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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to portable partition arrangements for open
office spaces, and the like, and in particular to a utility panel system.
Portable partition systems for open office spaces, and other similar
settings, are well known in the art. Individual partition panels are
interconnected in different configurations to form separate offices or
workstations. The partition panels are extremely durable, and can be
readily disassembled and reassembled into alternative configurations to
meet the ever changing needs of the user. Examples of such partition
systems are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,822,146; 3,831,330; and
4,144,924, which are owned by Steelcase Inc., the assignee of the present
application.
Most such partition panels are capable of being electrified in some
fashion, so as to provide electrical power at the various workstations for
computers, typewriters, dictating equipment, and other electrical
appliances. These partition panels are also typically capable of routing
cabling for telephones, computers, signaling, etc. to the individual
workstations. Examples of such panel wiring systems are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,429,934; 4,060,294; 4,228,834; 4,382,648. Wireways and/or
raceways are normally provided within the interiors of the panels to carry
the utilities throughout the panel system.
The space available in present panel systems for utility raceways is rather
limited. This is particularly true of some of the older style partition
panel systems. The advent of computerized workstations, with sophisticated
communication systems, and other electronic support equipment has greatly
increased the need for partition panels to carry more power and cabling
throughout the panel system.
Since many users have already made a design commitment, as well as a
substantial financial investment in a particular type of existing
partition panel system, which panel system is otherwise fully functionable
and operable, it would clearly be beneficial to be able to easily adapt
each such existing panel system for use in workstations having high
intensity electrical requirements. Furthermore, it would also be highly
beneficial to adapt such existing partition panel systems in a way that
preserves their original aesthetic design theme or look, so as to avoid a
cobbled or fragmented appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a utility panel system,
wherein each panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a
foot and opposite sides shaped for connection with like panel frames to
create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are
detachably connected to the opposite faces of the panel frame to enclose
the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal
utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of the
panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have
open ends located at the opposite panel sides, such that when adjacent
panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility
troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways.
Panel connectors are preferably provided to connect the utility panels with
one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, and thereby permit
the utility panels to act as a spine which supplies utilities to the
existing partition panels.
In another aspect of the present invention, each panel frame includes at
least two vertical uprights positioned adjacent the ends of the utility
troughs, which extend laterally outwardly thereof to avoid encroachment
into the horizontal raceways, and simultaneously create at least one
vertical raceway through the interior portion of the utility panel.
Communication between the horizontal and vertical raceways permits
utilities to be routed therebetween within the interior of the utility
panel.
The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a utility
panel system capable of providing increased power and cabling to the
various workstations in an open office arrangement. Each utility panel is
relatively thick, with multiple horizontal troughs which align when
adjacent utility panels are interconnected. Panel connectors are provided
for the attachment of existing partition panels, such that the utility
panels function as a spine to supply utilities to each string of partition
panels, thereby extending the effective life of existing partition panel
systems. The utility panels are preferably configured so that they are
visually and functually compatible with the existing partition system.
Further, the utility panels and panel connectors are preferably universal
in structure, such that the utility panel system can be readily adapted
for use with a plurality of different types of partition panel systems.
Removable panel surfaces facilitate ready access to the panel interiors to
facilitate wiring and the like. An open, skeleton-like panel framework
provides a very rigid, yet lightweight structure with sufficient interior
space to house increased utilities, as well as to mount various equipment
either partially or wholly within the confines of the panel. The utility
panel has an uncomplicated design that can be easily and quickly
assembled, is efficient in use, economical to manufacture, capable of a
long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and
appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following
written specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility panel system embodying the
present invention, wherein utility panels, and existing partition panels
are shown in a partially disassembled condition.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the utility panel system illustrated in
FIG. 2, wherein the utility panels, and existing partition panels are
shown in a fully assembled condition.
FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a utility panel.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the utility panel.
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the utility panel.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a pair of utility panels directly
interconnected in a side-by-side relationship.
FIG. 6A is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the directly
interconnected utility panels, taken along the line VIA--VIA of FIG. 6.
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a pair of utility panels interconnected an
in-line panel connector.
FIG. 7A is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the utility
panels and in-line panel connector, taken along the line VIIA--VIIA of
FIG. 7.
