Abstract
A temporary, non-fixed partitioning system includes a common assembly bracket that can be readily assembled with a wall panel formed of various standard dimensioned building supplies. The wall panels may include a standard door slab, a standard window sash, standard dimensional lumber, a peg board, a chalk board, a whiteboard, a corrugated cardboard panel, a foam board, a gator board, a fiberglass panel, a cork panel, a plastic panel, an upholstered panel, a wood panel, and an acrylic-based or silica-based glass panel, and may also be suitable for receiving custom or desired printing of designs, indicia or other nomenclature. The partitioning system could be provided in a kit form with a plurality of common assembly brackets and wall panels, which are reconfigurable for a variety of uses such as co-working space, trade show booths, or lobby displays.
Claims
1. An assembly bracket for a temporary, non-fixed partitioning system comprising an elongated member having a closed central section, at least two pair of flanges extending outwardly from the central section, and a fillet formed at each joint between the central section and each flange, wherein each pair of flanges is equally spaced apart to receive a wall panel having a standard thickness.
2. The assembly bracket according to claim 1, wherein the at least two pair of flanges are symmetric about a plane passing through a longitudinal axis of the assembly bracket.
3. The assembly bracket according to claim 1 further comprising four pairs of flanges extending outwardly from the central section.
4. The assembly bracket according to claim 3, wherein first and third pairs of flanges are symmetric about a first plane passing through a longitudinal axis of the assembly bracket, and second and fourth pairs of flanges are symmetric about a second plane passing through a longitudinal axis of the assembly bracket that is perpendicular to the first plane.
5. The assembly bracket according to claim 1 wherein the standard thickness is 1 inches.
6. The assembly bracket according to claim 1 further comprising a set of internal webs triangulating the central section.
7. The assembly bracket according to claim 7 further comprising a boss supported by the set of internal webs within the central section, wherein the boss has a threaded bore formed therethrough, which is configured to receive a threaded shank of a height adjustment element.
8. The assembly bracket according to claim 1 further comprising a plug received within the central section at an end of the assembly bracket, the plug having a threaded bore formed therethrough configured to receive a threaded shank of a height adjustment element.
9-20. (canceled)
21. The assembly bracket according to claim 1, wherein each pair of flanges is laterally offset with respect to a wall forming the central section.
22. An assembly bracket comprising: an elongated member having four walls forming a closed central section, a pair of flanges extending outwardly from each of the four walls to form a hash mark cross section, wherein each pair of flanges is laterally offset from the central section such that an inner surface of the flange aligns with an outer surface of a wall parallel to the flange.
23. The assembly bracket according to claim 22, further comprising a fillet formed at each joint between an outer surface of adjacent flanges.
24. The assembly bracket according to claim 22, wherein each pair of flanges is equally spaced apart and configured to receive a wall panel having a standard thickness.
25. The assembly bracket according to claim 24, wherein the standard thickness is 1 inches.
26. The assembly bracket according to claim 22, further comprising a set of internal webs triangulating the central section.
27. The assembly bracket according to claim 26, further comprising a boss supported by the set of internal webs within the closed central section.
28. The assembly bracket according to claim 27, further comprising a height adjustment element having a threaded shank, wherein the boss has a threaded bore formed therethrough configured to receive the threaded shank of the height adjustment element.
29. The assembly bracket according to claim 22, further comprising: a plug received within the closed central section at an end of the assembly bracket and having a threaded bore formed therethrough; and a height adjustment element having a threaded shank received within the threaded shank of a height adjustment element.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an elevation showing a temporary, non-fixed partitioning system including a common assembly bracket and a variety of panels supported within an open building space;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly bracket shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross section taken through the assembly bracket shown in FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross section of an alternate configuration for the assembly bracket;
[0017] FIG. 5A is a schematic cross section of a 90 version of the assembly bracket;
[0018] FIG. 5B is a schematic cross section of a 45 version of the assembly bracket;
[0019] FIG. 5C is a schematic cross section of a H bracket design configuration of the assembly bracket;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross section showing the assembly bracket with a shim to accommodate wall panels of various thicknesses;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing an exemplary lay out for a temporary space;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing another exemplary layout for a temporary space;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a temporary wall assembly having an auxiliary power strip; and
[0024] FIG. 10 is an elevation showing the assembly bracket of FIG. 9.
[0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. There is no intention to be limited by any principle presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.
