Integrated prefabricated furniture system for fitting-out open plan building space

CA 02208564 1997-06-17 WO 96120623 PCT/US9S/16918 INTEGRATED PREFABRICATED FURNITURE SYSTEM FOR FIl-llNG-OUT OPEN PLAN BUILDING SPACE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ~ The present invention relates to the ri~ g or fitting-out of building space and the like of the type having a generally open plan interior, and in particular to an hlLc~laLcd 5 prefal~licaLed ruluilule system ll~ r~l.

The r~ x~ lg or fitting-out of building spaces for offices, m~-lir~l L"~ f~rilitiPs, and other areas where work is col~ d [similar uses] has become a very important aspect of crrccliv~ space pl~nning and layout.

Work p,~ ...x, technology, and business ol~g~ on~ are col~L~lLly evolving and çh~n~ing.

The building space users 10 require products which f~rilit~tl~ change at lower cost.

Space planning is no longer a static problem.

Ch~ngin~ technology and rh,qng;,~g work plocesses (lem~nrl that a design and in.~t~ tion be able to support and ~ntirirate change.

These space planning rh~l1Pnges are driven largely by the fact that mo~lçrn [offices] officing spaces are becoming increasingly more complicated and sor)hi~tir~te(l due to the 15 ever~ c,casulg needs of tbe users for ~ ved utilities support at each w~.kxl;.l;-)n or work setting.

These "utilities," as the term is used herein, encompass all types of resources that may be used to support or service a worker, such as cc,.. ,.l-ir~ti-)nx and data used with co",~uLe,~ and other types of data processors, telec--... ir~tinns, electronic displays, etc., electrir~l power, conditioned water, and physical 20 accommodations, such as lighting, HVAC, ~ lers, sinage, security, sound m~ing, and the like.

For example, modern offices for highly skilled "knowledge wolhc~" such as çn~inPçr.~, accoullL~lLx~ stock brokers, cullllJuLel programmers, etc., are typically provided with multiple pieces of very specialized culll~uLel and c~,------,-l-i~li~ n.~ e4..;l....~,.1 that are capable of processing i,~,lllaLion from ,lulllcluus local and remote data resources to assist 25 in solving complex problems.

Such equipment has very stringent power and signal requirements, and must quickly and effiriPntly interface with related equipment at both acljacçnt and remote locations.

Work areas with readily controllable lighting, HVAC, sound m~lring, and other physical support systems, are also highly desirable to m~ximi7P worker clc~LiviLy and productivity.

Many other types of high technology eq -ipm~nt and CA 02208~64 1997-06-17 W 096/20623 ~ ,S/16918 f~rjlitir~c are also p~ cllLly being developed which will need to be accnmmotizltr~l in the work places of the future.

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- The effiri~nt use of building floor space is also an ever-~lowillg concern, particularly as building costs continue to escalate.

Open office plans have been developed 5 to reduce overall offlce costs, and generally inco~u~L~ large, open floor spaces in bllil(1ing.c that are equipped with m~ r fulllilulc systems, which are readily reconfi~lr~hle to accu~ulodate the ever-rll~u~i..g needs of a specific user, as well as the divGl~ cnL re~luiLeluc--L~ of dirr~n l-~ tenants.

One a l,.l-gr~ commonly used for rul~ilulc open plans inrllltles movable partial height partition panels that are (iet~rll~hly 10 interco~ cl~l to partition off the open spaces into individual work settings and/or offices.

- Such partition panels are configured to receive hang-on fullliLulc units, such as ,.

wo.k~... r~res, overhead cabinets, shelves, etc., and are generally known in the office rulllilulc industry as "systems fulllilulc." Another arrangement for dividing and/or partitiQ~in~ open plans involves the use of modular rullliLulc, in which a plurality of 15 dirr~.elllly shaped, comple...r~ .y fiee~ g fullliLulc units are positioned in a side-by~ side relationship, with .. l.sl~ g privacy screens available to attach to se1Pcte~l rulllilulc units to create individual, distinct work settings and/or offices.

All of these types of modular rulllilulc systems 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 ~c....

20 leasehold improvement.

In order to gain increased efficiency in the use of c~ellsive office real estate, ~Llc.ll~L~ are now being made to try to support highly paid knowledge workers with these types of modular rullliLulc systems in open office settings, instead of conventional private - offices.

However, in order to insure peak efficiency of such knowledge workers, the work settings must be equipped with the various state-of-the-art utilities and facilities discussed above.

Since such work settings must be readily reconfigurable to effectively meet the ever-rh~..gi..g needs of the user, the di~llibuLion and control of utilities throughout a colu~.thensive open office plan has emerged as a major cll~llenge to the office fu~liluie hl~lusLl~.

The inherent nature of modular rullliLulc systems, which permits them to be 30 readily reconfigurable into dirrerc--L allangelllents, makes it very ~liffirlllt to achieve ~ adequate utility distribution and control.

Today's office W~lkt:l~ need new flexible alternative products for the creation of individual and collaborative spaces which allow the expression of the cultural aims of the --2- ~= .

CA 02208564 1997-06-17 WO 96/20623 PCT~IJS95~16918 ol~A..i~AI;on, express the ~lc~livi~y of the desi~nr--r, provide a "sense of place" for the user, arld provide a ch,..l.elilivc edge for the developer.

These needs include a full range of privacy options, from fully enclosed offices which support individual creative work to open spaces for collaborative team work.

The products must also be able to accomm~rlAtr 5 diverse ol~"i~AIir ns, unique design C;~IIAIII~CS~ and co~ Lly chAn~in~ work processes.

