CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 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.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to furniture, and in particular to privacy screens and related accessories for modular office furniture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 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 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; and
FIG. 73 is a side view of a shelf clip for the shelf mounting bracket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 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, and 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. In some embodiments, 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. 16), and the tube plate 458 along at least two lineally extending lines parallel to the length of the extrusion 50. 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. Additionally, 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. Preferably, 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. Preferably, 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. In addition to the V-shaped notches 56, 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. 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 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, and 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. Preferably, 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. It should be noted that 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. Preferably, the bolt 64 (shown in FIG. 3) is provided by an allen screw having a head which fits within the enlarged portion 124. Preferably, 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, and 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, and 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, and 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, and 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 plage 308 fitting in the outer grooves 84 of the slot 52. After the channel portion 298 of the support foot 308 is fully inserted within 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. After the leveler foot 36 is rotatably adjusted to select a height for the lower end of the extrusion 50 from a floor, 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. Optionally, 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. 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. Preferably, 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 454.
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 o520 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.
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.
