US20050000168A1 - Modular office panels - Google Patents
Modular office panels Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050000168A1 US20050000168A1 US10/864,194 US86419404A US2005000168A1 US 20050000168 A1 US20050000168 A1 US 20050000168A1 US 86419404 A US86419404 A US 86419404A US 2005000168 A1 US2005000168 A1 US 2005000168A1
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- Prior art keywords
- extrusion
- slots
- tube
- core panel
- extending
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
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- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 157
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003319 supportive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/76—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge with framework or posts of metal
- E04B2/78—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge with framework or posts of metal characterised by special cross-section of the frame members as far as important for securing wall panels to a framework with or without the help of cover-strips
- E04B2/7809—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge with framework or posts of metal characterised by special cross-section of the frame members as far as important for securing wall panels to a framework with or without the help of cover-strips of single or multiple tubular form
- E04B2/7845—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge with framework or posts of metal characterised by special cross-section of the frame members as far as important for securing wall panels to a framework with or without the help of cover-strips of single or multiple tubular form of curved cross-section, e.g. circular
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
- E04B2/7422—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
- E04B2/7427—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts with adjustable angular connection of panels
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/82—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge characterised by the manner in which edges are connected to the building; Means therefor; Special details of easily-removable partitions as far as related to the connection with other parts of the building
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7461—Details of connection of sheet panels to frame or posts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7483—Details of furniture, e.g. tables or shelves, associated with the partitions
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to furniture, and in particular to privacy screens and related accessories for modular office furniture.
- Modular office furniture has been provided by rigid panels which are connected together by vertical support members.
- the vertical support members typically have mounting slots formed on various sides for receiving mounting brackets which secure the rigid panels to the vertical support members.
- the mounting slots are typically visible from each side of the vertical support members.
- Various accessories such as shelving and such are mounted in the mounting slots formed into the vertical support members.
- the mounting slots will face outward from the support members, perpendicular to the plane of the rigid panels, for receiving mounting tabs of the shelving and accessories. Any downward pull on the accessories will pull directly against the portion of the mounting tabs inserted into the mounting slots.
- the mounting slots are typically formed into steel to provide sufficient strength for mounting the accessories with mounting brackets having tabs whichfit into the mounting slots.
- the mounting slots are typically visible to a person facing the rigid panels.
- Modular office furniture which includes privacy screens provided by rigid panels.
- the rigid panels include core panels mounted to a rigid frame formed from various support tubed provided by vertical and horizontal tubes formed of aluminum extrusions.
- the extrusions providing the vertical and horizontal tubes have two slots formed into opposite, longitudinal sides of the extrusions.
- the two slots preferably each have a substantially rectangular shape defining a groove with a profile which includes two sets of opposed grooves, extending on opposite sides of the slot for the full length of the slots.
- Various mounting brackets and hinges are supported in the grooves.
- the grooves also provide a means for attaching accessories, and decorative trim such that the slots are not visible.
- the horizontal and vertical support tubes are secured together by forming a miter joint with a rigid tube plate extending within the miter joint.
- the miter joint is provided by forming V-shaped notches in the vertical tubes and V-shaped ends on the horizontal tubes.
- the V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes fit flush within the V-shaped notches of the vertical tubes.
- the V-shaped notches are spaced apart along the length of the vertical tubes for receiving the V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes.
- the tube plates extend from the vertical tubes into the horizontal tubes with a threaded fastener securing the tube plate to the horizontal tubes to rigidly secure the vertical tubes to the horizontal tubes.
- An inner trim is inserted into the slots, and has mounting tabs which extend into the opposed inner grooves of the slots.
- An outer trim fits in the slots between sidewalls of the slots and the inner trim, with tabs which fit into the outer grooves of the slots. Hinges are also mounted in the slots, with mounting tabs that fit into the inner grooves.
- the core panels are also secured to the vertical tubes by means of a mounting assembly which includes a mounting bracket, a core panel pin and a threaded fastener.
- a longitudinal aperture is provided by a blind hole formed into an end the core panel, preferably parallel to the plane of the main surfaces of the core panel.
- a transverse aperture is formed to extend transversely through the core panel, and preferably perpendicular to the plane of the main surfaces of the core panels. The transverse aperture intersects and extends transversely through the longitudinal aperture.
- a core panel pin is disposed in the transverse slot, and has a threaded, transverse through-hole which extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the core panel pin for aligning with the longitudinal aperture.
- the core panel pin is preferably wider than the core panel, such that opposite ends of the core panel pin protrude outward on opposite sides of the core panel when the core panel pin is disposed within the transverse aperture.
- the mounting bracket is preferably U-shaped, having a web portion and two spaced apart mounting ears which extend outward from the web portion in parallel, at right angles to the web portion. Each of the two ears has a pin aperture for receiving the portions of the core panel pin which protrude outward from the core panel, and the web portion has a bolt aperture for aligning with the longitudinal slot such that the core panel pin is extending through the pin apertures in the two ears.
- the web portion fits against a tube plate secured in the extrusion providing the vertical tube, with the two ears extending outward for receiving one of the core panels between the two ears.
- the core panel pin extends through the core panel and the pin apertures in the two ears of the mounting bracket, with the threaded, transverse through-hole axially aligned with the longitudinal aperture.
- a V-shaped notch is formed into the extrusion providing the vertical tube, within which the mounting bracket is received into the slot in the extrusion.
- An aperture is formed for inserting the tube plate into the extrusion.
- a threaded fastener is passed through a mounting hole in the tube plate, through the bolt aperture in the web portion of the mounting bracket, into the longitudinal aperture in the core panel, and is secured within the threaded, transverse through-hole of the core panel pin to secure the core panel pin within the core panel, to the mounting bracket, and to the extrusion providing the vertical tube.
- FIGS. 1 through 51 show various aspects for modular office panels devices made according to the present invention, as set forth below:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of modular furniture shown having a screen assembly which includes three panels;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one panel of the screen assembly
- FIG. 3 is a partial, exploded view of a corner assembly of the panel
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an extrusion providing the vertical and the horizontal tubes for the panel;
- FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the extrusion
- FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of one of the vertical tubes of the extrusion, showing V-shaped notches spaced apart at three places along the longitudinal length of the vertical tube;
- FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the vertical tube
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a first side of the vertical tube
- FIG. 9 is a partial view of the first side of the vertical tube and shows an aperture formed into a slot into one side of the vertical tube, the aperture aligned along the center of the slot;
- FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second side of the vertical tube
- FIG. 11 shows a partial view of the second side of the vertical tube showing the two mouning slots formed into the vertical tube in parallel alignment
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of a horizontal tube
- FIG. 13 is a top view of the horizontal tube
- FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the horizontal tube
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the horizontal tube, taken along section line 15 - 15 of FIG. 12 , and shows a miter nut being installed into a hole formed within the horizontal tube;
- FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the horizontal tube, taken along section line 16 - 16 of FIG. 12 , and shows the miter nut after being installed in the hole within the horizontal tube;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tube plate
- FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the tube plate
- FIG. 19 is an end view of the tube plate
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the miter nut
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion showing various trim pieces disposed within slots of the extrusion;
- FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of a top trim
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the top trim
- FIG. 24 is a side view of an inner trim for fitting with an extrusion slot and receiving a core panel into the extrusion slot;
- FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of an inner sleeve for fitting within the space between two legs of the inner trim
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate inner trim provided for thin core panels
- FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of an outer trim
- FIG. 28 is perspective view of an outer trim stop
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a two panel hinge member
- FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the two panel hinge member
- FIG. 31 is an end view of the two panel hinge member
- FIG. 32 is an end view of a four panel hinge member
- FIG. 33 is a perspective view of hinge pin
- FIG. 34 is a sectional view of an extrusion to which are mounted a cable clip and a four panel hinge member;
- FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of a wall mount for securing a panel to a building wall
- FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of the wall mount mounted to a vertical tube
- FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along section line 37 - 37 of FIG. 36 , which shows an extrusion tube having the wall mount, a hinge and a tube plate securing the extrusion tube to a building wall;
- FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a panel support foot
- FIG. 39 is an end elevation view of the panel support foot
- FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of the panel support foot
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a lock plate for the support foot
- FIG. 41 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the support foot and an extrusion
- FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a support foot lock plate
- FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a top cap button
- FIG. 44 is a side view of a top cap button
- FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a top and bottom of a tube end cap
- FIG. 47 is perspective view of a cable management assembly
- FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a panel having cable management assemblies for routing power and data lines;
- FIG. 49 is a perspective view and FIG. 50 is a side view of a cable clip of the cable management assembly;
- FIG. 51 is a partial perspective view and FIG. 52 is an end view of a cable tube of the cable management assembly;
- FIG. 53 is a top view and FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a cable tube end plate
- FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a ceiling plate
- FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clip-on accessory shelf which is mounted to two vertical tubes of a panel;
- FIG. 57 is a perspective view of and FIG. 58 is a side view of a mounting bracket for securing the clip on accessory shelf to panel tubes;
- FIG. 59 is a view of a screen assembly having transactor surfaces mounted to the top of panels of the screen assembly;
- FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a first transactor surface
- FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a second transactor surface
- FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a screen assembly having shaped core panels
- FIG. 63 is a partial side elevation view of the screen assembly, showing a mounting assembly for securing the shaped core panels to vertical extrusion tubes;
- FIG. 64 is a partial, perspective view of the mounting assembly secured to a core panel
- FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly, a core panel and an extrusion
- FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of a core panel showing a longitudinal aperture and a transverse aperture which intersect within the core panel;
- FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a tube plate
- FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket
- FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a core panel pin
- FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a cover cap
- FIG. 71 is a perspective view of shelf mounting bracket being assembled to an extruded tube
- FIG. 72 is a sectional view of the shelf mounting bracket and the extruded tube.
- FIG. 73 is a side view of a shelf clip for the shelf mounting bracket.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of modular furniture 12 having privacy screens provided by panel 14 , panel 16 and panel 18 , which are secured together.
- the panel 8 has an upper core panel 20 and a lower core panel 22 .
- a table 24 is shown disposed in front of the panels 14 , 16 , and 18 of the modular furniture 12 .
- An accessory shelf 26 is mounted to the panel 14 .
- the panels preferably each have rigid frames of support tubes provided by opposed sets of vertical tubes 28 and horizontal tubes 30 .
- the uppermost ones of the horizontal tubes 30 have a top trim 32 which extends longitudinally along the length of the horizontal tubes 30 .
- Hinges 34 are provided between each of the panels 14 , 16 , and 18 .
- Leveler feet 36 are secured in the lower ends of the horizontal tubes 30 .
- One of the cores 38 is formed with translucent material such that objects may be seen behind the material, such as the chair 40 .
- the panels 14 and 18 have core panels which are opaque.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the panel 16 having two vertical tubes 28 which are spaced apart and disposed on opposite sides of the panel 16 , and two horizontal tubes 30 which are spaced apart and disposed opposite sides of the core 38 .
- the vertical tubes 28 are joined to the horizontal tubes 30 at V-shaped miter joints having tube plates 62 disposed to extend interiorly within adjacent portions of the vertical tubes 28 and horizontal tubes 30 at corners of the panel 16 to provide a rigid framework for the panel 16 .
- the top trim 32 is mounted to the upper most one of the horizontal tubes 30 . End caps 42 are provided in the upper ends of the vertical tubes 28 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a corner connection between the vertical tube 28 and the horizontal tube 30 , providing a miter joint between the two extruded tubes 28 and 30 .
- An end cap tube button 44 provides a fastener for fitting in an end of the vertical tube 28 , and threadingly securing the end cap 42 to the top end of tube 28 .
- the vertical tube 28 and horizontal tube 30 are preferably extruded aluminum tubes formed of the same extrusion 50 , and will thus have the same profiles.
- Slots 52 are defined by substantially rectangular grooves formed to extend on opposite, longitudinally extending edges of the extrusions 50 , with the slots 52 being symmetrically formed on opposite edges of the extrusions 28 and extending the full length of the extrusions.
- Two hinge members 54 are secured in opposite ends of respective ones of the slots 52 for pivotally securing adjacent panels 14 , 16 , and 18 together.
- An aperture 60 provides a slot formed into the vertical tube 28 for receiving a tube plate 62 .
- the tube plate 62 is a T-shaped bracket having three protruding ends which extend within the extruded tubes 28 and 30 in each of the three directions in which the tubes extend from the miter joint providing the corner connection.
- the tube plate 62 is stiff to provide rigidity to the miter joint between the two extruded tubes 28 and 30 , and preferably is formed of aluminum.
- a bolt 64 extends outward of an end of the tube plate 62 , extending from within the V-shaped notch 56 for engaging a miter nut 68 which is secured within an aperture 66 provided by a blind hole in the horizontal tube 30 .
- the aperture 66 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the horizontal support tube 30 .
- the miter nut 68 is secured to the end of the bolt 64 for securing the horizontal support tube 30 to the vertical tube 28 .
