Partition Type (e.g., Raceway Arrangement) Patents (Class 52/220.7)
  • Patent number: 6515224
    Abstract: A cascading cable tray system is mounted on a pre-fabricated support structure suspended from the ceiling of an Internet co-location facility. The cable trays are segregated by security, power, and data transmission functions and occupy varying horizontal planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Equinix, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Pedro
  • Patent number: 6504093
    Abstract: A cabling apparatus that is easily retrofitted into the cabin of an aircraft for allowing containment and routing of cabling. The cabling apparatus is integrated into an interior compartment of an aircraft and may be adjacent to a seat of the aircraft. The cabling apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing comprising a flexible material with a longitudinal opening along its length, thus providing two opposing edges to the opening. The opposing edges comprise first and second locking connectors for inter-engaging to lock the opening of the cabling apparatus. When the first and second locking connectors are urged into engagement the cabling apparatus is locked in a closed position such that cabling contained therein cannot be removed or accessed. In one embodiment the cabling apparatus is affixed to a cabin floor of the aircraft by a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John Edward Cawley
  • Patent number: 6498297
    Abstract: A protective wiring assembly includes a raceway having a top portion, a bottom portion that is opposite the top portion, and a self-closing portion intermediate the top and bottom portions. The bottom portion has a bottom locking rib and interfaces a support on which the assembly can be disposed. The self-closing portion has a top locking rib and a top guide rib. The top locking rib is engageable to the bottom locking rib. A cover interfaces the top portion of the raceway. The cover has a pair of retention legs and a load bearing rib that transmits force from the top portion to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher Samhammer
  • Patent number: 6493995
    Abstract: A modular exhibit panel and lock system includes a first wedge secured within a first channel of a first object, such as a modular exhibit panel. A second wedge is secured within a second channel of a second object, such as a second panel. The first and second objects are securely associated with one another by placing the first wedge in the first channel, and the second wedge in the second channel in an orientation generally opposite of a first wedge and sliding the first and second channel relative to one another so that the first and second wedges interlock causing the first and second objects to be connected to one another. A multi-faceted panel connector having channels in at least two facets thereof, and a third wedge within these channels, can be used to securely associate panels of the system with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander L. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6490829
    Abstract: A freestanding framework having a plurality of generally vertically disposed support columns supporting a plurality of generally horizontally disposed overhead beams. The overhead beams include a portion that provides a raceway for the delivery of an electrical conduit, and a lower portion formed as an open-sided rail. One or more barrier members are connected with the open-sided rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Schreiner, Travis M. Randolph
  • Patent number: 6484360
    Abstract: An end cap for engaging a raceway having an end wall portion and a gripping wall portion extending from the inner surface of the end wall portion at a first end of said gripping wall portion. A plurality of barbs extend from opposing surfaces of the gripping wall portion which engage the inner channel surface of the raceway to form a friction fit therewith. In a second embodiment, the plurality of barbs are progressively wider from the distal end of the gripping wall portion to its first end, allowing the end cap to be employed with various sized raceways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph DeBartolo, Jr., Daniel Methot
  • Publication number: 20020170239
    Abstract: A wall structure includes at least two studs that are designed to support panels front and back, and end caps or raceway channel defining members on the leading and trailing edges of the panel wall structure. Each of the studs includes sets of oppositely arranged flanges that in turn cooperate with marginal edges of both the panels and the raceway defining members. Cross bracing is provided to allow wiring either within the enclosed space between the panels, or more preferably in the wireways defined in the raceway members so that the power and data communication conductors can be isolated from one another. The feature of the panel structure is that the panels themselves can support light fixtures or other lightweight electrical devices, and heavier electrical devices or units can be accommodated from the cross bracing or from shelves secured to the cross bracing and to the studs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Marrotte, Richard R. Picard
  • Patent number: 6481169