Workers also need ~rr~:~;liv~ lighting, better a* quality, life safety, and t:l~onolllic task support to promote productivity, Illi~ the c~el~es of absell~cei~"l and wolh~ l's coll~e~AIion, and reduce potelllial liability, which collectively make the building more desirable to prospective clients.

Hence, utility distribution and control are fast becnming one of the major issues in office fit-out and rull~iLure.

Cl~ technology is creating greater d~mAn~lc on power and signal distribution ~ wolh~.

As b~ -r cces become more aware of the impact of proper ventilAtion and climate control on employee health and pclrolllldllce, HVAC is becoming more ill*Ull~lllL as well.

The current disposition of HVAC, lighting, and fire I)role~;lioll in the ceiling creates a separation beLweel~ these services and the work settings below leading to inr-ffirir-nt and inArcllr~te systems.

Routing power and signal distribution below the floor or in rullululc systems often ends up in complex, idio~yl~craLic systems which are difflrlllt to manage or change.

There is pl~selllly an ovel~u~ly of office space and rull~ilulc systems which do not plupelly respond to or support change.

Many older buildin~.~ do not have adequate utility capabilities, and the cost of conventional renovations or improvements often renders the same impractical.

Even relatively new blliklingc can be quickly rendered obsolete by the fast paced changes in modern technology.

The lerullJishing of existing building space is c;role a concern which must be addressed by rullululc systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention is to provide an integrated prefabricated Çu~ ulc system for fitting-out building space of the type having a generally open plan interior defined by fixed walls. A demountable archit~ ctllral wall system covers the fixed walls of the associated building room, and inrlllrlrs a plurality of hol~c,llL~lly ~xlriul;~ mounting rh~nnrlc which are att~rl ~-d to the fixed walls along upper and lower portions thereof. A plurality of hol~olll~lly r.~r~rli~g belt zone utility troughs are ~tt~rhrd to the ~ fixed walls vertically inbetween the upper and lower portions thereof, ~rlj~r ent to a predete. ",i,~r d wolk~ulr~ce height. A plurality of cover panels at least some of which are --3- : CA 02208564 1997-06-17 W O9~'2~ PCTnUS95/16918 ;- .

- full width and have a hol;~.o.. ~ ly ek)n~t~d front elevational shape, are clet~ hly ~ rhtcl ~- to the mrnnting channels and the utility troughs to cover the f~ed walls. A portable -, partition wall system spatially divides the interior of the room into individual wo.kxl 1lir,ns or work settings, and inrlncles a plurality of rlee~ ling panels tlet~rh~hly illLtl-;o~ Pcte~l side-by-side.

The panels have internal frames, at least some of which carry a hol~ol~L~lly ~x~ utility raceway positio~pd ~ rrnt wo. kx... r~re height, and a plurality of cover panels, each of which has a ho. ;~.ol~ lly elongated front elevational shape, and is det~rh~hly mounted on opposite sides of the frames to enclose the same.

The belt zone utility troughs on the (1tmt)llnt~hle al.-hilr~;L~.al wall system, and the utility lac~way~ on the portable partition zone wall system have a ~ "li~lly equal width and are positioned at a e~ common height to present a unirollll ho- i~.O~l;1l appeal~ce datum throughout the building room, and permit the continuous routing of utilities thereLlll.,ugh.

,2 Preferably, the cover panels on the demountable ar~ hilr~ l wall system and the portable partition wall panel system are subst~nti~lly i~lentir~l in size and shape to further l~u~çorce the hc,l.~ollL~l datum throughout the building room, and permit the same to be interrh~nged A demountable movable wall system provides custom width partitions - co--.l dlil)le with the demountable al~ hile~ al wall system and the portable partition wall system. A modular column cover system is provided to selectively enclose supportcolumns in the building room.

Pre-assembled facades cooperate with the demountable - 20 arrl~ l wall system, the portable partition wall system, as well as new or existing GWB walls, to form glass walls and t;llllyw~y~ for the work settings.

Pre-assembled freest~n~ling storage cases compatible with the demountable al~ L~.al wall system and the portable partition wall system define storage for docnment~ and the like and provide space partitioning. A space frame system is particularly adapted to support group work activities in the building interior, and includes utility raceways that cooperate with the raceways in the wall systems. A prefabricated low raised floor col~Ll.lclion includes raceways which also cooperate with the raceways in the wall systems and space frame. A modular u~fllead linh head system is supported from the building ~Llu~;Lule, and routes utilities thel~ ugh to ",j"j",i,t~ fixed building wiring, plumbing, lighting, etc. A ~- 30 plurality of rullliLulc accessories are provided to support the wulh~l~, and include cnnnrctors for interchangeably h~nging the same from the demountable al- hilr~-l,,l wall system, the portable partition system, the demountable movable wall system, and the space frame system.

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CA 02208564 1997-06-17 W096/20623 PCTnUS95~1691~ Another aspect of ~e present invention is to provide an ~ eg~,~lrd prefal,li~;alt;d rulllilulc system for fitting-out a building room of the type having a gen~r~lly open plan interior with an associal~d floor surface. A portable partition wall system spatially divides at least a portion of the open plan interior of the building room into a plurality of 5 individual wu.h~ktlions or work settings, and inrlllcles a plurality of rl~e~ panels ~et~rll~hly interc~ r~ side-by-side in a pre~l~ t~ plan co~ uldLion.

The panels _ave int~rn~l frames, at least some of which carry ho- ;~.u--l;llly exlri..li..g utility raceways po~iti~ n~ along an upper portion thereof.

