. For example, the outer surface of the outserts 48 may be covered with a fabric 48b or vinyl material or wood veneer, or could even be painted. The panel outserts can be formed from a metal pan, turned inwardly at the edges and covered or painted as desired. Insulation 48c can be provided within t~e metal pan as shown in Figure 4, if desired.
Typically, the outserts 48 have a height of about 16"
and a width substantially the width of the frame 40 ln which can vary between standard widths.
The panel outserts 48 can also take the form of a clear panel and thus be glazed or constructed of plexiglass as, for example, panel 48a as shown in Figure 2. A trim segment can be attached to interior steel frame to enable pass-through access from one side of the panel to another. If desirable, a clear panel of glass or plastic can be placed between the trim segments to make a window.
Vertical rows of slots S0 are provided on the outside corners o~ each of the vertical members 42 to receive standard brackets 38 with clips for supporting the work surfaces 20, the hanging cabinets 22 and the shelves 24. Pairs of screw holes 54 and 56 are provided in spaced relationship along the height of the vertical members 42. Keyhole slots 58 are provided on one side of the vertical members 42 and square openings 60 are provided above the keyhole slots 58 in spaced relationship thereto. Rectangular openings 62 are provided on the other side of the vertical members 42 in ~uxtaposition to the keyhole slots 58. Square openings 60 are al~o provided above the rectangular openings 62. A weld nut ~not shown) is secured underneath the frame on the horizontal member 44 and an adjustable foot 66 i~ threaded into the weld nut to adjust the height of the pansl sides.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, an I-shaped bracket 70 is secured to the top of the horlzontal .
:
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~ -1 - ~.Z84Z63 :
member 44 through rivets or bolts 80. An elongated chase 72 is captured between the I-shaped bracket 70 and the horizontal member 44. The elongated chase 72 extends across the top and down along each side of the horizontal member 44, extending outwardly thereof and defining a hinge-forming tube 74 at the outer end thereof. The hinge-forming tube 74 extends laterally in overlapping relationship to the vertical members 42 and has attaching flange 76 with holes in registry with the frame screw holes 52. Screws 78 extend through the flange 76 and are tapped into the screw holes 52 to secure the ends of the hinge-forming tube 74 to the frame 40.
A hinged cover 82 has socket-forming flanges 84 at the bottom portion thereof which receive the hinge-forming tube 74 to pivotably mount the hinged cover 82 to the elongated chase 72. An inwardly directed flange 86 at the top of the hinged cover 82 fits beneath the panel outsert6 48 and extends to the frame 42. A cover retainer 88 extends laterally ~rom the elongated chase 72 and has an upwardly-extending end flange 90 with a retainer 92 at the top portion thereof. A screw 94 extend~ through a hole in the end flange 90 and into a screw hole 54 to secure each end flange 90 to a vertical member 42. The inwardly directed flange 86 has a down-wardly-extending pro~ection 86a which is snap-fit with the retainer 92 to hold the hinged cover 82 in place in f~ont of the elongated chase 72. Alternately, the cover 82 can have a projecting prong with an upwardly-extending lip at the sides of the cover. The frame 40 can have horizontal slots on the vertical members 42 in reglstry with the prongs to releasably retain the coverin closed position. The hinged cover 82 also has a hinged access cover 95 (Fig 6) at spaced locations therealong to provide an opening for communication cabling to pass therethrough.
Communication wiring 96, including telephone and computer wiring, Is laid in the elongated chase 72 :;
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12842~;3 behind the hinged cover 82. A flat electrical cable or festoon 98 extends through the upper portion of the elongated chase 72 and is connected to an energy distribution block 100. A convenience outlet 102 can be plugged into the energy distribution block 100. As seen in Figure 4, the convenience outlet 102 extends out through an opening in the hinged cover 82 for direct access of electricity.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 5, waistline service chase 106 has a lower section 107 and an upper section 112. A bracket 108 is secured to the ends of the lower section 107 and is secured to the midpoint of the frame through screws 110. A cover-retaining flange 119 extends upwardly from the bracket 108 and forms an outwardly-extending spring retainer ll9a at an upper end thereof. The upper section 112 is secured to the lower section 107 through crimped flanges 114. ~ U-shaped mounting bracket 116 iB secured to the lower section 107 through screws 117 and mounts a double-sided energy distribution block 102 through screws ~now shown). The upper and lower sections of the beltline service chase 106 provide a channel for communication wiring above a work surface. A flat electrical cable or festoon 98 is positioned beneath the waistline chase 106 and connects to the energy distribution block 100 through a connector 2S 104. AB in the baseline energy distribution system, a convenience outlet 102 can be plugged into the energy distribution block 100. As seen in Figure 5, the waist-line ~ervice chase 106 is sufficiently narrow to allow two of such cha~e~ in back-to-back relationship. ~ow-ever, a waistline service chase need not be ~ecured inback-to-back relationship and typically will not be. In the typical case where only one waistline service chase iB provided on a frame, the energy block 100 can be somewhat narrower and a panel outsert is provided on the opposite side of the frame in lieu of the waistline wire management assembly 26.
A cover 118 has a flat outer face with openings ~ ._.. . . _ .... .
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aligned with convenience outlets 102. The cover extends rearwardly at top and bottom portions. A U-shaped retaining clip 118a is mounted to the upper, outer portion of cover 118 in registry with the spring retainer llga. A hook clip 118b is mounted to the lower, outer portions of cover 118 in registry with a keyhole slot 58 on one frame vertical member 42 and with a square opening 60 on an opposite frame vertical member 42. The hinge cover 118 is mounted to the frame vertical members through the hook clips 118b at the bottom and through the U-shaped retaining clips 118a at the top thereof.
A half-panel outsert 170 is mounted to the frame 40 beneath the waistline wire management assembly 26 and tbove the lower panel outsert 48. The half-panel outsert i~ typically o the same flnish as the cover 118 and can be mounted to the frame in the same manner as the panel outaert~ 48. The half-panel outsert 170 and the cover 118 together have a size equal to a full-panel out~ert 48 and, in effect, together form a full panel outsert.
The manner o removably securing the panel out~erts 48 to the frame 40 is shown in Figure 4 in which the vertical frame member 42 and the panel outsert 48 are partially broken away. Each panel outsert 48 has a pair of hook-shaped clips 68 secured to a bottom portion thereof in spaced relatlonship. The clips 68 pro~ect rearwardly from the panel 48 and are located to register with a keyhole slot 58 and a rectangular opening 62. The panel outsert 48 further has mounted thereto a pair of rearwardly pro~ecting spring clips 69 which are spaced to register with a set of square holes 60 in the rame vertical members 42. The spring clips i 69 are flexible in a vertical direction to squeeze through the sguare holes 60 and lodge behind the edges of the openlng 60 as illustrated in Figure 4. Thus, the panel out~ert~ are easlly mounted on the frame by placing the hook-haped clips 68 ln the keyhole slot 58 .~, .. . _. .... .. _ ' .. , ~'`' '~
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and rectangular opening 62 while tilting the panel 48 outwardly so that the slot 58 and opening 62 are visible during this operation. The panel is then rotated upwardly until the spring clips 69 pass through and are lodged behind the openings 60. ~he panel outserts are S easily removed by following the reverse procedure. The novel system of mounting the outserts to the frame permits the outserts to be removed independently without removal of adjacent or higher or lower panels. Yet precise spacing is maintained between all panels.
Referring now to Figure 6 a monument 120 has an outlet opening 121. A flexible cable 122 having wires 123 extends into the opening 121 at one end thereof and is connected at the other end thereof to a power block 124. The power block 124 is positioned behind an opening in the access cover 95 of the hinged cover 82 and a f~ller plate 126 covers the opening ln the access cover 95.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a ceiling grid work 130 which supports cell~ng panels 132. An opening 134 i~ provided in a ceiling panel 132 and a power-pole conduit 142 extends through the opening 134 and down through the corner of walls 16. An electrical conduit 136 supplies electr~city to a junc-; tion box 138. A flexible conduit 140 carries electrical wire down through the power-pole conduit 142 and beneath the waistline chase 106. The electrical wire is connected to the energy distributlon block 100 beneath the chase 106.
