Work space management system

0001This invention relates to a work space management system according to the first part of claim 1 and particularly to a work space management system wherein walls are easily constructed, configured and changed, and wherein convenient electrical and communication access channels are easily installed and movable for ease of set-up and change of systems, and wherein wall covering panels and work tools are easily configured and changeable without interfering with the underlying rigid frame structure.

0002Teknion Price List dated April 1983 discloses an office furniture system for dividing a room into separate work areas wherein a rigid framework is formed by rigid rectangular frames joined together at the edges thereof. Panels are mounted on the frames to enclose the uncovered openings in the frame. Typically, a larger panel is mounted on a bottom portion of the frame and one or more smaller panels are mounted on an upper portion of the frame although panels of equal size can be mounted to upper and lower portions of the frame. In some of the frames, a wiring channel is provided and a small hinged door is mounted to the frame above the wiring channel for access thereto. Some of the panels are interchangeable with one another. All panels have a width substantially coextensive with the width of the frame so as to substantially cover the frame. A vertical series of slots is provided at each side edge of the frame to mount brackets for supporting work surfaces and other hanging components. Window units and open frames can be mounted on top of the conventional frames. However, these frames are not interchangeable with panels mounted on the main frames and thus are essentially dedicated at a given location.

0003US-A-4 123 879 discloses a panel wall system in which a framework is constructed from rigid rectangular frames which are connected together at the edges thereof. A panel can be hung on each of the frames with one panel for each frame.

0004EP-A-0027001 discloses a space divider system comprising horizontally extending beams provided in a variety of length modules and supported by legs. Each beam includes electrical ducts for power and communication wiring. Posts extend upwardly from the beams from which hanger bars are secured for supporting accessories or acoustical panels which may vary in shape. Window slots may be provided below more narrow acoustical panels.

0005US-A-3 195 698 relates to inside partition structures in buildings. The structure has a framework in which wiring may be incorporated. The framework may have an opening into which a clear pane may be fitted to form a window.

0006US-A-4 448 003 discloses a partition structure comprising prefabricated partition panels having each a tubular frame and connectable by special tube connectors. The structure does not have panels detachably fixed to a framework.

0007According to the invention, in a work space management system according to the generic portion of claim 1 at least two of said functional panels have a light-transmitting central portion forming a window, said two of said light-transmitting panels are mounted on opposite sides of one of the frames in facing parallel juxtaposition to each other, said one frame has a substantially open central portion, and at least one of said two light-transmitting panels mounts a light-transmitting pane, whereby said two juxtaposed light-transmitting panels form a window through said one frame.

0008Further functional panels perform a technical function in the work space and at least one of the functional panels has a pass-through opening, a marker surface, a number of rails for supporting work tools, a light, a CRT screen, a heater or wire management to provide management of electrical and/or communication wiring behind the panels. Preferably, at least one pair of the functional panels are mounted to opposite sides of the frame in horizontal juxtaposition and have rectangular openings with trim means along the top, bottom and two sides of the opening to form an open tile module to provide a pass-through opening in the frame.

0009In one embodiment, the light panel has an illumination source mounted therein and a translucent pane for illuminating the area adjacent thereto.

0010In another embodiment of the invention all of the panels are of substantially common interchangeable size, are sized to fit between a bottom portion and an upper edge of the frames and substantially cover the frames.

0011In another embodiment of the invention a base line wire management means is provided for enclosing communication and/or power wiring is secured to the base of at least some of the frames and the base line wire management includes a base line cover forming an outer surface of the base line wire management and an electrical receptacle is accessible by means of the base line cover to provide an electrical outlet in the work space. Further, electrical and/or communication wiring extends between at least some of the base line wire management means and the waistline wire management means with the electrical and/or communication wiring being positioned between the panels and mounted in parallel juxtaposition on the outer faces of opposite sides of the frame.