Cover panels having a ho~ JllLdlly elongated front elevational shape are det~rh~hly mounted on opposite sides of the frames to enclose lû the same. A space frame system ~iU~)UlL~ group work activities in an open portion of the interior of the building room, and inrhldes an overhead framework CU~ illg a plurality of frame segm~nt~ i"L~,rco.~ ct~l in an end-to-end fashion to form a rigid ~Llu~;Lulc~ col~ ul~d to be positioned above the floor surface. A plurality of support columns are co....~c~ed with the ùve~llead framework and support the same freest~n~ling within the 15 building room at a pre~lel~ ~ ",il~-l elevation above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are constlucted to permit easy, m~ml~l, bodily translation of the same by an adult user, and include co~ P~Ic ..~ that 11,ot~rh~hly mount the same on the overhead frame at various locations therealong in a manner in which the panels hang duwllwaldly from the overhead support in a generally vertical clicnLaLion.

The panels are readily and 20 easily m~ml~lly removable therefrom and reconfigurable thereon by the user.

Utility raceways extend along the frame segmrnt~ of the overhead framework, and co.. i~te with the utility raceways on the portable partition wall panels to provide utilities throughout the rullliLure system.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an integrated prefabricated rulluLul~ 25 system for fitting-out a building room of the type having a generally open plan interior. A portable partition wall system spatially divides the open plan interior of the building room into a plurality of individual wolh~LaLions or work settings, and includes a plurality of rlcie~ in~ panels ~1et~rh~hly interconnected side-by-side in a pred~lr~ ...i-.rd plan configuration.

The panels have an internal frames, at least some of which contain 30 holi,oll~lly e~ g utility l~c~way~ adjacent a pred~ d wo-k~... r~re height. A plurality of cover panels, having a horizontally elongated front elevational shape, are ~l~t~rh~hly mounted to opposite sides of the frames to enclose the same. A demountable movable wall system forms custom width partitions compatible with the portable partition --5- CA 02208~64 1997-06-17 W096/20623 PCTnUS95116918 wall system, and cu..-~ es a plurality of vertical studs positi~ nPd in a side-by-side r~l~tionehir. A plurality of beltway ch~nn~le are provided in dirrel~llL lengths to facilitate custom fal,licalillg the p~titions in dirrt;l-,llL widths.

The beltway ch~l~"~lc _re AttArhPCl to the studs ~A~ljArçnt w~ r;~re height to rigidly hl~ ;ol u~ct the same in a mutually parallel 5 relationship, and permit the continuous routing of utilities thel~Ll~ ugh with the utility lac~way~ on the portable partition zone wall system. A plurality of cover panel ~letArhAhly mount to the opposite sides of the studs to enclose the same.

The ~ lAl objects of the present invention are to provide a rulllilule system for finiehing or fitting-out open plan building spaces that is completely prefabricated and fully 10 integrated. A demountable ~.~ r~;L...dl wall system covers the ~Ixed walls of the building room, a portable partition wall system divides the interior space into individual and group work settings, and a demountable movable wall system forms custom width ~alliLiO~..

The three wall systems are completely co...l~ le and fully hlLegldl~d in both function and a~ aldllce, and provide similar utility lact;wdy- at common heights, as well as 15 iu~ dllgeable cover panels. A modular cover column system selectively covers support columns in the building room, and provides vertical utility routing and storage that iulegldles with the raceways in the wall systems.

Pre-assembled facades cooperate with the wall systems to create ~mi~h.od ellllyv~ays for the work settings. A fice~ l;-.g storage case system ~ es the wall systems for complete i,.lr~.~lion with the same, and serves as 20 a space partition. A space frame system is particularly beneficial in supporting group work activities, and includes raceways which co"",..~"ir:lte with the wall system raceways to effectively and efficiently distribute utilities throughout the building room. A prefabricated low raised floor construction conforms with the various ÇullliLure elentPnt~ to provide support for work settings where the walls are ina~pl~lial~ and which require mAximllm 25 facility capabilities. A modular overhead link head system is ~u~olled from the building ceiling, and routes utilities thcl~Llu~ugh to minimi7P fixed building wiring, plumbing, lightinp, etc.

FullliLulc accessolies, such as hang-on binder bins, shelves, paper mAnAger~, ambient and task lighting, displays, and the like are d~sign~d to be used allywll~ throughout the rulllilul~ system.

The Çulllilul~ system is readily reconfigurable to meet the 30 ever-ch~nging needs of the user, and .--i~-i.--i~ pe....~ leasehold improvements.

The rulllilul~; system provides alt~rnAtives to the arrhil~--L~al built wall, and also provides better pelrollllallce and a higher level of finish.

RecAll~e it is a factory made product, the rulllilure system can provide a more precise, finer level of detAiling and -6 CA 02208564 1997-06-17 W 096/20623 PCT~US95/~6gl8 greater utility access, ~clÇul~ ce and flexibility at a lower cost than field built systems.

The rulllilulc system is also better adapted to ~rcomm~ t~ more mature WUlh,~;i, who have greater need for privacy and utility distribution as well as higher ~ e~ onc and more sophi~tir~tlod tastes.

The rullliLulc system better supports f~riliti~oc ~ nnin~ by 5 introducing a logic and an order t_at is self-evidently rational from the user point of view, and ~u~olLs" rather than c~..".~lirt~, the disl,ibulion of services to make facility g~."~nt and planning easier.