- a hinge member 54 is secured to the outward end of the tube plate 62 , which secures the tube plate 62 from within the horizontal tube 28 , and which also secures the hinge member 54 at a vertical height of the vertical tube 28 .
- An inner trim 70 is disposed in the slot 52 for receiving a panel core.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end portion of an extrusion 50 used for providing the vertical tubes 28 and the horizontal tubes 30
- FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the extrusion 50
- Extrusion 50 has an oval shape, and an interior profile 72 with two oppositely disposed, interior protrusions 74 .
- the interior protrusions 74 are preferably of T-shaped cross section, and have arcuately shaped ends which define a central portion 76 .
- the central portion 76 is substantially tubular with open sides.
- the central portion 76 may be threaded at the upper and lower ends of the extrusions 50 for threadingly securing a leveler type mounting foot 36 or an end cap fastener 44 .
- the substantially tubular central portion 76 also provides a passage for the tube plate 62 to extend through the extrusion for securing the V-shaped formed end 58 of a horizontal tube 30 within the V-shaped notch 56 of a mating horizontal tube 28 .
- the inwardly extended protrusions 74 are preferably disposed to extend from the longitudinally extending sides of the extrusion 50 , at a ninety degree angle around a longitudinal axis 80 of the extrusion 50 from the edges in which the slots 52 are formed.
- the inward ends 76 of the two protrusions 74 may be formed to each engage the tube plate 62 (see FIG. 2 ), the miter nut 68 (see FIG.
- Two sets of support ribs 78 extend the full length of the extrusion 50 , adjacent to the slots 52 , and inwardly extending into the interior profile 72 .
- the two support ribs 78 provide a plurality of contact surfaces in a structural, supportive engagement with the tube plate 62 at four spaced apart, longitudinally extending contact surfaces within the interior of the extrusion 50 .
- the slots 52 each have a slot profile 82 defined by a groove which is generally rectangular in shape, and having three sides.
- the slot profile 82 also having a pair of outer grooves 84 which are oppositely disposed on opposite sides of the slot profile 82 .
- two inner grooves are oppositely disposed on opposite sides of the slot profile 82 , directly adjacent to a bottom wall 90 defining a slot wall 90 of the slot 52 .
- Two sidewalls 88 extend in parallel, adjacent to and at right angles to the bottom wall 90
- the outer grooves 84 and inner grooves 86 are formed to extend into the sidewalls 88 .
- the inner grooves 86 are adjacent to the bottom wall 90 and are preferably of a generally squared, rectangular shape.
- the two outer groove 84 are preferably arcuately shaped, which and will fit flush with mounting tabs which are of a generally round shape.
- the interior profile 72 and slot profile 82 preferably run the entire length of the extrusion 50 , with the inner groves 86 and the outer grooves 84 extending the full length of the extrusion 50 .
- FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of one of the vertical tubes 28 , showing the V-shaped notches 56 spaced apart at three places along the longitudinal length of the vertical tube 28 .
- FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the vertical tube 28 of FIG. 6 , showing the V-shaped notch 56 having an angle 92 of approximately ninety degrees.
- the V-shaped notch 56 extends half way into the extrusion 50 from which the tube 28 is formed.
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an edge of the vertical tube 28 , showing the aperture 60 in which the tube plate 62 is received.
- the apertures 60 are preferably spaced apart at three separate portions of the length of the vertical tube 28 , disposed adjacent to and on an opposite side from the V-shaped notches 56 .
- FIG. 9 is a partial section view showing the aperture 60 formed into one side of the vertical tube 28 , aligned along the center of the slot 52 .
- the aperture 60 will be of a height 94 and a width 96 , which is preferably a height of approximately two and a half inches and a width of approximately one quarter inches, and will extend through the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 into which it is formed.
- the aperture 60 is disposed between adjacent ones of the longitudinally extending support ribs 78 , such that the longitudinally extending support ribs 78 will fit flush against a tube plate 62 (see FIGS. 10 and 37 ) and a tube place 458 (see FIG. 65 ).
- FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the opposite end of the vertical tube 28 from that into which the slot 60 is formed.
- FIG. 10 shows the V-shaped notches 56 formed in three places along the length of the vertical tube 28 .
- parallel mounting apertures 102 are formed into the slot 52 for mounting accessories.
- FIG. 11 is a partial section view of the tube 28 , showing the two mounting apertures 102 formed in parallel alignment, on opposite sides of the slot 52 .
- each of the mounting apertures is approximately 1.2 inches long and 0.13 inches wide.
- Accessory mounting brackets will have mounting tabs which fit within the apertures 102 .
- the mounting apertures 102 extend parallel and adjacent to the sidewalls 88 of the slot profiles 82 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and through the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 between respective ones of the two longitudinally extending support ribs 78 and the sidewalls 88 .
- the apertures 102 are formed through the bottom wall 90 at a location disposed between respective ones the support ribs 78 and the sidewalls 88 , such that the adjacent support ribs 78 and the adjacent sidewalls 88 will reinforce the strength to the portion of the bottom wall 90 which is adjacent the apertures 102 . Additionally, as discussed below, accessory brackets 414 which are mounted in the apertures 102 will pull against the sidewall 88 and push against the support ribs 78 when weight or downward force is applied to the accessory being mounted, since the accessory is disposed opposite the sidewall 88 . (See FIGS. 14 and 56 ).
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view
- FIG. 13 is a side view
- FIG. 14 is a bottom view one of the horizontal tubes 30 .
- the formed ends 58 of the horizontal tubes 30 are preferably formed at an angle 106 of ninety degrees.
- An aperture 66 is formed as a blind hole extending through the bottom slot 52 at a distance 104 from the end of the tip or terminal end tip of the formed end 58 for receiving the miter nut 68 .
- the aperture 66 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 80 of the horizontal tube 30 .
- the aperture 66 is preferably drilled to a depth of which ends after passing through the two inward protrusions 74 of the interior profile 72 .
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along section line 15 - 15 of FIG. 12 .
- the aperture 66 is shown extending through the two inward protrusions 74 of the inward profile 72 .
- the miter nut 68 is inserted into the aperture 66 in the direction shown.
- Miter nut 68 has a main body 110 and a tab 112 disposed in the forward end of the main body 110 .
- An aperture 108 extends through a central portion of the main body 110 .
- FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along section line 16 - 16 of FIG. 12 , and shows the miter nut 68 after it has been disposed within the aperture 66 , in position within the extrusion 50 for threadingly securing to the bolt 64 .
- the tab 112 on the forward end of the miter nut 68 will fit between the two parallel support ribs 78 , adjacent to the bottom wall 98 of a slot 52 which is disposed in an opposite end of the extrusion 50 from that in which the aperture 66 is formed.
- the tab 112 will extend within the two support protrusions 78 and the two interior protrusions 74 with a slight press fit such that it will not fall out from within the interior profile 72 of the extrusion 50 .
- the threaded aperture 08 will be aligned perpendicular to a central axis of the extrusion 50 for receiving the bolt 64 from the end of the tube plate 62 (shown in FIG. 3 ).
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view and FIG. 18 is a side elevation view, and FIG. 19 is a rearward end view of a tube plate 62 .
- the tube plate 62 is preferably a flat, T-shaped aluminum member having a main body 16 and a forward end 118 .
- a hole 120 extends through the length of the tube plate 62 , centrally disposed within the main body 16 and the forward end 118 .
- the hole 120 may also be provided by a slot, preferably one within which a bolt 64 (shown in FIG. 3 ) will be retained within the main body 116 and the forward end 118 of the tube plate 62 .
- the slot has a forward end 122 , from which the end of the bolt 64 will protrude.
- the rearward end of the hole 120 has an enlarged portion 124 for receiving the head of the bolt 64 .
- the bolt 64 (shown in FIG. 3 ) is provided by an allen screw having a head which fits within the enlarged portion 124 .
- two threaded holes 126 are spaced apart in the rearward end face of the main body 116 of the tube plate 62 for receiving fasteners which secure the hinge members 54 in the slots 52 , which secures the tube plate 62 within the extrusion 50 .
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a miter nut 68 , having a main body 110 and a tab 112 .
- the threaded hole 108 is formed centrally within the miter nut 68 .
- FIG. 21 is a sectional view of an uppermost one of the horizontal tubes 30 , disposed at the top of a panel.
- a top trim 32 is disposed in the uppermost slot 52 of the tube 30 .
- the top trim 32 has tabs 134 which are secured within the inner groove 86 .
- An inner trim 150 and an outer trim 152 are disposed in the lower slot 52 for receiving an edge of a core panel 138 .
- the inner trim 150 is mounted in the inner slot 86 , adjacent to the slot bottom 90 .
- the outer trim 152 fits within the outer groove 84 adjacent to the sidewalls 82 of the slot 52 .
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a top trim 32 .
- the top trim 32 has is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion, having a profile 130 defined by lower body portion 132 and an upper body portion 138 with a web portion 136 extending between the lower body portion 132 and the upper body portion 138 .
- Mounting tabs 134 are provided by flange portions which extend over the longitudinal length of the lower most end of the lower body portion 132 for fitting within the inner grooves 86 of the upper slot 52 of a top horizontal member 30 (shown in FIG. 21 ).
- the top trim 32 has two sets of oppositely disposed lower grooves 140 and upper grooves 142 .
- the lower grooves 140 and upper grooves 142 are oppositely disposed in alignment for optionally receiving decorative trim panels 144 on opposite sides of the web portion 136 .
- FIG. 24 is a sectional view of an inner trim 150 .
- the inner trim 150 has a base portion 158 , with lower edges on opposite sides of the base portion 158 defining mounting tabs 168 for fitting within the inner grooves 86 into slot 52 . Additionally, longitudinally extending protuberances 162 extend from the lower end of the base portion 158 to provide frictional engagement members for aiding in locking the trim in place within the slot 52 .
- Two legs 164 outwardly extend of the base portion 158 , and are spaced apart to provide a space 166 between the two legs 164 for receiving an edge of a core panel 38 which is being secured within a respective slot 52 .
- FIG. 25 is a partial, perspective view of an inner sleeve 170 which may be used for fitting within the space 166 between the two legs 164 of the tube inner trim 150 for adapting the inner trim 150 for receiving a core panel of smaller size than that which it would receive without use of the inner sleeve 170 .
- the inner sleeve 170 has a base portion 172 with two legs 174 , and is preferably of a U-shaped profile extruded of plastic materials.
- the two legs 174 are spaced apart to define a space 176 for receiving an edge of a core panel.
- the base 172 of the inner sleeve 170 will fit against the base 158 of the inner trim 150 , with the legs 174 extending adjacent to the legs 164 .
- FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of a second inner trim 180 provided for thin core panels, such that it may be used to replace use of both the inner trim 150 combined with the inner sleeve 170 .
- the inner trim 180 is preferably provided by a plastic extrusion, having a base portion 182 with opposite edges which providing flange portions that define mounting tabs 184 for fitting within the inner grooves 86 of one of the slots 52 .
- Two longitudinally extending protuberances 186 extend the longitudinal length of the interior side of the base portion 182 .
- Two legs 188 extend from the outward side of the base portion 182 , and are spaced apart to define a space 190 for receiving a thin core panel.
- the outward ends 192 of the legs 188 extend back towards with base portion 182 to provide longitudinally extended flanges which extend the length of the inner trim.
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an outer trim 152 .
- the outer trim 152 includes a main body 196 which fits flush against a sidewall 82 of one of the slots 52 .
- the outer trim has an inwardly extending portion 198 which extends from the main body 196 inward to define an end tip 200 which will extend outward of the inner trims 150 or 180 and fit against a core panel to provide a more decorative appearance, and to fully enclose the slot 52 within one of the inner trims 150 and 180 , and the outer trim 152 .
- the outer trim 152 further has a protuberance 202 which extends from an outward side of the main body 196 to define a longitudinally extending, mounting tab.
- the protuberance 202 preferably has a substantially rounded-shaped profile which defines a bulbous body 204 for fitting flush within the rounded profile of the outer groove 84 of one of the slots 52 .
- Two indentations 206 extend into opposite sides of the protuberance 202 , adjacent to the main body 196 , for receiving inwardly protruding edges of the outer portion of the outer groove 84 .
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an outer trim stop 212 .
- the outer trim stop 212 has a first portion 214 and a second portion 216 .
- the first portion 214 will fit in the end of a slot 52 , with edges of the first portion providing mounting tabs which extend into the inner groove 86 of the slot 52 .
- the second portion 216 of the outer trim stop will extend outward of the slot 52 and prevent the outer trim 152 from sliding longitudinally from the slot 52 .
- End caps 42 , mounting feet 36 , and hinge members 54 and the like will retain the outer trim stops 212 within the slots 52 .
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view
- FIG. 30 is side view
- FIG. 31 is an end view of a two panel hinge member 54 .
