Partition system

Abstract

A partition system has at least one pivot joint, each pivot joint having two pivot structures with partial circular cross-sections centered on a pivot axis. Each pivot structure engages with one of a plurality of wall panels and permits the engaged wall panel to pivot about the pivot axis. A linking structure extends between and joins the two pivot structures. A stop member extends outwardly from the linking structure to limit a range within which the wall panels can pivot about the pivot axis. Each of the wall panels has a pair of parallel tabs extending substantially perpendicularly from at least one end face of the wall panel. At least one parallel tab has an end flange extending inwardly toward the second tab. The end flange snap fit onto one of the pivot structures. Each of the wall panels is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot joint.

Claims

1. A pivot joint for pivotally connecting a first partition wall panel and a second partition wall panel, the pivot joint comprising: two pivot structures each having a partial circular cross-section centered on a pivot axis, each of the two pivot structures configured to engage with a corresponding one of the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel via a snap fit and permitting the corresponding one of the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel to pivot about the associated pivot axis, each of the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel having an inwardly curved first end flange and an inwardly curved second end flange, the inwardly curved first end flange and the inwardly curved second end flange of each of the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel receiving and retaining a corresponding one of the two pivot structures when the corresponding one of the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel is snap fitted onto the corresponding one of the two pivot structures; a linking structure extending between and joining the two pivot structures, the linking structure having an outer linking edge opposed from an inner linking edge, the outer linking edge having two longitudinal extending perimeter edges; and a stop member extending outwardly from the inner linking edge of the linking structure, the stop member having a proximal end adjoining the linking structure and a distal end spaced apart from the linking structure, the stop member having a perpendicular cross member at the distal end thereof, the stop member having a T-shaped cross-section and a pair of flanges extending from ends of the perpendicular cross member, the stop member limiting a range within which the corresponding one of the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel snap fitted onto the corresponding one of the two pivot structures can pivot about the pivot axis between a first position to a second position, the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel oriented generally colinear in the first position, the first partition wall panel angularly disposed to the second partition wall panel in the second position, wherein the inwardly curved first end flange of each of the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel abuts a corresponding one of the two longitudinally extending perimeter edges of the outer linking edge of the linking structure in the first position, and wherein a corresponding one of the pair of flanges of the stop member abuts a corresponding inwardly curved second end flange of each of the first partition wall panel and the second partition wall panel in the second position.

2. The pivot joint of claim 1, wherein the pivot joint is a metal extrusion.

3. The pivot joint of claim 2, wherein the metal extrusion is an aluminum extrusion.

4. A partition system comprising: a plurality of wall panels; at least one pivot joint, each at least one pivot joint comprising: two pivot structures each having a partial circular cross-section centered on a pivot axis, each of the two pivot structures configured to engage with one of the plurality of wall panels and permitting the engaged one of a plurality of wall panels to pivot about associated the pivot axis; a linking structure extending between and joining the two pivot structures, the linking structure having an outer linking edge opposed from an inner lining edge, the outer linking edge having two longitudinal extending perimeter edges; and a stop member extending outwardly from the inner linking edge of the linking structure, the stop member having a proximal end adjoining the linking structure and a distal end spaced apart from the linking structure, the stop member limiting a range within which the one of a plurality of wall panels engaged with one of the two pivot structures can pivot about the pivot axis, the stop member having a perpendicular cross member at the distal end thereof, the stop member having a T-shaped cross-section and a pair of flanges extending from ends of the perpendicular cross member; and wherein each of the plurality of wall panels has an inwardly curved first end flange and an inwardly curved second end flange, the inwardly curved first end flange and the inwardly curved second end flange of each of the plurality of wall panels receiving and retaining a corresponding one of the two pivot structures when a corresponding one of the plurality of the wall panels is snap fitted onto the corresponding one of the two pivot structures; wherein each of the plurality of wall panels being pivotally connected to the corresponding one of the pivot structures of the at least one pivot joint, each of the plurality of wall panels pivotal about the pivot axis between a first position and a second position, at least two of the plurality of wall panels oriented generally colinear in the first position, at least two of the plurality of wall panels angularly disposed to one another in the second position, wherein the inwardly curved first end flange of each of the plurality of wall panels abuts a corresponding one of the two longitudinally extending perimeter edges of the outer linking edge of the linking structure in the first position, and wherein, each of the pair of flanges abuts the inwardly curved second end flange of each of the plurality of wall panels in the second position.