Referring to Figure 8, there i8 shown a w hematic view;of a cross-~ection through a U-shaped wall ~ection at a baseline thereo. The cross-sectlon through a waistline would be similar. The electrical cabling 98 ls shown passing around the vertical frame member~ 42 at the edges of the panel but behind the cover~ 82. The electrical cabling also passes around the corners at the inside corners thereof and is covered by a Gorner cover member 146. Flexible covers 148 .~
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-14- ~28426~3 extend between the chases to cover the wiring there-between. The covers 148 are U-shaped and are removably secured to the covers 82 ~and to waistline covers 118) through a snap-fit connection.
The frames are rigidly connected together to form either straight lines or curved configurations.
Any suitable frame-joining technique can be used.
Examples of suitable techniques for joining the frames together are disclosed in the Propst et al U.S. patents n 3~430~997 (issued March 4, 1969) and 3,425,171 (issued FebruarY 4, 1969).
Referring now to Figures 2 and 9, there is shown a WIP rail outsert. The rail is used to support various work-in-process (WIP) articles such as trays 160. The rail outsert 150 has a plurality of horizontal rails 154 for mounting work-in-process items such as trays 160 through depending hooks 168. As seen in F~gure 9, the WIP rail outsert has a back wall 152, a front wall spaced from the back wall 152 and formed by a plurality o~ horizontal ra~ls 154. Side walls 156 connect the back wall 152 through the horizontal rails 154. The tray 160 is of conventional shape and has a bottom wall 162, side walls 164, a back wall 166 and a depending hook 168 integrally formed with the back wall 166. The tray 160 is easily,positloned on the rails by inserting the hook 168 through an opening between adjacent rails 154 and dropping the tray downwardly so that the hook 168 engages the rail 154. The back wall 166 abuts several ra~ls 154 for stability.
In addition to the panel outserts 48,48a and rail outsert 150, panel outserts can take other forms.
For example, the outserts can have translucent panels in lieu of clear panels and have lighting behind the panels to provide a lighted panel surface. Alternatively, the panels can be formed as a screen or CRT display unit with appropriate technology. The panels can be covered with a wood veneer as well as fabric or vinyl. A panel ." ~.
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-outsert could be formed of a marker board or a chalk board material. All of these different surfaces are easily const~ucted and relatively inexpensive to build. They provide the individual user with complete flexibility in design of his or her own work station to fit the tasks as well as to fit the personality of the worker. These options can be selected without special ordering or long delays. Purther, when people are shifted from locations, the panels can be moved easily to a new location and/or the old location can be easily changed to accommodate the personality and tasks of the new occupant. The walls can also be easily shifted but in any case the panel outserts can be changed by personnel themselves or with relatively unskilled labor. Since all of the panel outserts are of a modular slze, they are interchangeable and special sizing is not required. Further r the basic underlying frame need not be disturbed during changing of the panel outserts.
The wire management and panel outserts are flush with one another to give a clean surface appearance. Yet the flexibility of the wire management allows the wire management to be added at waistline or taken away with great simplicity.
The concept of hanging the panels onto the frames provides a system for ineXpensively manufacturing the wall system, yet the wall system has the appearance of an architectural wall, that i5, a wall which has been constructed in the conventional fashion with studs.
Further, the thickness of the wall and the outsert panels allows wiring to be passed through from wall section to wall section around the frame without the necessity of feeding the wires through the frames. This lay-in capability is important in changing the communications and electrical wiring quickly and easily with relatively unskilled labor.
Thus, the work-space management system according to the invention provides an easy means for linking a diverse range of office workers with ,, ,, .... _... . , ...... _. _ -16- lZ84Z63 electronic equipment and data bases. The flexibility of the wire management, both at the base line and selec-tively at the waistline with lay-in capabilities and wiring around the frames, provides this ability. As indicated, the lay-in capabilities provide for an ease of installation, adaptability of change with a minimum of effort and the communication wiring is delivered a convenient location, i.e. at work height.
The ease of removability of the outsert parti-tions as well as the modularity of the panel outsert and the variety of the same provides a way to manage the ofice space system in terms of specification, design and installation. The variety and modularity of the panel outserts as well as the ease with which these outserts are installed and removed from the rigid frames provide a solution to meeting individual needs in work areas and a balance between privacy and communication.
The inventlon provldes a way in which a modern VD~-containlng work station can easily ad~ust to the physical as well as psychological needs of the individual worker and serve as a buffer between him or her and inflexible computer hardware.
Finally, the invention provides a way in which each work station can be customized to individual needs on a convenient and economical basis. The panel outsert~ are relatively inexpensive to construct and to order and can be easily changed.
Reasonable variatlon and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which is deined in the appended claims.
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ThiS application is a division of application Serial No. 473,449 filed February 1, 1985.
Teohnical Fleld ~ his invention relates to work qpace management systems In one of its aspects, the inventlon relates to a work space management 3ystem wherein walls are ea~ily constructed, configured and changed, and wherein convenient electrical and communication acces~ channels are easily installed and movable for ease of set-up and change of systems, and wherein wall covering panels and work tool~ are easily configured and changeable without lnter~erring with th0 underlying rigid frame structure.
Backcround Art Open-plan office systems, pioneered by Herman Mlller, Inc., more than fifteen years ago, provide a series of rigid panels which in turn are rlgidly connect~d together at facing edges to divide work spaces into work or task areas. The panels are guickly and eas~ly coupled together at facing edges for straight line, angled coupling or multiple wall coupl1ng.
Vertical slots are provided at the facing edges to sup-port bra¢kets for hanging cabinets, shelves and work surfaces to effi¢iently use the space. Examples o such wall panel systems are disclosed in the following U.S.
patentss Propst e~ al, 3,418,765, issued December 31, Propst et al, 3,430,997, issuQd ~arch 4, 1969 Beckman, 3,449,887, issued June 17, 1969~
Propst et al, 3,517,469, is~ued 3une 30, 1970.
In these and other currently popular panel systems, the panel~ are preassembled and covered at the factory with a fabric or a vinyl covering. Acoustical panels are also preassembled at the factory. These panel~ must be professionally installed and arranged.
Although the panels are easily changed to change configuration, such changing must b~ done profession-ally. Once the color scheme is set, it cannot be changed without returning the panels to the factory or ~r : '. ' ~ -2- ~i289~2~3 otherwise sending the panels out for recovering. Thus, the panel colors are ordinarily not changed.
Electrical systems were later provided as an addition to the panels. Typically, the electrical systems are provided underneath the panels and are not integrated with the panels. In some cases, the electrical system is removably secured through the slotted hanging intelligence in the panel frames.
Examples of electrical systems used with panels are disclosed in the following U.S. patents:
Propst et al, 4,382,648, issued May 10, 1983;
Propst et al, 4,257,203, issued March 24, 1981;
Propst et al, 4,255,611, issued March 10, l9Bl;
Propst et al, 4,235,495, issued November 25, 1980;
Propst et al, 4,231,630, issued November 4, Propst et al, 4,043,626, issued August 23, 1977;
~extor~, 4,255,610, ~ssued March 10, 1981;
Gartung, 4,056,297, issued November 1, 1977;
Haworth et al, 4,277,123, i~sued March 7, 1981;
VandenHoek et al, 4,203,639, issued May 20, 1980;
Anderson et al, 3,759,297, ~ssued September 18, Because of the prea~sembled factory construc-tion, the electrical outlet~ are provided at the baseline of the panels. Electrical wiring must be run up from the base line to the servlce area on the outside of the panels. OrdinarLly, internal wiring on a selec-tlve basis is not possible without custom manufacturing. Even with custom manufacturing, changes cannot be implemented. Utility channels for wiring have, in some cases, been hung onto panels, for example, as shown in Anderson et al.