- the hinge member 54 has is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion having a main body 220 with two mounting tabs 222 defined by flange portions which longitudinally extend from opposite sides of the main body 220 for fitting within the inner grooves 86 of a slot 52 , with the mounting tabs 222 fitting flush against the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 .
- the hinge member 54 further includes a boss 224 which extends to a collar 226 .
- the collar 226 has an aperture 228 defining a hinge loop for rotatably receiving a hinge pin 252 for pivoting within the collar 226 .
- Two through holes 230 are provided for passing to a threaded fasteners which are threadingly secured to two holes 126 in one of the tube plates 62 to which the hinge member 54 is secured, which secures the hinge member 54 in a fixed position within one of the slots 52 .
- FIG. 32 is an end view of a four panel hinge member 234 .
- the hinge member 234 is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion, and has a main body 236 with two mounting tabs 38 provided by flange portions for fitting within the inner grooves 86 of a slot 52 .
- a boss 240 extends to an outer portion 242 .
- the outer portion 242 has three collars 244 which define three apertures 246 to define hinge loops for receiving hinge pins 252 .
- One hinge member 234 is mounted to one panel, and then three two panel hinge member 54 are mounted to three other panels for securing to hinge pins 252 in respective ones of the collars 226 and collars 244 to pivotally secure the edges of four panels together.
- FIG. 33 is a perspective view of hinge pin 252 .
- the hinge pin 252 has an upper cylindrical portion 254 which defines an upper pin portion, and a lower cylindrical portion 256 which defines a lower pin portion, and an annular-shaped collar 258 which is disposed between the upper cylindrical portion 254 and the lower cylindrical portion 256 .
- Two tapped holes 260 are provided in opposite ends of the hinge pin 252 for securing fasteners in the ends of the hinge pins 252 for securing the hinge pins 252 within the collars 228 and 244 .
- FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of one of the extrusions 50 with the four panel hinge member 234 secured in the slot 52 and a cable clip 354 secured within the two opposite slots 52 .
- the tube plate 62 is shown extending from beneath the hinge member 234 , to rigidly connect the hinge member 234 to the extrusion 50 .
- FIG. 35 is a side elevation view
- FIG. 36 is a perspective view
- FIG. 37 is a sectional view of a wall mount 262 for securing a panel to a building wall.
- the wall mount 262 is preferably provided by the same extrusion as that which used to provide the two-panel hinge member 54 , and thus has the same cross-section as that shown for the hinge member 54 in FIG. 31 .
- the wall mount 262 has end portions 264 and central portion 266 having notches 268 , 270 and 272 for providing gaps in which collars 226 of hinge members 54 are disposed for rotatably securing to the wall mount 262 with hinge pin 252 .
- the hinge pin 252 will be secured in the vertical tube 28 , adjacent a tube plate 62 having an end portion 274 for securing a core panel to the vertical tube 28 and the wall.
- FIG. 38 is a perspective view
- FIG. 39 is an rear elevation view taken along section line 39 - 39 of FIG. 38
- FIG. 40 is a side elevation view a support foot 292 .
- the support foot 292 includes a base plate 294 and a post member 296 for securing the lower ends of selected vertical tubes 28 .
- the post member 296 includes channel member 298 and gussets 300 .
- Set screw holes 302 are provided in channel member 298 .
- the channel member 298 will fit within one of the slots 52 .
- Two slots 304 are provided for receiving a support foot lock plate 308 , which is shown as being installed in the slots 304 in FIG. 39 .
- FIG. 41 is a partially exploded view of the support foot 308 being installed within the extrusion 50 providing the vertical tub 28 .
- the channel portion 298 of the support foot 308 fits within the slot 52 , with the edges 310 of the support plate 308 fitting in the outer grooves 84 of the slot 52 .
- a tube end cap 332 will be installed into the lower end of the extrusion 50 .
- a leveler foot 36 will then be installed through the end cap 332 .
- the leveler foot 36 has a threaded shank 316 and a round support foot 318 .
- the threaded shank 316 extends through the end cap 332 and engages with threads formed in the central portion 76 of the protrusions 74 of the extrusion 50 .
- the support foot 308 is lowered to engage the floor.
- the set screws 314 (shown in FIG. 42 ) are threadingly secured within the threaded holes 312 of the support foot lock plate 308 to extend through the two holes 302 in the channel portion 298 to press against the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 and retain the support foot 308 in fixed relative relation to the lower end of the extrusion 50 .
- FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a support foot lock plate 308 .
- the support foot lock plate 308 has edges 310 which provide mounting tabs for fitting within the outer grooves 84 of the slots 52 .
- Holes 312 are tapped for receiving set screws 314 .
- the set screws 314 are threadingly secured within the tapped holes 312 of the support foot lock plate 308 and pass through the set screw holes 302 in the channel member 298 of the support foot to engage the bottom wall 90 of the slot 52 and lock the support foot 296 in a fixed position secured within the lower end of a slot 52 of one of the vertical tubes 28 .
- FIG. 43 is a perspective view and FIG. 44 is a top view of a tube cap button 320 .
- the button 320 has an upper portion which is preferably threaded for fitting in an aperture 336 in a tube end cap 332 (shown in FIGS. 45 and 46 ).
- a annular ring portion 324 provides a boss for fitting interiorly within the lower side of the tube end cap 332 , beneath the top portion 334 of the tube cap 332 .
- a lower portion 326 extends downward for fitting within the central portion 76 of the interior profile 72 of the extrusion 50 , between the inward protrusions 74 (shown in FIG. 5 ).
- FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a top and bottom of a tube end cap 332 .
- the tube cap 332 has top portion 334 .
- a threaded aperture 336 extends through the top portion 334 for receiving the top cap button 320 (shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 ).
- An inner lip 338 extends around the periphery of the top portion 334 for fitting around the exterior of the outer periphery of the extrusion 50 .
- Two spaced apart tabs 340 are provided which fit within the interior profile 72 of an extrusion 50 , between two adjacent support ribs 78 to secure the tube end cap 332 within the interior profile 72 of one of the extrusions 50 .
- FIG. 47 is perspective view of a cable management assembly 352 .
- the cable management assembly 352 includes a cable clip 354 and cable tubes 356 .
- the cable tubes 356 are mounted to the cable clip 354 .
- Two cable tubes 356 are used so that power and data lines may be separately run in the two conduits 356 .
- FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a panel 358 to which several cable management assemblies 352 are mounted for routing power and data lines.
- the cable clips 352 are secured to vertical tube 28 and horizontal tube 30 , with cable tubes 356 extending from a ceiling, down a vertical tube 28 , and to a second set of cable tubes 356 mounted to the lowermost horizontal tube 30 .
- Flex conduit (not shown) may be used to connect the spaced apart cable tubes 356 .
- a ceiling plate 402 provides a bracket for securing vertical runs of the cable tubes 356 to a ceiling.
- FIG. 49 is a perspective view and FIG. 40 is a side view of a cable clip 354 .
- the cable clip 354 has an arcuately extending clip portion 366 for securing to two slots 52 disposed on opposite sides of an extrusion 50 providing the vertical tubes 28 and the horizontal tubes 30 (see FIG. 34 ).
- a mounting tab 368 and a mounting tab 370 are provided for fitting within the opposite slots 52 of an extrusion 50 , locking the clip portion 354 to the extrusion 50 .
- the arcuate clip portion 366 is preferably shaped to fit flush against the side of the extrusion 50 .
- the cable clip 354 further includes a flat, or planar, member 374 having two bosses 376 on opposite edges, and a boss 378 intermediate the two bosses 376 .
- the boss 378 preferably extends on one side of the planar member 374 , the side facing the direction in which the arcuately extending clip portion 366 curves outward.
- the two bosses 376 extend on opposite sides of the planer member 374 .
- Mounting grooves 380 are formed in the bosses 376 and 378 in opposed arrangements. Two of the cable tubes 356 are mounted to the planar member 378 , with mounting tabs 386 of the cable tubes 356 fitting in respective ones of the mounting grooves 380 .
- FIG. 51 is a perspective view and FIG. 52 is an end view of one of the cable tubes 356 .
- the cable tube 356 has a tubular body 382 and is formed to have a longitudinal slot 384 which extends the full length of the cable tube 356 .
- the slot 384 fits against the planar member 374 of the cable clip 354 .
- Two mounting tabs 386 are provided by flanged ends of the cable tube 356 , and extend the full longitudinal length of the tubular body 382 of the cable tube 356 for slidably securing the cable tune 356 within the mounting grooves 380 formed in the bosses 376 and 378 .
- FIG. 53 is a top view and FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a cable tube end plate 392 .
- the cable tube end plate 392 has a planar body, with two notches formed in one end to define a lock tab 396 which extends substantially parallel to the plane of the planar body of the cover end plate 392 .
- a stop tab 398 extends upward at a right angle to the plane of the cover end plate 392 .
- the cable tube end plate 392 fits within the two oppositely facing grooves 380 located on the side of the planar member 374 of the cable clip 354 which is opposite the cable tubes 356 (see FIG. 47 ).
- the stop tap 398 will fit adjacent the boss 378 to block the grooves 380 extending in the boss 378 and prevent the cable tubes 356 from being removed from the cable clips 354 .
- the lock tab 396 will be bent upward with a users hand, without requiring hand tools, to press against the lower side of the planar member 374 to secure the cable tube end plate 392 to the cable clip 354 with a frictional engagement.
- screws could be secured in the holes shown in the end plate 392 .
- FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a ceiling plate 402 .
- the ceiling plate 404 has a main body with an aperture 404 formed through the ceiling plate 404 for receiving two of the cable tubes 356 . (See FIG. 48 ).
- the profile of the cable tube end plate 392 is shaped for fitting substantially flush with the peripheries of the cable tubes 356 which are adjacent to one another and extending in parallel.
- Mounting holes 406 are provided in the ceiling plate 402 for securing the ceiling plate to a ceiling.
- FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clip-on accessory 412 which is mounted to two of the vertical tubes 28 a panel.
- the accessory 412 is mounted two the vertical tubes 28 by means of an accessory mounting bracket 414 .
- the accessory mounting bracket 414 includes a mounting tab 416 for securing in one of the mounting apertures 102 formed into the vertical tubes 28 (see FIGS. 10 and 11 ).
- FIG. 57 is a perspective view of and FIG. 58 is a side view of the mounting bracket 414 .
- the mounting bracket has a planar body 418 and a bracket body 424 which are angularly disposed at right angles from one another.
- the mounting tab 416 has two slots 420 formed into the sides of the mounting tab 416 at the base thereof, for mating with ends of the mounting apertures 102 in the vertical tubes 28 (see FIGS. 10 and 11 ).
- the mounting holes 422 are provided for securing the mounting bracket 414 to the accessory 412 with the tabs 416 of the bracket 414 extending outward from the accessory 412 in a direction which is parallel to the panel to which the accessory is mounted and parallel to the horizontal length of the accessory 414 .
- the bracket body 424 When mounted to one of the vertical tubes 28 , the bracket body 424 will fit in the slot 52 of the extrusion 50 with the mounting tab 416 extending into the slot 102 , and the planar body 418 will extend outward of the extrusion slot 52 , at a right angle to the bracket body 424 .
- the weight of the accessory 412 will pull downward against the planar main body 418 , rather than pulling downward directly against the mounting tab 416 and the mounting apertures 102 .
- FIG. 59 is a view of an arrangement of three panels having an angled transactor surface 428 and a round transactor surface 430 .
- the two transactor surfaces may be of various shapes, and are secured to the upper end of vertical tubes 28 .
- One of the transactor surfaces 428 is mounted to the junction of two of the panels 14 and 16 .
- FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the angled transactor surface 428 .
- the transactor surface 428 extends with two portions at a 120 degree angle.
- Two mounting tabs 432 and 434 extend downward for securing within the upper ends of adjacent vertical tubes 28 .
- a hole is provided through the mounting tab 436 for optional use of a threaded fastener.
- FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the round transactor surface 430 .
- the round transactor surface has one downwardly extending mounting tab 436 for securing within an upper end of one of the vertical tubes 28 .
- the round transactor surfaces 430 is disposed at the ends of a set of panels, and the transactor surface 428 having two mounting tabs 432 and 434 is secured at the junction of two vertical tubes 28 .
- a hole is provided through the mounting tabs 432 and 434 for optional use of a threaded fastner.
- FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a screen assembly 442 having a curved panel 444 and a curved panel 446 which are joined to vertical tubes 28 with a mounting assembly 448 .
- the panels 444 and 446 are preferably formed of an acrylic, but other materials may be used.
- the vertical tube 28 on the left side of the core panel 444 is preferably mounted to the wall with a wall mount assembly 262 (shown in FIG. 36 ).
- the core panel 444 is preferably physically secured to the panel 442 with hinges 34 (shown in FIG. 39 ).
- the support feet 292 and the mounting feet 36 are secured to the lower ends of the vertical tubes 28 .
- the vertical tubes 28 are preferably formed of the same extrusions 50 as the modular furniture 12 having the panels 14 , 16 , and 18 described above.
