[0001] This invention relates generally to a space divider system and more particularly
to improvements in a space divider system of the type disclosed and claimed in European
Patent Application EP-A-0006707 which is a document falling within the terms of Article
54(3) E.P.C.
[0002] In such prior application there is disclosed a space divider system for open office
interiors, the major component of which is a structural beam supported from posts
at each end stabilized by projecting feet. The beam itself constitutes a wiring raceway
and includes a raceway on the top thereof open through a lateral slot above work surface
height. The posts or legs for the beam are provided with apertures or mounting brackets
to which the ends of the beam are connected. The mounting brackets project from the
surface of the post and different post configurations are required depending upon
the number of beams connected to the post.
[0003] In modern office interiors, the use of electric power driven machines is rapidly
increasing. Moreover, communications systems are becoming quite complex and the management
of power and communication wiring in a modern office is a significant and continuing
problem. Many codes require fully enclosed wiring ducts. For simplicity, both communication
and power wiring should be available superjacent work surface height and readily available
to work surfaces or stations such as word processing stations or computer terminals.
[0004] Also, for cost effectiveness, it is important to provide the required wire management
for energy and communications requirements while still providing a high degree of
horizontal and vertical flexibility with commonly used components thus reducing the
overall cost.
[0005] According to the present invention there is provided a space divider system for office
interiors comprising a structural spine, the top of said spine being essentially at
work surface height, and legs supporting said spine at opposite ends thereof, characterized
in that there are two enclosed electrical ducts on top of said spine, one above the
other, superjacent such work surface height, and vertically separated access passages
for the wiring are provided for extension of the wiring in the ducts through said
legs.
[0006] The system of the present invention provides fully enclosed communications and power
wiring ducts superjacent the work surface on top of a supporting spine or structural
backbone to enable effective use of the increasing number of machine and communication
devices found in the modern office. In addition, the system provides a wide variety
of options in the enclosure of space providing a very high degree of both horizontal
and vertical flexibility.
[0007] The major component of the system is a structual beam which may come in a variety
of lengths supported by posts at each end. Lateral stability, where required, is provided
by projecting feet which extend from one or both sides of the posts. The beams are
provided with an optional midpoint connection which may be used further to divide
the beam module. The height of the beam including the integral wiring ducts on the
top thereof may be adjusted vertically and the work surfaces supported by the beam
may be adjusted with respect to the beam within a certain range.
[0008] The two ducts on the beam are fully enclosed with the duct for the communication
wiring being above the duct for the power wiring and also being laterally enlarged.
The power wiring duct is prewired with outlets on both sides while the communication
wiring duct may include both lateral access and also top or lay-in access.
[0009] The leg supporting the beams have a smooth exterior surface that permit the beams
to be connected thereto at a wide variety of angles. Accordingly, only a single leg
construction need be provided regardless of the angular position of the beams extending
therefrom. Enclosures or fillets for the beams and legs permit the ducts to pass through
the legs fully enclosed. The power wiring passes through a cage on the top of the
leg while the communication wiring passes around a reduced diameter post extension,
if employed. Enclosures for the top of the leg facilitate the wiring bypass of the
leg.
[0010] As indicated, each beam may be provided with a midpoint connection so that one beam
may be connected to and extend normal to another beam without a leg beneath the point
of connection. Again fillets are provided to insure that the ducts are enclosed from
beam to beam.
[0011] Above the ducts, extensions of the leg or posts are provided from which hanger bars
may be secured for supporting further accessories or acoustical panels. Wiring to
the ducts may enter the system from the floor or ceiling adjacent the legs or through
post extensions, respectively.
[0012] Accessories such as work sufaces are provided quickly to hook into a recessed hook
channel in the beam, such accessories having a movable locking tab. In one position
the locking tab acts to maintain the hook of the accessory in the channel while the
other position of the tab permits the insertion and removal of the hook.
[0013] The assembly of the legs and beam is accomplished in a few minutes with very simple
tools. The beams may be added to or removed from the system with no disturbance to
the rest of the system.
[0014] A system of quarter-circle castings is employed to enclose the wiring at the beam
and leg connections and the same or similar castings are employed in a variety of
combinations for all beam connections. The aforementioned mid-beam connection may
use the same fastening points as the post connection and accordingly, the beam module
may either be connected to a post at the selected angle or to a mid-beam connection.
[0015] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a space dividing system in accordance with the present
invention;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the system of Figure 1 as seen from the line 2-2 thereof;
Figure 3 is an exploded view in perspective and broken away of the beam-leg connection
of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective broken away view illustrating the wiring access passages
through the leg for a 90° beam connection;
Figure 5 is an enlarged vertical section through the beam illustrating the manner
in which desk tops and the like are supported from the beam;
Figure 6 is a top plan view broken away of the mid-beam-to-beam connection;
Figure 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the beam-to-leg connection;
Figure 8 is an enlarged top plan of a 90° duct enclosure at the leg;
Figure 9 is a side elevation of the enclosure of Figure 8 as seen from the line 9-9
thereof;
Figure 10 is a front elevation of the enclosure of Figure 8 as seen from the line
10-10 of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a horizontal section taken from the line 11-11 of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a horizontal section taken from the line 12-12 of Figure 10;
Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 8 of a 45° duct enclosure at the leg;
Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the mid-beam connection;
Figure 15 is a broken enlarged perspective view of a desk top support bracket used
with the present invention;
Figure 16 is an exploded view broken away illustrating the manner in which the desk
top is secured to the bracket;
Figure 17 is a detail broken away and in section of the manner in which hanger bars
are secured to post extrusions;
Figure 18 is a detail section of the hanger bar illustrating a storage component hook
received therein;
Figures 19-24 are fragmentary top plan views of a variety of beam-leg connections
which may be employed with the present invention using the enclosure of Figures 8-13;
and
Figures 25-29 are schematic top plan views of some of a variety of layouts which may
be formed with the present invention.