Attempts have been made to treat these problems in the past. Palhamus in U.S. patent 3,377,756, is~ued , .. .
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April 16, 1968, discloses a demountable partition construction in which aluminum channels are joined together to provide a framework. The channels have hollow interiors with snap-fit covers and a removable flange to retain the panels within the flanges.
Convenience outlets can be provided in the wall panels in conventional fashion.
Dorr et al in U.S. patent 4,375,829, issued March 8, 1983, discloses a framing system for displays, but otherwise similar to Palhamus. H-shaped channels are joined together at the ends thereof through L-shaped fa~teners like a picture frame. The frames can be arranged vertically, one above the other, with a horizontally oriented tubular joiner therebetween.
Panels can be attached to the framework through Velcro fa~teners. Electrical power is supplied to the frame through a power plug at the top of the frame.
More recently, several manufacturers of open-plan ~ystem~ have ofered a replaceable acoustical panel for a rigit metal frame. ~n example of one such system i- ~hown in U.S. patent No. 4,423,573, issued January 3, 1984.
Although the open-plan ny~tem remains a viable ~olution for many office environments, some busine~
organlzation~ have functional and esthetic requirements whlch cannot be practically or commercially met by the open-plan ~ystem. These new r-guirements are drlven in large mea~ure by the increasing u~e of computer eguip-ment ln the office, by the increa~ing frequency with whlch work team~ and proces~e~ change, by ergonomics of the new computer-driven work place and by new ~tandards regardlng per~onal and human-sen~itive work places throughout all level~ of the bu~iness environment.
As computer technology ~preads throughout the office, there is an lncreasing need to l~nk a diverse range of usera with electronic eguipment and data ba~e~. Thi~ need 1~ solved by a local network of communicat~on wirlng which must be easy to install, . ,~,,. .:
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adaptable to change with a minimum of effort and must be delivered to individual users at a convenient location. The current open-plan system does not meet this need.
Due to rapidly changing business conditions, work teams and work processes change much more rapidly than in the past. The physical environment must be capable of supporting these changes quickly and easily. The office space-management system must be easy to manage in terms of ~pecification, design and ln installation, The current open-plan system does not meet these needs.
The inflexibility of computer terminals and peripheral equipment puts a greater demand on the physical environment to meet the postural, visual and social needs of the office workers. Many office tasks which were once accompllshed by mov~ng or walking about, and through face-to-face meetings with other workers, are now handled by the video dlsplay terminal.
Indlvidual control over lighting, operator positioning and balance between privacy and communication is important to psychological comfort and productivity.
Thus, a modern video display terminal (VDT)-containing work station must adjust to the physical as well as psychological needs of the individual worker and serve as a buffer between him or her and the inflexible computer hardware. The current open-plan office system does not adequately meet these needs.
Whlle fine finishes and materials have long been associated with the senior management level, there is a trend away from bland institutional environments and toward more personal and human-sensitive work places throughout different levels o the business organiza-tion. Changing corporate values of a more participative management style, as well as the growing importance and power of the white-collar worker, also contribute to the increasing demand for customized or user-influenced work environment~. Customization ha~ heretofore required ._.. . . . . ,.. _ ~ ''.
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.~;. : .', ~5~ 1 2 8 42 6 3 special processing which is costly and lengthy for both customers and manufacturers. Thus, current open-plan systems do not respond to these needs.
Disclosure of Invention According to the invention, a work space management system is provided for dividing a room into separate work areas. The wall system comprises a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area. wire management means are provided for enclosing communication and power wiring. At least some of ~aid wire management means are secured to the bottom or baseline of said frames and at least some of the wire management means are removably secured to a waistline or midportion of at least some of the frames. In some ¢ases, the frames only extend to waist height and in other ca6es, the frame~ may extend to a full panel height. Electrical and/or communicatlon wiring extends between at lea~t ~ome of the baseline wire management mean~ and the wai~tline wire management means. A
plurality of lower panels are ~zed to fit between the wai~tline wlre management mean~ and the basel~ne wire management mean~ to ~ubstantially cover the frames therebetween. Means are provided or removably securing the lower panel~ to the frame~ botween the waistline and 2S ba~elin- wire management means and in 6ubstantially coplanar relation~hip therewith.
The invention thus provide~ a flexible and adaptable wall panel ~ystem in which wiring i~ selec-tively provided at the ba~eline and/or at the wai~t-line. Typically, the frame~ have a plurality of vertical slot~ at the edge~ thereof and brackets fit in the ~lot~ for supporting work ~urface~ and cabinets.
The wai~tline wire management means provides for electrical and/or communication wiring at the work ~urfaces as de~ired.
Some of the waistline wire management means are ~ecured to a midpoint of the frames and there are ... ... . . . ...
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-6- 128426~3 provided a plurality of upper panels sized to fit between the waistline wire management means and an upper edge of the frames to substantially cover the frame at upper portions thereof. ~eans are provided for securing the upper panels to the frames at the upper portions thereo. In some cases, no waistline wire management means are necessary and the upper panels are sized to fit between the lower panels and the upper edge of ~he ~rames to substantially cover the frames. Once again, 1~ the upper panels are removably secured to the frames.
The removable securing o both the wire management means and the panels to the rigid frames permits customizing of any office environment with a minimum of effort.
Acoustical panel~, window panel~ and hard-surface panels can be ~elected as desired to fit the particular needs. Further, because of the segmentation between the upper and lower panels, more expen~ive acou~tical panels can be ~elected for the upper portions of the frames and le~s expensive, non-acoustical panels can be provided at the lower portions of the frame. The removability of the panels on the frames permits the decor to be changed without changing the entire frame and panel.
The wire management mean~ have an elongated conduit chase which i~ removably ~ecured at the ends thereof to the edges of the frame. A cover, sized to cover the cha~e, is mounted to the chase or frame and securable to the cha~e in a snap-fit relationship. The removabillty of the wire management at the waistline frame portion allows the user to flrst customize the work area and make changes a8 des~red. Thu~, a full wai~tl$ne wire management conduit on all panels or dedicated panels with wai~tline wire management i5 unneces~ary.
The wire management means and the panels are designed 80 that the wire management covers are flush with the panels, thereby glving an integrated appearance to the entire panel. The wire management means has ; means for passing the wires f:om frame to rame outside .,, . ... ... , . _ , . ,, . ,, , ,, , _ ;' .,'', ~3..', . ' '~
~7~ 12842~3 .
of the frame structure itself. Covers are provided to removably fit between the chase covers to cover the wires which extend from one wire management means to the next around the frame edges.
3rief Description of the Drawings s The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view o~ an office environment showing a wall panel system according to the invention;
Figure 2 i5 an exploded perspective view of a wall panel assembly;
Figure 3 is an elevation view of a frame with electrical and communication service wiring;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 i5 a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a bottom of a panel showing the electrical service to the panel through a monument;
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the introduction of electrical service through the ceiling and power pole;
Figure 8 is a schematic view of a horizontal sect$on through a wall panel at the beltline showing the manner in which electrical and cabling pass from panel to panel; and Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of Figure 2.
~est Mode for CarrYina Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings and to Figure 1 in partlcular, there is shown an office environment having a single work station 12 and a multiple work statlon 14. Full-slze walls 16 and short walls 18 def~ne the ~ingle work station. Work surfaces 20 are mounted on the walls 16 in cantilevered fa~hion.
Hanging cabinet~ 22 and shelves 24 are also supported by .,_. ' 3 ~" ,~ .
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~ i ' -8- lZ84263 . , the walls 16. The walls are formed from straight panel sections 30 and curved panel sections 32. A baseboard wire management assembly 26 is provided at the base of each of the walls and a waistline wire management assembly 28 is provided at a midpoint in the walls in selected locations. A slanted panel 29 having an acoustical material is provided as an extension to one portion o~ the walls 16. A panel 30a can have a hard surface for a marker or chalk board. A panel 30b comprises a translucent panel with a source of illumination (not shown) behind it to provide a source of illumination. A panel 30c can have a wood veneer surface thereon.