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a pair of utility panels interconnected by a
spacer panel connector.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the utility
panels and spacer panel connector, taken along the line IX--IX of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of a utility panel and existing
panel interconnected by a T-panel connector.
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a pair of utility panels interconnected by a
T-panel connector.
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a pair of utility panels interconnected by an
L-panel connector.
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a second style existing
partition panel.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a panel connector adapted for use in
conjunction with the partition panel illustrated in FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a storage bin mounted on a utility panel.
FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the storage bin
attachment to the utility panel.
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a pair of utility panels
interconnected with a partition panel by a T-panel connector.
FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, horizontal cross-sectional view of the utility
panel, taken along the line XVIII--XVIII of FIG. 21.
FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, horizontal cross-sectional view of the utility
panel, taken along the line XIX--XIX of FIG. 21.
FIG. 20 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the
utility panel, taken along the line XX--XX of FIG. 21.
FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a removable cover panel for
the utility panel.
FIG. 22 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the
utility panel.
FIG. 23 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of a center cover
panel portion of the utility panel illustrated in FIG. 22, taken along the
line XXIII--XXIII of FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the center cover panel
illustrated in FIG. 22.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a combination panel system incorporating
the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 26A is a front elevational view of the FIG. 26 embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 27 is an exploded, perspective view of the FIG. 26 embodiment of the
present invention, wherein adjacent utility panels are interconnected by a
hinged, in-line panel connector.
FIG. 28 is a fragmentary, horizontal cross-sectional view of the utility
panels illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the hinged, in-line panel connector
illustrated in FIGS. 26-28.
FIG. 30 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the utility panel
illustrated in FIGS. 26-27.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present
invention, wherein three utility panels are interconnected by a T-panel
connector.
FIG. 32 is a fragmentary, horizontal cross-sectional view of the T-panel
connector illustrated in FIG. 31.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present
invention, wherein four utility panels are interconnected by an X-panel
connector.
FIG. 34 is a fragmentary, horizontal cross-sectional view of the X-panel
connector illustrated in FIG. 33.
FIG. 35 is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right",
"left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof
shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1-5. However, it is to
understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientation
and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It
is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following
specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts
defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
The reference numeral 1 (FIG. 1) generally designates a utility panel
system embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, a
plurality of individual utility panels 2 are provided, each having a
relatively thick, skeleton-like frame 3, with a foot 4 and opposite sides
5 and 6 shaped for connection with like panel frames 3 to create a
substantially freestanding utility panel system. Removable cover panels 7
(FIGS. 2 and 3) are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each of
the panel frames 3 to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the
panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs 8 (FIG. 1) extend continuously
between the opposite sides 5 and 6 of each panel frame 3 in a vertically
stacked relationship. The utility troughs 8 have open ends 9 located at
the opposite panel sides 5 and 6, such that when adjacent utility panels 2
are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs 8
are aligned to form multiple raceways in which various utilities can be
carried. Panel connectors 10 are provided to connect the utility panels 2
with each other, and/or one or more of a variety of existing partition
panels, such as the partition panels 11 and 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. In
this configuration, utility panels 2 function as a spine which supplies
utilities to strings of existing partition panels 11 and 12.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, utility panel system 1
is particularly adapted to route a wide variety of different utilities to
the individual workstations within the open office. In the present
example, utility panel system 1 is particularly adapted to route
electrical wiring, and the like, such as 110 volt and 220 volt power
lines, signal cables, communication lines, and other similar wiring and
cabling that is required to equip and support modern office equipment.
However, it is to be understood that other forms of utilities, such as
fluid pipes for water, cooling, gases, fuels and the like, as well as air
conditioning ducts, and other related utilities can also be routed through
the utility panel system 1, such that the term "utilities" as used herein,
is intended to include all such facilities.
With reference to FIGS. 3-6a, each utility panel 2 has a substantially
similar construction, such that common reference numerals shall be used
throughout for ease of description. Each utility panel 2 comprises an open
skeleton-like frame 3 on which cover panels 7 are supported. A top cap 15
is provided to enclose and trim the upper portion of utility panel 2, and
a base assembly 16 provides a utility power system along the lower portion
of the utility panel 2, as described in greater detail hereinafter.