[0016] Referring first to Figures 1 and 2 it will be seen that the components of the space
divider system may be used to support a wide variety of components or accessories
such as desk tops, both cantilivered and leg supported, shelves, storage compartments,
paper organizers, drawers and files, light fixtures, sound absorbing panels or cushions,
or window slots.
[0017] The major component of the system is a horizontally extending beam seen at 40 which
may be provided in a variety of length modules. The beams 40 are supported at each
end by legs 42 or one beam 40 may be connected to another beam 40 at a beam midpoint
as hereinafter described. The top of each beam 40 as indicated at 43 is designed to
be substantially at work surface height and on top of the beam 40 superjacent such
work surface height are two enclosed electrical ducts seen at 44 and 46, one on top
of the other accomodating power and communication wiring, respectively. The top communications
wiring duct 46 is laterally enlarged and includes a top access cover so that communications
wiring may be laid into the top of the duct 46. Both ducts 44, 46 may be provided
with lateral outlets seen at 49 and 50. The power duct 44 is preferably prewired and
the lateral access thereto is provided through conventional outlets 50.
[0018] The legs 42, as hereinafter described, include horizontal access or passageways for
both wiring ducts 44, 46 and such legs 42 may support post extensions 52 extending
above the ducts and between which are connected hanger bars 54 from which the various
upper components of the systems may be secured.
[0019] Wiring to the ducts 44, 46 may originate either in the ceiling 55 or the floor 56.
If wiring originates in the floor as indicated at 57 it may extend to the ducts through
wiring covers 58 secured to the exterior of a leg 42. If it originates in the ceiling
55 it may extend through slightly enlarged tubular post extensions 59.
[0020] The post extensions 52 are hollow and may also be employed to support lighting fixtures
60 and 61 providing ambient lighting.
[0021] In the particular linear system seen in Figures 1 and 2, reading from right to left,
there is shown four such legs 42 as seen at 62, 63, 64 and 65. The legs 63 and 64
as well as 64 and 65 are interconnected by beams 40 of different length modules as
seen at 66 and 67. The legs 62 and 63 are interconnected by a relatively short module
length of ducts 46 and 44 which are supported on a relatively shallow channel or fame
spanning the legs 62 and 63 and connected thereto in much the same manner as the beams
40 as hereinafter described. Because of the employment of the ducts 44, 46 only between
the legs 62 and 63 and the lack of a structural beam 40, components such as desk tops,
storage units and the like cannot be supported from the divider system at such point.
[0022] Extending from the top edge of the beam 66 is a table or desk top 72 which is supported
from the beam 66 by a hook received in a recessed hook channel and at its distal end
by a single vertically adjustable leg 73 similar in appearance to the leg 63. It is
noted that the outlets for both the electrical and communication ducts 44, 46 are
immediately superjacent the work surface of the desk or table 72.
[0023] Adjacent the table 72 a relatively small tray or work surface seen at 74 projects
from the beam and can be used as a paper tray or to receive a telephone or small dictating
machine, for example. Adjacent the tray 74 is a two-unit drawer system seen at 75
which extends in cantilever fashion from the beam 66.
[0024] Moving to the next module, suspended from the second rail 54 is an overhead storage
unit or cabinet 76. A paper organizer or com- partmental filing system may be suspended
and project from the next lower horizontal rail as seen at 77. Cantilevered from the
beam 67, storage bins seen at 78 and 79 may be provided. Adjacent the bin 79 there
is secured to the beam 67 a cantilever work surface 81 which is supported on brackets
82 and 83 secured to the beam in a manner hereinafter described. Again the top of
the work surface has the outlets from the wiring ducts 46 and 44 immediately there
above.
[0025] It is noted for illustration purposes only that the floor 56 beneath the leg 65 is
somewhat lower than the floor beneath the leg 64. Because of a height adjustment incorporated
in the legs, the beam 67 can nonetheless be positioned horizontally. Extending between
the legs 64 and 65 is a fill panel 85 which may, if desired, extend all the way to
the floor with the lower edge compensating for floor irregularities. The cantilevered
tops such as desk top 81 may themselves be provided with a vertical adjust-ment with
respect to the beam and the beam itself may be vertically adjusted through a somewhat
more narrow range to compensate for not only the floor irregularities noted, but also
to raise or lower the height of the beam.
[0026] Each beam is provided with an optional mid- point connection as seen at 88 with the
mis- point connection of the beam 67 being utilized while the mid-point connection
of the beam 66 is not. When utilized, a further beam seen at 90 may be connected to
the midpoint of the beam to extend normal thereto. In such situation, there is no
leg supporting the midpoint of the beam 67 or the end of the beam 90. Additional beams
seen at 91 and 92 may be connected to the leg 62 and 65, respectively with the upper
structure supporting either acoustical panels seen at 93 or overhead storage cabinets
seen at 94. The cabinets 94 and 76 may be the same. The acoustical panels or cushions
93 are supported from the rails 54 and serve not only visually to block the area above
the beams and ducts, but because of their structure utilizing fabric over cushion
material, they serve as visually soft sound absorbing or sound deadening panels. Such
panels may vary in shape and as indicated at 96 window slots may be provided below
somewhat more narrow acoustical panels 97.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment the superstructure provided by the post extensions
52 and rails 54 may provide three levels. Preferably only the first two levels are
used for shelf or storage component loads while the third level is used only for acoustical
panels or non-eccentric loading such as provided by the ambient lights 60 and 61.
Leg-Beam Connection
[0028] Referring now to Figures 3 and 7 it will be seen that the main structural component
of the leg 42 is a vertically extending square tubular post 102 surrounded by an extruded
aluminum cylindrical sleeve 103. The top of the post 102 is provided with a nut into
which a flanged leveling screw 104 is threaded, with the flange supporting circular
disc or plate 105 secured to the top of sleeve 103. The diameter of the top plate
or disc 105 is somewhat smaller than the outside diameter of the sleeve and in any
event by rotating the adjusting screw 104 the vertical position of the sleeve on the
post may be altered as indicated.
