Panel system
An office panel partition includes a panel frame having at least two uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections that are removably insertable into the at least four apertures to removably secure the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have different horizontal dimensions than those of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures. The range of lateral positions provided by the apertures in the first one of the columns is less than the range of lateral positions provided by the apertures in the other row of the columns. The apertures located in a first one of the rows has vertical dimensions that are different than those located in the other of the rows. The range of vertical positions provided by the apertures in the first one of the rows is less than the range of vertical positions provided by the apertures in the other of the rows.
The present application is a continuation of commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/770,368, filed Feb. 2, 2004, entitled PANEL SYSTEM, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/07,553, filed Feb. 15, 2002, entitled PANEL SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,929, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and claims priority thereto under 35 U.S.C. §120.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to open office plans and the like.
The efficient use of building floor space is an ever-growing concern, particularly as building costs continue to escalate. Open office plans have been developed to reduce overall officing costs, and generally incorporate large, open floor spaces in buildings that are equipped with modular furniture systems which are readily reconfigurable to accommodate the ever-changing needs of a specific user, as well as the divergent requirements of different tenants. One arrangement commonly used for furnishing open plans includes movable partition panels are detachably interconnected to partition off the open spaces into individual workstation and/or offices. Such partition panels are configured to receive hang-on furniture units, such as worksurfaces, overhead cabinets, shelves, etc., and are generally known in the office furniture industry as “systems furniture”. Another arrangement for dividing and/or partitioning open plans includes modular furniture arrangements, in which a plurality of differently shaped, freestanding furniture units are positioned in a side-by-side relationship, with upstanding privacy screens attached to at least some of the furniture units to create individual, distinct workstations and/or offices. Both of these types of modular furniture systems, as well as others, have been widely received due largely to their ability to be readily reconfigured and/or moved to a new site, since they are not part of a permanent leasehold improvement.
At present, some types of furniture systems utilize vertical rows of slots to support hang-on furniture units. Also, systems have been developed that utilize horizontal rows of slots for supporting hang-on furniture units such as storage units, worksurfaces and the like. Existing furniture systems commonly include cover panels that are attached to a partition frame to close off the frame and provide visual and audio privacy for the worker. However, existing furniture systems may not provide sufficient flexibility to permit the location of the hang-on furniture units to be readily adjusted. Furthermore, positioning of the cover panels on existing systems may be problematic.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the present invention is to provide an office panel partition including a panel frame having at least two generally vertical uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the vertical uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections extending therefrom, each of the four projections having a common projecting configuration. The at least four projections are removably insertable into the at least four apertures. Insertion of the projections in the apertures removably secures the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have horizontal dimensions which differ from horizontal dimensions of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has the common projection configuration having a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures. The range of lateral positions provided by the apertures in the first one of the columns is less than the range of lateral positions provided by the apertures in the other row of the columns. The apertures located in a first one of the rows has vertical dimensions which differ from vertical dimensions of the aperture located in the other of the rows. Each of the projections has a common projecting configuration having a range of vertical positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures. The range of vertical positions provided by the apertures in the first one of the rows being less than the range of vertical positions provided by the apertures in the other of the rows.