    Abstract: A prefabricated furniture system for open building plans and the like includes a freestanding portable partition system having individual partition panels detachably interconnected side-by-side to define individual workstations. A post and beam furniture system is also included, having horizontal beams interconnected to define an overhead framework, and vertical support columns with lower ends abuttingly supported on the building floor surface, and upper ends connected with the overhead framework adjacent one end thereof. A connector system connects the overhead framework to the upper ends of the partition panels at a location spaced inwardly from the opposite end of the overhead framework, such that the horizontal beams at that end of the overhead framework extend over and protrude outwardly from the partition panels and are supported thereby in a cantilevered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: James Ludwig, Kurt R. Heidmann, Dean K. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 6481168
    Abstract: A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald R. Hodges, George V. Weller
  • Patent number: 6483026
    Abstract: An adjustable height cable retaining post (9) for leveling a panel system (20) around a cable ladder (30) in a telecommunications switching center (5). The adjustable cable retaining post (9) consists of a rod (50) and a C-shaped bracket (40). The adjustable cable retaining post (9) allows for a neat and orderly installation in a telecommunications switching center (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Randle Paul Snider, Jr., Kevin C. Gentry, Marian Kutis, Joe Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 6476327
    Abstract: A raceway section forms part of a raceway system for routing, protecting and enclosing cabling, and includes a base member, which may be U-shaped, and two split covers independently removably attached to side walls of the base member, such as by a hook and buckle attachment system. The base member defines a cable receiving channel and a longitudinally extending top opening. The split covers each have a laterally extending cover portion, an outside edge portion, and an inside edge portion, wherein the split covers each cover a portion of the longitudinally extending top opening such that a substantial amount of the top opening is covered. The inside edge portions are juxtaposed to form a longitudinally extending slot sufficiently wide to allow the removal or insertion of a cable through the slot without removal of the split covers. For insertion or removal of larger cables or bundles, one or both split covers can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Bernard, Nicolas Youssef
  • Publication number: 20020152703
    Abstract: A modular temporary barrier system includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another. Each panel member includes joint structure forming an aperture extending vertically between an upper periphery of each panel member and a lower periphery of each panel member that is configured to receive the connecting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: James E. Dunks
  • Publication number: 20020148179
    Abstract: This invention relates to a space-dividing wall panel system which includes components which are compatible with various types of wall panels and furniture components therefor. These components include a connector bracket having multiple inserts for supporting furniture components thereon, and an interface assembly also is provided which is compatible with various wall panel systems. A spiral cable manager also is provided for supporting cabling within the wall panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip DeRuiter, Pete Beyer, Dave Emery, Robert Tuttle, Kevin Meyer
  • Patent number: 6463701
    Abstract: An information display system is disclosed. A work environment providing a work area and a workstation including the information display system are also disclosed. The information display system includes a track system adapted to attach to a mounting structure and a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure. The display panels are adapted to present information selectively for display by pivotal and translating movement of the plurality of display panels. The track system may include at least one rail. The display panels may be cantilevered away from the track system at a vertical elevation to provide clearance below the display panels for a seated worker. The information display system may include a plurality of containers coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure, with each of the plurality of containers is adapted to include at least one display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Carl V. Forslund, III
  • Patent number: 6464310
    Abstract: A partition is provided for routing fiber optic communications cables into a high-density cross-connect cabinet. The partition provides improved access to the communications cables and the cable connections. The partition further permits a plurality of fiber optic communications cables entering the cross-connect cabinet at the same location to be strain-relieved at different levels of the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment, the partition includes a baseplate and a plurality of routing panels depending outwardly from the base plate at longitudinally spaced apart and laterally spaced apart locations. From the uppermost routing panel to the lower most routing panel, each routing panel is preferably located at an increased distance from the forward edge of the base plate. Each routing panel includes an arcuate portion for transitioning the fiber optic communication cables into the cross-connect cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer D. Burns, Carrie L. Gordon, Monique L. Cote