The rull~ilurc system enables developers and b.,~ii"~s~es to f~rilit~t~ change and create lower cost CllVil~JIlll~ 'i to support new work ~iocesses in all building types, even those that are o ~t~1~tÇd and/or undemtili7~d The rull~ilulc system 10 allows user control over e"vh "",~,l so as to create h~lthi~r work areas, which reduces stress and abs~lllee,~ll,.

The rullululc system provides iul~ )v~d utility distribution at lower first-time costs, as well as greater flexibility in utilities with lower life cycle costs.

The Çullulul~c system is ~lesignPd to int~rf~re with all types of ~ ting bnilrling~ and building sy~lc~lls, and is nearly completely reusable, as well as ~;llvil~)...llPnt~lly re;,~ol~ible.

The ru"lilulc system provides a new range of design options through the introduction of ho, ;,onli1l datum, and a wide variety of ~let~iling options.

The rulllilulc system also allows a full range of levels of privacy from open group wulk~res to fully enclose, acoustically private offices.

The ru"lilu,c system is efficient to use, ecol-nl.,ir~l to m~mlf~rtllre, capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the pl~osed use.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further lln-lrrstood and a~lcciatcd by those skilled in the art by ,crc,cnce to the following written ~eciricalion, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an integrated prefabricated rullliLulc system embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a pc~JecLivc view of a portable partition wall system, which is part of the rul"ilu-c system.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a pre-assembled facade system, which is part of the rull~ilurc system.

Fig. 4 is a per.cpective view of a r.~ ".l;"g storage case system, which is part of ~ the rull~ilulc system.

CA 02208~64 1997-06-17 W 096/20623 PCTrUS95/16918 Fig. S is ~.,.~e~;LivG view of a space frame system to support group and individual - activities in an open plan, which is part of the ru~ ul~G system.

Fig. 6 is an exploded, perspecthe view of a demountable al.-hile~;l...al wall system, which is part of the ru,niLu,G system.

Fig. 7 is an exploded, pe.~e~;livG view of a demountable movable wall system, which is part of the rulni~ulG system.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a modular overhead link head system, which is part of the ru"liLulG system.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a prefal),icalGd low raised floor system, which is part of the rullliLulc system.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a modular column cover system, which is part ofthe ru,lli~ule system.

- Fig. 11 is a p~ )G~;IiVG view of an ~.r;.~i~h~d building room of the type having an open plan interior defined by fixed walls, and in~ ing support columns.

Fig. 12 is â perspective view of the building room, with the prefabricated floorsystem in~t~lle(l therein.

Fig. 13 is a ~el~pec~ivG view of the building room and ru~llilurG system shown in Fig. 13, and wllGlGill the modular column cover system is in~t~lltqd therein.

~~ Fig. 14 is a pGl~e~;livG view of the building room and fulllilul~G system shown in 20 Fig. 13, and wherein the demountable a,.;hil~.;l,dl wall system is installed therein.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the building room and rull iLulc system shown in - Fig. 14, and wherein the demountable movable wall system is in~t~lled therein.

Fig. 16 is a pe.~peclivG view of the building room and ru",ilule system shown inFig. 15, and wllGlGill the r,Ge~ ing storage case system is installed therein.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the building room and rull,ilurG system shown in Fig. 16, and wl~~eill the portable partition wall system is in~t~lled therein.

Fig. 18 is a pG~yeclive view of the building room and ru~l~ilulG system shown inFig. 17, and W11G1G111 the space frame [prefabricated floor] system is in~t~ d therein.

Fig. 19 is a pGl~eclivG view of the building room and Çull~ilulG system shown inFig. 18, and Wht;lGill rUlllilUlG accessories are in~t~lled therein.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the building room and ru",ilu,e system shown inFig. 19, and wl~rei~l the pre-assembled facade system is in~t~lled therein.

--8 CA 02208564 1997-06-17 WO 96/20623 ~CT/US95/16918 Fig. 21 is a ~.S~c~;livG view of the building room and ÇulLu~ule system shown inFig. 20, and wlleçGill the modular overhead link head system is in~t~llrcl therein.

Fig. 22 is a ~e..~l.e~livG view of another confi~lr~tion of the present invention, W11G1Ci~ the space frame system is positinnPd ill~f ~ ",rrl;~l~ two groups of wo~ lion~ or 5 work settings.

Fig 23 is a pr~ e~;livc view of yet another cnnfigur~tion of the present invention, W11G1CL~1 the space frame system extends throughout the rullululc system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For purposes of description herein the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," 10 "rear," "front," "vertical," "hol~ollLdl," and de~lvaLivGs thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in ~ig. 1.

However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various a11r~ ;vG olir.~ ir)n~ and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

It is also to be understood that the specific devices and l,locesses illn~tr~tr--f in the att~rh~ ~ drawings, and described in the following specifir-~tiQn are simply exemplary 15 emborlimr~rlt~ of the inventive COllC~)Ui defined in the appended claims.

Hence, specific climr-n~i~ ns and other physical cl1d~ GlisLics relating to the embo~ im~-nt~ disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The lGr~GncG numeral 1 (Fig. 1) ge~ r~lly ~'fe~ f~s an hllG~ld~Gd prefa~.icdfGd ru.Lululc system embodying the present invention. FU11L~U1C system 1 is particularly 20 adapted for fini~hing or fitting-out building space, rooms, etc. 2 of the type having a generally open plan interior defined by fixed interior and exterior walls 3.