[0027] With reference now to FIG. 1, a temporary, non-fixed partitioning system 10 includes a plurality of common assembly brackets 12 and a variety of infill or wall panels 14 extending between adjacent assembly brackets 12. Feet 16 may extend from the bottom of the assembly brackets 12 to support the partitioning system 10 on the floor within an open building space in a freestanding manner. Height adjustment elements 18 may also extend from the top of the assembly brackets 12 to the ceiling for further securing the partitioning system 10 in the open building space. As shown in FIG. 1, the wall panels 14 may be constructed in different lengths and widths (i.e., surface area) or from diverse materials based on the specifications and desired effect for the partitioning system 10. However, as further detailed below, the panels 14 have a constant thickness, preferably standard dimensioned building supplies such as standard door slabs having a thickness of 1 or 2 dimensional lumber having a nominal thickness of 1.
[0028] With reference now to FIG. 2, the assembly bracket 12 is an elongated member that may vary in length depending on the desired height of partitioning system 10. For example, in an open building space having nine foot high ceilings, the assembly bracket may be eight (8) feet in length such that the partitioning system 10 may be adequately spaced from the ceiling to provide clearance for building utilities (e.g., electrical, HVAC, fire suppression) that may traverse the room. Assembly bracket 12 of different lengths may be used to construct half-walls or other partition configurations.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 3, the assembly bracket 12 includes a closed central section 20 and a first pair of flanges 22.1, 24.1, a second pair of flanges 22.2, 24.2, a third pair of flanges 22.3, 24.3 and a fourth pair of flanges 22.4, 24.4 (collectively referred to as flanges 22, 24) extending outwardly from the central section 20. The first pair of flanges 22.1, 24.1 and the third pair of flanges 22.3, 24.3 are symmetric about a first plane FP passing through a longitudinal axis A of the assembly bracket. The second pair of flanges 22.2, 24.2 and the fourth pair of flanges 22.4, 24.4 are symmetric about a second plane SP passing through the longitudinal axis A of the assembly bracket 12. The second plane SP is perpendicular to the first plane FP. The assembly bracket 12 is configured to receive up to four wall panels. In this manner, the central section 20 forms a square cross section and flanges 22, 24 extend outwardly from each side of the central section 20 to form a hash mark or tic-tac-toe board cross section. The flanges 22, 24 are laterally offset with respect to the walls 26 forming the central section 20. Fillets 30 are formed at the joint between the flanges 22, 24 and the walls 26.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates the assembly bracket 12 in an alternate form that includes a closed central section 20 and flanges 22, 24 extending outwardly from the central section 20. The assembly bracket 12 is configured to receive up to four wall panels. In a preferred embodiment, the central section 20 forms a square cross section and flanges 22, 24 extend outwardly from each side of the central section 20 to form a hash mark or tic-tac-toe board cross section. The central section 20 has internal webs 28 formed therein to triangulate the walls 26 for providing additional structural rigidity to the assembly bracket 12. Fillets 30 are formed at the joint between the flanges 22, 24, the walls 26 and the internal webs 28.
[0031] FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrate assembly brackets 50, 60, 70, which are structurally similar to the bracket 12 shown in FIG. 3 or bracket 12 shown in FIG. 4, but provide alternate configuration. The assembly bracket 50 as shown in FIG. 5A is configured as a 90 assembly bracket for receiving up to two wall panels in a perpendicular orientation. Assembly bracket 50 includes a closed central section 52 and flanges 54, 56 extending outwardly from the central section 52. A corner support 58 is shown extending between flanges 54, 56 for accommodating a horizontal surface such as a bench, seat, shelf or other desired structure for the user. The assembly bracket 60 as shown in FIG. 5B is configured to receive up to three wall panels in an angular orientation. Assembly bracket 60 includes a closed central section 62 and flanges 64, 66 extending outwardly from the central section 62. The assembly bracket 70 as shown in FIG. 5C is configured to receive up to two wall panels in a parallel orientation. Assembly bracket 70 includes a closed central section 72 and flanges 74, 76 extending outwardly from the central section 72. The assembly bracket 70 is configured to receive up to two wall panels in a parallel orientation.
[0032] With reference again to FIG. 2, a plug 32 is disposed in the central section 20 and secured at an end of the assembly bracket 12 by any suitable means including frictional engagement, mechanical fasteners, adhesives or the like. A threaded bore 34 may be formed in the plug 32 for receiving a threaded shank 36 (FIGS. 1 and 9) associated with a foot 16 or height adjustment element 18. A head 38 formed at the end of the shank 36 provides a load bearing surface for supporting the assembly bracket 12 between the floor F and/or ceiling C. The head 38 may be covered or coated with a pliable material to prevent slippage and/or marring at the contact interface. With reference again to FIG. 4, a boss 32 having a threaded bore 34 may be formed in the internal webs 28 for receiving the threaded shank 36 of a foot or height adjustment element as described above.
