JPS61207120A - Modular combination floor support and electric separation system for use in building construction - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With the advent of the so-called computer revolution, many business organizations use computers of all types on a daily basis. For example, manufacturing and sales companies store all or most of their statistical information, including marketing information, inventory control, and payroll data, on computers.

However, even with the high electrical and mechanical efficiency of modern computers, these computers still generate significant heat. Because of their operating characteristics, they require relatively high voltages and high supply input currents, and also involve the use of very high currents at low voltages, usually direct current (DC).

Computers require carefully controlled temperature and humidity environments. This has evolved into the existence of so-called computer rooms in large offices or similar installations.A normal computer room has a heating system suitable for its requirements,
It is distinguished from other rooms to accommodate the special needs of computers by having ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) capabilities and by being wired to provide high-power AC and DC electrical services. It is a room or area where

The actual computer itself and its peripherals (drives, printers, etc.) are usually placed on a false floor that superficially resembles a false ceiling. False floors differ in that they can withstand much heavier weights than can be supported by false ceilings. False floors are created in computer rooms not only to support the computers themselves, but also to provide space under the computer work floor, perhaps primarily to install and maintain electrical wires and connectors used with the computer. .

In many computer rooms, air conditioning evaporators are also located on the floor. The present invention is not only compatible with these systems, but also provides alternative designs to these ideas if desired. As computers grow in size or in number, either with increased capacity or replacement of parts, there is always a need to change the wiring and environmental control ducts. A proper computer room therefore includes sufficient space not only for the computer itself, peripherals such as tape or disk drives, etc. (but also for printers and other types of equipment with numerous mechanical parts). The room must provide access to these machines by computer workers who require an uncongested floor available for computer work and maintenance. targets and other connections are usually obtained through the floor.

Computer room design is regulated by local fire and building codes. These regulations commonly require the separation of at least three different types of conductors. These are heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts that ensure that fresh air, return air, heating and cooling air, and the like are channeled into the computer room without being contaminated by sluice or uncontrolled ventilation sources. Contains. For the protection of building occupants and machinery, it is essential that air circulation systems have fairly good protection against the generation, inhalation and circulation of smoke, toxic gases or vapors.

The code also requires that high voltage wiring not only be insulated by itself, but also sheathed or protected within its own wireway or conduit and electrical grounding system, so that the wiring Requires no mechanical damage in the working environment. Low voltage wiring must be protected as well. In other words, insulated wires containing protective rubber and plastic insulation layers can cause fire or shock hazards if the protective coating is breached during the performance of non-computer-related tasks.

The present invention includes a plurality of columns, a plurality of cross-branches, and a plurality of walls and floors arranged at vertically spaced levels to define a supporting floor area for electrical conductors. panels and separate spaces for the conductors and air passages and forming vertically extending passageways through which air can flow and through which conductors can extend between levels; and a wall panel disposed on the floor. The present invention also provides a method for supporting a computer and protectively isolating electrical conductors with modular support and isolation elements.

The manner in which the invention may be carried out will become more apparent upon reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, set forth by way of example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a blood sampling plate for installing in a position of use and providing work area and computer floor support, protective separation for conduits, and a means of demarcating ducts for the conduction of conditioned air. 1 is a perspective view, partially cut away and with some parts removed, illustrating a work area support floor and conduit protection assembly of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 2 illustrates the adjustable height column of the present invention, the top and middle arm units, and the intermediate panel and support through which it accommodates and positions both the floor and wall panels. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a single intermediate floor, and illustrates the unit in an assembled position with the floor panel supported on the top, and a single lower or intermediate floor panel in an installed position; 1 is a perspective view of the support system of the present invention, illustrating a single wall panel; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view, partially cut away, illustrating the strut, arm, and panel support unit of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the top support arm in a used position at the top of the strut of FIGS. 1-3; FIG.

6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cross-section arm and panel support unit taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4; FIG.

7 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 4 and illustrating another aspect of the strut and panel support assembly of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 8 is a vertical top view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 5 and illustrating a portion of the upper floor support assembly in cross section.