0012In another embodiment of the invention at least one of the frames has an open central portion and at least two other panels are mounted on opposite sides of the one frame in juxtaposition to each other and each of the other two panels has an outer border which covers portions of the frame on which the two other panels are mounted. The tiles, whether decorative or light-transmitting, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.

0013According to a further embodiment of the invention the panels are mounted in a configuration leaving at least one opening wherein no panel is mounted at the same height on both sides of the same frame. A trim covers exposed portions of the frame and provides an opening in the frame.

0014In a preferred embodiment, wire management means are provided for handling electrical and/or communication wiring are mounted to the frames. Electrical receptables are mounted in the wire management and are adapted to be electrically coupled to a source of electrical energy. Access is provided to the receptacle in the work area. Preferably, the wire management is removably mounted to the frames at base, mid or upper portions of the frame with relative ease at the point of installation. In one preferred embodiment, the wire management has the ability to run the wires from frame to frame externally of the frame edges.

0015The frames are preferably of the type which have vertically extending slots on each end thereof and the panels have a width to cover the frames up to the slots. Brackets are removably mountable in the slots and work surfaces, cabinets and shelves are mountable to the frames through the brackets.

0016The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>Figure 1 is a perspective view of an office environment showing a wall panel system according to the invention;</li><li>Figure 2 is a exploded perspective view of a wall panel assembly;</li><li>Figure 3 is an elevation view of a frame with electrical and communication service wiring;</li><li>Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3;</li><li>Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 3;</li><li>Figure 6 is a perspective view of a bottom of a panel showing the electrical service to the panel through a monument;</li><li>Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the introduction of electrical service through the ceiling and power pole;</li><li>Figure 8 is a schematic view of a horizontal section through a wall panel at the beltline showing the manner in which electrical and cabling pass from panel to panel; and</li><li>Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of Figure 2.</li></ul>

0017Referring now to the drawings and to Figure 1 in particular, there is shown an office environment having a single work station 12 and a multiple work station 14. Full-size walls 16 and short walls 18 define the single work station. Work surfaces 20 are mounted on the walls 16 in cantilevered fashion. Hanging cabinets 22 and shelves 24 are also supported by the walls 16. The walls are formed from straight panel sections 30 and curved panel sections 32. A baseboard wire management assembly 26 is provided at the base of each of the walls and a waistline wire management assembly 28 is provided at a midpoint in the walls in selected locations. A slanted panel 29 having an acoustical material is provided as an extension to one portion of the walls 16.

0018The multiple work station 14 is of similar nature and is formed by full-size walls 16 and short walls 18 which are interconnected. Work surfaces 20, hanging cabinets 22 and shelves 24 are also provided on these walls. In addition, both baseboard wire management assemblies 24 and waistline wire management assemblies 28 are provided in selected locations. A table 34 can be partially supported by the walls and have an outboard support beneath the outer end thereof. Ninety-degree joints 35, 120° joints 36 and T-wall connections 37 are formed between various panels as desired. Further, straight-wall connections 39 are formed between both straight-wall and curved-wall sections.

0019Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a frame 40 comprising a pair of identical vertical members 42 welded to horizontal members 44 and 46. The underlying frame need not have a furniture grade finish and can be formed by roll-forming or other suitable metal-forming techniques. Equal-size panel outserts 48 are removably secured to the frame 40. The term "outsert" is used to designate removable panels or tiles which hang on the outside surface of the frame 40, thereby leaving the interior of the frame open. Each of the panel outserts 48 is of identical size and shape but may have different outer surfaces or may have acoustical treatment in an interior thereof. For example, the outer surface of the outserts 48 may be covered with a fabric or vinyl material or wood veneer, or could even be painted. The panel outserts can be formed from a metal pan, turned inwardly at the edges and covered or painted as desired. Insulation can be provided within the metal pan, if desired. Typically, the outserts 48 have a height of about 16" and a width substantially the width of the frame 40 which can vary between standard widths.