Such building spaces 2 are typically design~-d for use as offices, facilities for edl~c~tinn/ldi.Lu.g, hotels/motels, co.~lGIlce centers, mrr~fir~ , and other similar purposes. A demountable ar~llilr~;ll"dl wall system 4 (Plus wall) covers the fixed walls 3 of building 25 room 2, a portable partition wall system 5 (Zone wall) divides the interior space of the building room into individual wo~ lion.~ or work settings 6, and a demountable movable wall system 7 (Link wall) forms custom width partitions.

The three wall systems 4, 5, and 7, which are shown individually in Figs. 6, 2, and 7, respectively, are completely comp~tihle and fully integrated in both function and appr~ ~"."re. A modular column cover 30 system 8 selectively covers support columns 9 in building room 2, and provides vertical utility routing and storage that intr-gr~tr-~ with wall systems 4, 5, and 7. A pre-assembled ~ facade system 10 coopclales with wall systems 4, 5, and 7 to create fini~hPd ellLlyw~ys for work settings 6. A rl~ r~ case storage system 11 m~trh~c wall systems 4, 5, and 7 g CA 02208564 1997-06-17 W 096l20623 PCTnUS95/16918 for complete hllt;g~alion with the same. A space frame system 12 is particularly b~nP-riri~ in ~u~O~Lillg group activities, and the like, and inrl~ Ps utility raceways which c~ """,",ir~l~ with wall systems 4, 5, and 7 to crrc~;livcly and efflriently di,Llibu~c utilities throughout building room 2. A prefabricated low raised floor system 13 is supported - S directly on the floor of building room 2, and col~lnls with the various rullPilul~ el~omPntc - to provide support for those work settings 6 le~ ;ug mz-xi-------- utility capabilities. A modular overhead link head system 14 is ~,u~olLed from the building ceiling, and routes - utilities Lhe.~,LIuvugh to ~--;--;---;~e f~ed building wiring, plumbing, lighting, etc.

Fu~ u c ac~es~oriPs, such as hang-on binder bins 16, shelves 17, paper managers 18, task li~hting 19, displays 20, etc. are ~lP~ignP~l to be used ~lywhc.c ~hroughout rulllilulc system 1.

Fulllilulc system 1 is readily reconfi~-r~hle to meet the ever-rl-Anp;..g needs of the user, and .~;..;...;,~ perm~nPnt le~P~ V~ The illustrated building room 2 (Fig. 11) is exemplary of typical new open office space, Wh~,.cill fixed or demi~ing walls 3 include windows 25, and cllll~w~y 26, as well as 15 a floor surface 27.

In the case of new col~llucLion, building room 2 is preferably a shell, left subst~nti~lly ....ri.,i~l.P~ without any coverings on the interior of walls 3 or on floor 27, and without utilities, such as wiring, lighting, plumbing, HVAC, fire ~l l-lPrs, etc.

being in~t~llPd therein.

In existing building ~ .;Lul~s, the current cuvelillg~ can either be ~llgmPntP~, replaced or covered over by rullliLulc system 1.

As will be appl~cialed by those skilled in the art, rulllilulc system 1 is particularly adapted to be used wll.,.cvel worl~ is conthlrtr~l, inrl~l~ing offices, rç~ Pnrec, airports, etc.

The illustrated raised floor system 12 (Figs. 9 and 12) has a prefabricated construction, and is aL uLLillgly ~u~ulLed directly on the floor surface 7 of building room 2.

Although floor system 2 conLelllplates a wide variety of dirr~.elll constructions, preferably : 25 it has a thin-raised construction with a relatively low profile to facilitate easy ingress and egress from floor surface 27 of building room 2.

Regardless of the specific construction of low raised floor system 13, it has a hollow interior with optional raceways 30 and 31 (Fig.

12) thcreLlllough in which utilities are routed to their desired locations.

In the illustrated example, floor raceways 30 and 31 isolate power wires from data and signal cables to alleviate hlLclrclcllce the.cbcLwc~ll. A ramp area 32 of floor system 13 facilitates ingress and egress bcLwcell floor system 13 and the floor surface 27 of building room 2, while rails 33 and partitions 34 are provided about the open peripheral edges of floor system 12.

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CA 02208564 1997-06-17 W096/20623 ~ Stl6918 The illustrated column cover system 8 (Pig. 13) is ~lç-~ignpd to selectively enclose the building support columns 9, as in column cover unit 38, or form L~l;t...1;..g utility cabinets, as in column cover unit 39.

Both column cover units 38 and 39 have a s~hsl~..l;~11y irlPntir~1 construction, wherein each inrh1rlPc an internal framework 40 on which removable cover panels 4143 are mo11ntçd to enclose the same.

Column cover units 38 and 39 have a top plan shape and configuration which is s11h~t~nti~11y larger than that of the associated building columns 9, so as to provide space b~lw~en the same in wich vertical corner raceways 44 and 45 are formed.

The space bclwcell column cover unit 38 and an ~oci~tçcl building column 9 also permits adjusting the ~1iC~ u~e between f~ed building structures to ~rcommodate regular wall panel widths, as clesr-rihe~l in greater detail below.

The column cover units 38 and 39 may also be equipped with ho~ l raceways43 disposed immprli~tply behind one or more of the narrow cover panels 43.

In the cabinet style cover unit 39, one or more of the larger cover panels 41 and 43 may be hingedly mounted on the associated internal framework 40 to provide easy access to the interior of the same.

Cabinet style column cover unit 39 may be used to store electronic eqnirm~nt such as telephone ~wil_hes, and the like.

As shown in Fig. lO, cover panels 42-43 can be provided in a variety of dirr~l~.,l styles and shapes to coo~dillale or match with the decor of ruluilulc system l.