  • Patent number: 6455777
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system including a hollow elongated enclosure such as flexible metal conduit, a modular furniture distribution, or similar enclosure has a plurality of elongated insulated conductors within the enclosure, and a plurality of wraps spaced along, and each surrounding, the plurality of insulated conductors. There is also a flexible electrical ground conductor having an exposed electrically conductive surface within the enclosure making electrical contact with the enclosure interior in a plurality of randomly distributed regions along the length of the enclosure thereby randomly grounding enclosure regions throughout the extent of elongation. The wraps may comprise strips of adhesive tape confining the plurality of insulated conductors in a bundle and excluding the flexible conductor from the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg Edward Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 6449909
    Abstract: An information display system is disclosed. A work environment providing a work area and a workstation including the information display system are also disclosed. The information display system includes a track system adapted to attach to a mounting structure and a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure. The display panels are adapted to present information selectively for display by pivotal and translating movement of the plurality of display panels. The track system may include at least one rail. The display panels may be cantilevered away from the track system at a vertical elevation to provide clearance below the display panels for a seated worker. The information display system may include a plurality of containers coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure, with each of the plurality of containers is adapted to include at least one display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Carl V. Forslund, III
  • Patent number: 6448495
    Abstract: A cable raceway outlet mountable to a cable raceway having a side wall terminating in a top edge. The raceway outlet comprises a transition assembly for being mounted over the top of the top edge of the raceway for supporting a cable passing between the raceway and a point outside the raceway, and a protective transition assembly cover for being positioned onto the transition assembly for enclosing the cable passing between the raceway and a point outside the raceway. A raceway cover is carried by the transition assembly cover for covering a top opening of the raceway defined by the side wall and a second, laterally spaced-apart side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Fiber Management Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mattei, Robert P. Auteri
  • Patent number: 6446396
    Abstract: A wall system for partitioning interior space within a building includes an internal frame made up of vertical posts and horizontal rails extending between the posts. Panels providing a fascia defining a covering on the frame are coupled to the panel by plug-in connectors. The panels may include “smart” elements or fascias providing writing or tack board surfaces, or an accessory element to which shelves or other accessories can be coupled. Heavier capacity shelves can be coupled directly to the posts of the frame. Electrical and/or data connections can be provided via a horizonal rail incorporated in the skin. The rails can include a plug-in module and wire management channels extending outwardly from the module. The wall system may incorporate a pocket door built on the same principle as the overall wall structure. Also disclosed are a pivot door structure and a patch plate for fitting a standard lockset or latchset to a glass door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Teknion Furniture Systems Limited
    Inventors: Lorie Marangoni, Geoffrey Milligan, Zoran Baic, Christine Dominik, Steven Verbeek, Genadij Makarewicz, Ulf Stahmer, Nicolas Koeppe
  • Publication number: 20020112443
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a partition frame having vertical upright frame members positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and multiple horizontal frame members attached to the upright frame members in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of discrete slots are defined in each of the horizontal frame members. Cover panels are mounted on the partition frames that permit access to the slots, and off-module connectors with hooks are provided for engaging the slots for interconnecting furniture units in off-module positions. For example, the hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a furniture unit, such as a partition panel, perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon,, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Patent number: 6434890
    Abstract: A simple, economic and rapid method for the reliable and precise erection of sturdy room delimiting means in new and semi-finished building and, respectively, for incorporation in pre-existing room and the room delimiting means includes modular prefabricated elements, stiffening and connecting elements and fastening elements. The prefabricated elements include groove and tongue like recesses and projections at their ends for connecting to other prefabricated elements. The stiffening and connecting elements stiffen, fasten and/or connect the prefabricated elements and are arrangable at a recess and/or space to connect the prefabricated elements. The stiffening and connecting elements may be adapted in an extremely simple fashion for different stiffening and connecting purposes so that erection of the room delimiting means requires only a few different parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Alfred Konnerth