9 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 5 illustrating details of the top panel support assembly; FIG.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view, partially schematic in nature, illustrating the arrangement of air passages including vertically extending passages for open air;

Figure 1) is a vertical, partially schematic in nature, showing the arrangement of horizontally and vertically running, protectively separated passages for electrical cables servicing computers fixed on the main support floor. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a vertical section, partially schematic in nature, showing the arrangement of horizontal and vertical passageways and floor supports for other electrical cables extending through the horizontal and vertical passageways in the flooring system of the present invention; It is a diagram.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified example of a support structure made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a first diagram illustrating a mechanical down-fixation/electrical grounding system that places the floor panel on top of the support strut;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing how certain portions of the wall panel can be rotated between collapsed and extended positions to facilitate installation.

Although it will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to a large number of installations and the construction details thereof may vary, it will be appreciated that a top layer combination mechanical support and work floor extending horizontally above, a lower layer conductor support floor and walkway, and an intermediate structure suitable for supporting other sets of cables or similar conductors within its own separate walkway. A preferred form of the present invention will now be described. Accordingly, although the drawings illustrate the top, bottom and intermediate support floors located above the floors of the building,
It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a single intermediate floor and conduit assembly, or such intermediate floors on two sides forming separate passageways.

Similarly, although preferred forms of floor and panel module assemblies are described, some variation in the form of the structure described may occur due to manufacturing or assembly reasons;
It will be understood that such modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a partitioned room area 2 generally indicated at 20 and bounded in part by a vertically extending room wall 24 having an HVAC inlet opening 26 of - or more.
A modular support floor and conduit assembly shown installed within 2 and a work floor, indicated generally at 28, is provided to support the computer 30.

In accordance with the present invention, the upper or working support floor, generally designated 28, is comprised of a plurality of solid panels 32.32a, etc. and - or more perforated panels 34.34a, etc. Panel 34 is shown having a plurality of small circular holes 36, and panel 34 is shown having peripheral louvers or ventilation holes 38, with some perforated panels typically contributing air supply and others that contributes to the return air.

The present invention is also shown to include an intermediate conductor support floor, generally designated 40, and including a plurality of identical intermediate floor panels 42; similarly, a lower support floor unit, generally designated 44, includes panels 42 and It is shown to consist of a plurality of lower floor panels 46 which may be of the same shape.

Various vertically extending modular wall panels 48 are provided and include, for example, an intermediate floor 4o and a working support floor 2o.
8, and between the lower floor 44 and the intermediate floor 4.
It is shown that it extends between 0 and 0. Figure 1 shows
Although it is illustrated that a vertically extending panel such as panel 5o spans two floor levels and may be fabricated in one piece, all wall panels in accordance with the present invention are manufactured and manufactured in accordance with the present invention. Due to economic considerations, single
Preferably, it is a story or single-height.

Other major assemblies of the present invention include struts 52 and their associated floor and wall supports 54, and a series of corner braces, shown generally at 56 in FIG. 1 and described in detail below. .

Although a detailed description of the operation of the floor system of the present invention will be provided later, it can be seen from FIG. A conductor 58 is routed onto the lower floor 44 and is capable of extending through a space or separation passageway, generally indicated at 60, terminating below the computer, with the intermediate floor 40 being capable of connecting a source (not shown). M) to the lower digit 1 of the computer part itself
A plurality of conductors 62 are supported extending through passageways 64. Under the computer these conductors are 66.6
Pass through the perforated floor panel shown at 8. A cable or similar contalator 58.62 by extending through its own space or separation passageway as shown.
are protected from mechanical intussusception with each other and protected from the environment. Building floor structure 7o and lower floor 40
The space between the lower surface of also forms a space, generally indicated at 72, for the passage of air that may enter and exit the chamber through the grille 38 or through the opening 36 in the panel 34, for example.

For this purpose, the looper 38 can be considered to provide an inlet air passage and the opening 36 provide a return air passage, as indicated by the arrows. According to the invention, these passages need not be arranged as shown, mechanical separation is provided between cables of different nature, and they are separated from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts for the reasons described. It only needs to be separated by .