The multiple work station 14 is of similar nature and i8 ormed by full-size walls 16 and short wall~ 18 which are interconnected. Work surfaces 20, hanging cabinets 22 and shelves 24 are also provided on these walls. In addition, both baseboard wire manage-ment as~emblies 26 and waistline wire management a~emblies 28 are provided in ~elected locations. A
table 34 can be partially supported by the walls and have an outboard support beneath the outer end thereof. Ninety degree joints 35, 120 joints 36 and T-wall connections 37 are formed between various panels a8 desired. Further, straight-wall connections 39 are formed between both otra~ght-wall and curved-wall section~.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a frame 40 comprising a pair of identical vertical member~ 42 welded to horizontal members 44 and 46. The underlying frame need not have a furnlture grade finish and can be formed by roll-forming or other suitable metal-forming techniques. Equal-size panel outserts 48 are removably secured to the frame 40. The term "outsert" is used to designate removable panels or tiles which hang on the outside ~urface of the frame 40, thereby leaving the interior of the frame open. Each of the panel out~erts 48 is of ~dentical size and shape but .~
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`.i ~ -9- ~284263 ., .
may have different outer surfaces or may have acoustical treatment in an interior thereof. For example, the outer surface of the outserts 48 may be covered with a fabric 48b or vinyl material or wood veneer, or could even be painted. The panel outserts can be formed from a metal pan, turned inwardly at the edges and covered or painted as desired. Insulation 48c can be provided within t~e metal pan as shown in Figure 4, if desired.
Typically, the outserts 48 have a height of about 16"
and a width substantially the width of the frame 40 ln which can vary between standard widths.
The panel outserts 48 can also take the form of a clear panel and thus be glazed or constructed of plexiglass as, for example, panel 48a as shown in Figure 2. A trim segment can be attached to interior steel frame to enable pass-through access from one side of the panel to another. If desirable, a clear panel of glass or plastic can be placed between the trim segments to make a window.
Vertical rows of slots S0 are provided on the outside corners o~ each of the vertical members 42 to receive standard brackets 38 with clips for supporting the work surfaces 20, the hanging cabinets 22 and the shelves 24. Pairs of screw holes 54 and 56 are provided in spaced relationship along the height of the vertical members 42. Keyhole slots 58 are provided on one side of the vertical members 42 and square openings 60 are provided above the keyhole slots 58 in spaced relationship thereto. Rectangular openings 62 are provided on the other side of the vertical members 42 in ~uxtaposition to the keyhole slots 58. Square openings 60 are al~o provided above the rectangular openings 62. A weld nut ~not shown) is secured underneath the frame on the horizontal member 44 and an adjustable foot 66 i~ threaded into the weld nut to adjust the height of the pansl sides.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, an I-shaped bracket 70 is secured to the top of the horlzontal .
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member 44 through rivets or bolts 80. An elongated chase 72 is captured between the I-shaped bracket 70 and the horizontal member 44. The elongated chase 72 extends across the top and down along each side of the horizontal member 44, extending outwardly thereof and defining a hinge-forming tube 74 at the outer end thereof. The hinge-forming tube 74 extends laterally in overlapping relationship to the vertical members 42 and has attaching flange 76 with holes in registry with the frame screw holes 52. Screws 78 extend through the flange 76 and are tapped into the screw holes 52 to secure the ends of the hinge-forming tube 74 to the frame 40.
A hinged cover 82 has socket-forming flanges 84 at the bottom portion thereof which receive the hinge-forming tube 74 to pivotably mount the hinged cover 82 to the elongated chase 72. An inwardly directed flange 86 at the top of the hinged cover 82 fits beneath the panel outsert6 48 and extends to the frame 42. A cover retainer 88 extends laterally ~rom the elongated chase 72 and has an upwardly-extending end flange 90 with a retainer 92 at the top portion thereof. A screw 94 extend~ through a hole in the end flange 90 and into a screw hole 54 to secure each end flange 90 to a vertical member 42. The inwardly directed flange 86 has a down-wardly-extending pro~ection 86a which is snap-fit with the retainer 92 to hold the hinged cover 82 in place in f~ont of the elongated chase 72. Alternately, the cover 82 can have a projecting prong with an upwardly-extending lip at the sides of the cover. The frame 40 can have horizontal slots on the vertical members 42 in reglstry with the prongs to releasably retain the coverin closed position. The hinged cover 82 also has a hinged access cover 95 (Fig 6) at spaced locations therealong to provide an opening for communication cabling to pass therethrough.
Communication wiring 96, including telephone and computer wiring, Is laid in the elongated chase 72 :;
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12842~;3 behind the hinged cover 82. A flat electrical cable or festoon 98 extends through the upper portion of the elongated chase 72 and is connected to an energy distribution block 100. A convenience outlet 102 can be plugged into the energy distribution block 100. As seen in Figure 4, the convenience outlet 102 extends out through an opening in the hinged cover 82 for direct access of electricity.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 5, waistline service chase 106 has a lower section 107 and an upper section 112. A bracket 108 is secured to the ends of the lower section 107 and is secured to the midpoint of the frame through screws 110. A cover-retaining flange 119 extends upwardly from the bracket 108 and forms an outwardly-extending spring retainer ll9a at an upper end thereof. The upper section 112 is secured to the lower section 107 through crimped flanges 114. ~ U-shaped mounting bracket 116 iB secured to the lower section 107 through screws 117 and mounts a double-sided energy distribution block 102 through screws ~now shown). The upper and lower sections of the beltline service chase 106 provide a channel for communication wiring above a work surface. A flat electrical cable or festoon 98 is positioned beneath the waistline chase 106 and connects to the energy distribution block 100 through a connector 2S 104. AB in the baseline energy distribution system, a convenience outlet 102 can be plugged into the energy distribution block 100. As seen in Figure 5, the waist-line ~ervice chase 106 is sufficiently narrow to allow two of such cha~e~ in back-to-back relationship. ~ow-ever, a waistline service chase need not be ~ecured inback-to-back relationship and typically will not be. In the typical case where only one waistline service chase iB provided on a frame, the energy block 100 can be somewhat narrower and a panel outsert is provided on the opposite side of the frame in lieu of the waistline wire management assembly 26.
A cover 118 has a flat outer face with openings ~ ._.. . . _ .... .
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aligned with convenience outlets 102. The cover extends rearwardly at top and bottom portions. A U-shaped retaining clip 118a is mounted to the upper, outer portion of cover 118 in registry with the spring retainer llga. A hook clip 118b is mounted to the lower, outer portions of cover 118 in registry with a keyhole slot 58 on one frame vertical member 42 and with a square opening 60 on an opposite frame vertical member 42. The hinge cover 118 is mounted to the frame vertical members through the hook clips 118b at the bottom and through the U-shaped retaining clips 118a at the top thereof.
A half-panel outsert 170 is mounted to the frame 40 beneath the waistline wire management assembly 26 and tbove the lower panel outsert 48. The half-panel outsert i~ typically o the same flnish as the cover 118 and can be mounted to the frame in the same manner as the panel outaert~ 48. The half-panel outsert 170 and the cover 118 together have a size equal to a full-panel out~ert 48 and, in effect, together form a full panel outsert.
The manner o removably securing the panel out~erts 48 to the frame 40 is shown in Figure 4 in which the vertical frame member 42 and the panel outsert 48 are partially broken away. Each panel outsert 48 has a pair of hook-shaped clips 68 secured to a bottom portion thereof in spaced relatlonship. The clips 68 pro~ect rearwardly from the panel 48 and are located to register with a keyhole slot 58 and a rectangular opening 62. The panel outsert 48 further has mounted thereto a pair of rearwardly pro~ecting spring clips 69 which are spaced to register with a set of square holes 60 in the rame vertical members 42. The spring clips i 69 are flexible in a vertical direction to squeeze through the sguare holes 60 and lodge behind the edges of the openlng 60 as illustrated in Figure 4. Thus, the panel out~ert~ are easlly mounted on the frame by placing the hook-haped clips 68 ln the keyhole slot 58 .~, .. . _. .... .. _ ' .. , ~'`' '~
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and rectangular opening 62 while tilting the panel 48 outwardly so that the slot 58 and opening 62 are visible during this operation. The panel is then rotated upwardly until the spring clips 69 pass through and are lodged behind the openings 60. ~he panel outserts are S easily removed by following the reverse procedure. The novel system of mounting the outserts to the frame permits the outserts to be removed independently without removal of adjacent or higher or lower panels. Yet precise spacing is maintained between all panels.