5. The partition system of claim 4, wherein the at least one pivot joint is a metal extrusion.

6. The partition system of claim 5, wherein the metal extrusion is an aluminum extrusion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Aspects and embodiments of the disclosure will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying diagrams, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partition system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the partition system of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a top view of a pivot joint, tab connectors and partition wall panels of the partition system of FIG. 1, with the partition wall panels at 180 degrees to one another;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the pivot joint, tab connectors and partition wall panels of the partition system of FIG. 1, with the partition wall panels at 90 degrees to one another;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tab connector of the partition system of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the partition system of FIG. 1, fully assembled;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an end frame member cap of the partition system of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tab connector cap of the partition system of FIG. 7;

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pivot joint cap of the partition system of FIG. 7; and

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a partition system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(12) It is contemplated that the present disclosure provides an adjustable partition system that can be assembled and configured to accommodate the needs of the user and the physical workspace.

(13) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partition system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Partition system 100 is comprised of a pivot joint 102, partition wall panels 108a, 108b and tab connectors 109a, 109b. The partition wall panels 108a, 108b may be manufactured using any suitable materials, such as, but not limited to, particleboard, foam, acrylic, plastic and glass, and may be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing technique as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person. Partition wall panels 108a, 108b have end faces 104 to which the tab connectors 109a, 109b or end frame members 106a, 106b are secured. The tab connectors 109a, 109b are adapted to engage the pivot joint 102.

(14) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the partition system 100. The pivot joint 102 has two pivot structures 110a, 110b, each being roughly cylindrical and having partial circular cross-sections centered on a pivot axis 115. Each of the pivot structures 110a, 110b engage with one of the partition wall panels 108a, 108b, permitting the engaged wall panel 108a, 108b to pivot about the pivot axis 115. The pivot structures 110a, 110b have a series of internal flanges 110c extending inwardly toward the pivot axis 115.

(15) A linking structure 112 extends between and joins the two pivot structures 110a, 110b. In the illustrated embodiment, the linking structure 112 includes an outer linking edge 113 and an inner linking edge 114, each formed integrally with the pivot structures 110a and 110b.

(16) A stop member 118 extends outwardly from the linking structure 112 to limit the range within which wall panels 108a, 108b, which are engaged with the pivot structures 110a, 110b, can pivot about the pivot axis 115, as explained in greater detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop member 118 extends outwardly from the inner linking edge 114. In this embodiment, the stop member has a T-shaped cross-section, with a body 118a extending outwardly from a proximal end at the inner linking edge 114 to a distal end spaced apart from the inner linking edge 114. The stop member 118 also has a perpendicular cross member 118b extending from the distal end of the body 118a, parallel to the inner linking edge 114. The stop member 118 also has a pair of flanges 118c extending from the ends of the perpendicular cross member 118b, toward the inner linking edge 114.

(17) In some embodiments, the pivot joint 102 is formed as a metal extrusion, such as, but not limited to, an aluminum extrusion. In such embodiments, the pivot structures 110a and 110b, the internal flanges 110c, the outer linking edge 113, the inner linking edge 114, the stop member body 118a, the stop member perpendicular cross member 118b and the flanges 118c are all formed integrally as one piece of extruded aluminum.

(18) The partition wall panels 108a, 108b each have an inside wall face 107a, 107b and an outside wall face 105a, 105b. Each of the end faces 104 extend from an end of the inside wall face 107a, 107b to a corresponding end of the outside wall face 105a, 105b. In the illustrated embodiment, the end faces 104 are formed as shown in FIG. 2. This form is the inverse form of ports 128a, 128b of the tab connectors 109a, 109b, such that said tab connectors 109a, 109b can slide onto the end faces 104, the end faces 104 being securely received in ports 128a, 128b of the tab connectors 109a, 109b as shown in FIG. 1. The tab connectors 109a, 109b are described in greater detail below.