The illustrated prefabricated wall system 4 (Fig. 14), which is also referred toherein as the Plus wall system, is a demountable alç~ .1 wall system that is particularly cle~ignPcl for covering the fixed walls 3 of building room 2.

Plus wall system 4 includes a plurality of horizontally ~ g mounting ch~nn-ols 48 which are att~rhPA to the fixed walls 3 of building room 2 along upper and lower portions thereof. A plurality of ho..~onL~lly çxtPn(ling belt zone utility troughs 49 are also provided for ~tt~rhmPnt to 25 the building room fixed walls 3 at a position vertically between the upper and lower portions thereof, ~clj~cçnt to standard woll~ulr~ce height. A plurality of cover panels 5051 are provided, at least some of which are full width, and have a horizontally elongated front elevational shape.

Cover panels 50-51 are ~çt~rh~hly mounted on the mounting ch~nnP1~ 48 and utility troughs 49 to thereby cover the fixed walls 3.

Preferably, mounting 30 ch~nnPl~ 48 include a hanger channel on which at least some of the rullJi~ulc accessories may be supported, inr1~ ing h~nging panels, ambient and task lighting, as well as hang-on storage with the use of additive support rails (not shown).

The illustrated Plus wall system has both full and partial height segments.

In grn~r~1, Plus wall system 4 is a system of -11 ~ CA 02208564 1997-06-17 W 096/20623 PCTnUS95116918 additive arrhitPct~lr~l wall elPmPnt~ for adding utility and upgrading finish to ~Y j~ walls.

Half columns (not shown) may also be provided for vertical utility ~ hibulion along the wall surface.

The illllstrAtP~I prefablicaLed wall system 7 (Fig. 15), which is also referred to S herein as the Link wall system, is a demountable movable wall system for rO~ g custom width partitions that are compatih1e with the Plus wall system 4 and the Zone wall system - 5.

Link wall system 7 inrlllrles a plurality of vertical studs SS, adapted to be po~hionP~l in a side-by-side relationship. A plurality of horizontal ch~nnPlc 56 are provided in dirr~enl lengths to fArilit~te custom fal)~icatil~ the partitions 54 in dirr.,~cllL widths.

Each beltway 10 channel 56 is shaped to be ~ttArhP~l to the studs 55 ~(ljarPnt standard w~JIkx~rAc~ height to rigidly i~ lcolmect the same in a mutually parallel rel~tion~hiI-, and permit the contimlo routing of utilities thcl~Lhlough, along with the belt zone utility troughs 49 on Plus wall system 4, as well as Zone wall system S. A plurality of cover panels 57 and 58 are ~et~rhahly mounted on the ~ o~ilc sides of studs SS to enclose the same.

In the example -- 15 shown in Fig. 15, the Link wall system 7 has base raceways 60 along the bottom edges of partitions 54, ~A~lC;~W~y raceways 61 along the top edges of partitions 54, and Llansollls 62 mounted on top of eAl,res~w~y raceways 61, which extend to the ceiling.

The illustrated storage wall system 11 (Fig. 16) includes a plurality of mo~ r cases inrlll(ling file cabinets 63 and storage cabinets 64, which are ~lesi~nr(l to be ~rranged 20 hol-,o,lL~lly in a side-by-side relationship, to create both partial and full partition walls.

The front faces of cabinet 63 and 64 can be oriented in either direction, so as to provide - access from the desired area of building room 2.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 16, file cabinets 63 and storage cabinets 64 are [stacked] above eye level height, and are positioned on opposite sides of the cabinet style column cover 39 to create a wall which defines one of 25 the work settings 6 on one side and an aisle 65 on the opposite side.

The illustrated storage wall system 11 has a powered base 66 and a full eA~ w~y raceway 67.

Utilities may also be distributed vertically within storage wall system 11.

The illustrated prefabricated wall system S (Fig. 17), which is also r~;r~ d to herein as the Zone wall system, is a portable partition system that spatially defines the open 30 plan interior of the building room 2 into individual and group work settings 6.

Zone wall system S, generally inrlll-lrc a plurality of rl~ panels 68 hlL~ ;ollllected side-byside in a pre~lç~ plan configuration.

Each Zone wall panel 68 has an internal frame 69, at least some of which includes a holi~ollLally çxtrn-ling utility raceway 70 positioned -12 CA 02208564 1997-06-17 WO 9f '~ PC~r/USg5/16918 W~,.k~ . r~re height. A plurality of cover panels 71-72 are provided, each having a h-, ;,.o.,l;1lly elon~t~cl front elevational shape, and being ~et~h~ly mounted on o~o~iL~ sides of ffie frame 69 to enclose the same.

In the illl-~trat~l eY~mpl~~, Zone wall panels 68 also include base lac~ay~ 74 PYIr~ along the bottom edges of the panels, and S eA~l~,s~way lac~way~ 61 ~ along the top edges of the panels, as well as glass Llansollls 76 and full l.,..~.c~,....~ 62.

The full LlanscJllls 62 may have hollow interiors through which wires, cables and other utilities can be routed.

Vertical drops are provided within the interior of panels 68 to provide power and signal allywllere belweell base laC~Way 70 and ~ way raceway 61.

In gen~r~l, Zone wall system 5 is a st~rl~ing system which10 begins with a base which provides a low height see-over sitting panel.

Stackers are available to provide no see-over sitting, no see-over st~n~lin~, and above door height confi~lr~ti-)n~.

Panels 68 can be provided in dirr~ lL widths to carry additional utilities.

