Abstract: A back structure for a chair including a cushion overlying an interior panel. The cushion has edge portions which wrap around the interior panel. A back panel is spaced from the interior panel, and the opposed edge portions of the panels clamp the edge portions of the cushion therebetween. A plurality of hidden connecting structures fixedly join the panels together. The connecting structure comprises a hub fixed to and projecting outwardly from one of the panels, and a shaft-like projection fixed to the other panel and projecting therefrom into the hub. A one-piece resilient fastener ring is positioned within the hub and has a first set of spring teeth which grippingly engage the hub and a second set of spring teeth which grippingly engage the projection for preventing the latter from being axially withdrawn from the hub.

Abstract: A space divider system which is substantially freestanding and is formed from a plurality of interconnected prefabricated panels. The panels are individually electrically prewired, and flexible electrical connectors are releasably connected to adjacent panels for transmitting electrical energy between said panels. The individual panels, and the power supply to at least one of the panels, involves a multiple-wire system which provides two or more electrical circuits. The individual panels possess power blocks having socketlike receptacles for permitting adjacent panels to be electrically connected by the flexible connectors. A second socketlike receptacle is associated with some power blocks for permitting connection to external electrical devices, and a third receptacle is associated with some power blocks for permitting connection to light fixtures mounted on the panels. The second and third receptacles are associated with different electrical wires which define different electrical circuits.

Abstract: A portable, prefabricated panel adapted to be connected with a plurality of similar panels to form a wall or partition structure. The panel is electrically prewired and includes electrical power blocks disposed adjacent the opposite lower corners of the panel, which power blocks are connected by electrical cables which extend internally of the panel. When two or more panels are connected together, electrical power is transmitted between each adjacent pair of panels by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into the power blocks of the adjacent panels. The panel also has electrical sockets integrally associated therewith, which sockets are preferably associated with the power blocks. The power blocks are symmetrical so that the same electrical connections can be made on either side of the panel. A channel-like raceway extends along the bottom edge of the panel for permitting the hidden storage of communication cables.

Abstract: A panel-type wall system wherein each panel has a pair of electrically connected power blocks disposed adjacent the lower corners thereof. The opposed power blocks of adjacent panels are electrically joined together by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into adjacent power blocks. The power blocks and connectors define an electrical system which extends longitudinally throughout the series of connected panels. The electrical system is preferably a five-wire system to provide three different available circuits at each power block. Each power block is provided with several connector portions for permitting electrical power to be tapped therefrom. Different types of power-taps can be plugged into the power blocks. More specifically, the power-taps include a receptacle unit which can be selectively plugged into either or both sides of each power block, and a light-fixture plug which can also be plugged into each power block.

Abstract: A lock having a key-operated rotary plug supported within a shell. The rotary plug has an eccentric tenon which projects axially from the inner end thereof, which tenon is engaged within a transverse slot formed in the opposed face of the dead bolt to cause reciprocal slidable displacement thereof in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the lock. The rotary plug also has a second eccentric tenon projecting axially from the inner end thereof, which second tenon is angularly spaced a substantial distance from the first-mentioned tenon. The bolt has a second slot which is closely adjacent but spaced from the first-mentioned slot. During rotation of the plug through a selected angle, such as 180.degree., one of the tenons engages one of the slots during only a portion of the selected angle to effect linear displacement of the dead bolt through a portion of its stroke.

Abstract: A raceway structure for association with a wall panel so as to enclose and confine power and communication cables which extend longitudinally along the wall panel and longitudinally throughout several series-connected such panels. The raceway structure utilizes a pair of side covers which removably attach to the wall panel and cooperate to define a raceway for enclosing therein electrical terminals and communication cables. The raceway structure has access openings for providing convenient access to the electrical terminals, such as by permitting an electrical receptacle, power feed, or communication cable to be positioned therein or passed therethrough.

Abstract: A hinged electrical connector for connecting the electrical terminals of adjacent wall panels. The connector is provided with two relatively rigid housing parts which, adjacent their outer ends, are provided with a plug-like connector portion adapted for releasable engagement with a similar connector portion associated with the electrical terminal on the wall panel. The adjacent inner ends of the housing parts each have an integral tubular hinge portion, which hinge portions angularly slidably interfit in telescopic relationship displaced about a hinge axis which is spaced outwardly from the physical structure defining the connector.

Abstract: A bracket for attaching a component to a slotted upright, which bracket includes one or more conventional downwardly-opening L-shaped hooks adapted for engagement with the slots of the upright. The bracket includes an integral locking element which is sufficiently resilient to snap into one of the slots when the bracket is properly seated to thereby indicate proper engagement of the bracket on the upright, and simultaneously prevent upward lifting of the bracket relative to the upright. The locking element comprises a vertically elongated cantilever spring having a slot-engaging projection at the outer end thereof. The locking element is integral with the bracket and formed of the same platelike material so as to be stiff yet slightly resilient, thereby ensuring positive seating of the locking projection within the slot when the bracket is properly seated on the upright.