  • Patent number: 6430882
    Abstract: A utility distribution system for open office plans comprising a prefabricated floor construction and a utility post for distributing utilities. The prefabricated floor construction is adapted to be abuttingly supported on a building floor. The prefabricated floor construction includes a substantially hollow interior portion thereof defining at least one raceway to route at least one utility conduit therethrough and a plurality of floor tiles defining an upper surface of the floor construction. The utility post includes a floor tile shaped for installation in a prefabricated floor construction and at least one marginally positioned cutouts thereof disposed above the raceway and communicating therewith. The utility post further includes at least one vertical raceway being in communication with one of the at least one marginally positioned open foot area and a top located above the at least one vertical raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, George V. Weller
  • Publication number: 20020088188
    Abstract: A modular partition includes a compartment frame located beneath a lower horizontal strut of the partition. The compartment frame has a vertical wall and side flanges extended from the vertical wall to form separate cable shelves for holding cables inside in an organized fashion to avoid interference. The compartment frame further has two side panels each is pivotally engaged with a bulged flange formed at the upper section of the compartment frame so that the side panels may be opened or closed easily to facilitate cable laying and rearrangement. A plurality of fastening elements are provided to fasten the compartment frame with the partition struts securely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Ching-Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 6408579
    Abstract: A frame construction for an office partition panel system includes a pair of spaced-apart generally upright posts, and at least one generally horizontal member extending between and rigidly interconnecting the upright posts. The upright posts defme substantially parallel planes separated by a thickness of the upright posts, and the generally horizontal member lies between the parallel planes and has a thickness which is less than the thickness of the upright posts to permit vertical routing of utility lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Anderson, Douglas B. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6397532
    Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced-apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Shipman, Benjamin G. Shaw, Charles A. Seiber, Don S. Minami, David D. McClanahan, Robert J. Luchetti, Christopher O. Lada, Phillip M. Hobson, James B. Eldon, III, Gregg R. Draudt
  • Patent number: 6393782
    Abstract: A stackable wall panel system including at least one upper and lower wall panel and a first and second post. The second post is disposed on the first post. One or more upper wall panels are connected to a pair of lower wall panels having a rail with a pair of draw blocks and a draw rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Longstreet Berridge, Scott Walter Compton, Bruce Robert Gezon, Anthony David Lufkin, Shane Michael Ramsdell
  • Patent number: 6388190
    Abstract: A modular electrical assembly for use in a prefabricated wall panel of an office partition system includes a housing disposed within the hollow interior of the prefabricated wall panel. At least one electrical receptacle is operatively disposed within the housing. A connector electrically connects to an electrical distribution box disposed within the prefabricated wall panel to thereby electrically connect the connector to a source of electrical current. A switch electrically interconnects the electrical receptacle and the connector the switch selectively controlling the flow of electrical current between the electrical receptacle and the connector. The switch is disposed within a cut-out in the prefabricated wall panel, thereby exposing the switch from within the hollow interior of the wall panel to an exterior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Michael J. Pequignot, II
  • Publication number: 20020053174
    Abstract: A pocket door panel for use within a modular partition system is based upon a standard partition panel having vertical end members joined by spaced horizontal C-section members secured to opposite sides of the vertical end members with the mouths of the C-section members facing outwardly. The pocket door panel has one vertical end member replaced by two J-section members secured to the horizontal members and defining an elongated vertical opening between them. A generally rectangular door is adapted to slide horizontally into the opening and the pocket within the panel defined by the horizontal members. Rollers are mounted within the panel above and below the door to engage the top and bottom of the door and guide the horizontal sliding movement of the door. The inner edge of the door includes a leveling device that slidably engages one or more horizontal members to prevent the vertical movement of the inner edge of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Barmak
  • Patent number: 6384327