[0029] The bottom of the post 102 is provided with a further disc 106 which is secured by
fasteners 107 to a foot 108. Glides 109 and 110 may be provided beneath each end of
the foot 108 to facilitate movement over floor surfaces such as carpeting. A flexible
bellows 111 provides an appearance cover or closure between the variable lower end
of the sleeve 103 and the foot 108.
[0030] The end of each beam 40 is provided with a rigid vertically enlarged clevis seen
at 114 which includes projecting top and bottom ears 115 and 116. The top ear 11 is
provided with two through holes 117 while the bottom ear is provided with tapped through
holes 118. The projecting end of the ears 115, 116 is provided with an arcuate edge
corresponding to the O.D. of the disc 105. The top ear 115 is designed to fit over
the top of the sleeve 103 snugly adjacent the O.D. of the disc 105 as seen more clearly
in Figure 7 while the bottom ear 116 fits within a slot 120 in the sleeve 103. The
slot 120 is of the same depth as the O.D. of the disc 105.
[0031] As seen more clearly in Figure 7, the sleeve 103 includes a total of eight equally
spaced vertically extending holes 122 on the inside of the outer shell or cylinder
123. The exterior of such cylinder from the top to the bottom of the sleeve 103, with
the exception of the slot 120, is a smooth circular cylindrical surface. The sleeve
103 also includes four inwardly extending vertical quadrant spaced webs 126 which
terminate in enlarged bosses 127 providing holes for fasteners 128, such bosses 127
each including laterally enlarged flat vertical surfaces bearing and sliding against
the four flat faces of the square post 102. The sleeve 103 may be provided with additional
internal rigidifying ribs as seen at 130. The ribs 130 and webs 126 form upwardly
facing recesses 131 with the bosses for holes 122 which facilitate the positioning
of leg enclosures as hereinafter described.
[0032] It is noted that the holes 122 in the sleeve exposed both at the top of the sleeve
and through the slot 120 are eight in number and equally circumferentially spaced
about the sleeve. The spacing of adjacent holes is also equal to the spacing of the
holes 117, 118 in the respective top and bottom ears 115, 116 of the clevis 114. Thus
to secure the beam 40 to the post 42, a spacer 132 is inserted between the ears 115,
116 providing a visual and sound seal. The spacer 132 is provided with an interior
arcuate surface riding against the O.D. of the sleeve 103. The beam 40 is then inserted
with the top ear 115 over the top of the sleeve 103 and the bottom ear 116 in the
slot 120. Elongated fasteners seen at 134 and 135 then extend downwardly through the
holes 117, the selected holes 122, and are threaded into the holes 118 in the bottom
ear 116 not only to pin connect the beam 40 to the sleeve 103 but also to clamp the
beam 40 to the sleeve 103.
[0033] An additional beam as seen at 137 may also be connected to the leg 42 and if at right
angles as illustrated, the beam 137 would be similarly connected to the two holes
122 at the bottom of Figure 7.
[0034] The electrical ducts 44 and 46 which are located one on top of the other on top of
the beam 40 are provided access through or around the leg by means of a cage 140 and
leg enclosures 141. The case 140 is perhaps seen more clearly in Figure 4. The cage
140 is simply a transverse opening through the leg as provided by spacers 143 through
which the fasteners 128 pass. The spacers 143 vertically space the disc 105 on the
bottom from a disc 144 of the post extension socket 145 on the top. The post extension
52 is then simply threaded into the socket 145 through circular leg cap 146. If the
post extension is not employed, the hole in the circular leg cap may be closed by
a cover or plug 147. As seen more clearly in Figure 4, four such fasteners 128 and
spacers 143 are employed to form the cage opening through the leg, such cage 140 being
at the same elevation and forming a continuation through the leg of the lower electrical
duct 44.
[0035] The lower duct 44 is preferably prewired and junction boxes may be provided in the
beams 40 adjacent the legs with flexible jumpers or connecter leads connected therebetween
as seen at 148 in Figure 4.
The Beam
[0036] Referring now additionally to Figures 5 and 6, each beam 40 is a fabricated welded
assembly which includes main side plates 150 and 151 seen in Figure 5 which are bent
to the somewhat rounded shape seen at 152 both at the top and the bottom. The plates
150, 151 then extend inwardly recessed from the top and bottom vertical edges as indicated
at 153 and are flanged toward each other as seen at 154 and welded together as indicated
at 155 and 156. The main frame members of the beam thus form recessed channels both
at the top and the bottom of the beam 40 as indicated at 157. The top recess 157 accommodates
the housing for the ducts 44 and 46 while both the top and the bottom recesses 157
permit covers 159 and 160 to be snapped over the side plates of the beam. The beam
frames are also interconnected by transverse flanged rigidifying elements 162. The
side frame elements are connected at each end to an end plate 164 to which each clevis
114 is secured. The end plate 164 actually extends between the ears of the clevis
with the main vertical portion of the clevis being inside the end plate.
[0037] As indicated in Figure 6, each beam near its end may be provided with a vertically
extending wiring duct seen at 166. Each such vertical duct 166 may be formed by welding
together the flanged channel-shaped plates 167 and 168. Such vertical duct may extend
at one end to the bottom of the duct 44 and at the other end to the bottom of the
upper communications duct 46. Such ducts accommodate wiring extending from the floor
through the leg enclosures 58 as seen in Figure 1.