Another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel for dividing floor space including a frame having a pair of horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members and a pair of vertically spaced apart horizontal frame members extending between and rigidly interconnecting the vertical frame members to form a rigid frame having generally vertical opposed side faces. An intermediate horizontal beam is positioned between the horizontal frame members and extends between the vertical frame members. The intermediate beam defines a side face having a plurality of apertures therethrough forming a horizontal row of apertures. The partition panel further includes at least one hang-on furniture unit having at least one connector extending into a selected one of the apertures to support the hang-on furniture unit. A cover panel is secured to the frame and covers at least a portion of a selected one of the side faces.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel including a rigid partition frame defining generally vertical opposed side faces. The partition frame includes at least four apertures, each defining a horizontal dimension and a vertical dimension. A first one of the apertures has a first vertical dimension and a first horizontal dimension. A second one of the apertures has a vertical dimension that is approximately the same as the first vertical dimension, and a horizontal dimension that is greater than the first horizontal dimension. A third one of the apertures has a vertical dimension that is greater than the first vertical dimension, and a horizontal dimension that is approximately the same as the first horizontal dimension. A fourth one of the apertures has a vertical dimension greater than the first vertical dimension, and a horizontal dimension greater than the first horizontal dimension. The partition panel further includes a cover panel having connectors received in each of the apertures to support and position the cover panel on the partition frame.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel for dividing floor space including a frame having a pair of horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members and a pair of vertically spaced apart horizontal frame members extending between and rigidly interconnecting the vertical frame members to form a rigid frame having generally vertical opposed side faces. An intermediate horizontal beam is positioned between the horizontal frame members and extends between the vertical frame members. The intermediate beam defines a side face having a plurality of apertures therethrough forming a horizontal row. The partition panel includes at least one hang-on furniture unit having at least one connector extending into a selected one of the apertures to support the hang-on furniture unit. The partition panel further includes a cover panel secured to the frame and covering at least a portion of a selected one of the side faces.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel including a pair of horizontally spaced apart upright frame members, and vertically spaced apart upper and lower horizontal frame members extending between the upright frame members and rigidly interconnecting the upright frame members to form a rigid partition frame adapted to be abuttingly supported in an upright position freestanding on a floor surface. The partition frame defines an open interior space. A pair of side-by-side horizontal beams extend between the upright frame members, each horizontal beam having opposite ends connected to the upright frame members. Each horizontal beam includes a horizontal row of apertures and first connectors. The horizontal beams are positioned at a location that is between the upper and lower horizontal frame members. The partition panel further includes a cover panel secured to the partition frame and closing off at least a portion of the open interior space. The cover panel includes second connectors engaging the first connectors to secure the cover panel to a selected one of the horizontal beams.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel including a pair of horizontally spaced-apart upright frame members, and vertically spaced apart upper and lower horizontal frame members extending between the upright frame members and rigidly interconnecting the upright frame members to form a rigid partition frame adapted to be abuttingly supported in an upright position freestanding on a floor surface. The partition frame defines an open interior space. The partition panel includes a pair of side-by-side horizontal beams extending between the upright frame members at a location between the upper and lower horizontal frame members. Each horizontal beam has hooks on opposite ends connected to the upright frame members, and also includes first connectors. A cover panel is secured to the partition frame and closing off at least a portion of the open interior space.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present application is related to co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/076,709, entitled PARTITION PANEL WITH MODULAR APPLIANCE MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT, filed on even date herewith, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,226), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
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As described in more detail below, upper horizontal frame member 9 includes a plurality of openings 23 for securing cover panel 7, and lower horizontal frame member 10 includes openings 24 that are also utilized to secure the cover panel 7. As also described in more detail below, “left” vertical frame members 8A include upper left openings 25 and lower left openings 26 that are also utilized to secure the cover panels 7 to the partition frame 2. The “right” vertical frame member 8B includes an upper right opening 27 and a lower right opening 28, each of which are also utilized to support cover panels 7. Upper horizontal frame member 9 includes an upwardly opening U-shaped channel 29 to permit lay-in of utility lines such as communication lines 30 along the upper edge of the partition. Similarly, vertical side frame members 8 include vertical outwardly opening channels 29A (
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A structural intermediate beam 11B (
In an alternate embodiment, beam 11B includes a single hat-shaped elongated reinforcing member that is welded or otherwise secured to the first member 45 and/or backing plate 57.
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Outer fingers 73 are generally V-shaped and securely hold the cover panel 7 to prevent side-to-side movement. Center finger 75 is also V-shaped. However, end 75A of finger 75 is cantilevered, permitting clip 60 to shift in the direction of arrow “B” (
The shape of the mounting openings 25-28 in frame 2 determines which fingers of clip 60 engage the opening. T-shaped openings 25 and 26 engage fingers 73, thereby “locking” the horizontal position of left vertical edge of cover panel 7. In contrast, U-shaped openings 27 and 28 only engage center finger 75. Because the center finger 75 is much more flexible than outer fingers 73, the right vertical edge of cover panel 7 will “float” if the dimensions of cover panel 7 vary due to production tolerances and the like.