The ill~ (l space frame system 12 (Fig. 18) is particularly ~le~ign~l to supportgroup work activities in an open portion of the open plan interior of associated building room 2.

Space frame system 12 inrhl-les an overhead framework 82, co-~ i,.g a plurality of frame segn~nt~ 83 hlL~ l in an end-to-end fashion to form a rigid ur~ configured to be positioned above the floor surface 27.

Space frame system 12 also includes a plurality of overhead support columns 84, each having an upper portion thereof co~ c(e~l with overhead framework 82, and a lower portion thereof shaped to abut 20 the prefabricated floor system 13.

It is to be lmrlerstood that space frame system 12 can also be supported directly on the floor surface 27 of building room 2.

In any event, columns 84 support framework 82 in a free~ i..g fashion within building room 2 at a precl~l~"..i.-~l elevation above average user height.

Space frame system 12 also includes a plurality of individual panels 85 which have a lightweight construction to permit easy, 25 m~ml~l, bodily translation of the same by an adult user.

The panels 85 include connectors 86 that ~et~rll~hly mount the same on overhead rla~ wulh 82 at various locationstherealong in a manner in which panels 85 hang dowllwardly from overhead support 82 in a generally vertical orientation, and are readily and easily.m~n--~lly removable Lllel~e and reconfigurable thereon by the user.

Panels 85 may include sound ~U~ aLion to30 facilitate partitioning, as well as special exterior ~ rilres for displays.

The horizontal frame segments 83 of Ll~ wolh 82, as well as support columns 84 include utility ~ raceways 87 and 88 associated Il~ wiLll to facilitate providing utilities to the associated work area.

In one example of the present invention, frame segmPnt~ 83 and support -13 CA 02208~64 1997-06-17 WO s6no623 Pcrlusssll6sls - colurnns 84 have subst~nti~lly hollow constructions, fo~ g ldcew~y~ 87 and 88 ~erein, which are divided to physically s~dle power and cable wires.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 18, space frame system 12 is positioned directly on top of prefabricated floor -; system 13, and a Zone wall panel 68 extends from the outside pair of support columns 84.

3 The illustrated rulllilur~ accessolies (Fig. 19) are ~e~ignPcl to be used allywl~rt:

throughout rullliLulG system 1, and are adapted to personalize the individual work settings 6, as well as to provide support for the common work areas, such as at space frame system - 12.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 19, the rullliLul~ accessories include binder bins 16, shelves 17, paper managers 18, task lighting 19, displays 20, and display hooks 21.

The - 10 rull~ilul ;; accessolies 16-21 can be hung from Plus wall system 4, Zone wall system 5, Link wall system 7, and/or column system 8.

The panels 85 associated with space frame system 12 can also be hung not only from rl~llc~wolh 82, but also from the mounting ch~nnPle 48 2~0ci~tPd with Plus wall system 4, as well as top edges of Link wall system 7 and Zone wall system S.

In this manner, information can be pi~al~d on panels 85 at a - 15 convenient location, and then ll~llsr~ d between the various work settings 6 and/or ~- common work area associated with space frame system 12.

The illll~tr~t~(l facade system 10 (Fig. 20) inrll-(1Pc a plurality of pre-assembled - facade units 92-95 (Fig. 3), each of which includes an ellLlywdy~ and is adapted for connection with wall systems 4, 5, and 7 to completely enclose a given work setting 6.

!-~ 20 Facade units 93-9S are all straight facades, and are provided in dirr~.cllL widths and - configurations to accommodate dir[~l~.lL interior layouts.

Facade unit 96 (Fig. 20) is - curved, and inrlll-1es an arcuate sliding door.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 20, facade units 94-96 have a glass transom 76, and full Lldnsullls 62 and 97.

The illustrated link head system 14 (Fig. 21) is ~esign~(l for overhead routing of utilities throughout building room 2, and comprises plurality of lihe link head segments -~ 100, each of which is supported from the structure or ceiling of building room 2, and is mutually interconnPctecl end-to-end to define a continuous housing in which utilities are carried.

In the examples illustrated in Fig. 8 and 21, two pairs of link heads 101 are alldllged on opposite sides of each link head se~...P.~I 100 to form two sets of vertically stacke~d raceways 102 and 103.

Each of the link head segm~nt~ 100 is mounted on an open framework 104, which is in turn suspended from the building structure by adjustable straps or struts.

Modular cover panels lOS are mounted on the lower side of rl~llewulh 104, and extend c- ntin--o ~ly bc;Lweell the opposite link heads 101, so as to form a U-shaped -14 CA 02208564 1997-06-17 W096/20623 P~l~V~S~169~8 enclosure through w_ich utility conduits, such as HVAC ducts, sprinkler pipes, power lines, c~ ..ir~tion lines, etc. can be routed through building room 2.

The link heads 101 may include a flat vertically eX~ u~ co~ lun rear wall with a plurality of holi,o.l~l flanges e~ g oulw~dly Lh~.erlul,l to form the vertically stacked columns of mutually S isolated raceways 102 and 103.

An accesso~ hanger channel preferably extends along the lower edge of each link head 101, and is adapted to support a plurality of office accessol;es thereon, such as lights, motion sensors, etc.

Preferably, each of the raceways 102 and 103 is ~ 1ir~t.o~1 to a specific type of utility, so that they can be physically s~ d from one another, and thereby alleviate illL~,lÇ~ ce.