Referring to FIG. 2, several elements of the structure of the present invention are illustrated in detail. Thus, with particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, selected mechanical components of the present invention include a vertically extending column 10 having a collar 102 at its bottom.
0, and the threaded height adjustment stud 104 is attached to the post 10.
It is shown extending axially outward from the bottom of 0. The stand 104 is adapted to be housed in a lower fixing plate 1-106 which has a threaded central opening 108 and a plurality of reinforcing recesses 1)0 for increased strength. A stud 104 providing height adjustment may be provided at the upper end of the post 100 if desired.

Alternatively, these parts may be positioned and welded in place at the factory.

Referring to the upper end 1) 2 of the strut 100, the outwardly extending 4
Cross-shaped working support floor arm with book legs 1) 6 1) 4
, and each leg is shown having a drilled fastener receiving opening 1) 8.

As shown, the legs 1)6 on the top armrest 1)4 have a flat top portion 124 and an opposing leg or flange 126 that is vertically or tapered.
128 is suitable for being housed within one open end 120 of a plurality of floor panel supports or girders 122, which are preferably inverted U-shaped in cross-section.

The end 120 of each panel support 122 has an opening 130 for receiving therein a fastener 132 suitable to be received in the opening 1)B in the armrest 1)4. As can be seen, the top armrest 1) 4 rests on the top 120 of the column 100 and each panel support 122 is placed in the opening 130,1.
When 78 is aligned, a fastener 132 can be inserted to secure the structure. after,
Rigid floor panel corner portions 134 and panels 32.32a to form a complete floor (FIG. 1)
A large number of its opponents are arranged, such as .

FIG. 3 shows the assembled form of the disassembled elements of FIG. It shows.

Referring to FIG. 2, the structure of the intermediate support arm and its associated components is illustrated. These parts include an intermediate support arm 140 that is square in cross-section and has a central section that is suitable for being housed on the outside of the square post 100 and that includes four substantially identical legs 142 that extend outwardly.
Contains.

Each leg includes a pair of girder support fingers 144 sandwiched between which is an upturned locating stud 146 suitable for receiving within the opening 14B on the end 150 of the combined floor and wall support girder 152. . The intermediate arm 140 is
For its vertical positioning, it includes a plurality of laterally extending openings 154 for receiving locating pins 156. Referring to the floor and wall support girders 152, each of which is a substantially identical unit is generally H-shaped in cross-section, but preferably in addition to the central section 158.
It has angled legs 160 to facilitate panel assembly operations.

Another element of the intermediate floor and wall system is a floor panel 162 having a downwardly extending peripheral flange 164 and cutout corner portions 166. In the preferred form, the flange 164 extending downwardly from the floor panel 162 has the same slope angle as the sloped wall 160 of the spar 152. An additional key element of the floor and wall support unit is the panel clamp, generally indicated at 170. It has a central opening 172 through which the post 100 extends and a pair of locating ears 17.
4 and an opening 17 for accommodating the positioning pin therein.
Contains 6.

Each clamp also has an opposing angled downwardly bent flange 180, each having a slope generally parallel to the slope forming flange 160 on support 152 and flange 164 on panel 162.
It includes four substantially identical radially outwardly extending panel locks.

Clamp 170 is thus divided in its various portions into four identical panel fourking sections each having opposing blanks from which downwardly extending flanges are formed, and from which opposing upwardly extending flanges are formed. a generally flat surface 18 having a central portion formed
It is made up of 2.

It will be appreciated that when a raised or bonded floor and wall support unit is installed with respect to the crossbar 140, panel 1
62 is placed into the structure and clamps 170 are placed and pinned to place and pin the panel units in their desired assembly positions.

FIG. 3 illustrates another element of the present invention, a wall panel 1 generally corresponding to the vertical wall panel 48 shown in FIG.
84 is illustrated. This panel is not perforated, and in use it and its mating flange 1 of girder 152.
60 and the central section 158 and within the legs or flanges 126, 128 of the upper floor support 122.

As shown in FIG. 3, which illustrates the assembled form of the unit of FIG. End 152 is adjacent post 100;
It is then secured in place by a desired locking system.

For illustrative purposes, Figures 2 and 3 only show a single floor lying below the upper floor, but any number of struts may be provided and the floor and wall panels listed immediately before each opening may be It is understood to position the desired support for.

Referring to FIG. 4, some assembly details of the unit are shown in partial cutaway.