The side clip 60 is oriented such that the angled portion 76 of clip 60 extends into the cutout portion 90 of opening 25, and the angled portions 74 of outer fingers 73 engage the vertical edges 91 and 92 of opening 25. Each lower left opening 26 (
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Openings 27 and 28 each include a tab 95 with an edge 96. Openings 27 and 28 also include cutouts 97 adjacent tabs 95. When a side clip 60 is inserted into the openings 27 and 28, the center finger 75 of clip 60 engages the edge 96 of tab 95, and the outer fingers 73 are positioned within the cutouts 97, but do not contact the side edges 98 of cutouts 97. The outer fingers 73 of clip 60 are substantially less flexible than the center finger 75, such that the cover panel 7 is horizontally fixed due to the contact of the outer finger 73 with the openings 25 and 26. If the horizontal dimension between the left pair of side clips 60 on cover panel 7 and the right pair of side clips 60 on cover panel 7 varies, such variation will cause the position of the right edge of the cover panel 7 to vary because the side clips 60 located in the right openings 27 and 28 will “shift” horizontally due to the flexibility of center finger 75. Similarly, the uppermost pair of side clips 60 that are positioned in upper openings 25 and 27 is relatively fixed. If the vertical dimension between the upper pair of side clips 60 and the lower pair of side clips 60 varies, the lower pair of side clips 60 will “float” vertically within the lower openings 26 and 28 because the vertical dimension H2 of the lower openings is greater than the vertical dimension H1 of the upper pair of openings 25 and 27.
With further reference to
In summary, the upper left openings 25 in each panel frame 2 “fixes” the upper left corner of the associated cover panel 7 both horizontally and vertically, such that variations in horizontal dimensions will cause the right edge of the cover panel 7 and/or right side clips 60 to shift horizontally, and variations in the vertical dimensions of the cover panel 7 due to production tolerances, etc. will cause the lower edge of the cover panel 7 and/or lower clips 60 to shift vertically. Precisely locating or fixing the left edge of the cover panel 7 in this manner permits greater production tolerances while maintaining a specified variation in the horizontal gap between horizontally adjacent cover panels 7. Similarly, fixing the upper edge of cover panel 7 permits larger vertical tolerances while maintaining the required vertical gap between vertically adjacent cover panels 7 when segmented cover panels are utilized. Furthermore, this arrangement permits greater tolerancing of the dimensions between side clips 60, while providing proper positioning of panel 7 based on the upper left clip 60.
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A lower opening (not shown) having substantially the same shape as opening 25A, only having a height H2 may be utilized to provide substantially the same cover panel mounting characteristics as opening 26 described in detail above. Similarly, a lower right opening (not shown) having substantially the same shape as opening 27A may be provided, with the lower opening having a height H2, such that the lower right opening would provide substantially the same mounting characteristics as opening 28 described in detail above. Thus, the shape of the openings 25A and 27A provide a horizontal tension on cover panel 7, but otherwise provide the same tolerancing characteristics as described in detail above in connection with openings 25-28, and illustrated schematically in
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An alternate embodiment 114A of the in-line connector bracket may also be utilized to interconnect a pair of adjacent panel frames 2. The bracket 114A is substantially the same as bracket 114 described in detail above, except that bracket 114A includes a pair of downwardly extending tabs 114B that are received within openings 114C of bracket 193. Tabs 114B are closely received within the openings 114C to thereby maintain the alignment of the bracket 114A and the adjacent partition frames 2.
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Extrusion 166 is also utilized in conjunction with an upper bracket assembly 180. After the lower bracket assembly 165 is assembled, and the adjacent frames are positioned in the desired configuration, brackets 160 are secured to the first panel frame 2A, and the adjacent panel frames. The extrusion 166 is then slid downwardly into engagement with the brackets 160, and plates 181 are then utilized to interconnect the brackets 160 to the extrusion 166 via conventional threaded fasteners 182 that are received in screw bosses 170, and fasteners 183 that are received in threaded openings 164 of brackets 160.
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Stacker 190 includes an upper channel 29 for horizontal routing of utility lines such as data or communications lines or the like. The lower frame member 191 of stacker frame 190 includes a plurality of openings 214 that align with the openings 58 (see also
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims
1-36. (canceled)
37. In a panel system having a plurality of panels detachably interconnected to partition open floor space into individual workstations, the improvement comprising:
- at least one rigid panel frame having opposed vertical side faces, and a generally rectangular shape defined by first and second horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members and first and second vertically spaced apart horizontal frame members extending between and rigidly interconnecting said first and second vertical frame members; said panel frame having a plurality of first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon, and a plurality of second apertures for supporting accessories thereon;
- at least one cover panel shaped to enclose at least a portion of one of said side faces of said panel frame, and operatively engaging at least one of said first apertures for mounting said cover panel on said panel frame;
- at least one accessory operatively engaging at least one of said second apertures for mounting said accessory on said panel frame; and
- at least one intermediate beam extending between and having opposite ends thereof detachably connected with either said first and second vertical frame members or said first and second horizontal frame members at a selected location; said intermediate beam having a plurality of third apertures shaped similar to said first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon, and a plurality of fourth apertures shaped similar to said second apertures for supporting accessories thereon.