    Abstract: An insulative housing including suspension members for attaching it to a support by means of which equipment can be attached to the base section of trunking and a shroud which surrounds the equipment attached to the support, at a distance therefrom. The shroud has a side wall. The suspension members have attachment members at two or more different levels and, over at least a part of the perimeter of the shroud, at least the top portion of the side wall of the shroud is removable. Applications include electrical equipment housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventor: Jerome Bellanger
  • Publication number: 20020050106
    Abstract: A housing 5 with a cable access aperture 9 for electrical and data wiring, is slidably fitted into a panel rail 1 with one or more apertures for use in a office panel system, the cable access aperture 9 of the housing then aligned with an aperture in the panel slide, said housing 5 being held in its position by a fastening means 11, the aligned apertures allowing the passage of electrical and data wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce High
  • Patent number: 6378255
    Abstract: An adjustable apparatus includes a partition having upper and lower horizontal frame members, and first and second support panel subassemblies adjustably attached to the partition for adjustably supporting a horizontal panel, such as a shelf. Upper and lower brackets each include a U-shaped section that mateably vertically adjustably engages a rear edge of the associated vertical support panel for providing vertical adjustability. Screws secure the U-shaped section at a selected height to the associated vertical support panel. The upper and lower brackets each further include an attachment flange section with hooks shaped to horizontally adjustably engage slots in the respective horizontal frame members. The upper and lower brackets are selectively attachable to the partition in a plurality of positions including off-module positions located between side edges of the partition. At least one horizontal shelf or worksurface extends between, is attached to, and is supported by the support panel subassemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas B. Eich, Kurt Dammermann, Sean M. Corcorran, Frank Friedman, Charles A. Seiber
  • Patent number: 6374547
    Abstract: An information display system is disclosed. A work environment providing a work area and a workstation including the information display system are also disclosed. The information display system includes a track system adapted to attach to a mounting structure and a plurality of display panels coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure. The display panels are adapted to present information selectively for display by pivotal and translating movement of the plurality of display panels. The track system may include at least one rail. The display panels may be cantilevered away from the track system at a vertical elevation to provide clearance below the display panels for a seated worker. The information display system may include a plurality of containers coupled to the track system for movement with respect to the mounting structure, with each of the plurality of containers is adapted to include at least one display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Baloga, Carl V. Forslund, III
  • Patent number: 6367211
    Abstract: A floor raceway and monument arrangement extends from a cable inlet location to one or more remote locations at which a floor mounted monument is provided, the latter typically being provided with power receptacles and communication jacks. The raceway arrangement may include an elongate rigid section suitable for extending across a walkway, which rigid section protectively encloses both power and communication cables therein, yet enables such cables to be readily laid therein and accessed. The raceway arrangement also typically includes one or more elongate flexible sections intended primarily for use in non-walkway areas. Each flexible section is defined by a plurality of cable clips which are disposed in directly adjacent relationship and are supportingly engaged on the floor. Each clip has a downwardly opening channel part which embraces a conduit-type power cable, and the clip additionally has at least one channel for receiving communication cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Weener, Jeffrey J. Reuschel
  • Patent number: 6365830
    Abstract: An overhead cabling system (7) for a telecommunications switching center (5) including a plurality of cable tray assemblies (15) and one or more cable ladder assemblies (20). The cable ladder assemblies (20) are supported by the cable tray assemblies (15) and extend cross-aisle between two or more suites (160). The cable tray assemblies (15) are mounted to the tops of the cabinets (10) which provide the sole support for the cable tray assemblies (15). The cable tray assemblies (15) are modular and designed to fit on top of a single cabinet (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Randle Paul Snider, Jr., Kevin C. Gentry, Marian Kutis, Joe Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 6362420