(19) In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), end faces 104 can be of any shape or form, such as a rectangle, extending from the inside wall face 107a, 107b to the outside wall face 105a, 105b. In such embodiments, the tab connectors 109a, 109b rely on other any other suitable connecting means to connect to the end faces 104 of the partition wall panels 108a, 108b. By way of example, the tab connectors 109a, 109b can connect by way of a friction fit using a pair of opposed connecting flanges (not shown) that extend from the tab connector 109a, 109b to receive and grip a partition wall panel 108a, 108b.

(20) The tab connectors 109a, 109b comprise a pair of parallel tabs 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b for engaging the pivot joint 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b are formed integrally with the tab connectors 109a, 109b, as shown in FIG. 5, and extend from the end faces 104a, 104b when end faces 104a, 104b are securely received in port 128a, 128b of pivot arm extrusions. However, it will be appreciated that the tabs 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b can be connected to, and extend from the end faces 104a, 104b in any suitable manner, or could be formed integrally with the wall panels 108a, 108b. The tabs 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b extend outwardly from the end face 104a, 104b and substantially parallel to the inside wall face 107a, 107b and the outside wall face 105a, 105b.

(21) At least one of the tabs has an end flange adapted to engage the pivot joint. In FIG. 2, tabs 120a, 120b each have an end flange 124a, 124b extending inwardly toward the opposite tab 122a, 122b. The end flanges 124a, 124b extend such that the distance from the end of said flange to the opposite tab 122a, 122b is somewhat less than the diameter of the circular cross section of the pivot structures 110a, 110b. While said distance should be less than said diameter, it should not be so much less that the wall panels 108a, 108b cannot be snap fit onto the pivot structures 110a, 110b.

(22) As mentioned above, the tabs 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b of wall panels 108a, 108b are adapted to snap fit onto the pivot structures 110a, 110b, as shown in FIG. 3. In particular, the partition wall panel 108a, 108b can be placed adjacent to the pivot structures 110a, 110b, such that the tabs 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b are in contact with the pivot structures 110a, 110b. By applying additional force on the wall panels 108a, 108b, directed inward toward the pivot structures 110a, 110b, the tabs 120a, 120b having flanges 124a, 124b deflect outward, away from the pivot structures 110a, 110b, thereby increasing the distance between flanges 124a, 124b and tabs 122a, 122b. Once said distance has increased sufficiently, pivot structures 110a, 110b will fit between tabs 120a, 122a, and tabs 120b, 122b, respectively, and the wall panels 108a, 108b will move forward into an engaged position, abutting the pivot structures 110a, 110b. At this point, the tabs 120a, 120b will have deflected back to their original position, and will extend forward past the apex of the circular cross-section of the pivot structures 110a, 110b. Flanges 124a, 124b will extend inward, beyond the apex of the circular cross section of the pivot structures 110a, 110b, thereby gripping said pivot structures. The flanges 124a, 124b can be in physical contact with the pivot structures 110a, 110b when in the engaged position, or can be spaced apart such that they will come into physical contact with pivot structure 110a, 110b, if the wall panels 108a, 108b are pulled away from said pivot structures.

(23) FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the range within which the wall panels 108a, 108b can be pivoted about the pivot axis 115 when the wall panels are in the engaged position. FIG. 3 is a top view of the pivot joint 102 and the wall panels 108a, 108b, where a relative angle between the wall panels 108a, 108b is 180 degrees. FIG. 4 illustrates the wall panels 108a, 108b at 90 degrees to one another.

(24) It will be appreciated that the range of possible relative angles between the wall panels 108a, 108b is directly related to, and dictated by, the size and shape of the stop member 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the lengths of the perpendicular cross member 118b and the end flanges 118c dictate the minimum relative angle between the wall panels 108a, 108b. By increasing or decreasing the length of cross member 118b, the minimum relative angle will be decreased or increased, respectively. Increasing or decreasing the length of end flanges 118c will also decrease or increase the minimum relative angle , respectively, although to a somewhat lesser extent than changes to the length of cross member 118b.