Abstract: A space divider panel having fabric sheets positioned to extend across the side surfaces of the panel, with the edges of the fabric sheets being held by channel-like retainers which extend longitudinally along the panel edges. The improved retainer relies upon a spring-type clip for permitting secure holding of the fabric edge, which clip simplifies insertion of the fabric edge into the retainer while effectively providing a secure one-way holding of the edge to prevent its withdrawal. The spring clip solely holds the fabric edge, and accomplishes this without requiring the use of a deformable bead or strip.

Abstract: A portable, prefabricated panel adapted to be connected with a plurality of similar panels to form a wall or partition structure. The panel is electrically prewired and includes electrical power blocks disposed adjacent the opposite lower corners of the panel, which power blocks are connected by electrical cables which extend internally of the panel. When two or more panels are connected together, electrical power is transmitted between each adjacent pair of panels by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into the power blocks of the adjacent panels. The panel also has electrical sockets integrally associated therewith, which sockets are preferably associated with the power blocks. The power blocks are symmetrical so that the same electrical connections can be made on either side of the panel. A channel-like raceway extends along the bottom edge of the panel for permitting the hidden storage of communication cables.

Abstract: An attachment structure for mounting a furniture component, such as a work surface member, on the slotted uprights of a wall panel. The attachment structure is releasably engageable with both the slotted upright and the work surface member, such as a desk top. A hook-carrying support is releasably attached to the upright, and the support in turn has the work surface member releasably attached thereto. A latching device, as mounted on the support, automatically engages the slotted upright to fixedly lock the support thereto only when the work surface member is mounted on and properly engaged with the support. The latching device also causes the front edge of the work surface member to be locked down against the support.

Abstract: An upright space divider panel having a rigid rectangular frame, and first and second thin sheetlike skins fixed to opposite sides of the frame and extending across the region defined therein. A honeycomb core structure is disposed within the frame and confined between the skins. The honeycomb core structure comprises a cellular honeycomb layer having a plurality of cells formed therein and extending across the width of the layer, so that opposite ends of the cells are closed by the skins. The first and second skins are identical and each have a plurality of openings formed therethrough. The openings in the first skin communicate with a first plurality of the cells for forming a first plurality of sound absorbing chambers which open outwardly through one side of the panel. The openings in the second skin communicate with a second plurality of the cells for forming a second plurality of sound absorbing chambers which open outwardly through the other side of the panel.

Abstract: A movable, prefabricated wall panel having a rigid rectangular frame. A core structure is disposed within the region bounded by the frame, which core structure comprises at least one honeycomb layer. Sheetlike skins are fixedly secured to opposite sides of the frame and extend across the region bounded by the frame for confining the honeycomb layer therebetween. A plurality of small openings are formed in either or both of the skins so that approximately a single opening will communicate with a single cell as defined by the honeycomb layer. The opening and the cell are of a preselected size so as to function as a sound absorbing chamber. The sheetlike skins are also covered by a layer of fibrous sound absorbing material, preferably fiberglass.

Abstract: A movable, prefabricated wall panel having a rigid rectangular frame. A core structure is disposed within the region bounded by the frame, which core structure comprises at least one honeycomb layer. Sheetlike skins are fixedly secured to opposite sides of the frame and extend across the region bounded by the frame for confining the honeycomb layer therebetween. A plurality of small openings are formed in either or both of the skins so that approximately a single opening will communicate with a single cell as defined by the honeycomb layer. The opening and the cell are of a preselected size so as to function as a sound absorbing chamber. The sheetlike skins are also covered by a layer of fibrous sound absorbing material, preferably fiberglass.

Abstract: A portable, prefabricated panel adapted to be connected with a plurality of similar panels to form a wall or partition structure. The panel is electrically prewired and includes electrical power blocks disposed adjacent the opposite lower corners of the panel, which power blocks are connected by electrical cables which extend internally of the panel. When two or more panels are connected together, electrical power is transmitted between each adjacent pair of panels by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into the power blocks of the adjacent panels. The panel also has electrical sockets integrally associated therewith, which sockets are preferably associated with the power blocks. The power blocks are symmetrical so that the same electrical connections can be made on either side of the panel. A channel-like raceway extends along the bottom edge of the panel for permitting the hidden storage of communication cables.

Abstract: A portable prefabricated panel adapted to be connected with a plurality of similar panels to form a wall or partition structure. The panel is electrically prewired and includes electrical power blocks disposed adjacent the opposite lower corners of the panel, which power blocks are connected by electrical cables which extend internally of the panel. When two or more panels are connected together, electrical power is transmitted between each adjacent pair of panels by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into the power blocks of the adjacent panels. The panel also has electrical sockets integrally associated therewith, which sockets are preferably associated with the power blocks. The power blocks are symmetrical so that the same electrical connections can be made on either side of the panel. A channel-like raceway extends along the bottom edge of the panel for permitting the hidden storage of communication cables.