The illustrated panel frame 3 includes five separate utility channels or
troughs 8a-8e, each of which extends generally horizontally between the
opposite sides 5 and 6 of utility panel 2. Utility troughs 8a-8e are
arranged in a mutual parallel, vertically stacked relationship. Each
utility trough 8a-8e has a generally U-shaped side elevational
configuration adapted to receive and retain various utilities therein.
Utility troughs 8a-e are substantially identical in construction, and
include a base or web 18, with a pair of upstanding flanges 19 and 20 at
opposite sides of web 18. Utility troughs 8a-e are relatively wide, in the
nature of 2-3 inches, and deep around 3-4 inches, and form channel-shaped
wireways or raceways 21a-e designed for maximum utility carrying capacity,
without unnecessarily impinging upon the interior space of utility panel
2. Utility troughs 8a-e are extremely rigid, and in the illustrated
example, are constructed from formed sheet metal. Utility troughs are
preferably constructed extremely rigid so that they not only form secure
raceways 22a-e, but also provide structural rigidity and support to the
overall panel frame 3.
Four vertical uprights 22a-d are positioned adjacent the opposite ends of
utility troughs 8a-e, and are shaped to support cover panels 7 thereon.
Vertical uprights 22a-d are positioned at the exteriors of utility troughs
8a-e, and extend laterally outwardly therefrom to avoid encroachment into
the horizontal utility raceways 21a-e, and simultaneously create two
vertical raceways 27 on opposite sides of the interior of the associated
utility panel 2. In the illustrated example, vertical uprights 22 are
substantially identical in construction, and comprise a rigid, hollow
extrusion or tube which has a substantially rectangular horizontal
cross-sectional shape (FIG. 6), comprising front and rear faces 23 and 24,
and interior and exterior side faces 25 and 26 respectively. The rear
faces 24 of vertical uprights 22a-d are fixedly attached to the exterior
surfaces of flanges 19 and 20 of each of the utility troughs 8a-e. In the
example shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the exterior side faces 26 of vertical
uprights 22a-d are positioned in-line or flush with the ends 9 of the
associated utility troughs 8a-e. Vertical uprights 22a-d and utility
troughs 8a-e may be fixedly interconnected by a variety of different
fastening techniques, and in the illustrated example are welded together.
The rigid nature of both vertical uprights 22a-d and utility troughs 8a-e,
as well as their rigid interconnection, creates a very strong and rigid
open grid or skeleton-like frame 3, which does not require any auxiliary
cross-bracing or the like, thereby maximizing the usable space within the
interior of the utility panel 2.
In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1-7A, each vertical upright 22a-d
includes a plurality of hanger slots 30 extending through the front face
23 thereof into which hook shaped portions 64 of cover panels 7 are
received, as described in greater detail hereinafter. Panel frame 3
includes three lateral connector brackets 31a-c disposed at the opposite
ends of frame 2, which serve in interconnecting adjacent frames 3 in a
side-by-side relationship. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, connector
brackets 31a-e have a rectangular tubular construction similar to vertical
uprights 22a-d, and extend laterally inbetween the oppositely facing
vertical uprights 22a-b and 22c-d respectively, with opposite ends fixedly
attached thereto. The lowermost connector bracket 31b is positioned at the
lower ends of vertical uprights 22, the uppermost connector bracket 31a is
positioned directly below the uppermost utility trough 8a, and the medial
connector bracket 31c is positioned inbetween utility troughs 8b and 8c.
Each connector bracket 31a-c includes a fastener aperture 32 which extends
laterally through the connector bracket in a direction parallel with the
opposite faces of utility panel 2.
Each panel frame 3 also includes a dual glide foot assembly 4 attached to
the lower ends of vertical uprights 22a-d at the opposite sides of utility
panel 2. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, each panel foot assembly 4
includes a pair of C-shaped brackets 35 having their upper ends fixedly
attached to the lower ends of vertical uprights 22a-d, and their lower
ends interconnected by a rigid strap 36. Each side of the foot assembly 4
includes a pair of threaded apertures in which glide feet 37 are
threadedly received. Axial rotation of glide feet 37 with respect to foot
brackets 35 adjusts the relative height of panel frame 3. By providing
each foot assembly 4 with a pair of vertically adjustable glide feet 37,
utility panel 2 has good freestanding support, and the angular orientation
of the utility panel with respect to the floor surface can be readily
adjusted.