0020The panel outserts 48 can also take the form of a clear panel and thus be glazed or constructed of plexiglass as, for example, panel 48a as shown in Figure 2. A trim segment 48b can be attached to interior steel frame to enable pass-through access from one side of the panel to another. If desirable, a clear panel of glass or plastic can be placed between the trim segments to make a window.

0021Vertical rows of slots 50 are provided on the outside corners of each of the vertical members 42 to receive standard brackets 38 with clips for supporting the work surfaces 20, the hanging cabinets 22 and the shelves 24. Pairs of screw holes 52, 54 and 56 are provided in spaced relationship along the height of the vertical members 42. Keyhole slots 58 are provided on one side of the vertical members 42 and square openings 60 are provided above the keyhole slots 58 in spaced relationship thereto. Rectangular openings 62 are provided on the other side of the vertical members 42 in juxtaposition to the keyhole slots 58. Square openings 60 are also provided above the rectangular openings 62. A weld nut 64 is secured underneath the frame on the horizontal member 44 and an adjustable foot 66 is threaded into the weld nut 64 to adjust the height of the panel sides.

0022Referring to Figures 3 and 4, an I-shaped bracket 70 is secured to the top of the horizontal member 44 through rivet or bolts 80. An elongated chase 72 is captured between the I-shaped bracket 70 and the horizontal member 44. The elongated chase 72 extends across the top and down along each side of the horizontal member 44, extending outwardly thereof and defining a hinge-forming tube 74 at the outer end thereof. The hinge-forming tube 74 extends laterally in overlapping relationship to the vertical members 42 and has attaching flange 76 with holes in registry with the frame screw holes 52. Screws 78 extend through the flange 76 and are tapped into the screw holes 52 to secure the ends of the hinge-forming tube 74 to the frame 40.

0023A hinged cover 82 has socket-forming flanges 84 at the bottom portion thereof which receive the hinge-forming tube 74 to pivotably mount the hinged cover 82 to the elongated chase 72. An inwardly directed flange 86 at the top of the hinged cover 82 fits beneath the panel outserts 48 and extends to the frame 40. A cover retainer 88 extends laterally from the elongated chase 72 and has an upwardly-extending end flange 90 with a retainer 92 at the top portion thereof. A screw 94 extends through a hole in the end flange 90 and into a screw hole 54 to secure each end flange 90 to a vertical member 42. The inwardly directed flange 86 has a downwardly-extending projection 86a which is snap-fit with the retainer 92 to hold the hinged cover 82 in place in front of the elongated chase 72. Alternately, the cover 82 can have a projecting prong with an upwardly-extending lip at the sides of the cover. The frame 40 can have horizontal slots on the vertical members 42 in registry with the prongs to releasably retain the cover in closed position. The hinged cover 82 also has a hinged access cover 95 (Fig 6) at spaced locations therealong to provide an opening for communication cabling to pass therethrough.

0024Communication wiring 96, including telephone and computer wiring, is laid in the elongated chase 72 behind the hinged cover 82. A flat electrical cable or festoon 98 extends through the upper portion of the elongated chase 72 and is connected to an energy distribution block 100. A convenience outlet 102 can be plugged into the energy distribution block 100. As seen in Figure 4, the convenience outlet 102 extends out through an opening in the hinged cover 82 for direct access of electricity.

0025Referring now to Figures 3 and 5, waistline service chase 106 has a lower section 107 and an upper section 112. A bracket 108 is secured to the lower section 107 and is secured to the midpoint of the frame through screws 110. A cover-retaining flange 119 extends upwardly from the bracket 108 and forms an outwardly-extending spring retainer 119a at an upper end thereof. The upper section 112 is secured to the lower section 107 through crimped flanges 114. A mounting bracket 116 is secured to the lower section 107 through screws 117 and mounts a double-sided energy distribution block 102 through screws (not shown). The upper and lower sections of the beltline service chase 106 provide a channel for communication wiring above a work surface. A flat electrical cable or festoon 98 is positioned beneath the waistline chase 106 and connects to the energy distribution block 100 through a connector 104. As in the baseline energy distribution system, a convenience outlet 102 can be plugged into the energy distribution block 100. As seen in Figure 5, the waistline service chase 106 is sufficiently narrow to allow two of such chases in back-to-back relationship. However, a waistline service chase need not be secured in back-to-back relationship and typically will not be. In the typical case where only one waistline service chase is provided on a frame, the energy block 100 can be somewhat narrower and a panel outsert is provided on the opposite side of the frame in lieu of the waistline wire management assembly 26.