[0033] With reference now to FIG. 6, the assembly bracket 12 is configured to receive an edge of the wall panel 14 between the flanges 22, 24. A fastener 42 (also shown in FIG. 2) may be inserted into one or more holes 40 extending through the flanges 22, 24 and into the wall panel for releasably securing these components together. Alternately, fastener 42 may be a self-drilling/tapping fastener used to secure the assembly bracket 12 to the wall panel 14 without requiring pre-drilled holes. The distance D between the inside surfaces of flanges 22, 24 is configured to receive standard dimensioned building supplies, and preferably the distance D is 1 so that it receives a standard door slab, window sash or various other materials with little or no modifications. Other wall panel configurations may include peg board, chalk board, whiteboard, corrugated cardboard, foam board, gator board, fiberglass, cork, plastic, fabric, wood, acrylic-based or silica-based glass, etc. In some circumstances, the thickness d of the wall panel 14 may be less that the distance D, in which case a shim 44 may be used on the edge of the panel 14 such that it has a nominal dimension equal to the distance D, for example 1. Furthermore, the wall panel may be laminated, coated, painted or pre-treated, for example to provide a fire-retardant quality. The wall panel may also be printed with designs, logos, images, lettering or the like. A particularly cost-effective embodiment uses 1 thick corrugated cardboard wall panels 14 with the assembly brackets 12 to provide a relatively lightweight partitioning system 10 that is also recyclable.
[0034] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the partitioning system 10 may be readily configured in a multitude of lay outs with various functionality depending on the intended purpose of the workspace solution. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a partitioning system 100 configured as rectangular interior office layout. Four assembly brackets 12.1 serve as corner posts, three of which receive a pair of wall panels 14 oriented at 90. Four additional assembly brackets 12.2 serve as intermediate wall studs and each receives a pair of wall panels oriented at 180. While different reference numbers are assigned to the corner brackets 12.1 and the intermediate wall studs 12.2, one skilled in the art will understand that these assembly brackets may be selected from the assembly brackets shown and described in reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5A-5C based on the configuration, functionality and/or availability of any given assembly bracket. As shown in FIG. 7, the partitioning system 100 is positioned adjacent to a fixed wall 102 in the building space. In this arrangement, it may be advantageous to provide a gasket or seal 104 in the flanges of the assembly brackets 12 extending towards the fixed wall 102.
[0035] Layouts that are more complicated are readily constructed from the same kit of components. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a partitioning system 200 configured as a multi-functional workspace having a closet area 202, an entrance hall 204 and a square office space 206. Similar to partitioning system 100, several bracket assemblies 12.1 serve as corner posts, which receive a pair of wall panels 14 oriented at 90. Several bracket assemblies 12.2 serve as intermediate wall studs, which receive a pair of wall panels 14 oriented at 180. A filler strip 208 may be inserted between the flanges of the bracket assembly 12.2. These filler strips 208 may be decorative or provide some functionality as further described below. In addition, several bracket assemblies 12.3 serve as door jams from which a door 210 can be hung on hinges or configured as a sliding door or barn slider (not shown). While different reference numbers are assigned to the corner brackets 12.1, the intermediate wall studs 12.2 and door jams 12.3, one skilled in the art will understand that these assembly brackets may be structurally similar to the brackets 12, 12 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a portion of a partitioning system 300 is shown to include an assembly bracket 12 supporting wall panels 14. Flanges 22, 24 extending from the assembly bracket 12 receive a filler strip in the form of a power strip 308 having a power cord 310 and a plurality of power outlets 312. The power cord 310 may be plugged into an electrical service circuit (not shown) wired along the ceiling C of an open building space. The power strip 308 may include LEDs or other lights 314 for indicating the power status of the power strip 308 or for providing ambient or accent lighting in the workspace. The power strip 308 may also include a switch 316 for turning ON and OFF the power outlets 312 and/or the lights 314.
[0037] While FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a filler strip in the form of a power strip, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the filler strip may incorporate other functionality. For example, the filler strip may be configured with a magnetic strip, a pin board, a pegboard, a coat hook, or a mount for pictures, shelves, display monitors, desktops or the like.
[0038] The individual components of a partitioning system 10 described herein may be compiled and provided as a kit that includes a plurality of assembly brackets 12, 12, 50, 60, 70 and a plurality of wall panels 14 with the associated hardware such as feet 16, height adjustment elements 18 and fasteners 42. Alternately, if the end user wants to incorporate standard building materials, the assembly brackets and associated hardware may be provided separately.
[0039] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