- FIG. 63 is a partial, perspective view of a core panel 450 secured to a vertical tube 28 by a mounting assembly 448 .
- a top cap 42 is secured to the upper end of the vertical tube 28 .
- FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of a mounting assembly 448 secured to the core panel 450 prior to securing the core panel 450 to a vertical tube 28 .
- the mounting assembly 448 includes a mounting bracket 452 , a core panel pin 454 and two decorative cover caps 456 (one shown).
- a tube plate 458 is provided for mounting within a vertical tube 28 , and extending a threaded fastener through the tube plate 458 , the mounting bracket 452 , into an edge of the core panel and threadingly securing within the core panel pin 454 .
- FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical tube 28 and the mounting assembly 448 securing a core panel 458 to the vertical tube 28 .
- the mounting bracket 452 is shown secured within the slot 52 by a bolt 460 .
- the tube plate 458 is rigidly secured in the extrusion 50 , between the support ribs 458 , and providing a primary structural member for securing the core panel 450 within the slot 52 of the extrusion 50 .
- the bolt 460 extends through the tube plate 458 , the aperture 462 extending into end of the core panel 458 , and threadingly secures to the pin 454 .
- the core panel pin 454 extends transversely through the core panel 458 , extending within the transverse aperture 464 and aligned for receiving the bolt 460 . Opposite end portions of the pin 454 protrude from the core panel 450 and the mounting bracket 454 .
- FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of the core panel 458 showing a longitudinal aperture 462 and a transverse aperture 464 .
- the transverse aperture 464 extends transversely through the plane of the core panel 454 and intersects with the longitudinal aperture 462 .
- the core panel pin 454 (shown in FIG. 69 ) will extend through the transverse aperture 464 .
- the longitudinal aperture 462 is provided by a blind hole which extends into the edge of the core panel 454 , and parallel to the length of the plane of the core panel 454 for receiving the mounting bolt 460 (shown in FIG. 65 ).
- FIG. 67 shows a perspective view of a tube plate 458 .
- the tube plate is preferably formed of aluminum, and includes a substantially rectangular body 455 , a mounting aperture 468 for passing the threaded fastener 460 (shown in FIG. 64 ) through the rectangular body 455 , and a notched portion 470 for receiving the head of the threaded fastener.
- FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket 452 .
- Mounting bracket 452 includes a web portion 472 with two mounting ears 474 which extend at a right angle to the web 472 .
- Two pin apertures 478 extend in each one of the two mounting ears 474 , aligned for receiving the core panel pin 454 .
- a bolt aperture 480 extends through a central portion of the web 470 , which will register with the bolt aperture 462 (shown in FIG. 66 ) in the core panel pin 454 .
- FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a core panel pin 454 .
- the core panel pin 454 has a cylindrically shaped shank 482 , providing the main body of the core panel pin 454 .
- An annular-shaped stop ring 484 is provided for extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shank 482 , extending around the circumference of the shank 482 .
- the stop ring 484 is spaced apart from the terminal ends of the core panel pin 454 for locating the core panel pin 454 within the mounting bracket 452 and the core panel 454 .
- a transverse through hole 486 extends through the shank 482 of the core panel pin 454 , and is threaded for threadingly securing to the mounting bolt 460 (shown in FIG. 64 ).
- Opposite ends 488 and 490 of the shank 482 are provided for receiving the cover cap 456 .
- FIG. 70 is a perspective view of an interior of the cover cap 456 .
- the cover cap 456 has a main cap body 492 which, is preferably diamond shaped.
- the cover cap 456 further has a core panel wall 494 and a core panel wall 496 which are disposed adjacent to the core panel to provide an enclosed region 498 .
- Tube walls 500 and 502 extend to an end tip 504 for laying flat on the arcuate outer surface of extrusions 50 providing the vertical tubes 28 .
- a sleeve portion 506 is provided for securing to the outer ends 488 and 490 of the core panel pin 454 .
- the sleeve portion 506 has a mounting hole 508 which extends transverse to the plane of the cap body 492 .
- Longitudinally extending ribs 510 extend longitudinally in relation to the sleeve portion 506 , spaced apart around the mounting hole 508 for providing an interference fit for gripping the ends 488 and 490 of the core panel pin 4
- FIGS. 71-73 are various views of a shelf mounting bracket.
- the shelf mounting bracket includes a shelf strip 518 having cut-out, or notched portions 520 .
- the shelf strip 518 will be riveted within a slot 52 of an extrusion 50 providing a vertical riser 28 .
- a core panel 522 will fit within the interior of the shelf strip 518 .
- a shelf clip 524 is provided having locating tabs 526 and a lock tab 528 which mate with the cut-out portions 520 of the shelf strip 518 .
- a lock tab 528 extends in one of the notched out portions o 520 f the shelf strip 518 , and has an outward end from which a protruding finger 530 transversely extends for fitting within the outer groove 84 of the slot 52 .
- the core panel 522 fits within the shelf strip 518 to retain the shelf clip 524 within the channel provided by the shelf strip 518 .
- a mounting portion 532 is provided with aperture 534 for receiving a pin, and mating to a hinge of a shelf or another accessory member.
- Panels for privacy screens made according the present invention have several advantages. Core panels are mounted to support tubes secured together to provide rigid support members. Each of the support tubes are preferably formed of the same aluminum extrusion. Tube plates provide structural members within the aluminum extrusions for coupling core panels to the support tubes and for coupled horizontal support tubes to vertical support tubes. Two slots are formed into opposite sides of the extrusion providing the support tubes, each slot having a profile which defines two sets of opposed grooves which extend on opposite sides of the profile in a mutually facing arrangement for receiving tabs of mounting brackets. Vertical and horizontal tubes are joined by V-shaped notches are provided in the vertical tubes and V-shaped ends are formed on the horizontal tubes.
- the V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes mate with the V-shaped notches of the vertical tubes to provide a miter connection, with the tube plates extending between the tubes as a primary structural support member for either rigidly securing the support tubes together, or rigidly securing a core panel to the support tube.
- Inner and outer trim, hinges and wall mounted accessories are mounted in the slots.
- the inner and outer trim, and the hinges are mounted in the opposed grooves formed into the sidewalls of the slots.
- Core panels are also secured to extrusions providing the vertical tubes by means a mounting bracket, a core panel pin and a threaded fastener.
- the mounting bracket fits into one of the slots of the extrusions, and has two ears which extend outward from the extrusion on opposite sides of the core panel.
- the two ears each have pin apertures for receiving a pin which extends transversely through a transverse aperture in the core panel, with a threaded through-hole in the pin extending traverse to the pin an aligned with a longitudinal aperture formed into an edge of the core panel.
- a threaded fastener extends through the extrusion, through the mounting bracket and between the two ears, through the longitudinal aperture and is threadingly secured within the threaded through-hole of the pin.
Abstract
Privacy screen core panels (38) are mounted to extrusions (50) having two slots (52), each slot (52) having two sets of opposed grooves (84, 86). The extrusions (50) are joined together by mating V-shaped notches (56) and V-shaped ends (58) formed in the extrusions (50), and extending tube plates (62) between the extrusions (50). Core panels (458) are secured to tubes (28) formed of the extrusions (50) by fitting mounting brackets (452) into the slots (52), with two ears (472, 474) of the mounting bracket (452) extending outward from the slot (52). The two ears (472, 474) have apertures (476) for receiving a pin (454) which extends transversely through the core panel (458). A threaded fastener (460) extends through the extrusion (50) and the mounting bracket (452), through an end of the core panel (458), and is secured within a through-hole (486) in the pin (454).
Description
- The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/484,858, filed Jul. 3, 2003, entitled “Modular Office Panel Features,” and invented by David Wright.
- The present invention relates in general to furniture, and in particular to privacy screens and related accessories for modular office furniture.
- Modular office furniture has been provided by rigid panels which are connected together by vertical support members. The vertical support members typically have mounting slots formed on various sides for receiving mounting brackets which secure the rigid panels to the vertical support members. The mounting slots are typically visible from each side of the vertical support members. Various accessories such as shelving and such are mounted in the mounting slots formed into the vertical support members. The mounting slots will face outward from the support members, perpendicular to the plane of the rigid panels, for receiving mounting tabs of the shelving and accessories. Any downward pull on the accessories will pull directly against the portion of the mounting tabs inserted into the mounting slots. The mounting slots are typically formed into steel to provide sufficient strength for mounting the accessories with mounting brackets having tabs whichfit into the mounting slots. The mounting slots are typically visible to a person facing the rigid panels.
- Modular office furniture is disclosed which includes privacy screens provided by rigid panels. The rigid panels include core panels mounted to a rigid frame formed from various support tubed provided by vertical and horizontal tubes formed of aluminum extrusions. The extrusions providing the vertical and horizontal tubes have two slots formed into opposite, longitudinal sides of the extrusions. The two slots preferably each have a substantially rectangular shape defining a groove with a profile which includes two sets of opposed grooves, extending on opposite sides of the slot for the full length of the slots. Various mounting brackets and hinges are supported in the grooves. The grooves also provide a means for attaching accessories, and decorative trim such that the slots are not visible. The horizontal and vertical support tubes are secured together by forming a miter joint with a rigid tube plate extending within the miter joint. The miter joint is provided by forming V-shaped notches in the vertical tubes and V-shaped ends on the horizontal tubes. The V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes fit flush within the V-shaped notches of the vertical tubes. The V-shaped notches are spaced apart along the length of the vertical tubes for receiving the V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes. The tube plates extend from the vertical tubes into the horizontal tubes with a threaded fastener securing the tube plate to the horizontal tubes to rigidly secure the vertical tubes to the horizontal tubes. An inner trim is inserted into the slots, and has mounting tabs which extend into the opposed inner grooves of the slots. An outer trim fits in the slots between sidewalls of the slots and the inner trim, with tabs which fit into the outer grooves of the slots. Hinges are also mounted in the slots, with mounting tabs that fit into the inner grooves.