That is, the crossbar 140 surrounds the post 100 and is positioned by the studs 146 and the studs 146 extend through the openings 14B to position the beams 152;
The clamps 170 then provide security for the corner construction of the panels 162 in place and prevent their separation, securing the floor panels in their desired position of use. The clamp also serves to ensure a relatively impermeable corner connection where the panel intersects the column.

According to the invention, the crossbars 140 and clamps 170 can be positioned by pre-drilled openings in the posts 100, or such openings can be formed at the construction site.

6 and 7 illustrate the clamp member 170 being secured by a pin 178 that extends through the post 100 and also through the aperture 154. Clamp flange 180
the clamping action provided by and their stacking relationship to the panel flange 164 and the armrest leg 142
The position of a stand 146 formed therein is illustrated.

FIG. 5 illustrates the positioning of the upper floor support 122 into the use position with the fasteners 132 in place and the mating relationship of the square elements providing a secure corner.

8 and 9 show a cross-section of the support unit 1-122 on the top 1) 2 of the strut 100.

Referring to FIG. 1O, a plurality of struts 100 supporting cross-sections 140 and forming intermediate struts, and a floor panel 3
The installation of the top armrest l14 for 2.32a is illustrated. A perforated or louvered top panel with an air outlet opening 36 is shown forming an air outlet to the chamber above the floor. In addition, there is an imperforate lower floor panel 46 in place positioned by the struts 100, which panel is one after the other, except for spaces or openings provided in portions of the separation passageway bounded by the building structural floor 70. A plurality of vertically extending panels 48 are arranged to form sidewalls of the vertically extending air flow path.

Thus, such a space, which includes horizontally and vertically extending portions by the combination of floor and wall panels, creates a separate space 72 for air passage. It will be appreciated that the airflow can be directed outwardly from the opening 36 or the airflow can be reversed and the duct can serve as a return air duct; importantly, for example, the floor panel 46 or 42 , and only by matching positioning of the wall panels 48 and selected floor panels can supply and return air be provided in the same structure.

1) Figure 1 shows a plurality of columns 100 and a lower floor panel 4.
A similar structure is shown having their associated cross-branches 140 supporting 6 and various vertical wall panels 48 are present to form a space generally designated 60 for the passage of cables. This space lies between the lower floor panels 46 and is delimited by intermediate floor panels 42, in which the space extends horizontally, and by vertical wall panels 48, in which the space is provided. Such panels 48 serve as side walls for both the horizontal and vertically extending portions of the space or passageway 60. Conductor cables 58 are physically supported by floor 46 to comply with code requirements, and they are separated from other conductive cables as previously noted.

Figure 1) shows that other spaces, indicated schematically at 64 and 72, exist in the same structure, but do not form a space in communication with space 60, and are in fact separated therefrom by the present invention. Illustrated.

FIG. 12 illustrates the construction of a space 64 for conductor 62 entering from both sides of the structure and supported on a plurality of floor panels 42 forming floor assembly 44. FIG. A vertically extending wall panel 48 defines a portion of this space that is not bounded by the floor and the underside of the floor panel 32. The panel 66 forming part of the floor unit includes openings through which the cables can pass, so that the space 64 has an exit for these cables. The lower floor element again provides a space separated from the space just described according to the invention.

Referring to additional construction details and particularly to FIGS. 2-9, the floor panel 136 includes a sheet metal cladding layer 20.
0 and a central core 202 made of, for example, particle board, and if desired a carpet (not shown).
can be covered with. These parts may have a lightweight concrete core or may use other types of fillers. Although a modular floor structure is preferred, it is not absolutely necessary for the invention. Vertical columns 100 are preferably made from structural grade steel, and wall and floor supports 122,152 are preferably made from aluminum extrusions or formed steel elements.

The armrest 1) 4, 140 and the clamping unit 170, as well as the pins 156, 178, are preferably made of steel, although other materials may also be suitable. floor panel 16
2 and wall panel 184 are preferably made of steel or other textured material that provides resistance to mice and provides a surface that is substantially impermeable to circulating air and the like. Codes usually require metal-to-metal electrical grounding, so
Most or all of the parts preferably include a corrosion-resistant coating, such as zinc coating or the like. The various components illustrated can include conventional types of gasket materials, such as foam or adhesive-backed tape, if a hermetic air seal is desired.