Each of the illustrated utility troughs 8a-e (FIG. 3) includes two pairs of
notches or cutouts 40 extending through the upper edges of channel flanges
19 and 20. The flange notches 40 are positioned generally adjacent to the
opposite ends of the utility troughs 8a-e, and are shaped to permit wires
and/or other utilities to be pulled out from the associated utility
trough, and routed into and through one of the vertical raceways 27. In
this manner, wires, or the like can be easily brought to a service point
at various vertical heights along utility panel 2, or routed through a
different one of the utility troughs 8a-e, as best illustrated in FIG. 1.
A raceway cover 41 (FIG. 3) may be used to enclose one or more of utility
troughs 8, and has an inverted U-shaped configuration, having a central
web 43, and depending flanges 44 along opposite sides thereof. The flanges
44 of raceway cover 41 are spaced so as to closely receive the opposite
flanges 19 and 20 of utility troughs 8a-e therein to form a secure, closed
raceway 21. The illustrated cover 41 includes notches 45 through side
flanges 44, which align with the associated notches 40 in utility troughs
8a-e to permit wires to be routed into and through the vertical raceways
27.
The base assembly 16 (FIGS. 3-5) serves to enclose that portion of panel
frame 3 disposed below the lowermost utility trough 8e, and comprises an
upwardly facing, U-shaped base channel 50, with a pair of removable covers
51 and 52. Base channel 50 includes a flat web 53 which extends along the
floor surface, and a pair of upstanding, flexible flanges 54, which serve
as light seals along the base of utility panel 2. Glide feet 35 protrude
through apertures in base web 53 to engage the floor directly. The base
side covers 51 and 52 are detachable connected with panel frame 3, and
enclose that portion of the panel frame disposed between the light seal
flanges 54 and the lowermost edge of cover panels 7. Side covers 51 and 52
are manually removable with a snap fastener, or the like, so as to readily
access any utilities placed therein, such as the illustrated powerway 56.
Powerway 56 is the subject copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
377,892 filed Jul. 10, 1989, entitled Modular Powerway For Partition
Panels and the Like, which is assigned to the assignee of the present
application, and is hereby incorporated herein by reference. However, it
is to be understood that other types of powerways, and/or wiring systems
can also be used in conjunction with utility panel 2.
Cover panels 7 (FIGS. 3-5) serve to cover the opposite faces of panel frame
3. In the illustrated example, each face of panel frame 3 includes three
separate removable cover panels, comprising an upper cover panel 7a, a
lower cover panel 7b, and intermediate cover panel 7c. Cover panels 7a-7c
have a generally similar construction, comprising a rigid, pan-shaped
inner panel 58 constructed of formed sheet metal or the like, comprising a
flat front face 59, and inwardly bent marginal edges 60-63. In the cover
panels 7a-c shown in FIGS. 3-5, hook shaped tabs or fasteners 64 are
mounted on the side edges 62 and 63 of inner panel 58, and are shaped to
be received within the hanger slots 30 of vertical uprights 22a-d. A
fabric, or other similar cover layer 65 may be attached to the exterior of
inner panel 58, and drawn around the marginal edges 60-63 thereof, so as
to present a neat finished exterior appearance. Adhesive, or other similar
fastening means may be used to attach the cover layer 65 to inner panel
58.
Each of the cover panels 7a-c illustrated in FIG. 6, is shaped so that the
side edges 62 and 63 are positioned substantially flush with the exterior
side faces 26 of vertical uprights 22a-d. In this manner, when adjacent
utility panels 2 are directly interconnected in a side-by-side
relationship, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the side edges 60 and 61 of
cover panel 7a-c will abut. The upper and lower edges 62 of each of the
cover panels 7a-c are spaced apart selected distances in accordance with
the spacing of utility troughs 8a-e, and/or location of hanging furniture
articles. In the illustrated example, the upper cover panel 7a has a
height selected such that its upper edge 60 is generally flush with the
upper ends of vertical uprights 22a-d, while its lower edge 61 is
positioned generally flush with the bottom of utility trough 8b. The lower
cover panel 7b has its lower edge 61 positioned substantially coplanar
with the uppermost edge of base cover 51, and its upper edge 60 positioned
substantially coplanar with the top of utility trough 8c. Intermediate
cover panel 7c, has its upper and lower edges 60 and 61 positioned to abut
the lower edge 61 of upper panel 7a, and the upper edge 60 of lower panel
7b, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the upper edge 60 of
intermediate panel 7c is disposed substantially coplanar with the bottom
of utility trough 8b, and its lower edge 61 positioned substantially
coplanar with the top of utility trough 8c. In this manner, removal of
upper cover panel 7a provides ready access to utility troughs 8a and 8b,
removal of lower cover panel 7b provides ready access to utility troughs
8d and 8e, and removal of intermediate cover panel 7c provides access to
center utility trough 8c.