    Abstract: Electrical wiring trunking includes at least first and second cable running compartments extending parallel to each other in a general lengthwise direction of the trunking and separated from each other by a fixed insulative partition. The partition includes at least one communication opening between the first and second compartments. An electrical insulation box has a lateral wall with a lateral access opening mounted in the first compartment so that its lateral access opening coincides with the communication opening. The space inside the box forms an extension of the second compartment into the first compartment which is electrically insulated from the first compartment and receives an electrical accessory to be connected to electrical cables running in the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Planet Wattohm
    Inventors: Hervé Bacouelle, David Dowd
  • Patent number: 6357199
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated electrical distribution units intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Raymond H. Riner
  • Patent number: 6351917
    Abstract: A partition frame assembly includes a lower partition frame having at least two elongated lower structural uprights. The lower partition frame defines an upper edge, and includes an upwardly-opening utilities channel extending adjacent the upper edge to permit lay-in of utility lines along the upper edge of the lower partition frame. An upper extension frame is positioned above the lower partition frame, and includes at least two elongated upper structural uprights, each of which is in vertical registry with the lower structural uprights. The partition frame includes first and second brackets, each of which rigidly interconnect a selected upper structural upright to a selected lower structural upright. Each bracket has a lower end rigidly interconnected with the selected lower structural upright, and an upper end rigidly interconnected with the selected upper structural upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Steven E. Sanders, James R. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 6349516
    Abstract: A frame arrangement for use with an interior space-dividing wall system including portable upright panel assemblies. The frame arrangement includes upright post assemblies in supportive engagement with the floor and a cross members which extend laterally between adjacent pairs of the post assemblies. The cross member mounts thereon a cable trough which may be utilized to carry cabling and to support a power distribution assembly including electrical receptacles for providing the panel assemblies with electrical power. The cross member and cable trough are adapted to prevent rotation of the cable trough during insertion and removal of plugs or jacks from the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Powell, Peter J. Beyer, Richard G. Haworth
  • Patent number: 6349517
    Abstract: A fixed barrier module includes a support post for supporting two adjacent panels each of which are hingeable. A cut-away portion in a base portion of the support post accepts two cable-carrying swivel joints that are utilized as cable conduits through the support post. The swivel joints rotate with the panels, and allow cables to follow the fixed barrier contour. Cable carrier extrusions attach to the swivel joints to extend the cable conduit below a panel section and to an adjacent support post. The swivel joints and hingeable panels allow the fixed barrier to change direction to follow any desired contour using a single-type of a support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Manley, Mike Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20020017066
    Abstract: A wall system and particularly a load-bearing spine wall defined by rigidly connected spine panels which are usable in conjunction with and connectable to branch panels for defining workstations. These spine panels include an interior frame having plural hollow cross beams rigidly joined between parallel uprights. The cross beams have elongate slots extending lengthwise along the sidewalls thereof. Each side of the frame permits one or more removable covering tiles to be attached thereto for defining the exterior surface of the spine panel. Load-bearing components having cantilevered hangers can be engaged within the elongate slots which extend lengthwise of the cross beams. Vertically adjacent tiles have longitudinal edges spaced to define a narrow elongate passage therebetween which aligns with the mouth of a respectively adjacent hanger-accommodating slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Dale R. Marshall, Darren R. Long, Rodney Vallas, Jim Thompson Goodchild, Robert E. Steeves
  • Patent number: 6344610
    Abstract: An electrical distribution system includes a structural member having an electrical distribution chamber therein. A rigid conduit is positioned within the electrical distribution chamber, and includes two longitudinally opposite ends, at least one side wall extending between the ends, and a keyed electrical connector at each end. At least one side wall has an indentation therein. An electrical transmission element which is separate from the rigid conduit passes through the indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Pent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis G. Berndt
  • Patent number: 6330773