[0038] The wiring ducts 44 and 46 are formed from two extrusions seen more clearly in Figure
5 at 170 and 171. Each extrusion includes a horizontally extending top 172 having
an inside screw receiving boss seen at 173 adjacent the edge or opening 174. The top
172 extends to a rounded corner 175 and then through an outwardly inclined sidewall
176 terminating at a recess 177. The wall of the extrusion then extends vertically
downwardly at 178 and then inwardly at 179 with a screw receiving boss being provided
on the interior of the wall 179 as seen at 180. The wall of the extrusion then continues
downwardly as seen at 181 to terminate in bottom wall 182. The bottom wall 182 extends
both inwardly and outwardly with the outer extension terminating in an upwardly extending
hook receiving flange 183 forming with the wall 181 and its upper outer extension
179 a hook receiving channel for accessories. The bottom wall 182 also extends inwardly
and is offset upwardly as indicated at 184 to be joined as by welding with the abutting
edge of the bottom wall of the opposite extrusion as seen at 185.
[0039] Each extrusion 170, 171 also includes a horizontally extending shelf projecting inwardly
from the recess 177 as seen at 187 with the abutting edges of the shelves 187 being
joined as by welding at 188. The shelves 187 then form a partition between the lower
duct 44 and the upper duct 46. The duct forming extrusions 170, 171 are secured to
the top of the beam by fasteners not shown.
[0040] It can be seen that the upper duct 46 is substantially laterally enlarged as compared
to the lower duct 44 and may be provided with lateral access as indicated at 49 or
lay-in or top access as provided by the opening between the spaced edges 174. The
top opening may be closed by an elongated snap-in cover 189 seen in Figure 4 which
may itself have strategically arranged smaller openings. The lower duct 44 is provided
with lateral access only through prewired receptacles not shown in Figure 5.
[0041] As seen by the transverse section of Figure 5, the stacked ducts 44, 46 one on top
of the other provide a laterally enlarged top duct for communications wiring having
both lateral and top openings. The enlargement of the duct 46 enables the duct readily
to accommodate a substantial volume of communication wiring including rather bulky
items such as AMPHENOL connections. The stacked ducts 44, 46 have the general configuration
of an enclosed Y with a laterally enlarged stem. The screw bosses 180 and 173 may
be employed to secure to the end of the ducts transition or miter joint castings seen
at 190 and 191 in Figure 6. Such transition castings or enclosures may also be secured
to the beam through the slotted flanges seen at 192. Such transition enclosures 190,
191 will be used at each end of the beam as the beam is connected to the leg to form
with the leg enclosures the continuous ducts through the beams and the legs. The transition
castings will also be used at the beam-to-beam connection.
Mid-Beam Connection
[0042] Referring now to Figures 5, 6 and 14, it will be seen that each beam at its center
is provided with two transverse flanged reinforcing members 195 and 196 to which and
between which are connected mid-beam mounting brackets 197 and 198. Such mounting
brackets 197, 198 are provided with outturned edge flanges seen at 200 and 201 which
are welded to the transverse elements 195 and 196, respectively. Each mounting bracket
also includes an outwardly turned top and bottom flange as seen at 202 and 203 in
Figure 5 each provided with a pair of holes seen at 204 and 205. Such holes have the
same spacing as the holes in the clevis ears 115 and 116. Such holes are provided
in both the top and bottom flanges 202 and 203.
[0043] Also secured between the reinforcing elements 195 and 196 is a mounting pad 210 which
has downturned flanges 211 and 212 secured to the interior of the reinforcing members
195 and 196, respectively. As indicated, the top surface of the mounting pad 210 is
provided with four tapped holes seen at 213. The holes 213 receive the fasteners 128
which extend through the flange 144 of post extension socket 145 and through vertically
elongated spacers 143 to form a cage through which the wiring of duct 44 extends at
the beam-to-beam junction. The parts forming the cage supporting the post extension
are the same as employed in connection with the leg seen in Figure 3. In addition
to the holes 204 and 205 in the mounting bracket flanges, further aligned holes are
provided in the beam frame elements so that elongated fasteners 134 and 135 may extend
entirely through the edge of the beam. The fasteners are the same as employed in Figure
3.
[0044] To form the mid-beam connection, a section of the duct seen at 218 in Figure 14 is
removed from each side of the beam and a section of the cover may also be removed
exposing the holes 219 and 220 in the top of the beam. The transition or miter joint
elements of the ducts are then secured in place as seen at 190 and 191. The end of
a further beam is then secured to the midpoint of the beam using the fasteners 134
and 135 extending through the end clevis of the further beam. The fasteners simply
thread into the bottom ear of the clevis pin connecting and clamping the end of one
beam to the midpoint of another. If the post extension 52 is employed in connection
with the threaded socket 145, the cap 146 is employed with the hole therein. If not,
the cap is closed with the plug or cover 147. It is noted that the cage formed at
the mid-beam post extension support is of essentially the same construction as the
cage at the beam-leg-connection and the flange 144 of the socket is subjacent the
partition formed by the extrusion webs 187 partitioning the ducts through the midpoint
connection in the same manner as at the leg.
Leg Enclosures
[0045] Referring now to Figures 8 to 13 it will be seen that the ducts may be enclosed at
the leg through the employment of housing sections which may be circular segments
of either 90 or 45°. Figures 8 to 12 illustrate in detail a 90° segment while Figure
13 illustrates the 45° segment. The 90° enclosure or casting seen at 230 is a 90°
circular segment having a radial section substantially similar to the transverse section
of the ducts 46 and 44. The casting includes a top surface 231 with a rounded corner
232 and an outwardly inclined sidewall 233. The sidewall terminates at cylindrical
wall 234 which extends cylindrically vertically to exterior shoulder 235.
[0046] Projecting below the shoulder is a series of four tines seen at 236, 237, 238 and
239. The lower edge of the tines is relatively sharp as indicated at 240 and the inside
lower edge of each tine is provided with a wedge or pilot surface 241. Also, the inner
edge of the outer tines 236 and 239 extends substantially chordally as seen at 242
and 243 rather than radially. Also, circumferential spacing between the tines varies
significantly with the gaps 244 and 245 being significantly larger than the center
gap 246. As seen more clearly in Figure 9, the tines are somewhat larger than the
wall section 234. The inner wall section from the step 247 extends upwardly to shelf
248 which has the profile configuration seen more clearly in Figure 8.