Referring now to Figure 6 a monument 120 has an outlet opening 121. A flexible cable 122 having wires 123 extends into the opening 121 at one end thereof and is connected at the other end thereof to a power block 124. The power block 124 is positioned behind an opening in the access cover 95 of the hinged cover 82 and a f~ller plate 126 covers the opening ln the access cover 95.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a ceiling grid work 130 which supports cell~ng panels 132. An opening 134 i~ provided in a ceiling panel 132 and a power-pole conduit 142 extends through the opening 134 and down through the corner of walls 16. An electrical conduit 136 supplies electr~city to a junc-; tion box 138. A flexible conduit 140 carries electrical wire down through the power-pole conduit 142 and beneath the waistline chase 106. The electrical wire is connected to the energy distributlon block 100 beneath the chase 106.
Referring to Figure 8, there i8 shown a w hematic view;of a cross-~ection through a U-shaped wall ~ection at a baseline thereo. The cross-sectlon through a waistline would be similar. The electrical cabling 98 ls shown passing around the vertical frame member~ 42 at the edges of the panel but behind the cover~ 82. The electrical cabling also passes around the corners at the inside corners thereof and is covered by a Gorner cover member 146. Flexible covers 148 .~
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-14- ~28426~3 extend between the chases to cover the wiring there-between. The covers 148 are U-shaped and are removably secured to the covers 82 ~and to waistline covers 118) through a snap-fit connection.
The frames are rigidly connected together to form either straight lines or curved configurations.
Any suitable frame-joining technique can be used.
Examples of suitable techniques for joining the frames together are disclosed in the Propst et al U.S. patents n 3~430~997 (issued March 4, 1969) and 3,425,171 (issued FebruarY 4, 1969).
Referring now to Figures 2 and 9, there is shown a WIP rail outsert. The rail is used to support various work-in-process (WIP) articles such as trays 160. The rail outsert 150 has a plurality of horizontal rails 154 for mounting work-in-process items such as trays 160 through depending hooks 168. As seen in F~gure 9, the WIP rail outsert has a back wall 152, a front wall spaced from the back wall 152 and formed by a plurality o~ horizontal ra~ls 154. Side walls 156 connect the back wall 152 through the horizontal rails 154. The tray 160 is of conventional shape and has a bottom wall 162, side walls 164, a back wall 166 and a depending hook 168 integrally formed with the back wall 166. The tray 160 is easily,positloned on the rails by inserting the hook 168 through an opening between adjacent rails 154 and dropping the tray downwardly so that the hook 168 engages the rail 154. The back wall 166 abuts several ra~ls 154 for stability.
In addition to the panel outserts 48,48a and rail outsert 150, panel outserts can take other forms.
For example, the outserts can have translucent panels in lieu of clear panels and have lighting behind the panels to provide a lighted panel surface. Alternatively, the panels can be formed as a screen or CRT display unit with appropriate technology. The panels can be covered with a wood veneer as well as fabric or vinyl. A panel ." ~.
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-outsert could be formed of a marker board or a chalk board material. All of these different surfaces are easily const~ucted and relatively inexpensive to build. They provide the individual user with complete flexibility in design of his or her own work station to fit the tasks as well as to fit the personality of the worker. These options can be selected without special ordering or long delays. Purther, when people are shifted from locations, the panels can be moved easily to a new location and/or the old location can be easily changed to accommodate the personality and tasks of the new occupant. The walls can also be easily shifted but in any case the panel outserts can be changed by personnel themselves or with relatively unskilled labor. Since all of the panel outserts are of a modular slze, they are interchangeable and special sizing is not required. Further r the basic underlying frame need not be disturbed during changing of the panel outserts.
The wire management and panel outserts are flush with one another to give a clean surface appearance. Yet the flexibility of the wire management allows the wire management to be added at waistline or taken away with great simplicity.
The concept of hanging the panels onto the frames provides a system for ineXpensively manufacturing the wall system, yet the wall system has the appearance of an architectural wall, that i5, a wall which has been constructed in the conventional fashion with studs.
Further, the thickness of the wall and the outsert panels allows wiring to be passed through from wall section to wall section around the frame without the necessity of feeding the wires through the frames. This lay-in capability is important in changing the communications and electrical wiring quickly and easily with relatively unskilled labor.
Thus, the work-space management system according to the invention provides an easy means for linking a diverse range of office workers with ,, ,, .... _... . , ...... _. _ -16- lZ84Z63 electronic equipment and data bases. The flexibility of the wire management, both at the base line and selec-tively at the waistline with lay-in capabilities and wiring around the frames, provides this ability. As indicated, the lay-in capabilities provide for an ease of installation, adaptability of change with a minimum of effort and the communication wiring is delivered a convenient location, i.e. at work height.
The ease of removability of the outsert parti-tions as well as the modularity of the panel outsert and the variety of the same provides a way to manage the ofice space system in terms of specification, design and installation. The variety and modularity of the panel outserts as well as the ease with which these outserts are installed and removed from the rigid frames provide a solution to meeting individual needs in work areas and a balance between privacy and communication.
The inventlon provldes a way in which a modern VD~-containlng work station can easily ad~ust to the physical as well as psychological needs of the individual worker and serve as a buffer between him or her and inflexible computer hardware.
Finally, the invention provides a way in which each work station can be customized to individual needs on a convenient and economical basis. The panel outsert~ are relatively inexpensive to construct and to order and can be easily changed.
Reasonable variatlon and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which is deined in the appended claims.
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Claims
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A work space management system comprising:
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area, each of said frames having outer faces and an open interior;
a plurality of interchangeable modular tiles of a width substantially equal to the width of said rectangular frames;
means for removably mounting said tiles to said outer faces of said frames;
at least some of said tiles having an outer surface of a fabric or vinyl material;
wire management means for handling electrical and/or communication wiring mounted to said frames;
an electrical receptacle mounted to said wire management means and electrically coupled to a source of electrical energy; and means providing access to said receptacle in said work space.
2. A work space management system according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said interchangeable tiles have clear panels to provide windows.
3. A work space management system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one of said interchangeable tiles has a plurality of spaced horizontal rails for releasably holding work-in-progress utensils.
4. A work space management system according to claim 1 wherein said removable mounting means for said tiles other than said wire management means comprise spring clip means for removing said panel tiles from said frames by pulling outwardly on said panel tiles.
5. A work space management system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said rectangular frames have a plurality of vertically-extending slots on each end thereof and said panel tiles have a width to cover said frames up to said slots; and further comprising brackets which are removably mountable in said slots; and work surfaces, cabinets or shelves which are mountable to said frames with said brackets.
6. A work space management system according to claim 1 and further comprising means for removably mounting said wire management means to said frames at a base, mid or upper portion of said frame with relative ease at the point of installation.
7. A work space management system according to claim 6 wherein said wire management means comprises an open-sided conduit and another tile forms a removable cover over the open side of said conduit.
8. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising;
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means;
said frames further having a vertical row of slots in the faces thereof and near the side edges thereof for receiving bracket hooks to suspend functional components from said frames;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles of relatively equal modular size and substantially common height, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to the face of said frames to substantially cover said frames from bottom to top;
said tiles have a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted and have a height such that at least two of said modular tiles are mounted in vertical juxtaposition on each of said frames;
said tiles further having a width slightly less than the width of said frames so that said tiles, when mounted on said frames, extend to a point short of said vertical row of slots to leave the same exposed;
some of said tiles having a decorative surface and other of said tiles having a structure to serve a function other than decorative in the work area defined by said framework and tiles;
whereby said tiles, whether decorative or functional, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.
9. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said rigid framework has a substantially open central portion thereof.
10. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said tile-receiving means comprises openings in the face of said frames and said attaching means on said tiles comprises hooks which fit within said openings.
11. A work space management system according to claim 10 wherein said attaching means on said tiles further comprises spring clips to releasably fit within said frame openings.
12. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein at least two of said other tiles are mounted on opposite sides of a frame in juxtaposition to each other and have means to form a light-transmitting window in the wall formed by said frames and tiles to selectively provide light and visual porosity to said work area without affecting the structural or acoustical integrity of the walls.
13. A work space management system according to claim 12 wherein said window-forming means comprises at least one light-transmitting pane.
14. A work space management system according to claim 12 wherein said window-forming means comprises a light-transmitting pane on each of said two other tiles.
15. A work space management system according to claim 12 wherein each of said two other tiles has an outer casement which covers portions of said frame on which said two other tiles are mounted.
16. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein at least one of said other tiles has a hard outer surface on which an erasable medium can be applied and erased to thereby form a marker surface.
17. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said tile-receiving means comprises openings in the face of said frames and said attaching means on said tiles comprises projections which fit within said openings.
18. A work space management system according to claim 17 wherein at least two of said other tiles are mounted on opposite sides of a frame in juxtaposition to each other and have means to form a light-transmitting window in the wall formed by said frames and tiles to selectively provide light and visual porosity to said work area without affecting the structural or acoustical integrity of the walls.
19. A work space management system according to claim 18 wherein said window-forming means comprises at least one light-transmitting pane mounted to said frame.
20. A work space management system according to claim 19 wherein each of said two other tiles has an outer casement which covers portions of said frame on which said two other tiles are mounted.
21. A work space management system according to claim 18 wherein said window-forming means comprises a light-transmitting pane on each of said two other tiles.
22. A work space management system according to claim 21 wherein each of said two other tiles has an outer casement which covers portions of said frame on which said two other tiles are mounted.
23. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said tile attaching means and said receiving means include a slot and hook combination to mount the tiles on the frames without the use of tools whereby the tiles are accurately placed and mounted on said frames.
24. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein the tiles in each frame are in horizontal juxtaposition, thereby forming a strong horizontal line with said tiles.
25. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising;
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to the face of said frames to substantially cover said frames from bottom to top;
said tiles have a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted and have a height such that at least two of said modular tiles are mounted in vertical juxtaposition on each of said frames;
some of said tiles having a decorative surface and other of said tiles having a structure to serve a function other than decorative in the work area defined by said framework and tiles;
whereby said tiles, whether decorative or functional, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.
26. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least one of said other tiles has illumination means mounted therein and a translucent pane for illuminating the area adjacent thereto.
27. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least one of said other tiles has a plurality of rails on which work tools can be mounted.
28. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least two of said other tiles are mounted to opposite sides of a frame in juxtaposition thereto and have openings therethrough in registry with each other to provide an opening through said rigid framework.
29. A work space management system according to claim 28 and further comprising a shelf extending through the opening in said two other tiles in juxtaposition to each other.
30. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least one of said other tiles has a heater tile with a heating element embedded therein.
31. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least one of said other tiles has wire management means by which electrical and/or communication wiring can be mounted to said frames and be accessible to users within the work space defined by the work space management system.
32. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least two of said other tiles are mounted on opposite sides of a frame in juxtaposition to each other and each of said two other tiles has an outer border which covers portions of said frame on which said two other tiles are mounted, each said outer border supporting a light-transmitting pane to provide a light-transmitting window in said wall.
33. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein some of said frames have a height to provide open visual communication and work-in-progress flow, other of said frames have a higher height wherein the height of the frames differ in modules equal to the height of said tiles, said other frames providing, respectively, seated privacy and standing privacy.
34. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising;
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces on opposite sides thereof;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles, at least some of said tiles having an outer decorative surface and at least some of said tiles having a light transmitting central portion forming a window;
means for removably hanging said tiles onto the face of each of said frames in vertical juxtaposition to each other on each side of said frames with tiles on one side of said frames being in parallel juxtaposed relationship with tiles on an opposite side of said frames, said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of said frames to substantially cover the width of the frames on which the tiles are placed;
two of said light-transmitting tiles are mounted on opposite sides of one of said frames in facing parallel juxtaposition to each other, said one frame having a substantially open central portion whereby said two juxtaposed light-transmitting tiles form a window through said one frame;
said tiles and frames being sized so that said tiles are no greater than half the height of said frames;
whereby said window and said decorative tiles can be freely and easily interchanged with each other and provide selective light and visual porosity to said work area without destroying the acoustic integrity of the walls.
35. A work space management system according to claim 34 wherein at least two of said tiles are mounted in vertical juxtaposition on each of said frames.
36. A work space management system according to claim 35 wherein other of said frames have at least three of said tiles mounted on the faces thereof in vertical juxtaposition to each other and still other of said frames have four of said tiles mounted on the faces thereof in vertical juxtaposition to each other.
37. A work space management system according to claim 34 wherein the central portion of said frames is substantially open.
38. A work space management system according to claim 34 wherein at least some of said tiles are wire management tiles and provide electrical and/or communication wiring therethrough.
39. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising;
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having outer faces on opposite sides and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tile modules, said tile modules having a width substantially equal to the width of said frames, each of said tile modules having a height no greater than one-half the height of said frames, and at least some of said tile modules having a light transmitting pane for transmitting light therethrough;
means on said tile modules cooperating with said frame receiving means for removably mounting said tile modules to the outer faces of said frames to that said tile modules can be easily mounted to and demounted from said frames;
at least one of said frames having at least one pair of said light transmitting pane tile modules mounted on opposite sides of one of said frames in facing parallel juxtaposition to form a window through said one frame.
40. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein at least some of said tile modules have a decorative covering to form a decorative tile module, said decorative tile modules being interchangeable with said light transmitting tile modules so that said light transmitting and decorative tile modules can be selectively placed and changed along the height of said one frame with other tile modules on the same or other of said frames.
41. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein multiple pairs of pane tile modules are provided in said one frame to form multiple windows in said one frame.
42. A work space management system according to claim 40 wherein still other of said tile modules comprise wire management means which have a first cover and a second cover, each of which is one-half the height of said tile modules, said first cover being pivotably mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis, and wire management channels formed behind said first cover.
43. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said frame has a substantially open central portion.
44. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein other of said tile modules comprise wire management means which have a first cover and a second cover, each of which covers is one-half the height of said tile modules, said first cover being pivotably mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and wire management channels are formed behind said first cover.
45. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said removable mounting means for said tile modules comprise means for releasing said tile modules from said frames by rotating said tile modules outwardly about a horizontal axis, whereby said tiles can be mounted and removed randomly and independently without disturbing adjacent tiles.
46. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said light transmitting pane is clear.
47. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said light transmitting pane is translucent.
48. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said removable mounting means for said tile modules comprise a means of supporting said tile modules on said frames so that said tile modules can be removed from said frames by lilting said tile modules upwardly and pulling said tile modules outwardly of said frames.
49. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein at least two of said tile modules are mounted to opposite sides of a frame in facing juxtaposition and have openings therethrough in registry with each other to provide an opening through said rigid framework.
50. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having outer faces on opposite sides and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tile modules, at least two of said tile modules each having a light transmitting pane;
means on said tile modules cooperating with said receiving means for removably mounting said tile modules to the outer faces of said frames so that said tile modules can be easily mounted to and demounted from said frames;
each of said frames having a plurality of said tile modules mounted on each side of said frames, with the two light transmitting tile modules mounted on opposite sides of one of said frames in facing parallel juxtaposition, said one frame having a substantially open central portion, whereby said pair of light transmitting tile modules forms a window through said one frame.