    Abstract: An extension panel for connection to a lower panel of the type having vertical uprights defining upper ends and including a utilities passageway extending along an upper edge of the lower panel for receiving utility conduits therein. The extension panel includes a pair of space-apart upright posts, and at least one beam extending between the posts and rigidly interconnecting the same. A pair of structural members extend downwardly from the lower ends of the posts to engage the lower panel and rigidly interconnect the extension panel and the lower panel. The structural members are laterally spaced-apart to define a downwardly-opening utilities opening therebetween. The utilities opening is positioned in alignment with the utilities passageway of the lower panel to permit utilities conduits to pass through the utilities opening when the extension is secured to the lower panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Jonathan J. King, Steven E. Sanders, Alan E. Rheault, James R. Dykstra, Michael L. Waalkes, David A. Walz, Patricia A. Williams, Donald P. Gravel, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 6329591
    Abstract: A wall panel assembly for use in an office environment includes a wireway which is attached to a wall panel. The wireway includes two side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall and a raceway defining a conduit for electrical power conductors. The raceway is positioned between the side walls and extends between and interconnects the top wall and the bottom wall. The raceway structurally supports the wireway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Pent Assemblies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Karst, Edward J. Keil, James M. Busé, Donald E. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 6322176
    Abstract: A transmission media patch panel modular cabinetry system for interconnecting transmission media includes at least one patch panel having a plurality of jacks mounted thereto with each of the jacks being configured to mate with a patch cord. First and second closet modules are attached to at least one of the patch panels. Each of the closet modules preferably incorporate an upright, a raceway, and an access channel, with each of the raceways formed adjacent at least one of the patch panels. The access channels, which are formed between the uprights, and the raceways are sized and shaped to pass transmission media therethrough. Doors for selectively providing access to the raceways also can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Wild
  • Publication number: 20010039772
    Abstract: Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated electrical distribution units intermediate first and second elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred maximum distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg E. Laukhuf, Raymond H. Riner
  • Patent number: 6311441
    Abstract: Wall modules are formed with a steel upstanding support module having integrally formed vertical spaced apart support components with forwardly facing panel support surfaces. Utility channels are fabricated into the upper and lower regions of the support module and a horizontal panel lower support with an upwardly facing platform is provided about the lower portion of the module. A baseboard which is removable provides access to a lower utility channel. Thin, typically flexible panels having strip magnets adhesively bonded to the rearward surface about their periphery, are positioned such that the lower edge of the panel is abuttibly compressibly engaged with the platform and the panels are held in verticality by the magnetic interaction of the strip magnets with the flat module panel support surfaces. The decorative panel magnetic mounting approach may be expanded to preexisting facility walls utilizing a wall-borne lattice system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Artglo Company
    Inventors: Dale W. Beavers, Joseph S. Alexander, Doris Shlayn
  • Publication number: 20010034987
    Abstract: A utilities terminal for use in a raised floor system is disclosed. The utilities terminal includes a floor tile having an access cavity, a support pan and an upper surface. The support pan is positioned within the access cavity, and has at least one access opening. The utilities terminal further includes a utilities grommet configured to be received within the support pan, and covering at least a portion of the support pan. The utilities terminal further includes a plurality of cover blocks selectively configured and adapted to be received within the support pan, cover the remaining open area of the support pan, and positioned substantially flush to the upper surface of the floor tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert V. Cooper, Joseph R. Branc, Thomas G. Feldpausch, Art Tsubaki, Howard Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6301846
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 6298615
    Abstract: A refrigerated enclosure frame including a frame member having a forward facing channel and at least one power transmission wire located within the forward facing channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6298619
    Abstract: A building is constructed employing a base plate adapter mounted by a base plate to the exposed end of a rod imbedded in a concrete pad. The base plate adapter has upright sidewalls enclosing a first insulated wall panel. The next upper wall panel is connected to the first wall panel by interlocking fasteners. Comer connectors have first and second U-shaped brackets enclosing a side portion of a wall panel and each bracket pivots with respect to each other. A roof connector joins a top portion of an insulated wall panel to a roof panel. The connector pivots so that the roof panel can be adjusted with respect to the wall panel until a final fixed position is achieved. A roof cap connector joins the top portion of meeting roof panels. The connector pivots until a final fixed position is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: William D. Davie