If acoustic and vibration isolation is important, rubber or other treated materials can be used. The wall panel 48 is
They may be single sheets as shown or they may be connected or hinged along their horizontal centerlines as shown in FIG. Although various pins, screws, etc. are shown as preferred fasteners, the various posts and braces may be pre-drilled for this purpose or assembled by drilling at the construction site.

They may be welded or soldered if appropriate. Adjustment screws, such as studs 104, may be provided for height or level adjustment in a conventional manner, and adjustments may be made at the top or bottom of the column, or both if desired.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, another form of apparatus embodying the invention is illustrated. Figures 13-15 illustrate structural forms that are preferred to meet certain regulations and are necessary or preferred in certain applications or preferred for ease of manufacture.

The structure shown in FIGS. 13-15 is generally similar to that shown in FIGS. 2-9, for example, except that the floor support device, designated generally at 200 in FIG. Holes or slots to facilitate bolting 2
10 includes a strut, such as strut 202, having a lower portion 204 supported on a plate 206, which may include 10. Post 202 includes a collar 212 at its upper end that serves to position a threaded top extension 214 that terminates in a floor tile locating plate attached to its top. This floor tile positioning plate is suitable for vertical positioning by operation of the screw screws 214 and is intended for the fixed positioning of a floor tile, such as the illustrated tile 218, subsequently accommodated thereon. Tile 218 has a lip 220 that is threaded to engage an upturned alignment tab 222 on plate 216 .

As shown, the core of the floor panel 218 is constructed from lightweight concrete material 224 surrounded by a skin 226, such as a metal plate or other material. Because certain codes require grounding for electrical safety, the means described herein are provided to ensure continuous electrical conductivity between the surface of the floor tile and a suitable ground.

Referring again to plate 216, each enlarged head 2
30 and a stem 216 attached to the plate 216.
It is seen that it includes. Referring to FIG. 13, a plurality of girders, generally indicated at 240, are provided and struts 20
2 extends from the central portion 242 in four directions and is supported by a armrest assembly generally indicated at 244. The structural features of this arm and girder structure are similar to those shown in previous figures, but there are some structural differences, which are provided for ease of manufacture and the like.

To this end, each girder 240 includes an upper portion 246 and a lower portion 248 of cross-section with identical contours, and is preferably made of aluminum alloy or rolled steel. As shown in 250,
These grooves are arranged at 250 points at intervals along their length so as to form a compound groove of generally H-shaped cross section.
middle part 252.2 spot welded together at
54, but is contoured with sloped side walls to facilitate the insertion of vertical wall sections intended to accommodate it.

With reference to other differences and similarities in structure illustrated in FIGS. 2-9, means in the form of individual panels 256 are provided to establish a conductor support floor, and these panels are connected to the central section 242 of the column 202. It is cut out at the corner area 258 where it meets the. In these post corner areas, the armrests 244 have cross-shaped sections in plan and penetrate into the open ends of the grooves to secure the groove or barb against vertical movement and align it properly with the posts 202, intermediate It includes a plurality of outwardly extending legs 260° 262 that engage the underside of portion 254.

Certain electrical codes require floor panels 256 and girders 246
Since the electrical line formed by requires the absence of sharp or upturned edges, a contoured floor panel lower fixing unit 264 is provided and the unit 26
Set screw 266 to secure 4 in place
is shown to include. Because of the cross-sectional shape of girder 246, lower fixation unit 264 generally has a keystone or scalene shape when viewed in cross section.

These elements replace their mating armrest and clamp assemblies shown in FIGS. 2-9, but serve the same functional purpose.

Referring to other different features of the construction, the vertical walls, generally designated 270, include an innermost fixed vertical wall section 272;
and the outermost folding partition wall section 2
74. A wall panel such as panel 272 has an axial length corresponding to the length of lower anchorage 264 and, for example, has a top surface of lower anchorage 264;
It extends between a downwardly directed opening in the lower part 248 of the girder located above the panel.

Inner wall element 272 terminates along a vertical end surface 278, and in use this surface 278 contacts a mating end surface 280 of folding vertical partition wall 274.