51. The work space management system of Claim 50 wherein each of the light transmitting panes is clear.
52. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having outer faces on opposite sides and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tile modules, at least one pair of said tile modules having a rectangular opening with trim means along the top, bottom and two sides of the opening to form an open tile module;
at least one light transmitting pane;
means on said tile modules cooperating with said receiving means for removably mounting said tile modules to the outer faces of said frames so that said tile modules can be easily mounted to and demounted from said frames;
each of said frames having a plurality of said tile modules mounted on each side of said frames, with the pair of open tile modules mounted on opposite sides of one of said frames in facing parallel juxtaposition, said one frame having a substantially open central portion, and said light transmitting pane mounted between said pair of open tile modules, whereby said pair of open tile modules and said light transmitting pane form a window through said one frame.
53. The work space management system of Claim 52 wherein the one light transmitting pane is clear.
54. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and receiving means on said opposite sides of said frames;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which said tiles are mounted;
whereby said tiles can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system;
at least some of said tiles having a decorative surface;
said tiles being mounted to the outer faces of both sides of said frames in juxtaposed parallel relationship, and being mounted in a configuration leaving at least one opening wherein a tile is not mounted at the same height on both sides of the same frame; and trim means for covering the otherwise exposed portions of the frame.
55. The system of claim 54 further comprising at least one light-transmitting pane mounted in said opening and supported by said trim means.
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A work space management system comprising:
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area, each of said frames having outer faces and an open interior;
a plurality of interchangeable modular tiles of a width substantially equal to the width of said rectangular frames;
means for removably mounting said tiles to said outer faces of said frames;
at least some of said tiles having an outer surface of a fabric or vinyl material;
wire management means for handling electrical and/or communication wiring mounted to said frames;
an electrical receptacle mounted to said wire management means and electrically coupled to a source of electrical energy; and means providing access to said receptacle in said work space.
2. A work space management system according to claim 1 wherein at least some of said interchangeable tiles have clear panels to provide windows.
3. A work space management system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one of said interchangeable tiles has a plurality of spaced horizontal rails for releasably holding work-in-progress utensils.
4. A work space management system according to claim 1 wherein said removable mounting means for said tiles other than said wire management means comprise spring clip means for removing said panel tiles from said frames by pulling outwardly on said panel tiles.
5. A work space management system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said rectangular frames have a plurality of vertically-extending slots on each end thereof and said panel tiles have a width to cover said frames up to said slots; and further comprising brackets which are removably mountable in said slots; and work surfaces, cabinets or shelves which are mountable to said frames with said brackets.
6. A work space management system according to claim 1 and further comprising means for removably mounting said wire management means to said frames at a base, mid or upper portion of said frame with relative ease at the point of installation.
7. A work space management system according to claim 6 wherein said wire management means comprises an open-sided conduit and another tile forms a removable cover over the open side of said conduit.
8. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising;
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means;
said frames further having a vertical row of slots in the faces thereof and near the side edges thereof for receiving bracket hooks to suspend functional components from said frames;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles of relatively equal modular size and substantially common height, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to the face of said frames to substantially cover said frames from bottom to top;
said tiles have a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted and have a height such that at least two of said modular tiles are mounted in vertical juxtaposition on each of said frames;
said tiles further having a width slightly less than the width of said frames so that said tiles, when mounted on said frames, extend to a point short of said vertical row of slots to leave the same exposed;
some of said tiles having a decorative surface and other of said tiles having a structure to serve a function other than decorative in the work area defined by said framework and tiles;
whereby said tiles, whether decorative or functional, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.
9. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said rigid framework has a substantially open central portion thereof.
10. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said tile-receiving means comprises openings in the face of said frames and said attaching means on said tiles comprises hooks which fit within said openings.
11. A work space management system according to claim 10 wherein said attaching means on said tiles further comprises spring clips to releasably fit within said frame openings.
12. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein at least two of said other tiles are mounted on opposite sides of a frame in juxtaposition to each other and have means to form a light-transmitting window in the wall formed by said frames and tiles to selectively provide light and visual porosity to said work area without affecting the structural or acoustical integrity of the walls.
13. A work space management system according to claim 12 wherein said window-forming means comprises at least one light-transmitting pane.
14. A work space management system according to claim 12 wherein said window-forming means comprises a light-transmitting pane on each of said two other tiles.
15. A work space management system according to claim 12 wherein each of said two other tiles has an outer casement which covers portions of said frame on which said two other tiles are mounted.
16. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein at least one of said other tiles has a hard outer surface on which an erasable medium can be applied and erased to thereby form a marker surface.
17. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said tile-receiving means comprises openings in the face of said frames and said attaching means on said tiles comprises projections which fit within said openings.
18. A work space management system according to claim 17 wherein at least two of said other tiles are mounted on opposite sides of a frame in juxtaposition to each other and have means to form a light-transmitting window in the wall formed by said frames and tiles to selectively provide light and visual porosity to said work area without affecting the structural or acoustical integrity of the walls.
19. A work space management system according to claim 18 wherein said window-forming means comprises at least one light-transmitting pane mounted to said frame.
20. A work space management system according to claim 19 wherein each of said two other tiles has an outer casement which covers portions of said frame on which said two other tiles are mounted.
21. A work space management system according to claim 18 wherein said window-forming means comprises a light-transmitting pane on each of said two other tiles.
22. A work space management system according to claim 21 wherein each of said two other tiles has an outer casement which covers portions of said frame on which said two other tiles are mounted.
23. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said tile attaching means and said receiving means include a slot and hook combination to mount the tiles on the frames without the use of tools whereby the tiles are accurately placed and mounted on said frames.
24. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein the tiles in each frame are in horizontal juxtaposition, thereby forming a strong horizontal line with said tiles.
25. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising;
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to the face of said frames to substantially cover said frames from bottom to top;
said tiles have a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted and have a height such that at least two of said modular tiles are mounted in vertical juxtaposition on each of said frames;
some of said tiles having a decorative surface and other of said tiles having a structure to serve a function other than decorative in the work area defined by said framework and tiles;
whereby said tiles, whether decorative or functional, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.
26. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least one of said other tiles has illumination means mounted therein and a translucent pane for illuminating the area adjacent thereto.
27. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least one of said other tiles has a plurality of rails on which work tools can be mounted.
28. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least two of said other tiles are mounted to opposite sides of a frame in juxtaposition thereto and have openings therethrough in registry with each other to provide an opening through said rigid framework.
29. A work space management system according to claim 28 and further comprising a shelf extending through the opening in said two other tiles in juxtaposition to each other.
30. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least one of said other tiles has a heater tile with a heating element embedded therein.
31. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least one of said other tiles has wire management means by which electrical and/or communication wiring can be mounted to said frames and be accessible to users within the work space defined by the work space management system.
32. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein at least two of said other tiles are mounted on opposite sides of a frame in juxtaposition to each other and each of said two other tiles has an outer border which covers portions of said frame on which said two other tiles are mounted, each said outer border supporting a light-transmitting pane to provide a light-transmitting window in said wall.
33. The work space management system of Claim 25 wherein some of said frames have a height to provide open visual communication and work-in-progress flow, other of said frames have a higher height wherein the height of the frames differ in modules equal to the height of said tiles, said other frames providing, respectively, seated privacy and standing privacy.
34. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising;
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces on opposite sides thereof;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles, at least some of said tiles having an outer decorative surface and at least some of said tiles having a light transmitting central portion forming a window;
means for removably hanging said tiles onto the face of each of said frames in vertical juxtaposition to each other on each side of said frames with tiles on one side of said frames being in parallel juxtaposed relationship with tiles on an opposite side of said frames, said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of said frames to substantially cover the width of the frames on which the tiles are placed;
two of said light-transmitting tiles are mounted on opposite sides of one of said frames in facing parallel juxtaposition to each other, said one frame having a substantially open central portion whereby said two juxtaposed light-transmitting tiles form a window through said one frame;
said tiles and frames being sized so that said tiles are no greater than half the height of said frames;
whereby said window and said decorative tiles can be freely and easily interchanged with each other and provide selective light and visual porosity to said work area without destroying the acoustic integrity of the walls.