Adjacent utility panels 2 are adapted to be interconnected in a
side-by-side relationship in a number of different fashions, as required
by a particular installation. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and
6A, adjacent utility panels 2 are directly interconnected, with the
exterior faces 26 of adjacent vertical uprights 22a-d abutting one
another. The two centermost utility panels 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 are
directly interconnected in this fashion. In this embodiment, through bolts
68 (FIGS. 6 & 6A) are inserted through the apertures 32 of each adjacent
pair of connector brackets 31a-c. A nut 69 is threaded onto the free end
of each bolt 68, and tightened, so that adjacent utility panels 2 are
securely interconnected in the illustrated flush relationship. This type
of flush interconnection can be used when it is not necessary to hang
furniture articles from the utility panels 2. When utility panels 2 are
interconnected in the flush relationship discussed above, the ends 9 of
adjacent utility troughs 8a-e are aligned and in sufficiently close
proximity to form a substantially continuous raceway throughout the
utility panel system 1.
Alternative techniques for interconnecting adjacent utility panels 2 are
illustrated in FIGS. 7-17 wherein different style panel connectors 10 are
used, particularly when utility panels 2 are used as a spine to feed
strings of existing partition panels, such as the illustrated partition
panels 11 and 12. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, partition panels
11 and 12 represent two different styles of existing partition panels that
are presently manufactured and sold by Steelcase Inc., assignee of the
present application. Partition panel 12 is a partially schematic
illustration of a panel manufactured and sold by Steelcase Inc. under the
"Series 9000" trademark, additional details of which are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,144,924 and 4,203,639, as identified in Applicant's associated
Information Disclosure Statement. In general, each of the "Series 9000"
partition panels 12 includes a two-piece bracket 72 mounted along both
side edges thereof in which flexible hinge strips 73 are received and
retained. The use of a single hinge strip 73 to interconnect adjacent
"Series 9000" panels permits the 12 partition panels to be rotated with
respect to one another, whereas the use of two hinge strips 73
interconnects adjacent "Series 9000" panels in a fixed in-line condition.
A different style partition panel is indicated by the reference numeral 11,
and in the illustrated example, comprises a panel manufactured and sold by
Steelcase Inc. under the "Valencia" trademark, additional details of which
are apparent from the Applicant's associated Information Disclosure
Statement. Unlike the flexible hinge connector arrangement incorporated
into the "Series 9000" panel system discussed above, the ""Valencia""
panel system employs separate connector posts 75 to interconnect adjacent
partition panels 11. Each "Valencia" brand partition panel has a pair of
windowed brackets 76 (FIG. 14) attached to the opposite sides thereof, and
the connector posts 75 have a mating tab bracket 77, which interlocks with
the windowed bracket 76, as described in greater detail hereinafter. The
"Valencia" connector post rigidly interconnects adjacent partition panels
11 in either an in-line, "T", or "X" configuration.
It is to be understood that while utility panel system 1 is disclosed
herein for use in conjunction with Steelcase "Series 9000" and "Valencia"
brand partition panels 11 and 12, it is equally applicable to other types
of partition systems, including those associated with panel manufacturers
other than Steelcase Inc.
The panel connector 10 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 7A is particularly
designed for interconnecting utility panels 2 that are used in conjunction
with Steelcase "Series 9000" brand partition panels 12. The illustrated
in-line panel connector is designated by the reference numeral 80, and in
general comprises two pairs of brackets 81 and 82, which are shaped to be
fastened to the rear faces 24 of vertical uprights 22a-d by suitable
fastening means, such as the illustrated bolts 83. As best illustrated in
FIG. 10, brackets 81 and 82 have a generally L-shaped top plan
configuration, and are elongate, extending generally along the entire side
of utility panel frame 3. Each bracket 81 and 82 has a two-part
construction, with a channel 84 formed inbetween the outer and inner
bracket halves 81a and 81b at the outwardly extending flange 85 thereof,
which is shaped similar to the bracket 72 in the "Series 9000" panels so
as to receive a flexible hinge 73 therein. The opposite flange 86 and
bracket 84 includes cut out notches 87 in which the ends 9 of utility
troughs 8a-e are received, and apertures 88 through which the fastener
bolts 83 extend to mount the brackets 81 and 82 to the vertical uprights
22 a-d. Three spacer blocks 89 are also provided, and are positioned
between the three connector brackets 31a-c of panel frame 3. Each
connector block 89 includes a longitudinally extending aperture 90 in
which through bolts 68 are received, as best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and
7A. Connector blocks 89 fill in the space or gap formed between the ends 9
of adjacent utility troughs 8a-e, so that the raceway 21 has a
substantially continuous construction. Two flexible hinges 73 (FIG. 7)
interconnect both pairs of brackets 81 and 82, and thereby create a visual
appearance very similar to that of the "Series 9000" panels 12 to maintain
a uniform design theme.
An in-line spacer connector 94 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, and is
somewhat similar to the in-line connector 80 described above. Spacer
connector 94 is also adapted to be used in conjunction with utility panels
2 that are to be interconnected with "Series 9000" panels 12, and includes
two pairs of brackets 95 and 96, which are substantially identical to the
brackets 81 and 82 of in-line connector 80. Bolts 97 attach the interior
flanges 98 of brackets 95 and 96 to the rear faces 24 of vertical uprights
22a-d. The exterior flanges 99 of brackets 95 and 96 each carry a channel
100 in which one of the side beads of flexible hinge 73 is received, and a
series of slots 101 in which furniture articles, such as the binder bin
108 illustrated in FIG. 15, may be hung. Three connector blocks 102,
somewhat longer than connector blocks 89, are provided to span the
distance between the three connector brackets 31a-c of adjacent utility
panels 2. Each connector block 102 includes two threaded apertures 103 in
which mounting bolts 104 are threadedly secured. A pair of filler posts
105 are positioned inbetween brackets 95 and 96, and include a generally
flat outer surface 106 designed to mate aesthetically with the exterior
appearance of utility panels 2. Each filler post 105 includes a plurality
of inwardly facing, U-shaped clips 107 attached to the interior face
thereof, in which the side edges of connector blocks 102 are received to
secure filler post 105 in place. In the illustrated example, U-shaped
clips 107 have a snap lock detent which mates with associated recesses in
the connector blocks 102 to securely, yet removably retain the filler
posts 105 in place.
A T-panel connector 110 is illustrated in FIG. 11, and incorporates parts
identical to those already described hereinabove. More specifically,
T-panel connector 110 includes two pairs of brackets 111 and 112, which
are substantially identical to previously described brackets 81-82 and
95-96. Three connector blocks 113, identical to connector blocks 102,
extend between the three connector brackets 31a-c of adjacent panel frames
3, and are securely interconnected thereto by bolts 114. A single filler
post 115, identical to one of the filler posts 105, is mounted on one side
of the adjacent utility panels 2, and a pair of flexible hinges 73 attach
a standard "Series 9000" panel 12 to the bracket pair 111 on the opposite
side of utility panels 2.
An L-panel connector 120 is illustrated in FIG. 12, and is adapted to
interconnect two adjacent utility panels 2 in a 90 degree configuration.
L-panel connector 120 includes a generally L-shaped frame 121 with two
pairs of brackets 122 and 123, similar to brackets 81 and 82 attached to
the opposite flanges thereof. U-shaped clips 124 are received over the
connector brackets 31a-c of adjacent vertical uprights 22a-e, and include
bolts 125 to securely interconnect the same. A single, flexible hinge 73
interconnects the bracket pair 123 on the interior side of the utility
panels 2, while an L-shaped cover 126 extends between and encloses the
free ends of connector frame 121.