Referring to FIG. 15, such a hinged partition wall is shown to be divided into upper and lower sections, indicated at 282 and 284, respectively, each section having an enlarged width foot 288 between them. It includes an outwardly projecting stiffening section 286 having a pair of spaced side walls 290, 292 that embrace edges 294 of the panel 296 itself.

Along the lower edge 298 of the panel 296 is a female portion 300 of the hinge assembly, indicated generally at 302, and at the upper edge 306 of the lower wall 284 is an enlarged flared cylindrical end 3.
It is shown that 04 is formed. In the manner of a piano hinge or similar continuous hinge, the two cooperating sections 304 and 300 provide a flexible folding motion of approximately 80" to 90 degrees of arc to these sections. Rigidization for the lower section 306 Member 308 includes side walls 310, 312 that embrace an edge 314 of the main panel. A foot portion 316 or the like forms the lower edge of the panel;
and is suitable for being housed in groove 320, for example.

As can be seen, a vertically extending wall can be constructed by simply folding one such wall-forming assembly along its horizontal centerline, positioning it between adjacent ribs, and forming a vertically extending wall by simply folding one such wall-forming assembly along its horizontal centerline, and positioning it between adjacent ribs.
8.316 can be formed by pivoting the two wall sections at their central pivot points such that groove 246.316 moves into the appropriate opening of the groove, such as groove 246.320. Simply pivoting the hinges to the open position locks the panel in place and forms the proper vertical wall. Referring again to column 202, the various shaped sections are formed to ensure a tight bond in this area, only providing means for removably positioning the girders supporting floor panels and the like. is necessary.

Referring to FIG. 14, an enlarged vertical cross-section of a floor tile sump fixture is illustrated. In this area, a cap section, generally indicated at 330, is provided and an outer shell 33 housing a captured coil spring 334 therein.
Contains 2. Radial flange 33 of cap section
6 is mechanically secured to the lower metal surface 338 of the panel 338, such as by crimping or spot welding.

Accordingly, when assembling floor tile 218, the corner τ of a tile such as floor tile 218 is aligned with an opening generally designated 340 therein, and the pin unit 2
By simply positioning it overlying 28 and pushing downward, head 230 is snugly received within coil spring 334 and shell 332, serving to form electrical and mechanical contact. A good electrical grounding, as required by certain regulations, is therefore established in this area.

The exact structural details of the struts and wall and floor support panels can be further varied and still fall within the scope of the invention. However, while maintaining relatively accurate positioning, ease of assembly, and modular structure,
A preferred form providing ease of construction and assembly has been illustrated. However, safety and protection are not compromised and as much of the material as possible is rugged, self-supporting, and has the necessary strength to support computers or other heavy floor loads when erected. It is extremely stiff and has the necessary stiffness to support cables and other dead loads and provide the necessary mechanical isolation.

Referring again to FIG. 14, installations with fixed locating pins on the strut structure and spring connections that are part of the panel may be accomplished by providing sockets for spring fasteners in the panel and using a system that includes a spring connection that is part of the panel. It is possible to fix the outer spring to the panel by means of a tool, so that the spring forming contact with the post for rounding purposes extends outside the panel instead of lying inside the panel, and in some cases It will be appreciated that this is preferred.

If the flannel is rigid at the flannel, as in the embodiment of FIG. 13, the girder or groove need not support the flannel. In such cases, a non-load-bearing panel may be provided below the floor panel simply to position the vertical sidewall panel.

Although panel 218 is shown as having a concrete core and a metal exterior, it will be appreciated that any panel meeting appropriate codes is acceptable.

Referring to the assembly of a typical modular floor support and conduit protection assembly, the preferred sequence is to place the columns in their desired locations after surveying and layout, and then place the bottom set of support struts on top of the columns. and positioning them at the desired level height.

The lowest floor section is then constructed by installing appropriate panels, leaving the vertical duct section intact.

After the floor panel is inserted, the clamps are placed and locked in place. At this point, a self-supporting rigid structure consisting of vertical columns and floor panels is complete.

The vertical walls and the next level of braces are then placed and the vertical walls are placed in position by the cooperation of the ears 146 and openings 148 and locked grooves or similar supports 15.
It is fixed by setting 2.