[0047] The profile configuration consists of two semicircular projections 250 and 251 alternating
between half recess 252, full recess 253 and half recess 254. The projections 250
and 251 are provided with two fastener receiving holes centered therewith as seen
at 255 and 256. The face of the 90° casting or enclosure is provided with an appearance
recess 258 which gives the casting the appearance of being two juxtaposed 45° castings
or enclosures.
[0048] In Figure 13 there is illustrated a 45° casting or enclosure 260 which is essentially
one half of the casting 230. The casting includes a single aperture 261 in the symmetrical
projection 262 of the shelf 263. The casting or enclosure may be provided with the
feet or tines seen for one half of the casting 230 in Figures 11 and 12. In fact,
the casting 260 may be formed by simply cutting the casting 230 in half.
[0049] Referring back to Figure 7, it will be seen that the tines or feet of the castings
are designed to fit within the exposed recesses 131 in the upper end of the sleeve
103. Thus the enlarged spacings 244 and 245 are designed to accommodate the screw
hole bosses while the smaller spacing 246 is designed to accommodate the relatively
thinner web 130. The beveled or wedge edges of the tines 241 permit the same to be
driven snugly into proper piloted position between the transverse enlargements of
the webs 126 and 130 seen at 265. When properly seated in the recesses, the exterior
wall 234 is an extension of the exterior of the sleeve 103. The apertures 255 and
256 in the 90° casting and 261 in the 45° casting may be employed with the threaded
openings 267 in the flange 144 to secure the casting or housing to such flange with
the projecting shelf 248 forming with the flange a partition at the leg between the
two vertically superimposed ducts. The recess 253 accommodates the head of the projecting
fastener 128.
[0050] Referring now to Figures 19 to 24, it will be seen that a system of the full and
half castings is used to enclose the wiring at the beam connection. The same castings
may be used in different combinations for all beam connections.
[0051] In Figure 19 or a simple end connection, three castings 230 may be employed as seen
at 270, 271 and 272. Such castings will be employed in addition to the miter or transition
castings 190 and 191. The end arrangement as seen in Figure 19 provides a completely
enclosed circular enclosure around the post extension above the sleeve of the leg
and the lower duct having a radial dimension as seen at 274.
[0052] In Figure 20 two 45° or half castings may be employed as indicated at 276 and 277
to connect the beams as indicated. The two beams at the right of Figure 20 are 90°
to each other and both are 135° from the beam at the left. In the arrangement of Figure
21, two half castings or enclosures are employed as seen at 278 and 279 while a full
casting is employed at 280 to form the 135° connection shown.
[0053] In Figure 22 one full casting is employed at 282 to form the three-way connection
at the leg.
[0054] In Figure 23 for the straight connection shown, two full castings are employed on
opposite sides of the leg. For the 90° connection of Figure 24, two full castings
are employed at 286 and 287 together forming a 180° enclosure for the right angle
connection shown at the leg. It will be appreciated that two half castings may be
employed in lieu of a single full casting. In any event, the central line in the full
casting seen at 258 makes all combinations appear to be made up of 1/8 circle components.
A fourway connection with beams extending from a single post will use no castings
at all but simply the miter or transition castings.
[0055] In any event, a fully enclosed duct'through the leg is provided both for the power
wiring below and the communication wiring above.
Component Mounting Brackets
[0056] Referring again to Figure 5 and additionally to Figures 15 and 16, it will be seen
that components such as work surfaces, desk tops and the like may be suspended from
the beam by use of the mounting brackets seen in Figures 5, 15 and 16. As indicated,
the top of the structural beam forms a recess 157 in which the extrusions forming
the ducts 44 and 46 are situated. The walls 179 and 181 of the duct together with
the projecting hook 183 form a recessed hook receiving channel such as seen at 290.
The channel extends inwardly and then downwardly from the face of the beam and duct
with the undersurface of the wall 179 forming a height restriction in the channel.
[0057] A work surface or other accessory 292 is supported on the upper surface of projecting
bracket 293 seen in more detail in Figure 16. The bracket 293 includes a formed metal
structure which includes vertically extending triangular sidewalls 294 and 295 connected
at the underside of the outer or distal end by web 296 which is provided with a hole
for a fastener as seen at 297. The upper edges of the walls are co-planar and provide
a mounting surface for a desk top or the like. A formed metal strip 299 is received
in the keyways 300 and 301 formed in the upper proximal edge of the projecting bracket
and the metal strip is provided with holes 302 also for accomodating fasteners such
as screws to secure the top or desk surface 292 thereto. The sidewalls are welded
to a vertically extending sleeve 304, the walls of which are provided with a diametrical
hole seen at 305.
[0058] The sleeve 304 closely fits over tube 308 to slide vertically therealong, such tube
also being provided with a series of vertically spaced diametrical holes 309. Welded
to the top of the tube 308 is a hook 310. The hook is somewhat triangular in shape
and extends from the top of the tube normal to the transverse axis of the holes 309
and along its projecting edge includes a downturned hook flange 31 1.
[0059] On top of the hook 311 there is provided a rotating locking tab 313. The hook is
provided with a small aperture 314 and the locking tab includes a locking button 315
which snaps through the aperture 314 to lock the locking tab to the top face of the
hook. The locking tab, however, can be rotated about the axis of the tube 308. As
seen in Figure 5, when the locking tab 313 is rotated into the position shown, it
acts as a shim between the top of the hook 310 and the underside of the recessed slot
formed by the surface 179 thus precluding the hook from being disengaged with the
recessed hook receiving channel 290. In order to remove the hook or replace the hook,
the locking tab must be rotated out of the way.