- The core panels are also secured to the vertical tubes by means of a mounting assembly which includes a mounting bracket, a core panel pin and a threaded fastener. A longitudinal aperture is provided by a blind hole formed into an end the core panel, preferably parallel to the plane of the main surfaces of the core panel. A transverse aperture is formed to extend transversely through the core panel, and preferably perpendicular to the plane of the main surfaces of the core panels. The transverse aperture intersects and extends transversely through the longitudinal aperture. A core panel pin is disposed in the transverse slot, and has a threaded, transverse through-hole which extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the core panel pin for aligning with the longitudinal aperture. The core panel pin is preferably wider than the core panel, such that opposite ends of the core panel pin protrude outward on opposite sides of the core panel when the core panel pin is disposed within the transverse aperture. The mounting bracket is preferably U-shaped, having a web portion and two spaced apart mounting ears which extend outward from the web portion in parallel, at right angles to the web portion. Each of the two ears has a pin aperture for receiving the portions of the core panel pin which protrude outward from the core panel, and the web portion has a bolt aperture for aligning with the longitudinal slot such that the core panel pin is extending through the pin apertures in the two ears. The web portion fits against a tube plate secured in the extrusion providing the vertical tube, with the two ears extending outward for receiving one of the core panels between the two ears. The core panel pin extends through the core panel and the pin apertures in the two ears of the mounting bracket, with the threaded, transverse through-hole axially aligned with the longitudinal aperture. A V-shaped notch is formed into the extrusion providing the vertical tube, within which the mounting bracket is received into the slot in the extrusion. An aperture is formed for inserting the tube plate into the extrusion. A threaded fastener is passed through a mounting hole in the tube plate, through the bolt aperture in the web portion of the mounting bracket, into the longitudinal aperture in the core panel, and is secured within the threaded, transverse through-hole of the core panel pin to secure the core panel pin within the core panel, to the mounting bracket, and to the extrusion providing the vertical tube.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which
FIGS. 1 through 51 show various aspects for modular office panels devices made according to the present invention, as set forth below: -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of modular furniture shown having a screen assembly which includes three panels; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one panel of the screen assembly; -
FIG. 3 is a partial, exploded view of a corner assembly of the panel; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an extrusion providing the vertical and the horizontal tubes for the panel; -
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the extrusion; -
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of one of the vertical tubes of the extrusion, showing V-shaped notches spaced apart at three places along the longitudinal length of the vertical tube; -
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the vertical tube; -
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a first side of the vertical tube; -
FIG. 9 is a partial view of the first side of the vertical tube and shows an aperture formed into a slot into one side of the vertical tube, the aperture aligned along the center of the slot; -
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second side of the vertical tube; -
FIG. 11 shows a partial view of the second side of the vertical tube showing the two mouning slots formed into the vertical tube in parallel alignment; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one of a horizontal tube; -
FIG. 13 is a top view of the horizontal tube; -
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the horizontal tube; -
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the horizontal tube, taken along section line 15-15 ofFIG. 12 , and shows a miter nut being installed into a hole formed within the horizontal tube; -
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the horizontal tube, taken along section line 16-16 ofFIG. 12 , and shows the miter nut after being installed in the hole within the horizontal tube; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tube plate; -
FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the tube plate; -
FIG. 19 is an end view of the tube plate; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the miter nut; -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an extrusion showing various trim pieces disposed within slots of the extrusion; -
FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of a top trim; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the top trim; -
FIG. 24 is a side view of an inner trim for fitting with an extrusion slot and receiving a core panel into the extrusion slot; -
FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of an inner sleeve for fitting within the space between two legs of the inner trim; -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate inner trim provided for thin core panels; -
FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of an outer trim; -
FIG. 28 is perspective view of an outer trim stop; -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a two panel hinge member; -
FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the two panel hinge member; -
FIG. 31 is an end view of the two panel hinge member; -
FIG. 32 is an end view of a four panel hinge member; -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of hinge pin; -
FIG. 34 is a sectional view of an extrusion to which are mounted a cable clip and a four panel hinge member; -
FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of a wall mount for securing a panel to a building wall; -
FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of the wall mount mounted to a vertical tube; -
FIG. 37 is a sectional view taken along section line 37-37 ofFIG. 36 , which shows an extrusion tube having the wall mount, a hinge and a tube plate securing the extrusion tube to a building wall; -
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a panel support foot; -
FIG. 39 is an end elevation view of the panel support foot; -
FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of the panel support foot; -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a lock plate for the support foot; -
FIG. 41 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the support foot and an extrusion; -
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a support foot lock plate; -
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a top cap button; -
FIG. 44 is a side view of a top cap button; -
FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a top and bottom of a tube end cap; -
FIG. 47 is perspective view of a cable management assembly; -
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a panel having cable management assemblies for routing power and data lines; -
FIG. 49 is a perspective view andFIG. 50 is a side view of a cable clip of the cable management assembly; -
FIG. 51 is a partial perspective view andFIG. 52 is an end view of a cable tube of the cable management assembly; -
FIG. 53 is a top view andFIG. 54 is a perspective view of a cable tube end plate; -
FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a ceiling plate; -
FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clip-on accessory shelf which is mounted to two vertical tubes of a panel; -
FIG. 57 is a perspective view of andFIG. 58 is a side view of a mounting bracket for securing the clip on accessory shelf to panel tubes; -
FIG. 59 is a view of a screen assembly having transactor surfaces mounted to the top of panels of the screen assembly; -
FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a first transactor surface; -
FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a second transactor surface; -
FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a screen assembly having shaped core panels; -
FIG. 63 is a partial side elevation view of the screen assembly, showing a mounting assembly for securing the shaped core panels to vertical extrusion tubes; -
FIG. 64 is a partial, perspective view of the mounting assembly secured to a core panel; -
FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting assembly, a core panel and an extrusion; -
FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of a core panel showing a longitudinal aperture and a transverse aperture which intersect within the core panel; -
FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a tube plate; -
FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket; -
FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a core panel pin; -
FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a cover cap; -
FIG. 71 is a perspective view of shelf mounting bracket being assembled to an extruded tube; -
FIG. 72 is a sectional view of the shelf mounting bracket and the extruded tube; and -
FIG. 73 is a side view of a shelf clip for the shelf mounting bracket. -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion ofmodular furniture 12 having privacy screens provided bypanel 14,panel 16 andpanel 18, which are secured together. The panel 8 has anupper core panel 20 and alower core panel 22. A table 24 is shown disposed in front of thepanels modular furniture 12. Anaccessory shelf 26 is mounted to thepanel 14. The panels preferably each have rigid frames of support tubes provided by opposed sets ofvertical tubes 28 andhorizontal tubes 30. The uppermost ones of thehorizontal tubes 30 have atop trim 32 which extends longitudinally along the length of thehorizontal tubes 30.Hinges 34 are provided between each of thepanels Leveler feet 36 are secured in the lower ends of thehorizontal tubes 30. One of thecores 38 is formed with translucent material such that objects may be seen behind the material, such as thechair 40. Thepanels -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of thepanel 16 having twovertical tubes 28 which are spaced apart and disposed on opposite sides of thepanel 16, and twohorizontal tubes 30 which are spaced apart and disposed opposite sides of thecore 38. Thevertical tubes 28 are joined to thehorizontal tubes 30 at V-shaped miter joints havingtube plates 62 disposed to extend interiorly within adjacent portions of thevertical tubes 28 andhorizontal tubes 30 at corners of thepanel 16 to provide a rigid framework for thepanel 16. Thetop trim 32 is mounted to the upper most one of thehorizontal tubes 30. End caps 42 are provided in the upper ends of thevertical tubes 28. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a corner connection between thevertical tube 28 and thehorizontal tube 30, providing a miter joint between the twoextruded tubes cap tube button 44 provides a fastener for fitting in an end of thevertical tube 28, and threadingly securing theend cap 42 to the top end oftube 28. Thevertical tube 28 andhorizontal tube 30 are preferably extruded aluminum tubes formed of thesame extrusion 50, and will thus have the same profiles.Slots 52 are defined by substantially rectangular grooves formed to extend on opposite, longitudinally extending edges of theextrusions 50, with theslots 52 being symmetrically formed on opposite edges of theextrusions 28 and extending the full length of the extrusions. Twohinge members 54 are secured in opposite ends of respective ones of theslots 52 for pivotally securingadjacent panels aperture 60 provides a slot formed into thevertical tube 28 for receiving atube plate 62. Thetube plate 62 is a T-shaped bracket having three protruding ends which extend within the extrudedtubes tube plate 62 is stiff to provide rigidity to the miter joint between the twoextruded tubes bolt 64 extends outward of an end of thetube plate 62, extending from within the V-shapednotch 56 for engaging amiter nut 68 which is secured within anaperture 66 provided by a blind hole in thehorizontal tube 30. Theaperture 66 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal length of thehorizontal support tube 30. Themiter nut 68 is secured to the end of thebolt 64 for securing thehorizontal support tube 30 to thevertical tube 28. Ahinge member 54 is secured to the outward end of thetube plate 62, which secures thetube plate 62 from within thehorizontal tube 28, and which also secures thehinge member 54 at a vertical height of thevertical tube 28. Aninner trim 70 is disposed in theslot 52 for receiving a panel core. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end portion of anextrusion 50 used for providing thevertical tubes 28 and thehorizontal tubes 30, andFIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of theextrusion 50.Extrusion 50 has an oval shape, and aninterior profile 72 with two oppositely disposed,interior protrusions 74. Theinterior protrusions 74 are preferably of T-shaped cross section, and have arcuately shaped ends which define acentral portion 76. Thecentral portion 76 is substantially tubular with open sides. Thecentral portion 76 may be threaded at the upper and lower ends of theextrusions 50 for threadingly securing a levelertype mounting foot 36 or anend cap fastener 44. The substantially tubularcentral portion 76 also provides a passage for thetube plate 62 to extend through the extrusion for securing the V-shaped formedend 58 of ahorizontal tube 30 within the V-shapednotch 56 of a matinghorizontal tube 28. The inwardly extendedprotrusions 74 are preferably disposed to extend from the longitudinally extending sides of theextrusion 50, at a ninety degree angle around alongitudinal axis 80 of theextrusion 50 from the edges in which theslots 52 are formed. In some embodiments, the inward ends 76 of the twoprotrusions 74 may be formed to each engage the tube plate 62 (seeFIG. 2 ), the miter nut 68 (seeFIG. 16 ), and thetube plate 458 along at least two lineally extending lines parallel to the length of theextrusion 50. Two sets ofsupport ribs 78 extend the full length of theextrusion 50, adjacent to theslots 52, and inwardly extending into theinterior profile 72. The twosupport ribs 78 provide a plurality of contact surfaces in a structural, supportive engagement with thetube plate 62 at four spaced apart, longitudinally extending contact surfaces within the interior of theextrusion 50. - The
slots 52 each have aslot profile 82 defined by a groove which is generally rectangular in shape, and having three sides. Theslot profile 82 also having a pair ofouter grooves 84 which are oppositely disposed on opposite sides of theslot profile 82. Additionally, two inner grooves are oppositely disposed on opposite sides of theslot profile 82, directly adjacent to abottom wall 90 defining aslot wall 90 of theslot 52. Twosidewalls 88 extend in parallel, adjacent to and at right angles to thebottom wall 90 Theouter grooves 84 andinner grooves 86 are formed to extend into thesidewalls 88. Theinner grooves 86 are adjacent to thebottom wall 90 and are preferably of a generally squared, rectangular shape. The twoouter groove 84 are preferably arcuately shaped, which and will fit flush with mounting tabs which are of a generally round shape. Theinterior profile 72 andslot profile 82 preferably run the entire length of theextrusion 50, with theinner groves 86 and theouter grooves 84 extending the full length of theextrusion 50. -
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of one of thevertical tubes 28, showing the V-shapednotches 56 spaced apart at three places along the longitudinal length of thevertical tube 28.FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of thevertical tube 28 ofFIG. 6 , showing the V-shapednotch 56 having anangle 92 of approximately ninety degrees. Preferably, the V-shapednotch 56 extends half way into theextrusion 50 from which thetube 28 is formed. -