A second level of flooring is then installed leaving the desired appropriate openings and the floor panels are again clamped in the indicated locations. If no more floor panels are planned, then the vertical or side wall panels are fixed in place and the top armrests 1) 4 are placed on top of the columns, after which the walls are mounted downwardly on the top support 122. It is arranged by positioning it in the recess and the support is fixed to the armrest 1) 4 by means of fasteners 132. At this point, the separation passageway or space is completed, the perforated panels are then placed in the indicated locations, and the top floor panel is installed as desired.

During construction, after any one floor is placed, the cables can be pulled into position prior to the next construction phase. All necessary cables are then routed to and through the floor level for appropriate machine installation.

For work purposes, various floor panels may be temporarily removed and repositioned after wiring or other physical hook-ups are completed. Although the present invention has been illustrated with respect to electrical connectors, water-cooled, plumb, or other lines or conductors of various types can also be supported by the floor of the present invention or positioned by the columns of this modular structure. A plurality of separate conduit support floors may be supported by an underlying building floor.

Although the invention has been described as preferably consisting of a series of overlapping floors and vertical walls defining passageways extending vertically through the upper areas of such floors, in some cases the floor areas may be comprised of four゜It only needs to be provided below the area on which electrical or other contactors are placed,
It is understood that an effective conduit for these conductors can be formed by the combination of the floor panels below them and the wall panels along the other sides of the in-floor area thus formed. Will. As such, the lower or intermediate floors need not be completely coextensive with each other or with the upper or work support floor.

A very important feature of the invention is that it eliminates the need for large diameter conduits and allows electricians to install such conduits and
Eliminating the need for bending and allowing the construction of a computer room to be carried out in a single operation without the need to stop construction progress between the time of installation carpentry or floor construction and the beginning of electrical installation. In the past, it was sometimes necessary to create a portion of the computer support floor, then wait for an electrician to complete intermediate electrical work before completing the mechanical work on the floor.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the assembly of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the struts, arms, and various panels, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the parts shown in Fig. 2 when assembled, and Fig. 4 is a plan view thereof. 5 is a plan view of the top support arm; FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 4; 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 5, FIG. 1O is a vertical sectional view of the air passage, FIGS. Cross-sectional view of passage, 13th
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view similar to Figure 2 according to another embodiment;
4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 13, and FIG. 1.5 is a perspective view of a portion of the wall panel. 28 is a work floor, 30 is a computer, 40 is an intermediate floor, 44 is a lower floor, 100 is a support column, 1) 4 is a support beam, and 152 is a beam.