[0060] The lower end of the tube 308 as seen in Figure 5 is provided with an adjustable
horizontally extending stop or bumper 317 which is mounted on a threaded shank 318
threaded transversely in the tube 308. The projecting end of the shank includes a
hex head 320 by which the shank may be rotated to bring the tube 308 to a plum condition.
If the work surface 292 is not quite horizontal, the bumper or stop may readily be
adjusted to bring the work surface to the desired horizontal position.
[0061] The work surface and its supporting bracket 293 are supported on the vertical tube
308 by the employment of the pin seen at 322 in Figure 16. The pin extends through
the holes 305 and the selected aligned holes 309. The pin may be held in place by
a cotter pin extending through the transverse hole 323. As indicated in Figure 1,
normally two such bracket assemblies will be employed to support cantiliver accessories
from the beam. Similar bracket assemblies may be employed to support other accessories
such as file cabinets and storage components.
Superstructure Framing
[0062] Referring now to Figures 17 and 18, it will be seen that each of the post extensions
52 as well as the somewhat larger ceiling ducts 59 may be provided with vertically
spaced sets of discs as seen at 325. The disc sets include an upper disc 326 and a
lower disc 327 with a spacer 328 therebetween. The discs and spacer are secured to
the post extension.
[0063] As seen more clearly in Figure 18, the rails 54 comprise two angles 330 and 331 with
the top flanges being coplanar and flat folded beneath themselves as seen at 332 and
333. This provides a somewhat enlarged rounded lateral edge on the rail as indicated
at 334 as well as a double thickness closely less than the spacing of the discs. The
vertical webs of the angles are slightly horizontally spaced to provide a vertical
centerline slot therebetween as seen at 335. The vertical webs are inwardly dimpled
at 336 and 337 and the dimples are welded to each other. The vertical slot 335 between
the dimples thus extends completely vertically through the hanger bar.
[0064] At each upper end of the hanger bar the vertical webs are notched as indicated at
340 and clinched together about a pointed tipped screw 341. In this manner the flat
folded top webs fit snugly between the discs 326 and 327 and the set screw 341 is
employed to bite into the underside of the lower disc 327 clamping and holding the
horizontal rail in place. The flat folded upper webs may be mitered as indicated at
342 so that the rails may extend from the post extension in the same manner in which
the beams extend from the legs. Components such as the enclosure or cabinet 76 or
94 may be supported from the rails by hooks 344 secured to the rail in the manner
indicated. The hooks include the downwardly extending hook portions on the outer end
as seen at 345 and a vertically downwardly extending latching flange as seen at 346
which fits within the slot 335. The upper or channel-shape portion of the hook 347
closely conforms to one side of the rail and to be removed it must be lifted vertically.
Exemplary Layouts
[0065] As indicated, the beams may come in certain lengths and modules such as 1.83, 2.44
or 3.05 meters which would correspond to 6, 8 and 10 feet, respectively. Figure 25
illustrates a linear system showing three beams 350, 351 and 352 supported on four
posts 353, 354, 355 and 356. Along one side of the beam cantilevered work surfaces
are provided at 357 with the square symbols 358 respresenting chairs. On the opposite
side of the beam six work stations are also provided which may comprise somewhat smaller
cantilevered work surfaces seen at 360 and longer single leg supported work surfaces
seen at 361. Because of the ability to vary the height of the work surface with respect
to the beam, the smaller cantilivered work surface 360 extends beneath the longer
leg supported work surface 361 as seen at 362. In this manner up to 12 work stations
of either type may be accomodated along the linear arrangement of three beams.
[0066] As seen in Figure 26, seven beams of an intermediate length such as 2.44 meters are
arranged in the octagonal configuration. One side of the octagon is open as seen at
370 and the center may be provided with a conference table as seen at 371. Such arrangement
permits a seven person work station with each person working at a relatively long
cantilivered desk top seen at 372. Fitting between the longer cantilevered desk tops
are special purpose tops 373 which may use the same hook support brackets seen in
Figures 1 and 16 with one each being secured to contiguous beams. The brackets 293
are secured to the underside of the work surface to extend normal to the respective
connecting beam. The enclosed arrangement of Figure 26 requires eight legs.
[0067] In Figure 27 there is employed three longer beams seen at 376, 377 and 378, two mid-
length beams seen at 379 and 380, and two relatively short beams 381 and 382 connected
between posts 383 and 384 and the midpoint of the beams 376 and 378, respectively.
As indicated, the arrangement may provide a variety of work stations and work surfaces.
[0068] In Figure 29 there is employed a layout using a total of eight relatively short beams
to provide a fairly enclosed area seen at 386. Such enclosed area includes four cantilevered
work surfaces. The larger work surface 387 extends the entire length of the beam while
the two smaller surfaces 388 and 389 are shortened to provide for the additional or
fillet work surface 390.
[0069] The opposite side of the beams provide alcoves seen at 392 and 393 which may provide
either two or three work stations along the cantilevered work surfaces.
[0070] Figure 28 provides a total of eight work stations along opposite sides of the relatively
zig-zag configuration of the intermediate length beams seen at 394, 395, 396 and 397.
The four beams, of course, require five legs. The work stations may include drawer
or storage cabinets seen at 398 and the fillet tables may be of a circular configuration
as seen at 399, if desired.
[0071] If will be appreciated that the arrangements available are essentially endless.
[0072] It can now be seen that there is provided a space divider system having improved
horizontal and vertical flexibility and versatility, and with its fully enclosed wiring
ducts for both communication and power wiring, provides the necessary wire management
for a moder office interior.
[0073] Other modes of applying the principles of the invention may be employed, change being
made as regards the details described, provided the features stated in any of the
following claims be employed.
1. A space divider system for office interiors comprising a structural spine (40),
the top of said spine being essentially at work surface height, and legs (42) supporting
said spine at opposite ends thereof, characterized in that there are two enclosed
electrical ducts (44, 46) on top of said spine (40), one above the other, superjacent
such work surface height, and vertically separated access passages for the wiring
are provided for extension of the wiring in the ducts through said legs.