38. A panel system as set forth in claim 37, including:
- means for rigidly, yet detachably, connecting said opposite ends of said intermediate beam with said panel frame.
39. A panel system as set forth in claim 38, wherein:
- said connecting means is configured to mount said intermediate beam at multiple positions on said panel frame to accommodate different applications.
40. A panel system as set forth in claim 39, wherein:
- said connecting means includes a plurality of fifth apertures extending along at least one of said first and second vertical frame members and said first and second horizontal frame members.
41. A panel system as set forth in claim 40, wherein:
- said connecting means further includes hooks disposed at said opposite ends of said intermediate beam and shaped for close reception in said fifth apertures on said panel frame.
42. A panel system as set forth in claim 41, wherein:
- said intermediate beam extends generally horizontally between said first and second vertical frame members and is operably mounted thereon.
43. A panel system as set forth in claim 42, wherein:
- said first apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said first horizontal frame member and a central portion of said second horizontal frame member.
44. A panel system as set forth in claim 43, wherein:
- said third apertures in said intermediate beam comprise two series of mutually parallel, similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along said intermediate beam in vertical registry with said slots of said first apertures in said first and second horizontal frame members.
45. A panel system as set forth in claim 44, wherein:
- said second apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along an upper edge of said first horizontal frame member and a lower edge of said second horizontal frame member.
46. A panel system as set forth in claim 45, wherein:
- said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam comprise a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said intermediate beam in vertical registry with said slots of said second apertures in said first and second horizontal frame members.
47. A panel system as set forth in claim 46, wherein:
- said cover panel includes rearwardly projecting connectors releasably received in aligned ones of said first apertures to detachably support said cover panel on said panel frame.
48. A panel system as set forth in claim 47, wherein:
- said intermediate beam defines a structural beam; and including
- at least one nonstructural beam extending between and having opposite ends thereof detachably connected with said first and second vertical frame members; said nonstructural beam having a plurality of sixth apertures shaped similar to said first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon.
49. A panel system as set forth in claim 48, wherein:
- said nonstructural beam includes hooks disposed at said opposite ends thereof shaped for close reception in said fifth apertures on said panel frame.
50. A panel system as set forth in claim 49, wherein:
- said cover panel defines an upper cover panel having a horizontally extending lower edge; and including
- a lower cover panel having a horizontally extending upper edge spaced apart from said lower edge of said upper cover panel to define a horizontally elongated gap providing access to said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam.
51. A panel system as set forth in claim 50, wherein:
- said structural beam includes a flexible tab disposed adjacent said hooks which engage said fifth apertures on said panel frame to prevent inadvertent disengagement of said hooks.
52. A panel system as set forth in claim 51, wherein:
- said first and second vertical frame members have a substantially identical size and shape.
53. A panel system as set forth in claim 52, wherein:
- said first and second horizontal frame members have a substantially identical size and shape.
54. A panel system as set forth in claim 37, wherein:
- said intermediate beam extends generally horizontally between said first and second vertical frame members and is operably mounted thereon.
55. A panel system as set forth in claim 37, wherein:
- said first apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said first horizontal frame member and a central portion of said second horizontal frame member.
56. A panel system as set forth in claim 37, wherein:
- said third apertures in said intermediate beam comprise two mutually parallel, similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along said intermediate beam.
57. A panel system as set forth in claim 37, wherein:
- said second apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along an upper edge of said first horizontal frame member and a lower edge of said second horizontal frame member.
58. A panel system as set forth in claim 37, wherein:
- said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam comprise a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said intermediate beam.
59. A panel system as set forth in claim 37, wherein:
- said cover panel defines an upper cover panel having a horizontally extending lower edge; and including
- a lower cover panel having a horizontally extending upper edge spaced apart from said lower edge of said upper cover panel to define a horizontally elongated gap providing access to said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam.