(25) As mentioned previously, in the illustrated embodiment the tabs 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b are formed integrally with the tab connectors 109a, 109b. Tab connectors 109a, 109b include a connector means, for connecting the tab connectors 109a, 109b to the end faces 104 of the wall panels 108a, 108b. In the illustrated embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 5, the connector means of the tab connector 109a is a port 128a. The port 128a is an extruded metal structure defined by an opening 130a and stepped side walls 132a, 132b that provide multiple widths w1, w2, w3 within the port 128a. The stepped side walls 132a, 132b are connected to an inner wall 121a and an outer wall 123a by circular recesses 134a. The circular recesses 134a, 134b may be used to receive and hold cap castings, which will be explained in more detail below. Port 128b of tab connector 109b has a similar structure as port 128a.

(26) In other embodiments, any other suitable means for connecting the tab connectors 109a, 109b to the end faces 104 of the wall panels 108a, 108b can be used. By way of example, the port 128a can be replaced with any other structure suitable for connecting inner wall 121a and outer wall 123a. Inner wall 121a and outer wall 123a can act as opposed connecting flanges (referred to above) that provide for a friction fit between the tab connector 109a, 109b and wall panel 108a, 108b, as described above.

(27) In some embodiments, the tab connectors 109a, 109b are formed as metal extrusions, such as, but not limited to, an aluminum extrusion. In such embodiments, the tabs 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b, the port 128a, 128b, the cylindrical recesses 134a, 134b, the inner wall 121a, 121b and the outer wall 123a, 123b are all formed integrally as one piece of extruded aluminum.

(28) Referring again to FIG. 2, each end frame member 106a, 106b has a port 146a, 146b located between an inner wall 142a, 142b and an outer wall 144a, 144b that has essentially the same structure as the port 128a shown in FIG. 5. The port 146a, 146b is connected to the inner wall 142a, 142b and the outer wall 144a, 144b by circular recesses 148a, 148b.

(29) In some embodiments, the end frame members 106a, 106b are formed as metal extrusions, such as, but not limited to, aluminum extrusions. In such embodiments, the port 146a, 146b, the cylindrical recesses 148a, 148b, the inner wall 142a, 142b and the outer wall 144a, 144b are all formed integrally as one piece of extruded aluminum.

(30) As mentioned previously, the ports 128a, 128b, 146a, 146b are shaped such that they can slide onto and secure the end faces 104 of the partition walls 108a, 108b. Since the ports 128a, 128b of the tab connectors 109a, 109b and the ports 146a, 146b of the end frame members 106a, 106b are of the same shape, they can be used interchangeably to secure the end faces 104 of the partition walls 108a, 108b depending on whether a pivot arm extrusion or an end frame member is required when assembling the partition system. In other words, the tab connectors 109a, 109b will be used when the end face 104 of the partition wall panel 108a, 108b will be joined to another wall panel. The end frame member 106a, 106b will be used when the end face 104 of the partition wall panel 108a, 108b is the end of the partition system.

(31) It will be appreciated that end frame members 106a, 106b can be connected to partition walls 108a, 108b in any suitable manner, and in the same manner that tab connectors 109a, 109b are connected to partition walls 108a, 108b. By way of example, end frame members 106a, 106b can be connected to partition walls 108a, 108b by way of a friction fit with inner wall 142a, 142b and outer wall 144a, 144b, in the same manner that tab connectors 109a, 109b can be connected to partition walls 108a, 108b by way of a friction fit with opposed connecting flanges, such as inner wall 121a and outer wall 123a.

(32) In embodiments where ports 128a, 128b, 146a, 146b are present, the profile of said ports may also be used to receive and hold mechanical fasteners within said ports, such as but not limited to, bolt heads and nuts.

(33) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the partition system, fully assembled. The pivot joint 102 is illustrated therein, connected to the two partition wall panels 108a, 108b. The end faces 104 are secured either to the tab connectors 109a, 109b or to the end frame members 106a, 106b. In this embodiment, the tab connectors 109a, 109b engage with the pivot joint 102. FIG. 6 further illustrates top frame members 150a, 150b that secure a respective top edge (not shown) of the partition wall panels 108a, 108b. The top frame members 150a, 150b have essentially the same structure as the end frame members 106, 106b shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, top frame members 150a, 150b are metal extrusions, such as, but not limited to, aluminum extrusions.