2. A space divider system as claimed in claim 1, further characterized in that the
upper duct (46) is laterally enlarged and accommodates communications wiring while
the lower duct (44) accommodates prewired power wiring.
3. A space divider system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further characterized
in that said legs (42) include segmented circular enclosures (230) corresponding to
the laterally enlarged duct forming said access passages.
4. A space diver system as claimed in claim 3, further characterized in that said
enclosures (230) extend circumferentially of the leg in increments of 45°.
5. A space divider system as claimed in any preceding claim, further characterized
in that said spine (40) is in the form of a narrow structural beam with said ducts
(44, 46) being positioned on top thereof.
6. A space divider system as claimed in any preceding claim, further characterized
in that said ducts (44, 46) have a combined cross- sectional shape in the form of
a Y.
7. A space divider system as claimed in any preceding claim, further characterized
in that said spine includes projections (115, 116) extending from the top and bottom
of the opposite ends thereof, said legs (42) including a portion arranged to fit between
said projections, and a fastener (134, 135) extending through said projections and
said portion to secure said beam to said leg.
8. A space divider system as claimed in claim 7, further characterized in that said
leg includes a vertically extending square post (102) and an enlarged cylindrical
sleeve (103) secured to said post, said sleeve (103) including a top surface and a
circumferential slot (120) forming said portion arranged to fit between said projections
(115, 116).
9. A spaced divider system as claimed in claim 8, further characterized in that a
cage (140) is provided on top of said sleeve (103) supporting a post extension socket
(145), said cage (140) providing wiring access through the leg.
10. A space divider system as claimed in any preceding claim, further characterized
in that a second structural spine (90, 91, 92) is connected at at least one end thereof
to and supported by said first structural spine (40).
11. A space divider system as claimed in claim 10, further characterized in that said
second spine (90) is connected to substantially the midpoint of said first spine (40).
12. A space divider system as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, further characterized
in that said duct of said first spine (40) includes a removable center section (189)
optionally to expose supports for said second spine.
13. A space divider system as claimed in any preceding claim, further characterized
in that it includes an accessory having a horizontally and downwardly extending hook
means at one edge only of said accessory for supporting said accessory extending from
the partition, said hook means including a two position locking tab, one position
enabling insertion and removal of the hook means, and the other position precluding
such insertion and removal.
14. A space divider system as claimed in claim 13, further characterized in that said
accessory is a work surface, said work surface being arranged to be cantilevered from
the partition system and including bumper means vertically below said hook means for
engaging the face of the partition system.
15. A space divider system as claimed in any preceding claim, further characterized
in that two or more interconnected structural spines are supported at each end by
legs, with the leg at the connection being common to the connected spines, said legs
including means to support a spine extending therefrom at any increment of 45°.
16. A space divider system as claimed in any preceding claim, further characterized
in that each leg has a smooth exterior cylindrical surface.
1. Système diviseur d'espace pour intérieurs de bureau comportant une épine dorsale
de structure (40), le sommet de cette épine dorsale étant sensiblement à hauteur de
surface de travail, et des pieds (42) supportant cette épine dorsale à ses extrémités
opposées, caractérisé en ce qu'il existe deux canalisations électriques enfermées
(44, 46) disposées sur le sommet de ladite épine dorsale (40), l'une au-dessus de
l'autre, superjacentes à ladite surface de travail, et des passages verticalement
séparés d'accès au câblage sont prévus pour la prolongation du câblage présent dans
les canalisations à travers lesdits pieds.
2. Système diviseur d'espace selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en outre en ce
que la canalisation supérieure (46) est élargie latéralement et reçoit le câblage
de communication tandis que la canalisation inférieure (44) reçoit le câblage d'alimentation
précâblé.
3. Système diviseur d'espace selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en outre en
ce que lesdits pieds (42) comportent des enceintes circulaires segmentées (230) correspondant
à la canalisation latéralement élargie formant lesdits passages d'accès.
4. Système diviseur d'espace selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en outre en ce
que lesdites enceintes (230) s'étendent suivant la circonférence du pied par incréments
de 45°.
5. Système diviseur d'espace selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en outre en ce que ladite épine dorsale (40) est sous la forme d'une poutre
de construction étroite, lesdites canalisations (44, 46) étant disposées sur son sommet.
6. Système diviseur d'espace selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en outre en ce que lesdites canalisations (44, 64) ont une section combinée
en forme d'Y.
7. Système diviseur d'espace selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en outre en ce que ladite épine dorsale comporte des ressauts (115, 116)
saillant sur le sommet et sur la base de ses extrémités opposées, lesdits pieds (42)
comportant une partie agencée pour s'insérer entre lesdits ressauts, et un élément
de fixation (134, 135) s'étendant à travers lesdits ressauts et ladite partie pour
fixer ladite poutre audit pied.
8. Système diviseur d'espace selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en outre en ce
que ledit pied comporte un poteau carré s'étendant verticalement (102) et un manchon
cylindrique élargi (103) fixé audit poteau, ledit manchon (103) comportant une surface
supérieure et une fente circonférentielle (120) formant ladite partie agencée pour
s'insérer entre lesdits ressauts (115, 116).
9. Système diviseur d'espace selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en outre en ce
qu'il est prévu sur le sommet dudit manchon (103) une cage (140) supportant une douille
de prolongement de poteau (145), ladite cage (140) offrant un accès au câblage à travers
le pied.
10. Système diviseur d'espace selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en outre en ce qu'une seconde épine dorsale de structure (90, 91, 92)
est à l'une au moins de ses extrémités reliée à ladite première épine dorsale de structure
(40) et supportée par elle.
11. Système diviseur d'espace selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en outre en ce
que ladite seconde épine dorsale (90) est reliée sensiblement au milieu de ladite
première épine dorsale (40).