0026A cover 118 has a flat outer face with openings aligned with convenience outlets 102. The cover extends rearwardly at top and bottom portions. A V-shaped retaining clip 118a is mounted to the upper, outer portion of cover 118 in registry with the spring retainer 119a. A hook clip 118b is mounted to the lower, outer portions of cover 118 in registry with a keyhole slot 58 on one frame vertical member 42 and with a square opening 60 on an opposite frame vertical member 42. The hinge cover 118 is mounted to the frame vertical members through the hook clips 118b at the bottom and through the U-shaped retaining clips 118a at the top thereof.

0027A half-panel outsert 170 is mounted to the frame 140 beneath the waistline wire management assembly 26 and above the lower panel outsert 48. The half-panel outsert is typically of the same finish as the cover 118 and can be mounted to the frame in the same manner as the panel outserts 48.

0028The manner of removably securing the panel outserts 48 to the frame 40 is shown in Figure 4 in which the vertical frame member 42 and the panel outsert 48 are partially broken away. Each panel outsert 48 has a pair of hook-shaped clips 68 secured to a bottom portion thereof in spaced relationship. The clips 68 project rearwardly from the panel 48 and are located to register with a keyhole slot 58 and a rectangular opening 62. The panel outsert 48 further has mounted thereto a pair of rearwardly projecting spring clips 69 which are spaced to register with a set of square holes 60 in the frame vertical members 42. The spring clips 69 are flexible in a vertical direction to squeeze through the square holes 60 and lodge behind the edges of the opening 60 as illustrated in Figure 4. Thus, the panel outserts are easily mounted on the frame by placing the hook-shaped clips 68 in the keyhole slot 58 and rectangular opening 62 while tilting the panel 48 outwardly so that the slot 58 and opening 62 are visible during this operation. The panel is then rotated upwardly until the spring clips 69 pass through and are lodged behind the openings 60. The panel outserts are easily removed by following the reverse procedure. The novel system of mounting the outserts to the frame permits the outserts to be removed independently without removal of adjacent or higher or lower panels. Yet precise spacing is maintained between all panels.

0029Referring now to Figure 6, a monument 120 has an outlet opening 121. A flexible cable 122 having wires 123 extends into the opening 121 at one end thereof and is connected at the other end thereof to a power block 124. The power block 124 is positioned behind an opening in the access cover 95 of the hinged cover 82 and a filler plate 126 covers the opening in the access cover 95.

0030Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a ceiling grid work 130 which supports ceiling panels 132. An opening 134 is provided in a ceiling panel 132 and a power-pole conduit 142 extends through the opening 134 and down through the corner of walls 16. An electrical conduit 136 supplies electricity to a junction box 138. A flexible conduit 140 carries electrical wire down through the power-pole conduit 142 and beneath the waistline chase 114. The electrical wire is connected to the energy distribution block 100 beneath the chase 114.

0031Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a schematic view of a cross-section through a U-shaped wall section at a baseline thereof. The cross-section through a waistline would be similar. The electrical cabling 98 is shown passing around the vertical frame members 42 at the edges of the panel but yet behind the covers 82. The electrical cabling also passes around the corners at the inside corners thereof and is covered by a corner cover member 146. Flexible covers 148 extend between the chases to cover the wiring therebetween. The covers 148 are U-shaped and are removably secured to the covers 82 (and to waistline covers 118) through a snap-fit connection.