The various eloTnPnt~ of rulllilul~ system 1 are completely c~ ihle and fully d in their ~lim~n~ions, finishes, col~,lee~ions, and utility distribution int~.rf~ce to create a cooldinaled fini~h~-l building room 2.

For example, the cover panels on Plus wall system 4, Zûne wall system 5, and Link wall system 7 may be subst~nti~lly i(1~ontir~l in size and shape to permit the same to be hll~ ..g~ As previously noted, these cover 15 panels preferably have a holi,olll~lly elongated front elevational shape, which creates a UlUÇJllll h~l~ullldl d~cclldllce datum throughout the building room 2.

The cover panels are available in common and/or cOOl-lillalt:d CO~ or finishes.

Also, the variûus lac~wdy~ associdLed with wall systems 4, 5, and 7~ as well as column cover system 8~ facade system 10, and space frame system 12 are preferably provided at common heights, so that they cu.. )ir~ when the units are positioned side-by-side to permit the continuous routing of utilities thelcll..~ùugh.

The vertical raceways 44 and 45 in column cover system 8 and 87 and 88 in space frame system 12 are ~le~ign~o~l to co--.--.. ;r-~t~ with the holi~onlal raceways in the r~m~ining elemPnt~ of the rullulul~ system 1, andparticularly assist in ll,l~ llg utilities belw~ell prefabricated floor system 13 and link head system 14.

Fig. 22il1n~tratPs another arrangement of rull~ilul~ system 1, wl~r~ the space frame system 12 extends b~lw~ell two sets of workstations 6.

The two sets of wu.k~ n~ 6 both include e~l.lcs~way raceways 61 ~X~ g along the top edges of the partitioning members, and are located at a height common with the frame se~ 83 of space frame 30 framework 82 and the associated raceways 87. Con~eque.ntly, the space frame Ll~llewolh 82 provides a canopy effect for the common area disposed between the two sets ofwo-l~ m~ 6, and also forms conduit to route utilities, support accessories and accept in~lll between the two sets of w~ .k.~l;-ti~ ns 6.

-15 '- CA 02208~64 1997-06-17 - W 096~0623 PCTnUS95116918 Fig. 23 ill..~ s yet another arran~eTn~nt of rullliLul~ system 1, wh~ l the space frame system 12 forms an overhead link for of each the wol~LdLions 6.

Utilities can be routed through the ~acewdy~ 87 in the frame segments 83 of space frame system 12 to - provide suitable utilities to the various w(JIk!ilAlion~ 6.

S Ful~iLule system 1 is an integrated and colllp.-,L~l~ive system of space definition and utility distribution products.

It spans in function from present m~dlllAr panel systems to current GWB walls, and surpasses both in terms of utility distribution, level of finish, - ~ flexibility, and inle~,dLion.

FullliLul~ system 1 can provide a complete fit-out from the base building shell to the end user--including utilities, finishes, and controls.

FullliLulc~ -~ 10 system 1 also worhs within existing or more traditional new construction to provide the level of pt;lro--l-al~ce and enclosure required by specific bl~il(lin~T~, ol~A.-i~AIions~ and users.

FullliLule system 1 provides a full range of enclosure and privacy options from screens that wrap around deshs, to partial height walls, to completely enclosed private spaces, and completely open post and beam rla llGwo.h~ for collaborative work.

It fills all the functions traditionally provided by panels and GWB, while Orr~lulg more flexibility, more accessories, and greater utility access.

Ful~ iLu~e system 1 is based on a ho~.~cJuLdl division of walls into zones which allow p~lrolllldllce criteria to be added where they will be used - with the greatest comfort and efficiency.

Utilities are easily acce~ihle, finishes can be varied at dirr~-ellL heights (for example: tackboard or white board in upper levels, more 20 durable finishes below) The horizontal A~sthPtir also recalls a traditional arc~ dl vocabulary of wainscots, chair rails, and moldings that relates to the proportions of the human body.

In rull iLul~ system 1, utilities are distributed in three holi~ollLdl zones--the kichway at the base, the beltway just above wo.k~ulrdce height and the expressway located just above door height.

These provide a variety of utility strategies depending on the height of the in~tAllAtion and the utility requirements.

For ~(l(litionAl loads, there are optional, add on utility troughs which can be mounted on partial height walls.

For areas with low reconfiguration considerations, the interior of the wall can be aecç~se~l by removing the skins to provide large amounts of wiring ca,.,aciLy.

The L1A-nSO111S can also - carry large amounts of wires and some HVAC--and are ideally located for long fli.ctAnre 30 distribution.

Ful~liLulc system 1 is ~esignP(l to mAximi7~ flexibility--providing access to - wires for easy ~ewillllg, the skins are removable and hll~lellAI~geable, accessories can be used across all the product lines, the stArl~in~ frame can be reconfigured with a Illillillllllll of wastage.

The various cover panels can be removed and replaced in the field giving -16 : '.

CA 02208564 1997-06-17 WO 96/20623 PCT/US95/16918 added access the interior wall for co.~ ;lion~ and allowing lcrull,;~l....~nt of the system willwuL any effect on the frames or utilities.

The Linkhead system 14 provides access to building utilities to allow clean ch~es and ...i~ downtime.

This flexibility is oll~ll to le~olld to the il~cl._asi~ frequency of change in ~e workplace.

In the rOlcgo".g ~1~$~ ~ ;pl;~ n, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that motlifr~tinn~ may be made to the invention wi~out depa~ g from the conceptsdisclosed herein.

Such mo(1ifir~tion~ are to be considered as inrlnded in the following claims, unless these claims by their l~n~ e expressly state ul~lclvvise.

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