An alternative T-panel connector 77 is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, and
is particularly adapted for interconnecting two utility panels 2 with a
.music-flat.Valencia" style partition panel 11 in a T-configuration. The
"Valencia" T-panel connector 77 comprises a central fastener web 131,
having a pair of L-shaped channels 132 and 133 fixedly interconnected
along opposite sides thereof. The connector channels 132 and 133 include
fastener apertures 134 through which fasteners are inserted to attach the
connector 77 to the rearward faces 24 of adjacent vertical uprights 22a &
c and 22b & d respectively, in a fashion substantially identical to the
attachment of connector 80, as described above. In a T-configuration, a
cover panel (not shown) is positioned over the connector 77 that is not
attached to a partition panel 11. The web 131 of connector 130 carries
outwardly protruding tabs 135 which are matingly received through windows
136 in the connector bracket 76 of an adjacent "Valencia" panel 11. A
collar 137 is mounted at the upper end of web 131, and is engagingly
received by an enlarged portion 138 of a lock bolt 139 on "Valencia" panel
12. Windows 140 are formed through the web 131 of connector 77, and are
positioned for alignment with the utility troughs 8a-e of an associated
utility panel 2, such that the utilities, such as wires, and the like can
be routed from the utility troughs 8a-e of the associated utility panel 2
through bracket windows 140, and into the interior of "Valencia" panel 12.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, utility panels 2 are particularly
adapted to be interconnected in an in-line relationship using either a
flush type connection (FIGS. 6-6A), or one of the panel connectors 10 to
form a central spine from which strings of partition panels 11 and 12
T-off in a 90 degree orientation. The additional utility carrying
capability of the utility panels 2 thereby greatly increases the effective
life and operation of the existing panels 11 and 12 by adapting them for
use in electrically intensive workstations. Also, the fact that different
panel connectors 10 can be attached to the same utility panel 2, lends
universal functionality to the utility panel system 2 and adapts the same
for use with a wide variety of different types of partition systems. The
different panel connectors 10 not only account for the different fastening
techniques used to interconnect various partition panels, but they also
replicate the outward appearance of the particular panel system, so that
the utility panels 2 blend in visually as well as functionally. Superior
distribution and management of communications, signal cabling and
electrical power, network connections, as well as HVAC is also achieved by
permitting the utility panels 2 to carry the major burden or load of the
utilities.
FIG. 17 illustrates a pair of utility panels 2 interconnected with a
"Series 9000" panel 12 in a "T" configuration. An alternative filler post
144 is illustrated for use in conjunction with thinner partition panels,
as well as an associated top cap 145 to enclose the upper portion of the
Joint. A standard style top can 146 is also illustrated for use in
conjunction with filler post 105. An end cap 146 is provided to cover the
end of utility panel 2 in an end-of-run condition, and has a construction
generally similar to filler post 105. The intermediate cover panel 7c
illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a flexible accessway disposed along the
lower edge 61 thereof. In the illustrated example, the lower edge 61 of
cover panel 7b includes an elongate notch 148 which is selectively closed
by a flexible strip 149, in nature of a brush or bristle, which is mounted
immediately behind notch 148 by a clip 150 (FIG. 21). Flexible strip 149
permits wires to be easily drawn out from utility trough 8c, while
maintaining a neat, closed appearance.
As best illustrated in FIG. 22, intermediate cover panels 7c may also have
a second notch 153 and associated flexible strip 154 disposed along the
upper edge 60 thereof. In this fashion, wires and/or other utilities can
be easily drawn from utility trough 7b through the upper notch 153 and
associated flexible strip 154.
Also illustrated in FIG. 22 is an optional top power-in channel assembly
157, which includes an end channel 158 that mounts with bolts (not shown)
along one side of utility panel 2, and includes a closure cap 159, or an
alternative top power-in extender tube 160. The utility panel 2
illustrated in FIG. 22 also includes an alternative top panel assembly or
clerestory 162, which mounts to the top of utility panel 2, and can be
used to extend the overall height of the utility panel.
FIG. 25 illustrates a combination of utility panels 2 and "Series 9000"
panels 12 that includes a mating door frame 163, hanging binder bins 108,
and freestanding furniture 164.
FIGS. 26-34 illustrate yet another embodimen | | |