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) a plurality of vertically extending floor support column units, each having an upper end, a lower end, and an intermediate section; a work area floor positioned and disposed in resting relation to the upper end of the column units; means for locating and supporting at least one conductor support floor spaced below and spaced apart from the work area floor on an intermediate portion of at least one of the columns; and a portion of the conductor support floor and the work area floor. a mechanically isolated area suitable for accommodating and supporting insulated electrical conductors and achieving mechanical isolation for them; a plurality of vertically extending imperforate wall panels dividing the conductor space into a plurality of vertically extending non-perforated wall panels, the space having at least one upwardly projecting opening through which the conductor can pass for connection to equipment supported on the work area floor; in the work area floor, the wall panel defining a mechanically separated vertically extending passageway extending from below the conductor support floor through the separation space to the work area floor; A combination work area floor structure and conductor support and isolation assembly, wherein the work area floor overlying the extending passageway includes an opening therein allowing communication to an area above the work area floor. (2) the at least one conductor support floor:
The combination floor structure of clause 1 comprising two conductor support floors. (3) said at least one conductor support floor includes at least two conductor support floors, each conductor support floor including said plurality of vertically extending wall panels, such that said space is located within said work area floor at least one upper 2. The combination floor structure of claim 1, including an opening extending into the space, and wherein the vertically extending portion of the space passes through all of the floors disposed thereon. (4) at least one of the vertically extending passageways extending from below the conductor support floor to the work area floor is suitable for air circulation, and the vertical wall panel and the floor panel The combination floor structure of clause 1, which is separated from the partially partitioned space by a conductor support floor. (5) a plurality of spaced apart vertically extending columns having lower end portions suitable for being supported and installed on the floor structure of a building, each of the columns receiving at least a portion of a working floor panel; and a lower floor support cross that is adapted to position and engage and support at least a portion of the lower floor forming panel, and a lower floor support cross that is adapted to engage and support a portion of the intermediate floor forming panel. at least one intermediate floor support strut suitable for carrying out the work, said work area support floor comprising a plurality of solid panels extending between and supported by said struts on said individual posts; At least a portion of the area floor panels are perforated to provide a communication path between an area above the work area floor and an area below the work area floor, and a plurality of panels extend between the crossbars. forming an intermediate floor structure, and another plurality of panels extending between the crossbars to form a lower support floor, and a plurality of vertically extending wall panels connecting the work area floor and at least one of the intermediate and lower floors. a space extending between and formed between the intermediate floor and the work area floor, and extending through and mechanically separated from the space between the work area floor and the lowermost support floor; forming at least one vertically extending passageway from an area below said lower floor to an area above said work area floor for supporting electrical conductors etc. and for passing ventilation air; forming a plurality of spaces to admit, all of these spaces being separated from the others by unperforated panels, and each having a connection from the outside of said structure to itself on the one hand, and on the other hand. A combination work area support floor and conduit protection assembly characterized in that it provides access to areas on said work area support floor. (6) A modular three-dimensional support structure suitable for being located on and supported by a floor of a building, the structure comprising:
a work floor suitable for supporting machinery or the like; and at least first and second work floors disposed in subjacent relation to said work floor and spaced perpendicularly from each other and upwardly from the floor structure of the building. a plurality of spaced apart vertically extending columns arranged in a regular pattern along two mutually orthogonal horizontal axes and a plurality of spaced vertically extending columns disposed on each of the columns; a plurality of upper cross-branches, the plurality of cross-branches being attached to the upper ends of each of the columns and lying in a first plane and connected to the others by a work floor support girder; a first plurality of lower floor support girders each disposed on an individual support column and having a first plurality of groove-shaped lower floor support girders lying in a single plane parallel to the plane of the working floor and connected thereto; a lower floor crossbar, each associated with one of said supports and disposed in coplanar relation with the other and lying perpendicularly spaced from and connected to the plane of said working floor and the first lower floor; a plurality of second lower floor struts having a second plurality of lower floor support girders having a groove-shaped cross section; a plurality of floor panels associated with the upper struts to form a working floor area; The plurality of work floor panels include non-perforated panels and panels allowing the passage of air and electrical conductors therethrough, and the plurality of work floor panels are accommodated by the girder and form first and second lower floors. first and second lower floor panels and vertically spaced panel supports so as to form vertical walls within the structure and define a portion of a plurality of separation passageways underlying the work floor; a plurality of vertically extending wall panels extending between the bodies, a portion of the passageway being adapted to support an electrical conductor thereon;
The other parts of said three-dimensional support structure are suitable for directing air therein for ventilation. (7) A method for protectively housing electrical conductors and forming a conditioned air duct for an enclosed environment including a building floor structure, the method comprising: erecting a plurality of columns; The columns are arranged in regularly spaced relationship along a given transverse and longitudinal axis, with a plurality of horizontal lines between adjacent columns so as to form a three-dimensional lattice pattern including a plurality of panel receiving frame units. interconnecting said columns by erecting extending girders, said frame units being arranged in coplanar groups on separate levels lying parallel to said building floors, one of said levels being at the top working floor support level; and the other level is spaced apart below and arranges a floor panel in said frame unit, said floor panel comprising an unperforated panel and a perforated panel for said working floor, and said other and arranging a non-perforated wall panel extending perpendicularly to said frame unit, thereby joining said floor and wall panels to separate and separate from each other. forming a plurality of passageways each provided exclusively with a conditioned air passageway and an electrical conductor passageway, said passageways being adapted to permit passage between said area on said work floor and an area containing said separation passageway; and an upper opening extending through said work floor, whereby said system has a plurality of mechanically separated units for respectively connecting a load-bearing and work area floor and an interior of a room defined in part by said building floor. said method, characterized in that said method can provide a controlled air conductor passage and a conditioned air passage.