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an edge of thevertical tube 28, showing theaperture 60 in which thetube plate 62 is received. Theapertures 60 are preferably spaced apart at three separate portions of the length of thevertical tube 28, disposed adjacent to and on an opposite side from the V-shapednotches 56.FIG. 9 is a partial section view showing theaperture 60 formed into one side of thevertical tube 28, aligned along the center of theslot 52. Preferably, theaperture 60 will be of aheight 94 and awidth 96, which is preferably a height of approximately two and a half inches and a width of approximately one quarter inches, and will extend through thebottom wall 90 of theslot 52 into which it is formed. Theaperture 60 is disposed between adjacent ones of the longitudinally extendingsupport ribs 78, such that the longitudinally extendingsupport ribs 78 will fit flush against a tube plate 62 (seeFIGS. 10 and 37 ) and a tube place 458 (seeFIG. 65 ). -
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the opposite end of thevertical tube 28 from that into which theslot 60 is formed.FIG. 10 shows the V-shapednotches 56 formed in three places along the length of thevertical tube 28. In addition to the V-shapednotches 56, parallel mountingapertures 102 are formed into theslot 52 for mounting accessories. -
FIG. 11 is a partial section view of thetube 28, showing the two mountingapertures 102 formed in parallel alignment, on opposite sides of theslot 52. Preferably, each of the mounting apertures is approximately 1.2 inches long and 0.13 inches wide. Accessory mounting brackets will have mounting tabs which fit within theapertures 102. The mountingapertures 102 extend parallel and adjacent to thesidewalls 88 of the slot profiles 82 (shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 ), and through thebottom wall 90 of theslot 52 between respective ones of the two longitudinally extendingsupport ribs 78 and thesidewalls 88. Theapertures 102 are formed through thebottom wall 90 at a location disposed between respective ones thesupport ribs 78 and thesidewalls 88, such that theadjacent support ribs 78 and theadjacent sidewalls 88 will reinforce the strength to the portion of thebottom wall 90 which is adjacent theapertures 102. Additionally, as discussed below,accessory brackets 414 which are mounted in theapertures 102 will pull against thesidewall 88 and push against thesupport ribs 78 when weight or downward force is applied to the accessory being mounted, since the accessory is disposed opposite thesidewall 88. (SeeFIGS. 14 and 56 ). -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view,FIG. 13 is a side view, andFIG. 14 is a bottom view one of thehorizontal tubes 30. The formed ends 58 of thehorizontal tubes 30 are preferably formed at anangle 106 of ninety degrees. Anaperture 66 is formed as a blind hole extending through thebottom slot 52 at adistance 104 from the end of the tip or terminal end tip of the formedend 58 for receiving themiter nut 68. Theaperture 66 extends perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 80 of thehorizontal tube 30. Theaperture 66 is preferably drilled to a depth of which ends after passing through the twoinward protrusions 74 of theinterior profile 72. -
FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along section line 15-15 ofFIG. 12 . Theaperture 66 is shown extending through the twoinward protrusions 74 of theinward profile 72. Themiter nut 68 is inserted into theaperture 66 in the direction shown.Miter nut 68 has amain body 110 and atab 112 disposed in the forward end of themain body 110. Anaperture 108 extends through a central portion of themain body 110. -
FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along section line 16-16 ofFIG. 12 , and shows themiter nut 68 after it has been disposed within theaperture 66, in position within theextrusion 50 for threadingly securing to thebolt 64. Thetab 112 on the forward end of themiter nut 68 will fit between the twoparallel support ribs 78, adjacent to thebottom wall 98 of aslot 52 which is disposed in an opposite end of theextrusion 50 from that in which theaperture 66 is formed. Preferably, thetab 112 will extend within the twosupport protrusions 78 and the twointerior protrusions 74 with a slight press fit such that it will not fall out from within theinterior profile 72 of theextrusion 50. The threaded aperture 08 will be aligned perpendicular to a central axis of theextrusion 50 for receiving thebolt 64 from the end of the tube plate 62 (shown inFIG. 3 ). -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view andFIG. 18 is a side elevation view, andFIG. 19 is a rearward end view of atube plate 62. Thetube plate 62 is preferably a flat, T-shaped aluminum member having amain body 16 and aforward end 118. Ahole 120 extends through the length of thetube plate 62, centrally disposed within themain body 16 and theforward end 118. It should be noted that thehole 120 may also be provided by a slot, preferably one within which a bolt 64 (shown inFIG. 3 ) will be retained within themain body 116 and theforward end 118 of thetube plate 62. The slot has aforward end 122, from which the end of thebolt 64 will protrude. The rearward end of thehole 120 has anenlarged portion 124 for receiving the head of thebolt 64. Preferably, the bolt 64 (shown inFIG. 3 ) is provided by an allen screw having a head which fits within theenlarged portion 124. Preferably, two threadedholes 126 are spaced apart in the rearward end face of themain body 116 of thetube plate 62 for receiving fasteners which secure thehinge members 54 in theslots 52, which secures thetube plate 62 within theextrusion 50. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of amiter nut 68, having amain body 110 and atab 112. The threadedhole 108 is formed centrally within themiter nut 68. -
FIG. 21 is a sectional view of an uppermost one of thehorizontal tubes 30, disposed at the top of a panel. Atop trim 32 is disposed in theuppermost slot 52 of thetube 30. Thetop trim 32 hastabs 134 which are secured within theinner groove 86. Aninner trim 150 and anouter trim 152 are disposed in thelower slot 52 for receiving an edge of acore panel 138. Theinner trim 150 is mounted in theinner slot 86, adjacent to theslot bottom 90. Theouter trim 152 fits within theouter groove 84 adjacent to thesidewalls 82 of theslot 52. -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view, andFIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of atop trim 32. Thetop trim 32 has is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion, having aprofile 130 defined bylower body portion 132 and anupper body portion 138 with aweb portion 136 extending between thelower body portion 132 and theupper body portion 138. Mountingtabs 134 are provided by flange portions which extend over the longitudinal length of the lower most end of thelower body portion 132 for fitting within theinner grooves 86 of theupper slot 52 of a top horizontal member 30 (shown inFIG. 21 ). Thetop trim 32 has two sets of oppositely disposedlower grooves 140 andupper grooves 142. Thelower grooves 140 andupper grooves 142 are oppositely disposed in alignment for optionally receiving decorativetrim panels 144 on opposite sides of theweb portion 136. -
FIG. 24 is a sectional view of aninner trim 150. Theinner trim 150 has abase portion 158, with lower edges on opposite sides of thebase portion 158 defining mountingtabs 168 for fitting within theinner grooves 86 intoslot 52. Additionally, longitudinally extendingprotuberances 162 extend from the lower end of thebase portion 158 to provide frictional engagement members for aiding in locking the trim in place within theslot 52. Twolegs 164 outwardly extend of thebase portion 158, and are spaced apart to provide aspace 166 between the twolegs 164 for receiving an edge of acore panel 38 which is being secured within arespective slot 52. -
FIG. 25 is a partial, perspective view of aninner sleeve 170 which may be used for fitting within thespace 166 between the twolegs 164 of the tubeinner trim 150 for adapting theinner trim 150 for receiving a core panel of smaller size than that which it would receive without use of theinner sleeve 170. Theinner sleeve 170 has abase portion 172 with twolegs 174, and is preferably of a U-shaped profile extruded of plastic materials. The twolegs 174 are spaced apart to define aspace 176 for receiving an edge of a core panel. Thebase 172 of theinner sleeve 170 will fit against thebase 158 of theinner trim 150, with thelegs 174 extending adjacent to thelegs 164. -
FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of a secondinner trim 180 provided for thin core panels, such that it may be used to replace use of both theinner trim 150 combined with theinner sleeve 170. Theinner trim 180 is preferably provided by a plastic extrusion, having a base portion 182 with opposite edges which providing flange portions that define mountingtabs 184 for fitting within theinner grooves 86 of one of theslots 52. Two longitudinally extendingprotuberances 186 extend the longitudinal length of the interior side of the base portion 182. Twolegs 188 extend from the outward side of the base portion 182, and are spaced apart to define aspace 190 for receiving a thin core panel. The outward ends 192 of thelegs 188 extend back towards with base portion 182 to provide longitudinally extended flanges which extend the length of the inner trim. -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of anouter trim 152. Theouter trim 152 includes amain body 196 which fits flush against asidewall 82 of one of theslots 52. The outer trim has an inwardly extendingportion 198 which extends from themain body 196 inward to define anend tip 200 which will extend outward of theinner trims slot 52 within one of theinner trims outer trim 152. Theouter trim 152 further has aprotuberance 202 which extends from an outward side of themain body 196 to define a longitudinally extending, mounting tab. Theprotuberance 202 preferably has a substantially rounded-shaped profile which defines abulbous body 204 for fitting flush within the rounded profile of theouter groove 84 of one of theslots 52. Twoindentations 206 extend into opposite sides of theprotuberance 202, adjacent to themain body 196, for receiving inwardly protruding edges of the outer portion of theouter groove 84. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an outertrim stop 212. The outertrim stop 212 has afirst portion 214 and asecond portion 216. Thefirst portion 214 will fit in the end of aslot 52, with edges of the first portion providing mounting tabs which extend into theinner groove 86 of theslot 52. Thesecond portion 216 of the outer trim stop will extend outward of theslot 52 and prevent theouter trim 152 from sliding longitudinally from theslot 52. End caps 42, mountingfeet 36, and hingemembers 54 and the like will retain the outer trim stops 212 within theslots 52. -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view,FIG. 30 is side view, andFIG. 31 is an end view of a twopanel hinge member 54. Thehinge member 54 has is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion having amain body 220 with two mountingtabs 222 defined by flange portions which longitudinally extend from opposite sides of themain body 220 for fitting within theinner grooves 86 of aslot 52, with the mountingtabs 222 fitting flush against thebottom wall 90 of theslot 52. Thehinge member 54 further includes aboss 224 which extends to acollar 226. Thecollar 226 has anaperture 228 defining a hinge loop for rotatably receiving ahinge pin 252 for pivoting within thecollar 226. Two throughholes 230 are provided for passing to a threaded fasteners which are threadingly secured to twoholes 126 in one of thetube plates 62 to which thehinge member 54 is secured, which secures thehinge member 54 in a fixed position within one of theslots 52. -
FIG. 32 is an end view of a fourpanel hinge member 234. Thehinge member 234 is preferably formed of an aluminum extrusion, and has amain body 236 with two mountingtabs 38 provided by flange portions for fitting within theinner grooves 86 of aslot 52. Aboss 240 extends to anouter portion 242. Theouter portion 242 has threecollars 244 which define threeapertures 246 to define hinge loops for receiving hinge pins 252. Onehinge member 234 is mounted to one panel, and then three twopanel hinge member 54 are mounted to three other panels for securing to hingepins 252 in respective ones of thecollars 226 andcollars 244 to pivotally secure the edges of four panels together. -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view ofhinge pin 252. Thehinge pin 252 has an uppercylindrical portion 254 which defines an upper pin portion, and a lowercylindrical portion 256 which defines a lower pin portion, and an annular-shapedcollar 258 which is disposed between the uppercylindrical portion 254 and the lowercylindrical portion 256. Two tappedholes 260 are provided in opposite ends of thehinge pin 252 for securing fasteners in the ends of the hinge pins 252 for securing the hinge pins 252 within thecollars -
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of one of theextrusions 50 with the fourpanel hinge member 234 secured in theslot 52 and acable clip 354 secured within the twoopposite slots 52. Thetube plate 62 is shown extending from beneath thehinge member 234, to rigidly connect thehinge member 234 to theextrusion 50. -
FIG. 35 is a side elevation view,FIG. 36 is a perspective view, andFIG. 37 is a sectional view of awall mount 262 for securing a panel to a building wall. Thewall mount 262 is preferably provided by the same extrusion as that which used to provide the two-panel hinge member 54, and thus has the same cross-section as that shown for thehinge member 54 inFIG. 31 . Thewall mount 262 hasend portions 264 andcentral portion 266 havingnotches collars 226 ofhinge members 54 are disposed for rotatably securing to thewall mount 262 withhinge pin 252. Thehinge pin 252 will be secured in thevertical tube 28, adjacent atube plate 62 having anend portion 274 for securing a core panel to thevertical tube 28 and the wall. -
FIG. 38 is a perspective view,FIG. 39 is an rear elevation view taken along section line 39-39 ofFIG. 38 , andFIG. 40 is a side elevation view asupport foot 292. Thesupport foot 292 includes abase plate 294 and apost member 296 for securing the lower ends of selectedvertical tubes 28. Thepost member 296 includeschannel member 298 andgussets 300. Set screw holes 302 are provided inchannel member 298. Thechannel member 298 will fit within one of theslots 52. Twoslots 304 are provided for receiving a supportfoot lock plate 308, which is shown as being installed in theslots 304 inFIG. 39 . -
FIG. 41 is a partially exploded view of thesupport foot 308 being installed within theextrusion 50 providing thevertical tub 28. Thechannel portion 298 of thesupport foot 308 fits within theslot 52, with theedges 310 of the support plage 308 fitting in theouter grooves 84 of theslot 52. After thechannel portion 298 of thesupport foot 308 is fully inserted within theslot 52, atube end cap 332 will be installed into the lower end of theextrusion 50. Aleveler foot 36 will then be installed through theend cap 332. Theleveler foot 36 has a threadedshank 316 and around support foot 318. The threadedshank 316 extends through theend cap 332 and engages with threads formed in thecentral portion 76 of theprotrusions 74 of theextrusion 50. After theleveler foot 36 is rotatably adjusted to select a height for the lower end of theextrusion 50 from a floor, thesupport foot 308 is lowered to engage the floor. The set screws 314 (shown inFIG. 42 ) are threadingly secured within the threadedholes 312 of the supportfoot lock plate 308 to extend through the twoholes 302 in thechannel portion 298 to press against thebottom wall 90 of theslot 52 and retain thesupport foot 308 in fixed relative relation to the lower end of theextrusion 50. -
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a supportfoot lock plate 308. The supportfoot lock plate 308 hasedges 310 which provide mounting tabs for fitting within theouter grooves 84 of theslots 52.Holes 312 are tapped for receiving setscrews 314. Theset screws 314 are threadingly secured within the tappedholes 312 of the supportfoot lock plate 308 and pass through the set screw holes 302 in thechannel member 298 of the support foot to engage thebottom wall 90 of theslot 52 and lock thesupport foot 296 in a fixed position secured within the lower end of aslot 52 of one of thevertical tubes 28. -