35. A work space management system according to claim 34 wherein at least two of said tiles are mounted in vertical juxtaposition on each of said frames.
36. A work space management system according to claim 35 wherein other of said frames have at least three of said tiles mounted on the faces thereof in vertical juxtaposition to each other and still other of said frames have four of said tiles mounted on the faces thereof in vertical juxtaposition to each other.
37. A work space management system according to claim 34 wherein the central portion of said frames is substantially open.
38. A work space management system according to claim 34 wherein at least some of said tiles are wire management tiles and provide electrical and/or communication wiring therethrough.
39. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising;
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having outer faces on opposite sides and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tile modules, said tile modules having a width substantially equal to the width of said frames, each of said tile modules having a height no greater than one-half the height of said frames, and at least some of said tile modules having a light transmitting pane for transmitting light therethrough;
means on said tile modules cooperating with said frame receiving means for removably mounting said tile modules to the outer faces of said frames to that said tile modules can be easily mounted to and demounted from said frames;
at least one of said frames having at least one pair of said light transmitting pane tile modules mounted on opposite sides of one of said frames in facing parallel juxtaposition to form a window through said one frame.
40. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein at least some of said tile modules have a decorative covering to form a decorative tile module, said decorative tile modules being interchangeable with said light transmitting tile modules so that said light transmitting and decorative tile modules can be selectively placed and changed along the height of said one frame with other tile modules on the same or other of said frames.
41. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein multiple pairs of pane tile modules are provided in said one frame to form multiple windows in said one frame.
42. A work space management system according to claim 40 wherein still other of said tile modules comprise wire management means which have a first cover and a second cover, each of which is one-half the height of said tile modules, said first cover being pivotably mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis, and wire management channels formed behind said first cover.
43. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said frame has a substantially open central portion.
44. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein other of said tile modules comprise wire management means which have a first cover and a second cover, each of which covers is one-half the height of said tile modules, said first cover being pivotably mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and wire management channels are formed behind said first cover.
45. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said removable mounting means for said tile modules comprise means for releasing said tile modules from said frames by rotating said tile modules outwardly about a horizontal axis, whereby said tiles can be mounted and removed randomly and independently without disturbing adjacent tiles.
46. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said light transmitting pane is clear.
47. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said light transmitting pane is translucent.
48. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein said removable mounting means for said tile modules comprise a means of supporting said tile modules on said frames so that said tile modules can be removed from said frames by lilting said tile modules upwardly and pulling said tile modules outwardly of said frames.
49. A work space management system according to claim 39 wherein at least two of said tile modules are mounted to opposite sides of a frame in facing juxtaposition and have openings therethrough in registry with each other to provide an opening through said rigid framework.
50. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having outer faces on opposite sides and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tile modules, at least two of said tile modules each having a light transmitting pane;
means on said tile modules cooperating with said receiving means for removably mounting said tile modules to the outer faces of said frames so that said tile modules can be easily mounted to and demounted from said frames;
each of said frames having a plurality of said tile modules mounted on each side of said frames, with the two light transmitting tile modules mounted on opposite sides of one of said frames in facing parallel juxtaposition, said one frame having a substantially open central portion, whereby said pair of light transmitting tile modules forms a window through said one frame.
51. The work space management system of Claim 50 wherein each of the light transmitting panes is clear.
52. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having outer faces on opposite sides and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tile modules, at least one pair of said tile modules having a rectangular opening with trim means along the top, bottom and two sides of the opening to form an open tile module;
at least one light transmitting pane;
means on said tile modules cooperating with said receiving means for removably mounting said tile modules to the outer faces of said frames so that said tile modules can be easily mounted to and demounted from said frames;
each of said frames having a plurality of said tile modules mounted on each side of said frames, with the pair of open tile modules mounted on opposite sides of one of said frames in facing parallel juxtaposition, said one frame having a substantially open central portion, and said light transmitting pane mounted between said pair of open tile modules, whereby said pair of open tile modules and said light transmitting pane form a window through said one frame.
53. The work space management system of Claim 52 wherein the one light transmitting pane is clear.
54. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and receiving means on said opposite sides of said frames;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which said tiles are mounted;
whereby said tiles can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system;
at least some of said tiles having a decorative surface;
said tiles being mounted to the outer faces of both sides of said frames in juxtaposed parallel relationship, and being mounted in a configuration leaving at least one opening wherein a tile is not mounted at the same height on both sides of the same frame; and trim means for covering the otherwise exposed portions of the frame.
55. The system of claim 54 further comprising at least one light-transmitting pane mounted in said opening and supported by said trim means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US06/648,900 US4685255A (en) | 1984-09-10 | 1984-09-10 | Work space management system |
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CA000473449A Division CA1256664A (en) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-02-01 | Work space management system |
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CA000473449A Expired CA1256664A (en) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-02-01 | Work space management system |
CA000589186A Expired - Lifetime CA1284263C (en) | 1984-09-10 | 1989-01-25 | Work space management system |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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CA000473449A Expired CA1256664A (en) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-02-01 | Work space management system |
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IT201800009197A1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2020-04-05 | Svetlana Nikolaevna Golubeva | Sheet-like element, in particular for the production of corresponding articles or panels |
JP6868076B2 (en) | 2019-10-18 | 2021-05-12 | 株式会社オカムラ | booth |
CN111342403B (en) * | 2020-03-03 | 2021-08-31 | 逸励实业(上海)有限公司 | Wiring system and method for refrigeration house |
CN113161942B (en) * | 2021-04-22 | 2022-07-26 | 苏州金螳螂建筑装饰股份有限公司 | Concealed unit wire slot structure of rack for metal screen |
US11757267B1 (en) * | 2022-05-27 | 2023-09-12 | Haworth, Inc. | Cable management system and modesty panel for height adjustable desk |
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-
1984
- 1984-09-10 US US06/648,900 patent/US4685255A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1985
- 1985-02-01 CA CA000473449A patent/CA1256664A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-03-20 DE DE3588157T patent/DE3588157T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-03-20 EP EP91118450A patent/EP0479331B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-03-20 DE DE199191118449T patent/DE479330T1/en active Pending
- 1985-03-20 DE DE3588159T patent/DE3588159T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-03-20 EP EP85103268A patent/EP0174426B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-03-20 DE DE198585103268T patent/DE174426T1/en active Pending
- 1985-03-20 DE DE199191118450T patent/DE479331T1/en active Pending
- 1985-03-20 EP EP91118449A patent/EP0479330B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-03-20 DE DE8585103268T patent/DE3586305T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1989
- 1989-01-25 CA CA000589186A patent/CA1284263C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0479331A3 (en) | 1992-07-22 |
DE3588157T2 (en) | 1998-01-15 |
EP0479330B1 (en) | 1997-06-18 |
DE3586305D1 (en) | 1992-08-13 |
DE3588159D1 (en) | 1997-08-14 |
CA1256664A (en) | 1989-07-04 |
EP0174426A3 (en) | 1986-06-25 |
EP0479330A2 (en) | 1992-04-08 |
EP0479331A2 (en) | 1992-04-08 |
DE3586305T2 (en) | 1993-03-04 |
US4685255A (en) | 1987-08-11 |
EP0174426B1 (en) | 1992-07-08 |
EP0174426A2 (en) | 1986-03-19 |
DE3588159T2 (en) | 1998-02-19 |
DE479331T1 (en) | 1993-02-04 |
DE479330T1 (en) | 1993-02-04 |
DE3588157D1 (en) | 1997-07-24 |
DE174426T1 (en) | 1991-01-17 |
EP0479331B1 (en) | 1997-07-09 |
EP0479330A3 (en) | 1992-07-22 |
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