60. A partition panel for dividing floor space, comprising:
- at least one rigid panel frame having opposed vertical side faces, and a generally rectangular shape defined by first and second horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members and first and second vertically spaced apart horizontal frame members extending between and rigidly interconnecting said first and second vertical frame members; said panel frame having a plurality of first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon, and a plurality of second apertures for supporting accessories thereon;
- at least one cover panel shaped to enclose at least a portion of one of said side faces of said panel frame, and operatively engaging at least one of said first apertures for mounting said cover panel on said panel frame;
- at least one accessory operatively engaging at least one of said second apertures for mounting said accessory on said panel frame; and
- at least one intermediate beam extending between and having opposite ends thereof detachably connected with either said first and second vertical frame members or said first and second horizontal frame members at a selected location; said intermediate beam having a plurality of third apertures shaped similar to said first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon, and a plurality of fourth apertures shaped similar to said second apertures for supporting accessories thereon.
61. A panel as set forth in claim 60, including:
- means for rigidly, yet detachably, connecting said opposite ends of said intermediate beam with said panel frame.
62. A panel as set forth in claim 61, wherein:
- said connecting means is configured to mount said intermediate beam at multiple positions on said panel frame to accommodate different applications.
63. A panel as set forth in claim 62, wherein:
- said connecting means includes a plurality of fifth apertures extending along at least one of said first and second vertical frame members and said first and second horizontal frame members.
64. A panel as set forth in claim 63, wherein:
- said connecting means further includes hooks disposed at said opposite ends of said intermediate beam and shaped for close reception in said fifth apertures on said panel frame.
65. A panel as set forth in claim 64, wherein:
- said intermediate beam extends generally horizontally between said first and second vertical frame members and is operably mounted thereon.
66. A panel as set forth in claim 65, wherein:
- said first apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said first horizontal frame member and a central portion of said second horizontal frame member.
67. A panel as set forth in claim 66, wherein:
- said third apertures in said intermediate beam comprise two series of mutually parallel, similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along said intermediate beam in vertical registry with said slots of said first apertures in said first and second horizontal frame members.
68. A panel as set forth in claim 67, wherein:
- said second apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along an upper edge of said first horizontal frame member and a lower edge of said second horizontal frame member.
69. A panel as set forth in claim 68, wherein:
- said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam comprise a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said intermediate beam in vertical registry with said slots of said second apertures in said first and second horizontal frame members.
70. A panel as set forth in claim 69, wherein:
- said cover panel includes rearwardly projecting connectors releasably received in aligned ones of said first apertures to detachably support said cover panel on said panel frame.
71. A panel as set forth in claim 70, wherein:
- said intermediate beam defines a structural beam; and including
- at least one nonstructural beam extending between and having opposite ends thereof detachably connected with said first and second vertical frame members; said nonstructural beam having a plurality of sixth apertures shaped similar to said first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon.
72. A panel as set forth in claim 71, wherein:
- said nonstructural beam includes hooks disposed at said opposite ends thereof shaped for close reception in said fifth apertures on said panel frame.
73. A panel as set forth in claim 72, wherein:
- said cover panel defines an upper cover panel having a horizontally extending lower edge; and including
- a lower cover panel having a horizontally extending upper edge spaced apart from said lower edge of said upper cover panel to define a horizontally elongated gap providing access to said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam.
74. A panel as set forth in claim 73, wherein:
- said structural beam includes a flexible tab disposed adjacent said hooks which engage said fifth apertures on said panel frame to prevent inadvertent disengagement of said hooks.
75. A panel as set forth in claim 74, wherein:
- said first and second vertical frame members have a substantially identical size and shape.
76. A panel system as set forth in claim 75, wherein:
- said first and second horizontal frame members have a substantially identical size and shape.
Type: Application
Filed: May 22, 2006
Publication Date: Oct 26, 2006
Inventors: Douglas MacDonald (Caledonia, MI), Steven Sanders (Ann Arbor, MI), Mark Slager (Caledonia, MI), Dean Hubbard (Bryon Center, MI), Roy Fink (Portage, MI), Steven Throndset (Kentwood, MI), David Battey (Caledonia, MI), Robert Jeffers (Ada, MI), Allen Hager (Grand Rapids, MI)
Application Number: 11/438,346
International Classification: E04H 1/00 (20060101);