12. Système diviseur d'espace selon la revendication 10 ou 11, caractérisé en outre
en ce que ladite canalisation de ladite première épine dorsale (40) comporte une section
médiane (189) amovible facultativement pour exposer les supports de ladite seconde
épine dorsale.
13. Système diviseur d'espace selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en outre en ce qu'il comporte un accessoire ayant sur un seulement de
ses bords un moyen d'accrochage qui s'étend horizontalement et vers le bas pour supporter
ledit accessoire en saillie sur la cloison, ledit moyen d'accrochage comportant une
oreille de verrouillage à deux positions, une position permettant d'insérer et de
retirer le moyen d'accrochage, et l'autre position interdisant cette insertion et
ce retrait.
14. Système diviseur d'espace selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en outre en ce
que ledit accessoire est une surface de travail, ladite surface de travail étant agencée
pour être en porte-à-faux à partir du système de cloison et comportant un moyen pare-choc
situé à l'aplomb du moyen d'accrochage pour porter contre la face du système de cloison.
15. Système diviseur d'espace selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en outre en ce que deux ou plusieurs épines dorsales de structure raccordées
entre elles sont supportées à chaque extrémité par des pieds, le pied situé au raccordement
étant commun aux épines dorsales raccordées, lesdits pieds comportant des moyens pour
supporter une épine dorsale qui en part à tout incrément de 45°.
16. Système diviseur d'espace selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
caractérisé en outre en ce que chaque pied a une surface cylindrique extérieure lisse.
1. Raumteilersystem für Büroinnenräume, mit einem Konstruktionsträger (40), dessen
Oberseite im wesentlichen auf der Höhe der Arbeitsfläche verläuft und der endseitig
von Stützen (42) getragen ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auf dem Träger (40) zwei
geschlossene elektrische Führungskanäle (44, 46) übereinander vorgesehen sind, welche
die Höhe der Arbeitsfläche überragen, und daß zur Fortsetzung der Verdrahtung in den
Führungskanälen über die Tragpfosten vertikal getrennte Zugangspassagen für die Verdrahtung
vorgesehen sind.
2. Raumteilersystem nach Anspruch 1, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der obere
Führungskanal (46) seitlich erweitert ist und eine Kommunikationsverdrahtung aufnimmt,
wogegen der untere Führungskanal (44) vorverdrahtete Netzleitungen aufnimmt.
3. Raumteilersystem nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
die Stützen (42) Verschlußteile (230) in Form unterteilter Rotationskörper umfassen,
welche dem seitlich erweiterten Führungskanal entsprechen und die Zugangspassagen
bilden.
4. Raumteilersystem nach Anspruch 3, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Verschlußteile
(230) sich entlang des Umfanges der Stütze über Teilbereiche von 45° erstrecken.
5. Raumteilersystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Träger (40) die Form eines schmalen Tragbalkens hat, auf dem die Führungskanäle
(44, 46) angeordnet sind.
6. Raumteilersystem nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Führungskanäle (44, 46) eine gemeinsame Querschnittsform in Gestalt eines
Y haben.
7. Raumteilersystem nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Träger (40) Vorsprünge (115, 116) umfaßt, die sich von der Ober- und Unterseite
seiner entgegengesetzten Enden erstrecken, und daß die Stützen (42) einen zwischen
die Vorsprünge passenden Teil aufweisen und ein Befestigungsteil (134, 135) sich durch
die Vorsprünge und diesen Teil erstreckt, um den Träger an der Stütze festzulegen.
8. Raumteilersystem nach Anspruch 7, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Stütze
einen sich vertikal erstreckenden quadratischen Pfosten (102) und eine damit verbundene
zylindrische Hülle (103) umfaßt, die eine Deckfläche aufweist und einen umfangsgerichteten
Schlitz (120), der den zwischen die Vorsprünge (115, 116) passenden Teil bildet.
9. Raumteilersystem nach Anspruch 8, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auf der
Hülle (103) ein Käfig (140) angeordnet ist, der einen Pfostenverlängerungssockel (145)
trägt und die Durchführung der Verdrahtung durch die Stütze erlaubt.
10. Raumteilersystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß ein zweiter Konstruktionsträger (90, 91, 92) wenigstens an einem Ende am ersten
Konstruktionsträger (40) befestigt ist und von diesem getragen wird.
11. Raumteilersystem nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der zweite Träger
(90) etwa in der Mitte des ersten Trägers (40) befestigt ist.
12. Raumteilersystem nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß
der Führungskanal des ersten Trägers (40) einen entfernbaren Mitteilteil (189) zur
wahlweisen Freilegung von Tragteilen für den zweiten Träger umfaßt.
13. Raumteilersystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß es ein Zubehörteil umfaßt, das lediglich an einem Rand ein sich horizontal und
nach unten erstreckendes Hakenmittel aufweist, um das Zubehörteil, das sich von der
Unterteilung weg erstreckt, zu stützen, wobei das Hakenmittel ein Verschlußplättchen
mit zwei Stellungen umfaßt, in deren einer Einschieben und Entfernen des Hakenmittels
möglich ist, deren andere dies verhindert.
14. Raumteilersystem nach Anspruch 13, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Zubehörteil
eine Arbeitsfläche ist, die durch einen Kragarm von der Unterteilung gehalten ist,
mit Anschlagmitteln vertikal unterhalb den Hakenmitteln, um an der Wand der Unterteilung
anzuschlagen.
15. Raumteilersystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß zwei oder mehrere miteinander verbundene Konstruktionsträger an jedem Ende von
Stützen getragen sind, wobei die Stütze im Verbindungsbereich beiden Konstruktionsträgern
gemeinsam ist und die Stützen Mittel umfassen, um einen Träger zu halten, der sich
unter einem Vielfachen von 45° von diesen weg erstreckt.
16. Raumteilersystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß jede Stütze eine glatte äußere zylindrische Oberfläche hat.