0032The frames are rigidly connected together to form either straight lines or curved configurations. Any suitable frame-joining technique can be used. Examples of suitable techniques for joining the frames together are disclosed in US-A 3,430,997 and US-A 3,425,171.

0033Referring now to Figures 2 and 9, there is shown a WIP rail outsert. The rail is used to support various work-in-process (WIP) articles such as trays 160. The rail outsert 150 has a plurality of horizontal rails 154 for mounting work-in-process items such as trays 160 through depending hooks 168. As seen in Figure 9, the WIP rail outsert has a back wall 152, a front wall spaced from the back wall 152 and formed by a plurality of horizontal rails 154. Side walls 156 connect the back wall 152 through the horizontal rails 154. The tray 160 is of conventional shape and has a bottom wall 162, side walls 164, a back wall 166 and a depending hook 168 integrally formed with the back wall 166. The tray 160 is easily positioned on the rails by inserting the hook 168 through an opening between adjacent rails 154 and dropping the tray downwardly so that the hook 168 engages the rail 154. The back wall 166 abuts several rails 154 for stability.

0034In addition to the panel outserts 48, 48a and 150, panel outserts can take other forms. For example, the outserts can have translucent panels in lieu of clear panels and have lighting behind the panels to provide a lighted panel surface. Alternatively, the panels can be formed as a screen or CRT display unit with appropriate technology. The panels can be covered with a wood veneer as well as fabric or vinyl. A panel outsert could be formed of a marker board or a chalk board material. All of these different surfaces are easily constructed and relatively inexpensive to build. They provide the individual user with complete flexibility in design of his or her own work station to fit the tasks as well as to fit the personality of the worker. These options can be selected without special ordering or long delays. Further, when people are shifted from locations, the panels can be moved easily to a new location and/or the old location can be easily changed to accommodate the personality and tasks of the new occupant. The walls can also be easily shifted but in any case the panel outserts can be changed by personnel themselves or with relatively unskilled labor. Since all of the panel outserts are of a modular size, they are interchangeable and special sizing is not required. Further, the basic underlying frame need not be disturbed during changing of the panel outserts.

0035The wire management and panel outserts are flush with one another to give a clean surface appearance. Yet the flexibility of the wire management allows the wire management to be added at waistline or taken away with great simplicity.

0036The concept of hanging the panels onto the frames provides a system for inexpensively manufacturing the wall system, yet the wall system has the appearance of an architectural wall, that is, a wall which has been constructed in the conventional fashion with studs. Further, the thickness of the wall and the outsert panels allows wiring to be passed through from wall section to wall section around the frame without the necessity of feeding the wires through the frames. This lay-in capability is important in changing the communications and electrical wiring quickly and easily with relatively unskilled labor.

0037Thus, the work space management system according to the invention provides an easy means for linking a diverse range of office workers with electronic equipment and data bases. The flexibility of the wire management, both at the base line and selectively at the waistline with lay-in capabilities and wiring around the frames, provides this ability. As indicated, the lay-in capabilities provide for an ease of installation, adaptability of change with a minimum of effort and the communication wiring is delivered at a convenient location, i.e., at work height.

0038The ease of removability of the outsert partitions as well as the modularity of the panel outsert and the variety of the same provides a way to manage the office space system in terms of specification, design and installation. The variety and modularity of the panel outserts as well as the ease with which these outserts are installed and removed from the rigid frames provide a solution to meeting individual needs in work areas and a balance between privacy and communication. The invention provides a way in which a modern VDT-containing work station can easily adjust to the physical as well as psychological needs of the individual worker and serve as a buffer between him or her and inflexible computer hardware.

0039Finally, the invention provides a way in which each work station can be customized to individual needs on a convenient and economical basis. The panel outserts are relatively inexpensive to construct and to order and can be easily changed.

0040Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.