(34) The top frame members 150a, 150b are connected to the end frame members 106a, 106b by end frame member caps 156a, 156b. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the end frame member cap 156a. The end frame member cap 156a has a square cross section with a first connecting peg 158 that is inserted into and connected to the port of the top frame member 150a using suitable fasteners. The end frame member cap 156a has additional connecting pegs 160 positioned at right angles to the first connecting peg 158. The additional connecting pegs 160 are received in the cylindrical recesses 148a, 148b of the end frame member 106a. End frame member cap 156b has a similar structure as end frame member cap 156a and connects end frame member 106b and top frame member 150b in a similar manner. In some embodiments, the end frame caps 156a, 156b are metal castings, such as, but not limited to, aluminum castings.

(35) Turning back to FIG. 6, tab connector caps 154a, 154b connect the top frame members 150a, 150b to the tab connectors 109a, 109b. As seen in FIG. 8, tab connector cap 154b has a rectangular cross section with a semicircular cutout to accommodate the pivot joint cap 152, which will be discussed in more detail below. Tab connector cap 154b has a first connecting peg 162 that is inserted into and connected to the port of the top frame member 150b using suitable fasteners. The tab connector cap 154b has additional connecting pegs 164 positioned at right angles to the first connecting peg 162. The additional connecting pegs 164 are received in the cylindrical recesses of the tab connector 109a. tab connector cap 154a has a similar structure as tab connector cap 154b and connects top frame member 150a and tab connector 109b in a similar manner.

(36) Referring again to FIG. 6, the pivot joint 102 has a pivot joint cap 152 that is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 9. The pivot joint cap 152 has an oval cross section with connecting pegs 166 that project downwardly from a bottom of the pivot joint cap 152. The connecting pegs 166 are received in slots formed by the internal flanges 110c of the two pivot structures 110a, 110b of the pivot joint 102.

(37) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a partition system 200 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, three partition wall panels 202a, 202b, 202c having similar structures as the partition wall panels in FIGS. 1 and 2 have end faces (not shown) that are secured by tab connectors 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d or by end frame members 208a, 208b. Tab connectors 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d engage pivot joints 204a, 204b having similar structures as the pivot joints in FIGS. 1 and 2. The three partition wall panels 202a, 202b, 202c are also framed by top frame members 210a, 210b, 210c. The end frame members 208a, 208b and top frame members 210a, 210b, 210c have similar structures as the end frame members shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. End frame member caps 212a, 212b having similar structures as the end frame member cap in FIG. 7 connect the end frame members 208a, 208b to the respective top frame members 210a, 210c. Tab connector caps 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d having similar structures as the tab connector cap in FIG. 8 connect the top frame members 210a, 210b, 210c to the respective tab connectors 206a, 206b, 206c, 206d. Pivot joint caps 216a, 216b having similar structures as the pivot joint cap in FIG. 9 are inserted into slots in the pivot joints 204a, 204b.

(38) In at least one embodiment, it is contemplated that a plurality partition wall panels can be connected in series to one another at varying angles using multiple joints. The overall width and shape of the partition system may therefore be customized. An additional advantage of the partition system provided by the present disclosure is that the configuration of the partition system can be adjusted without having to disassemble any part of the system. Moreover, the partition system is easy to assemble given that the partition system comprises relatively few pieces. Fewer fasteners are required for the partition system of the present disclosure since the tab connectors attached to the end faces of the partition wall panels snap fit onto the pivot members, unlike existing partition systems.

(39) It is further contemplated that more than one partition panel may be secured between the pivot joint and an end frame member, or between two pivot joints. For example, in one embodiment, two partition wall panels made of different materials are stacked one on top of the other. In another embodiment, two partition wall panels are stacked vertically with a slat wall in between the two partition wall panels for securing office equipment thereto.

(40) The embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative of the present compositions and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Various modifications and changes consistent with the description as a whole and which are readily apparent to the person of skill in the art are intended to be included. The appended claims should not be limited by the specific embodiments set forth in the examples but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.