FIG. 43 is a perspective view andFIG. 44 is a top view of atube cap button 320. Thebutton 320 has an upper portion which is preferably threaded for fitting in anaperture 336 in a tube end cap 332 (shown inFIGS. 45 and 46 ). Aannular ring portion 324 provides a boss for fitting interiorly within the lower side of thetube end cap 332, beneath thetop portion 334 of thetube cap 332. Alower portion 326 extends downward for fitting within thecentral portion 76 of theinterior profile 72 of theextrusion 50, between the inward protrusions 74 (shown inFIG. 5 ). -
FIGS. 45 and 46 are perspective views of a top and bottom of atube end cap 332. Thetube cap 332 hastop portion 334. A threadedaperture 336 extends through thetop portion 334 for receiving the top cap button 320 (shown inFIGS. 43 and 44 ). Aninner lip 338 extends around the periphery of thetop portion 334 for fitting around the exterior of the outer periphery of theextrusion 50. Two spaced aparttabs 340 are provided which fit within theinterior profile 72 of anextrusion 50, between twoadjacent support ribs 78 to secure thetube end cap 332 within theinterior profile 72 of one of theextrusions 50. -
FIG. 47 is perspective view of acable management assembly 352. Thecable management assembly 352 includes acable clip 354 andcable tubes 356. Thecable tubes 356 are mounted to thecable clip 354. Twocable tubes 356 are used so that power and data lines may be separately run in the twoconduits 356. -
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of apanel 358 to which severalcable management assemblies 352 are mounted for routing power and data lines. The cable clips 352 are secured tovertical tube 28 andhorizontal tube 30, withcable tubes 356 extending from a ceiling, down avertical tube 28, and to a second set ofcable tubes 356 mounted to the lowermosthorizontal tube 30. Flex conduit (not shown) may be used to connect the spaced apartcable tubes 356. Aceiling plate 402 provides a bracket for securing vertical runs of thecable tubes 356 to a ceiling. -
FIG. 49 is a perspective view andFIG. 40 is a side view of acable clip 354. Thecable clip 354 has an arcuately extendingclip portion 366 for securing to twoslots 52 disposed on opposite sides of anextrusion 50 providing thevertical tubes 28 and the horizontal tubes 30 (seeFIG. 34 ). A mountingtab 368 and a mountingtab 370 are provided for fitting within theopposite slots 52 of anextrusion 50, locking theclip portion 354 to theextrusion 50. Thearcuate clip portion 366 is preferably shaped to fit flush against the side of theextrusion 50. Thecable clip 354 further includes a flat, or planar,member 374 having twobosses 376 on opposite edges, and aboss 378 intermediate the twobosses 376. Theboss 378 preferably extends on one side of theplanar member 374, the side facing the direction in which the arcuately extendingclip portion 366 curves outward. The twobosses 376 extend on opposite sides of theplaner member 374. Mountinggrooves 380 are formed in thebosses cable tubes 356 are mounted to theplanar member 378, with mountingtabs 386 of thecable tubes 356 fitting in respective ones of the mountinggrooves 380. -
FIG. 51 is a perspective view andFIG. 52 is an end view of one of thecable tubes 356. Thecable tube 356 has atubular body 382 and is formed to have alongitudinal slot 384 which extends the full length of thecable tube 356. Theslot 384 fits against theplanar member 374 of thecable clip 354. Two mountingtabs 386 are provided by flanged ends of thecable tube 356, and extend the full longitudinal length of thetubular body 382 of thecable tube 356 for slidably securing thecable tune 356 within the mountinggrooves 380 formed in thebosses -
FIG. 53 is a top view andFIG. 54 is a perspective view of a cabletube end plate 392. The cabletube end plate 392 has a planar body, with two notches formed in one end to define alock tab 396 which extends substantially parallel to the plane of the planar body of thecover end plate 392. Astop tab 398 extends upward at a right angle to the plane of thecover end plate 392. The cabletube end plate 392 fits within the two oppositely facinggrooves 380 located on the side of theplanar member 374 of thecable clip 354 which is opposite the cable tubes 356 (seeFIG. 47 ). Thestop tap 398 will fit adjacent theboss 378 to block thegrooves 380 extending in theboss 378 and prevent thecable tubes 356 from being removed from the cable clips 354. Thelock tab 396 will be bent upward with a users hand, without requiring hand tools, to press against the lower side of theplanar member 374 to secure the cabletube end plate 392 to thecable clip 354 with a frictional engagement. Optionally, screws could be secured in the holes shown in theend plate 392. -
FIG. 55 is a perspective view of aceiling plate 402. Theceiling plate 404 has a main body with anaperture 404 formed through theceiling plate 404 for receiving two of thecable tubes 356. (SeeFIG. 48 ). The profile of the cabletube end plate 392 is shaped for fitting substantially flush with the peripheries of thecable tubes 356 which are adjacent to one another and extending in parallel. Mountingholes 406 are provided in theceiling plate 402 for securing the ceiling plate to a ceiling. -
FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clip-onaccessory 412 which is mounted to two of the vertical tubes 28 a panel. Theaccessory 412 is mounted two thevertical tubes 28 by means of anaccessory mounting bracket 414. Theaccessory mounting bracket 414 includes a mountingtab 416 for securing in one of the mountingapertures 102 formed into the vertical tubes 28 (seeFIGS. 10 and 11 ). -
FIG. 57 is a perspective view of andFIG. 58 is a side view of the mountingbracket 414. The mounting bracket has aplanar body 418 and abracket body 424 which are angularly disposed at right angles from one another. The mountingtab 416 has twoslots 420 formed into the sides of the mountingtab 416 at the base thereof, for mating with ends of the mountingapertures 102 in the vertical tubes 28 (seeFIGS. 10 and 11 ). The mountingholes 422 are provided for securing the mountingbracket 414 to theaccessory 412 with thetabs 416 of thebracket 414 extending outward from theaccessory 412 in a direction which is parallel to the panel to which the accessory is mounted and parallel to the horizontal length of theaccessory 414. When mounted to one of thevertical tubes 28, thebracket body 424 will fit in theslot 52 of theextrusion 50 with the mountingtab 416 extending into theslot 102, and theplanar body 418 will extend outward of theextrusion slot 52, at a right angle to thebracket body 424. The weight of theaccessory 412 will pull downward against the planarmain body 418, rather than pulling downward directly against the mountingtab 416 and the mountingapertures 102. -
FIG. 59 is a view of an arrangement of three panels having anangled transactor surface 428 and around transactor surface 430. The two transactor surfaces may be of various shapes, and are secured to the upper end ofvertical tubes 28. One of the transactor surfaces 428 is mounted to the junction of two of thepanels -
FIG. 60 is a perspective view of theangled transactor surface 428. Thetransactor surface 428 extends with two portions at a 120 degree angle. Two mountingtabs vertical tubes 28. A hole is provided through the mountingtab 436 for optional use of a threaded fastener. -
FIG. 61 is a perspective view of theround transactor surface 430. The round transactor surface has one downwardly extending mountingtab 436 for securing within an upper end of one of thevertical tubes 28. Preferably, the round transactor surfaces 430 is disposed at the ends of a set of panels, and thetransactor surface 428 having two mountingtabs vertical tubes 28. A hole is provided through the mountingtabs -
FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a screen assembly 442 having acurved panel 444 and acurved panel 446 which are joined tovertical tubes 28 with a mountingassembly 448. Thepanels vertical tube 28 on the left side of thecore panel 444 is preferably mounted to the wall with a wall mount assembly 262 (shown inFIG. 36 ). Thecore panel 444 is preferably physically secured to the panel 442 with hinges 34 (shown inFIG. 39 ). Thesupport feet 292 and the mountingfeet 36 are secured to the lower ends of thevertical tubes 28. Thevertical tubes 28 are preferably formed of thesame extrusions 50 as themodular furniture 12 having thepanels -
FIG. 63 is a partial, perspective view of acore panel 450 secured to avertical tube 28 by a mountingassembly 448. Atop cap 42 is secured to the upper end of thevertical tube 28. -
FIG. 64 is a partial perspective view of a mountingassembly 448 secured to thecore panel 450 prior to securing thecore panel 450 to avertical tube 28. The mountingassembly 448 includes a mountingbracket 452, acore panel pin 454 and two decorative cover caps 456 (one shown). Atube plate 458 is provided for mounting within avertical tube 28, and extending a threaded fastener through thetube plate 458, the mountingbracket 452, into an edge of the core panel and threadingly securing within thecore panel pin 454. -
FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of thevertical tube 28 and the mountingassembly 448 securing acore panel 458 to thevertical tube 28. The mountingbracket 452 is shown secured within theslot 52 by abolt 460. Thetube plate 458 is rigidly secured in theextrusion 50, between thesupport ribs 458, and providing a primary structural member for securing thecore panel 450 within theslot 52 of theextrusion 50. Thebolt 460 extends through thetube plate 458, theaperture 462 extending into end of thecore panel 458, and threadingly secures to thepin 454. Thecore panel pin 454 extends transversely through thecore panel 458, extending within thetransverse aperture 464 and aligned for receiving thebolt 460. Opposite end portions of thepin 454 protrude from thecore panel 450 and the mountingbracket 454. -
FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of thecore panel 458 showing alongitudinal aperture 462 and atransverse aperture 464. Thetransverse aperture 464 extends transversely through the plane of thecore panel 454 and intersects with thelongitudinal aperture 462. The core panel pin 454 (shown inFIG. 69 ) will extend through thetransverse aperture 464. Thelongitudinal aperture 462 is provided by a blind hole which extends into the edge of thecore panel 454, and parallel to the length of the plane of thecore panel 454 for receiving the mounting bolt 460 (shown inFIG. 65 ). -
FIG. 67 shows a perspective view of atube plate 458. The tube plate is preferably formed of aluminum, and includes a substantially rectangular body 455, a mountingaperture 468 for passing the threaded fastener 460 (shown inFIG. 64 ) through the rectangular body 455, and a notchedportion 470 for receiving the head of the threaded fastener. -
FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the mountingbracket 452. Mountingbracket 452 includes aweb portion 472 with two mountingears 474 which extend at a right angle to theweb 472. Twopin apertures 478 extend in each one of the two mountingears 474, aligned for receiving thecore panel pin 454. Abolt aperture 480 extends through a central portion of theweb 470, which will register with the bolt aperture 462 (shown inFIG. 66 ) in thecore panel pin 454. -
FIG. 69 is a perspective view of acore panel pin 454. Thecore panel pin 454 has a cylindrically shapedshank 482, providing the main body of thecore panel pin 454. An annular-shapedstop ring 484 is provided for extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of theshank 482, extending around the circumference of theshank 482. Thestop ring 484 is spaced apart from the terminal ends of thecore panel pin 454 for locating thecore panel pin 454 within the mountingbracket 452 and thecore panel 454. A transverse throughhole 486 extends through theshank 482 of thecore panel pin 454, and is threaded for threadingly securing to the mounting bolt 460 (shown inFIG. 64 ). Opposite ends 488 and 490 of theshank 482 are provided for receiving thecover cap 456. -
FIG. 70 is a perspective view of an interior of thecover cap 456. Thecover cap 456 has amain cap body 492 which, is preferably diamond shaped. Thecover cap 456 further has acore panel wall 494 and acore panel wall 496 which are disposed adjacent to the core panel to provide anenclosed region 498.Tube walls end tip 504 for laying flat on the arcuate outer surface ofextrusions 50 providing thevertical tubes 28. Asleeve portion 506 is provided for securing to the outer ends 488 and 490 of thecore panel pin 454. Thesleeve portion 506 has a mountinghole 508 which extends transverse to the plane of thecap body 492.Longitudinally extending ribs 510 extend longitudinally in relation to thesleeve portion 506, spaced apart around the mountinghole 508 for providing an interference fit for gripping theends core panel pin 454. -
FIGS. 71-73 are various views of a shelf mounting bracket. The shelf mounting bracket includes ashelf strip 518 having cut-out, or notchedportions 520. Theshelf strip 518 will be riveted within aslot 52 of anextrusion 50 providing avertical riser 28. Acore panel 522 will fit within the interior of theshelf strip 518. Ashelf clip 524 is provided having locatingtabs 526 and alock tab 528 which mate with the cut-outportions 520 of theshelf strip 518. Alock tab 528 extends in one of the notched out portions o520 f theshelf strip 518, and has an outward end from which aprotruding finger 530 transversely extends for fitting within theouter groove 84 of theslot 52. Thecore panel 522 fits within theshelf strip 518 to retain theshelf clip 524 within the channel provided by theshelf strip 518. A mountingportion 532 is provided withaperture 534 for receiving a pin, and mating to a hinge of a shelf or another accessory member. - Panels for privacy screens made according the present invention have several advantages. Core panels are mounted to support tubes secured together to provide rigid support members. Each of the support tubes are preferably formed of the same aluminum extrusion. Tube plates provide structural members within the aluminum extrusions for coupling core panels to the support tubes and for coupled horizontal support tubes to vertical support tubes. Two slots are formed into opposite sides of the extrusion providing the support tubes, each slot having a profile which defines two sets of opposed grooves which extend on opposite sides of the profile in a mutually facing arrangement for receiving tabs of mounting brackets. Vertical and horizontal tubes are joined by V-shaped notches are provided in the vertical tubes and V-shaped ends are formed on the horizontal tubes. The V-shaped ends of the horizontal tubes mate with the V-shaped notches of the vertical tubes to provide a miter connection, with the tube plates extending between the tubes as a primary structural support member for either rigidly securing the support tubes together, or rigidly securing a core panel to the support tube. Inner and outer trim, hinges and wall mounted accessories are mounted in the slots. The inner and outer trim, and the hinges are mounted in the opposed grooves formed into the sidewalls of the slots. Core panels are also secured to extrusions providing the vertical tubes by means a mounting bracket, a core panel pin and a threaded fastener. The mounting bracket fits into one of the slots of the extrusions, and has two ears which extend outward from the extrusion on opposite sides of the core panel. The two ears each have pin apertures for receiving a pin which extends transversely through a transverse aperture in the core panel, with a threaded through-hole in the pin extending traverse to the pin an aligned with a longitudinal aperture formed into an edge of the core panel. A threaded fastener extends through the extrusion, through the mounting bracket and between the two ears, through the longitudinal aperture and is threadingly secured within the threaded through-hole of the pin.
- Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for privacy panels, comprising:
a core panel;
a tube formed from a length of an extrusion, said extrusion having two slots formed to into said extrusion in opposite sides of said extrusion, said two slots extending along said length of said extrusion, each of said two slots having a slot wall disposed opposite an open end of respective one of said two slots, wherein said slot walls extend substantially said length of said extrusion;
a tube plate extending into said extrusion between walls of said two slots, and said tube plate extending in supportive engagement with a plurality of contact portions of said length of said extrusion; and
wherein said core panel is received within said one of said two slots, and said tube plate retains said core panel in said one of said two slots of said extrusion.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said slots walls each have at least two support ribs which extend both substantially for said length of said extrusion and from respective ones of said sidewalls toward a central portion of said extrusion.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein support ribs define at least part of said plurality of contact portions of said length of said extrusion.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said extrusion further comprises two protrusions which extend inward from opposite sides of outer side walls of said extrusion, respectively, in respective directions which are perpendicular to said first and second directions in which said two slots extend into said extrusion, said two protrusions inwardly extending within said extrusion.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one set of grooves formed into at least one of said slots, with said grooves being disposed on opposite sides of said one of said slots and said grooves extending transverse to a direction in which said at least one of said slots extends from an outer portion of said extrusion to an inner portion of said extrusion;
a trim having a base portion and two legs which outwardly extend from said base portion for receiving an edge of said core panel therebetwen, said base portion having lower edges on opposite sides of said base portion which define mounting tabs for fitting within said grooves and encloses said slot and said edges of said core panel.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said tube defines a vertical tube and a second tube formed of said extrusion defines a horizontal tube which is joined to said vertical tube, and the apparatus further comprises:
said vertical tube having a V-shaped notch which extends into a central portion of said extrusion;
said horizontal tube having a V-shaped end which is formed for mating flush with said V-shaped notch of said vertical tube:
said tube plate extending from said vertical tube into said horizontal tube, and having opposite sides which engage slots walls of said extrusion providing said horizontal tubes;
a threaded fastener securing said tube plate to a threaded member secured within said horizontal tube; and
wherein a second edge of said core panel extends into a slot of said extrusion which is adjacent to said core panel and said core panel is retained within said slot of said extrusion at least in part by said tube plate securing said horizontal tube to said vertical tube.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a pin extending within said core panel, transverse to two sides of said core panel, and having an aperture which extends transversely through said pin;
a mounting bracket fitting into one of said slots of said extrusions, said mounting bracket having two ears which extend outward from said extrusion on opposite sides of said core panel, said two ears each having a respective one of pin apertures for receiving said pin which extends transversely through said core panel, and said mounting bracket having a web portion with a fastener hole extending through said web portion; and
a fastener extending through said tube plate in said extrusion, through said fastner hole in said mounting bracket and between the two ears, and through said end of said core panel ain into said pin.
8. An apparatus for privacy panels, comprising:
a core panel;
a tube formed from a length of an extrusion, said extrusion having two slots formed to into said extrusion in a first direction and a second direction, respectively, wherein said second direction is opposite said first direction, and said two slots extending along said length of said extrusion, with said two slots being disposed on opposite sides of said extrusion and each having a slot wall disposed opposite an open end of respective one of said two slots, wherein said slot walls extend substantially said length of said extrusion;
inner grooves and outer grooves formed into respective one of said slot walls, with two of said inner grooves being disposed on opposite sides of each of said two slots and two of said outer grooves being disposed on opposite sides of each of said two slots, with said inner grooves and said outer grooves extending transverse to said first and second directions into which said slots extend into said extrusion and transverse to at least a portion of said bottom wall, with said inner grooves disposed inward within said two slots from said outer grooves;
a tube plate extending into said extrusion at least between said slot walls of said two slots in said first and second directions, and extending along a portion of said length of said extrusion; and
wherein said core panel is received within one of said two slots in one of said first and second directions, and retained within said one of said two slots by means of said tube plate.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said sidewalls of said slots each have at least two support ribs which extend both substantially for said length of said extrusion and from respective ones of said sidewalls toward said central portion of said extrusion.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said support ribs contact said tube plate in supportive engagement.
11. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein said extrusion further comprises two protrusions which extend inward from opposite sides of outer side walls of said extrusion, respectively, in respective directions which are perpendicular to said first and second directions in which said two slots extend into said extrusion.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein said protrusions have interior ends which define a central portion of said extrusion, said interior ends of said protrusions, said protrusions being generally T-shaped with said interior ends defining arcuately shaped ends for said protrusions, wherein said central portion of said extrusion is substantially tubular with open sides.
13. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising:
an inner trim having a base portion and two legs which outwardly extend from said base portion for receiving an edge of said core panel therebetween, said base portion having lower edges on opposite sides of said base portion which define mounting tabs for fitting within said inner grooves;
two outer trim members disposed on opposite sides of said inner trim member within a respective one of said slots within which said inner trim member is disposed, each trim member having a main body and a protuberance which extends from an outward side of said main body to define a longitudinally extending mounting tab, said protuberance having a substantially rounded-shaped profile which defines a bulbous body for fitting within an outer groove of the slots to retain said outer trim between a sidewall of said respective slot and said inner trim, and said main body extending outward of said slot and against a side of a core panel disposed within said inner trim; and
wherein said inner and outer trim enclosing said slot and said edge of said core panel.
14. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said length of said extrusion is perpendicular to said first direction and said second direction.
15. The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said tube defines a vertical tube and a second tube formed of said extrusion defines a horizontal tube which is joined to said vertical tube, and the apparatus further comprises:
said vertical tubes having V-shaped notches which extend into a central portion of said extrusion;
said horizontal tubes having V-shaped ends which are formed for mating flush with said V-shaped notches of said vertical tubes:
said tube plate extending from said vertical tubes into said horizontal tubes, and having opposite sides which engage slots walls of said extrusion providing said horizontal tubes;
a threaded fastener securing said tube plate to a threaded member secured within said horizontal tube; and
wherein a second edge of said core panel extends into a slot of said extrusion which is adjacent to said core panel.
16. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising:
a pin extending within said core panel, transverse two sides of said core panel, and having an aperture which extends transversely through said pin;
a mounting bracket fitting into one of said slots of said extrusions, said mounting bracket having two ears which extend outward from said extrusion on opposite sides of said core panel, said two ears each having a respective one of pin apertures for receiving said pin which extends transversely through said core panel, and said mounting bracket having a web portion with a fastener hole extending through said web portion; and
a fastener extending through said tube plate in said extrusion, through said fastner hole in said mounting bracket and between the two ears, and through said end of said core panel ain into said pin.
17. An apparatus for privacy panels, comprising:
a core panel;
a tube formed from a length of an extrusion, said extrusion having two slots formed to into said extrusion in a first direction and a second direction, respectively, wherein said second direction is opposite said first direction and said first and second directions are perpendicular to said length of said extrusion, and said two slots extending along said length of said extrusion, with said two slots being disposed on opposite sides of said extrusion and each having a slot wall disposed opposite an open end of respective ones of said two slots, wherein said slot walls extend substantially said length of said extrusion;
said extrusion having two protrusions which extend inward from opposite sides of outer side walls of said extrusion, respectively, in respective directions which are perpendicular to said first and second directions in which said two slots extend into said extrusion, said two protrusions inwardly extending within said extrusion, said protrusions have interior ends which define a central portion of said extrusion; and
said extrusion further having two support ribs which inwardly extend from said slot walls toward an interior of said tube, said support ribs extending substantially for said length of said extrusion;
a tube plate extending into said extrusion and disposed in supportive engagement with each of said support ribs along a plurality of contact regions which extending longitudinally along a portion of said length of said extrusion; and
wherein said core panel is received within one of said two slots in one of said first and second directions, and retained within said one of said two slots by means of said tube plate.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17 , comprising:
inner grooves and outer grooves formed into respective one of said slot walls, with two of said inner grooves being disposed on opposite sides of each of said two slots and two of said outer grooves being disposed on opposite sides of each of said two slots, with said inner grooves and said outer grooves extending transverse to said first and second directions into which said slots extend into said extrusion and transverse to at least a portion of said bottom wall, with said inner grooves disposed inward within said two slots from said outer grooves;
an inner trim having a base portion and two legs which outwardly extend from said base portion for receiving an edge of said core panel there-between, said base portion having lower edges on opposite sides of said base portion which define mounting tabs for fitting within said inner grooves;
two outer trim members disposed on opposite sides of said inner trim member within a respective one of said slots within which said inner trim member is disposed, each trim member having a main body and a protuberance which extends from an outward side of said main body to define a longitudinally extending mounting tab, said protuberance having a substantially rounded-shaped profile which defines a bulbous body for fitting within an outer groove of the slots to retain said outer trim between a sidewall of said respective slot and said inner trim, and said main body extending outward of said slot and against a side of a core panel disposed within said inner trim; and
wherein said inner and outer trim enclosing said slot and said edge of said core panel.
19. The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein said tube defines a vertical tube and a second tube formed of said extrusion defines a horizontal tube which is joined to said vertical tube, and the apparatus further comprises:
said vertical tubes having V-shaped notches which extend into a central portion of said extrusion;
said horizontal tubes having V-shaped ends which are formed for mating flush with said V-shaped notches of said vertical tubes:
said tube plate extending from said vertical tubes into said horizontal tubes, and having opposite sides which engage slots walls of said extrusion providing said horizontal tubes;
a threaded fastener securing said tube plate to a threaded member secured within said horizontal tube, and
wherein a second edge of said core panel extends into a slot of said extrusion which is adjacent to said core panel.
20. The apparatus according to claim 17 , further comprising:
a pin extending within said core panel, transverse two sides of said core panel, and having an aperture which extends transversely through said pin;
a mounting bracket fitting into one of said slots of said extrusions, said mounting bracket having two ears which extend outward from said extrusion on opposite sides of said core panel, said two ears each having a respective one of pin apertures for receiving said pin which extends transversely through said core panel, and said mounting bracket having a web portion with a fastener hole extending through said web portion; and
a fastener extending through said tube plate in said extrusion, through said fastner hole in said mounting bracket and between the two ears, and through said end of said core panel ain into said pin.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/864,194 US20050000168A1 (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2004-06-09 | Modular office panels |
PCT/US2004/019424 WO2005010287A2 (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2004-06-17 | Modular office panels |
TW093119981A TW200506154A (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2004-07-02 | Modular office panels |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US48485803P | 2003-07-03 | 2003-07-03 | |
US10/864,194 US20050000168A1 (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2004-06-09 | Modular office panels |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050000168A1 true US20050000168A1 (en) | 2005-01-06 |
Family
ID=33555752
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/864,194 Abandoned US20050000168A1 (en) | 2003-07-03 | 2004-06-09 | Modular office panels |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050000168A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW200506154A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005010287A2 (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050173362A1 (en) * | 2004-02-10 | 2005-08-11 | Squitieri Anthony C. | Self-contained merchandise display and service system |
US20060278596A1 (en) * | 1999-04-28 | 2006-12-14 | David Parshad | Shelf divider system |
US20070227078A1 (en) * | 2006-03-10 | 2007-10-04 | Mcgonagle Patrick | Privacy booth |
US20090294078A1 (en) * | 2008-05-27 | 2009-12-03 | Feldpausch Thomas G | Privacy screen assembly |
USD651416S1 (en) | 2010-04-27 | 2012-01-03 | Steelcase Inc. | Privacy screen |
US20150033648A1 (en) * | 2012-02-12 | 2015-02-05 | Fred Hobeyn | Adaptable Panel Mounting System |
US20150083870A1 (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2015-03-26 | Hni Technologies Inc. | Connector hub and modular work system |
USD742652S1 (en) * | 2014-02-11 | 2015-11-10 | Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc. | Pedestal |
USD762876S1 (en) * | 2014-10-07 | 2016-08-02 | Okamura Corporation | Partition panel |
USD778075S1 (en) | 2016-08-15 | 2017-02-07 | Prospect Furniture LLC | Modular office partition |
USD858118S1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-09-03 | Roger Acers | Set of privacy panels |
US10486723B2 (en) * | 2017-03-02 | 2019-11-26 | Ying-Chieh Liao | Post for a tool wagon and a tool wagon including the same |
CN111101676A (en) * | 2019-12-30 | 2020-05-05 | 山东康诚医用设备工程有限公司 | Spliced clean wallboard |
USD922102S1 (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2021-06-15 | Knoll, Inc. | Workstation |
USD947554S1 (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2022-04-05 | Alain Gilles | Cubicle partition |
USD959860S1 (en) * | 2020-05-08 | 2022-08-09 | Mendel Jaroslawitz | Room divider |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB0607683D0 (en) * | 2006-04-19 | 2006-05-31 | Signwaves Ltd | Improved structural members and structures |
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USD778075S1 (en) | 2016-08-15 | 2017-02-07 | Prospect Furniture LLC | Modular office partition |
US10486723B2 (en) * | 2017-03-02 | 2019-11-26 | Ying-Chieh Liao | Post for a tool wagon and a tool wagon including the same |
USD858118S1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-09-03 | Roger Acers | Set of privacy panels |
USD922102S1 (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2021-06-15 | Knoll, Inc. | Workstation |
USD947554S1 (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2022-04-05 | Alain Gilles | Cubicle partition |
CN111101676A (en) * | 2019-12-30 | 2020-05-05 | 山东康诚医用设备工程有限公司 | Spliced clean wallboard |
USD959860S1 (en) * | 2020-05-08 | 2022-08-09 | Mendel Jaroslawitz | Room divider |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TW200506154A (en) | 2005-02-16 |
WO2005010287A2 (en) | 2005-02-03 |
WO2005010287A3 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |