US20110271630A1 - Stackable office panels - Google Patents

Stackable office panels Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20110271630A1
US20110271630A1 US12/774,187 US77418710A US2011271630A1 US 20110271630 A1 US20110271630 A1 US 20110271630A1 US 77418710 A US77418710 A US 77418710A US 2011271630 A1 US2011271630 A1 US 2011271630A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
panel
stackable
corner
connector
mounting member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/774,187
Inventor
Ronald J. Kadzban
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Compatico Inc
Original Assignee
Compatico Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Compatico Inc filed Critical Compatico Inc
Priority to US12/774,187 priority Critical patent/US20110271630A1/en
Assigned to Compatico Inc. reassignment Compatico Inc. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KADZBAN, RONALD J.
Publication of US20110271630A1 publication Critical patent/US20110271630A1/en
Priority to US13/713,875 priority patent/US8713868B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C2/00—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels
    • E04C2/30—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
    • E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
    • E04B2/7422—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
    • E04B2/7424—Glazing details
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
    • E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
    • E04B2/7422—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
    • E04B2/7425—Details of connection of panels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
    • E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
    • E04B2/7422—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
    • E04B2/7427—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts with adjustable angular connection of panels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
    • E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
    • E04B2002/742—Details of panel top cap
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
    • E04B2002/7483—Details of furniture, e.g. tables or shelves, associated with the partitions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of office panel systems.
  • Office panel systems comprise a plurality of panels which can be ganged together in a side-by-side manner to define an individual workspace. Typically, cabinets and work surfaces can be hung on the panels.
  • Some panel systems include stackable upper panels, which can be placed on top of lower panels.
  • the stackable upper panel includes downwardly projecting prongs which extend into openings in the panels below. The openings in the lower panel become accessible when the removable top cap on the lower panel is removed.
  • Yet another system secures the upper panels to the lower panels by removing the end caps on the lower panels, and removing and replacing the structural slotted end splines on the panels with taller end splines which project above the level of the original panel.
  • the top cap on the lower panel is removed, and the upper panel is then positioned on the top of the lower panel and secured between the upwardly extending structural splines.
  • the removed end caps are placed over the exposed portions of the structural splines on the lower panels and additional end caps are placed over the portions of the structural splines which extend upwardly and secure the stacked upper panel in place.
  • Yet another system employs L-shaped mounting brackets which can be bolted onto the tops of the lower panels at each upper end corner.
  • the upper stackable panel is positioned on top of the lower panel and secured at its ends to the upstanding legs of the L-shaped brackets. End caps are then placed over the ends of the upper panels.
  • the present invention is a stackable upper panel and panel system.
  • An upper stackable panel is provided for use with lower panels having a structural panel to panel connector mount located at least at each upper corner of said lower panel, to which a panel to panel connector can be secured by at least one fastener.
  • the upper panels have a structural panel mounting member located at least at each bottom corner, at a location adjacent an upper corner panel to panel connector mount when the upper panel is positioned on top of the lower panel.
  • Each said lower corner panel mounting member has a fastener configuration which is compatible with that of the adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount on the lower panel. At least one fastener secures each said bottom corner panel mounting member to its adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount, to create a structural connection between the upper and lower panels at each of their respective lower and upper corners.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of stackable upper panels stacked on and secured to lower panels arranged in an office workstation configuration
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of an upper corner of a lower panel, with the top cap exploded away;
  • FIG. 3 is the same view as FIG. 2 , with the top cap mounting member exploded away;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment upper panel member, with its top cap, bottom spacer and left end cap exploded away;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower corner of an upper panel member
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inverted lower corner of an alternative embodiment upper stackable panel
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective fragmentary view of the upper and lower panels being joined together, with a panel to panel connector located between them at their respective upper and lower corners;
  • FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view which is similar to that of FIG. 7 , but with the upper and lower panels now secured to each other;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a spacer which can be positioned between the upper and lower panel members in place of a panel to panel connector.
  • the stackable upper panels 20 can be stacked on and secured to a plurality of lower panels 10 ( FIG. 1 ). Cabinets 60 and other such items can be hung on the lower cabinets due to the structural connection which is provided between the upper stackable panels 20 and lower panels 10 .
  • Lower panels 10 are of a prior art construction and include a removable top cap 12 which is removably secured to the top of panel 10 by means of a top cap mounting member 13 ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
  • Removable panel end caps 14 conceal, except for the slots, elongated slotted structural slotted splines which are secured to the ends of the panel frames.
  • panel to panel connector mounts 11 Located at both the upper and lower corners of panel 10 are panel to panel connector mounts 11 .
  • Each panel to panel connector mount includes a shank portion 11 a which is secured to the top or bottom of panel 10 .
  • Shank 11 a terminates in a cross piece 1 lb which includes a pair of spaced threaded apertures 11 c.
  • panel to panel connector mount 11 The purpose of panel to panel connector mount 11 is to facilitate securance of panel to panel connectors 40 ( FIG. 7 ) to the top and bottom corners of panels 10 , so that adjacent panels can be ganged together as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • suitable fasteners 30 pass through holes 40 a and are threaded into the threaded apertures 11 c of panel to panel connector mount 11 .
  • Panel to panel connector 40 includes an additional pair of holes 40 b which are used to fasten the connector to the adjacent panel in linear abutting relationship. Holes 40 c and 40 d are provided to facilitate attaching an adjacent panel 10 at an angle to the first panel 10 .
  • the upper stackable panel 20 of the preferred embodiment includes a panel mounting member 21 at each lower corner of upper panel 20 ( FIGS. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 ).
  • panel 20 includes a removable top cap 23 which is held in position by a top cap mount 24 ( FIG. 4 ).
  • a slotted structural spline 25 is secured to each end of panel 20 .
  • Structural splines 25 include slotted flanges 25 a which extend out from the panel ends, over the panel mounting members 21 , for receiving hanger brackets for hanging cabinets and the like on top panels 20 (see cabinet 60 which is hung on a panel 20 in the assembly of FIG. 1 ).
  • each slotted spline 25 terminates a distance 25 b above mounting member 21 which is sufficient to allow an installer to insert and manipulate fasteners 30 into the openings 21 c in mounting member 21 .
  • An end trim piece 26 is provided to cover structural spline 25 , leaving a gap such that the slots in spline 25 are accessible for panel mounting.
  • a separate elongated decorative insert 27 which is not a component of upper panel 20 , is provided for seating on top of panel 10 after top cap mount 13 is removed. Panel 20 is then seated on top of decorative insert 27 . Insert 27 masks the gap between upper panel 20 and lower panel 10 .
  • a panel to panel connector mount 22 is located at each upper corner of upper panel 20 .
  • Panel to panel connectors 40 can be secured to connector mounts 22 by two fasteners 30 facilitate connection of two extended panels at the tops of upper panels 20 .
  • Panel to pane connector mounts 22 are substantially identical in configuration to panel connector mounts 11 in lower panels 10 .
  • Panel mounting members 21 have the same fastener configuration as panel connector mounts 11 , and have the same general overall configuration as panel connector mounts 11 . Thus, they have a shank 21 a, a crosspiece 21 b and a pair of threaded apertures 21 c ( FIGS. 5-8 ).
  • the panel to panel connector mounts 11 and the panel mounting members 21 are structural members. “Structural” refers to the fact that members 11 and 21 are sufficiently strong and sturdy that when secured together by fasteners 30 as shown in FIG. 8 , and as shown in progress in FIG. 7 , panel 20 is held sufficiently securely and rigidly to panel 10 that cabinets 60 and the like can be mounted on upper panel members 20 . In the preferred embodiment, they are made of rigid steel approximately three sixteenths of an inch thick.
  • Panel to panel connectors 40 are also strong, rigid steel members, but have a thickness of about one-eighth of an inch.
  • panel mounting members 21 are welded to the steel frame of upper panel 20 .
  • the panel 20 of FIG. 6 is a particle board core panel.
  • Panel mounting member 21 is positioned within a routed channel and is secured by threaded wood screws 31 , positioned in tapered mounting apertures 21 d ( FIG. 6 ).
  • top cap 12 and top cap mounting member 13 are both removed from the top of lower panel 10 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
  • Decorative insert 27 is then placed on top of lower panel 10 ( FIG. 7 ). If there is to be an adjacent panel, panel to panel connector 40 is positioned for mounting on panel to panel connector mount 11 as shown in FIG. 7 .
  • the spacer 50 of FIG. 9 having holes 50 a through which fasteners 30 can be passed, is positioned where panel to panel connector 40 is shown in FIG. 7 . Spacer 50 does not extend beyond the ends of the panels 10 and 20 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Assembled Shelves (AREA)
  • Combinations Of Kitchen Furniture (AREA)

Abstract

An upper stackable panel is provided for use with lower panels having a structural panel to panel connector mount located at least at each upper corner of said lower panel, to which a panel to panel connector can be secured by at least one fastener. The upper panels have a structural panel mounting member located at least at each bottom corner, at a location adjacent an upper corner panel to panel connector mount when the upper panel is positioned on top of the lower panel. Each lower corner panel mounting member has a fastener configuration which is compatible with that of the adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount on the lower panel. At least one fastener secures each said bottom corner panel mounting member to its adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount, to create a structural connection between the upper and lower panels at each of their respective lower and upper corners.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to the field of office panel systems.
    • BACKGROUND
  • Office panel systems comprise a plurality of panels which can be ganged together in a side-by-side manner to define an individual workspace. Typically, cabinets and work surfaces can be hung on the panels.
  • Some panel systems include stackable upper panels, which can be placed on top of lower panels. In one system, the stackable upper panel includes downwardly projecting prongs which extend into openings in the panels below. The openings in the lower panel become accessible when the removable top cap on the lower panel is removed.
  • Yet another system secures the upper panels to the lower panels by removing the end caps on the lower panels, and removing and replacing the structural slotted end splines on the panels with taller end splines which project above the level of the original panel. The top cap on the lower panel is removed, and the upper panel is then positioned on the top of the lower panel and secured between the upwardly extending structural splines. Once the stack is assembled, the removed end caps are placed over the exposed portions of the structural splines on the lower panels and additional end caps are placed over the portions of the structural splines which extend upwardly and secure the stacked upper panel in place.
  • Yet another system employs L-shaped mounting brackets which can be bolted onto the tops of the lower panels at each upper end corner. The upper stackable panel is positioned on top of the lower panel and secured at its ends to the upstanding legs of the L-shaped brackets. End caps are then placed over the ends of the upper panels.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is a stackable upper panel and panel system. An upper stackable panel is provided for use with lower panels having a structural panel to panel connector mount located at least at each upper corner of said lower panel, to which a panel to panel connector can be secured by at least one fastener. The upper panels have a structural panel mounting member located at least at each bottom corner, at a location adjacent an upper corner panel to panel connector mount when the upper panel is positioned on top of the lower panel. Each said lower corner panel mounting member has a fastener configuration which is compatible with that of the adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount on the lower panel. At least one fastener secures each said bottom corner panel mounting member to its adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount, to create a structural connection between the upper and lower panels at each of their respective lower and upper corners.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of stackable upper panels stacked on and secured to lower panels arranged in an office workstation configuration;
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of an upper corner of a lower panel, with the top cap exploded away;
  • FIG. 3 is the same view as FIG. 2, with the top cap mounting member exploded away;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment upper panel member, with its top cap, bottom spacer and left end cap exploded away;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower corner of an upper panel member;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inverted lower corner of an alternative embodiment upper stackable panel;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective fragmentary view of the upper and lower panels being joined together, with a panel to panel connector located between them at their respective upper and lower corners;
  • FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view which is similar to that of FIG. 7, but with the upper and lower panels now secured to each other;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a spacer which can be positioned between the upper and lower panel members in place of a panel to panel connector.
    •  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • In the preferred embodiments, the stackable upper panels 20 can be stacked on and secured to a plurality of lower panels 10 (FIG. 1). Cabinets 60 and other such items can be hung on the lower cabinets due to the structural connection which is provided between the upper stackable panels 20 and lower panels 10.
  • Lower panels 10 are of a prior art construction and include a removable top cap 12 which is removably secured to the top of panel 10 by means of a top cap mounting member 13 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Removable panel end caps 14 conceal, except for the slots, elongated slotted structural slotted splines which are secured to the ends of the panel frames. Located at both the upper and lower corners of panel 10 are panel to panel connector mounts 11. Each panel to panel connector mount includes a shank portion 11 a which is secured to the top or bottom of panel 10. Shank 11 a terminates in a cross piece 1 lb which includes a pair of spaced threaded apertures 11 c. The purpose of panel to panel connector mount 11 is to facilitate securance of panel to panel connectors 40 (FIG. 7) to the top and bottom corners of panels 10, so that adjacent panels can be ganged together as shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen in connectors 40, suitable fasteners 30 pass through holes 40 a and are threaded into the threaded apertures 11 c of panel to panel connector mount 11. Panel to panel connector 40 includes an additional pair of holes 40 b which are used to fasten the connector to the adjacent panel in linear abutting relationship. Holes 40 c and 40 d are provided to facilitate attaching an adjacent panel 10 at an angle to the first panel 10.
  • The upper stackable panel 20 of the preferred embodiment includes a panel mounting member 21 at each lower corner of upper panel 20 (FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). Like panel 10, panel 20 includes a removable top cap 23 which is held in position by a top cap mount 24 (FIG. 4). A slotted structural spline 25 is secured to each end of panel 20. Structural splines 25 include slotted flanges 25 a which extend out from the panel ends, over the panel mounting members 21, for receiving hanger brackets for hanging cabinets and the like on top panels 20 (see cabinet 60 which is hung on a panel 20 in the assembly of FIG. 1). The slotted flanges 25 a on each slotted spline 25 terminate a distance 25 b above mounting member 21 which is sufficient to allow an installer to insert and manipulate fasteners 30 into the openings 21 c in mounting member 21. An end trim piece 26 is provided to cover structural spline 25, leaving a gap such that the slots in spline 25 are accessible for panel mounting.
  • A separate elongated decorative insert 27, which is not a component of upper panel 20, is provided for seating on top of panel 10 after top cap mount 13 is removed. Panel 20 is then seated on top of decorative insert 27. Insert 27 masks the gap between upper panel 20 and lower panel 10.
  • A panel to panel connector mount 22 is located at each upper corner of upper panel 20.
  • Panel to panel connectors 40 can be secured to connector mounts 22 by two fasteners 30 facilitate connection of two extended panels at the tops of upper panels 20. Panel to pane connector mounts 22 are substantially identical in configuration to panel connector mounts 11 in lower panels 10.
  • Panel mounting members 21 have the same fastener configuration as panel connector mounts 11, and have the same general overall configuration as panel connector mounts 11. Thus, they have a shank 21 a, a crosspiece 21 b and a pair of threaded apertures 21 c (FIGS. 5-8).
  • The panel to panel connector mounts 11 and the panel mounting members 21 are structural members. “Structural” refers to the fact that members 11 and 21 are sufficiently strong and sturdy that when secured together by fasteners 30 as shown in FIG. 8, and as shown in progress in FIG. 7, panel 20 is held sufficiently securely and rigidly to panel 10 that cabinets 60 and the like can be mounted on upper panel members 20. In the preferred embodiment, they are made of rigid steel approximately three sixteenths of an inch thick.
  • Panel to panel connectors 40 are also strong, rigid steel members, but have a thickness of about one-eighth of an inch. In upper panels 20 which are made with a steel frame, panel mounting members 21 are welded to the steel frame of upper panel 20. The panel 20 of FIG. 6 is a particle board core panel. Panel mounting member 21 is positioned within a routed channel and is secured by threaded wood screws 31, positioned in tapered mounting apertures 21 d (FIG. 6).
  • To mount an upper panel 20 on top of a lower panel 10, top cap 12 and top cap mounting member 13 are both removed from the top of lower panel 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Decorative insert 27 is then placed on top of lower panel 10 (FIG. 7). If there is to be an adjacent panel, panel to panel connector 40 is positioned for mounting on panel to panel connector mount 11 as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the spacer 50 of FIG. 9, having holes 50 a through which fasteners 30 can be passed, is positioned where panel to panel connector 40 is shown in FIG. 7. Spacer 50 does not extend beyond the ends of the panels 10 and 20.
  • Upper panel 20, with threaded fasteners 30 started in threaded apertures 21 c, are then extended through holes 40 a in connector 40 or through holes 50 a in spacer 50, and are then threaded into receiving apertures 11 c in panel to panel connector mount 11 (see FIG. 7). When fasteners 30 are tightened down, the arrangement is as shown in FIG. 8.
  • Of course it is understood that the above is merely a preferred embodiment of the invention and that various changes and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects thereof.

Claims (20)

1. A stackable upper panel for use in a panel system comprising:
a lower panel having a structural panel to panel connector mount located at least at each upper corner of said lower panel, to which a panel to panel connector can be secured by at least one fastener;
said upper panel having a structural panel mounting member located at least at each bottom corner of said upper panel, at a location adjacent an upper corner panel to panel connector mount when said upper panel is positioned on top of said lower panel, each said lower corner panel mounting member having a fastener configuration which is compatible with that of said adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount on said lower panel;
at least one fastener securing each said bottom corner panel mounting member of said upper panel to its adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount, to create a structural connection between said upper and lower panels at each of their respective lower and upper corners.
2. The stackable upper panel of claim 1, in which said lower corner panel mounting members of said upper panel are located on said panel such that there is a space between each said lower corner mounting member and said upper corner panel to panel connector mounts of said lower panel them when said upper panel is positioned on top of said lower panel, for receiving within said space either the end of a panel to panel connector, or a spacer which does not project beyond the ends of the upper and lower panels.
3. The stackable upper panel of claim 2 in which said lower corner panel mounting members of said upper panel has substantially the same configuration of said upper corner panel to panel connector mounts of said lower panel.
4. The stackable upper panel of claim 3 in which said lower corner panel mounting members of said upper panel is secured to said upper corner panel to panel connector mounts of said lower panel by two spaced fasteners.
5. The stackable upper panel of claim 4, for which a decorative spacer is provided, for positioning between said upper stackable panel and said lower panel.
6. The stackable upper panel of claim 2, for which a decorative spacer is provided, for positioning between said upper stackable panel and said lower panel.
7. The stackable upper panel of claim 1, for which a decorative spacer is provided, for positioning between said upper stackable panel and said lower panel.
8. The stackable upper panel of claim 1 which includes a slotted spline on each end of the panel, having spaced slotted flanges projecting out above said panel mounting member; said slotted flanges terminating a distance above said mounting member which is sufficient to allow an installer to insert and manipulate said fastener in said mounting member.
9. The stackable upper panel of claim 8, in which said lower corner panel mounting members of said upper panel are located on said panel such that there is a space between each said lower corner mounting member and said upper corner panel to panel connector mounts of said lower panel them when said upper panel is positioned on top of said lower panel, for receiving within said space either the end of a panel to panel connector, or a spacer which does not project beyond the ends of the upper and lower panels.
10. The stackable upper panel of claim 9, for which a decorative spacer is provided, for positioning between said upper stackable panel and said lower panel.
11. A stackable panel system comprising:
a lower panel having a structural panel to panel connector mount located at least at each upper corner of said lower panel, to which a panel to panel connector can be secured by at least one fastener;
said upper panel having a structural panel mounting member located at least at each bottom corner of said upper panel, at a location adjacent an upper corner panel to panel connector mount when said upper panel is positioned on top of said lower panel, each said lower corner panel mounting member having a fastener configuration which is compatible with that of said adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount on said lower panel;
at least one fastener securing each said bottom corner panel mounting member of said upper panel to its adjacent upper corner panel to panel connector mount, to create a structural connection between said upper and lower panels at each of their respective lower and upper corners.
12. The stackable panel system of claim 11, in which said lower corner panel mounting members of said upper panel are located on said panel such that there is a space between each said lower corner mounting member and said upper corner panel to panel connector mounts of said lower panel them when said upper panel is positioned on top of said lower panel, for receiving within said space either the end of a panel to panel connector, or a spacer which does not project beyond the ends of the upper and lower panels.
13. The stackable panel system of claim 12 in which said lower corner panel mounting members of said upper panel has substantially the same configuration of said upper corner panel to panel connector mounts of said lower panel.
14. The stackable panel system of claim 13 in which said lower corner panel mounting members of said upper panel is secured to said upper corner panel to panel connector mounts of said lower panel by two spaced fasteners.
15. The stackable panel system of claim 14, for which a decorative spacer is provided, for positioning between said upper stackable panel and said lower panel.
16. The stackable panel system of claim 12, for which a decorative spacer is provided, for positioning between said upper stackable panel and said lower panel.
17. The stackable panel system of claim 11, for which a decorative spacer is provided, for positioning between said upper stackable panel and said lower panel.
18. The stackable panel system of claim 11 which includes a slotted spline on each end of the panel, having spaced slotted flanges projecting out above said panel mounting member; said slotted flanges terminating a distance above said mounting member which is sufficient to allow an installer to insert and manipulate said fastener in said mounting member.
19. The stackable panel system of claim 18, in which said lower corner panel mounting members of said upper panel are located on said panel such that there is a space between each said lower corner mounting member and said upper corner panel to panel connector mounts of said lower panel them when said upper panel is positioned on top of said lower panel, for receiving within said space either the end of a panel to panel connector, or a spacer which does not project beyond the ends of the upper and lower panels.
20. The stackable panel system of claim 19, for which a decorative spacer is provided, for positioning between said upper stackable panel and said lower panel.
US12/774,187 2010-05-05 2010-05-05 Stackable office panels Abandoned US20110271630A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/774,187 US20110271630A1 (en) 2010-05-05 2010-05-05 Stackable office panels
US13/713,875 US8713868B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2012-12-13 Stackable office panels

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/774,187 US20110271630A1 (en) 2010-05-05 2010-05-05 Stackable office panels

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/713,875 Continuation US8713868B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2012-12-13 Stackable office panels

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110271630A1 true US20110271630A1 (en) 2011-11-10

Family

ID=44900985

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/774,187 Abandoned US20110271630A1 (en) 2010-05-05 2010-05-05 Stackable office panels
US13/713,875 Expired - Fee Related US8713868B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2012-12-13 Stackable office panels

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/713,875 Expired - Fee Related US8713868B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2012-12-13 Stackable office panels

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US20110271630A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130074439A1 (en) * 2011-09-23 2013-03-28 Mayline Company, Llc Connection System for Joining Rectangular Wall Frames

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5058347A (en) * 1990-09-18 1991-10-22 Herman Miller, Inc. Panel connector system
US5347778A (en) * 1993-04-07 1994-09-20 Globe Business Furniture, Inc. Partition joining system
US6389773B1 (en) * 1999-06-04 2002-05-21 Knoll, Inc. Stackable panel system for modular office furniture
US6393783B2 (en) * 1996-06-07 2002-05-28 Herman Miller, Inc. Wall panel
US6729085B2 (en) * 2001-02-09 2004-05-04 Herman Miller, Inc. Wall panel system
US6964138B2 (en) * 2002-05-14 2005-11-15 Hni Technologies Inc. Wall panel system
US8046957B2 (en) * 2006-11-22 2011-11-01 Steelcase Inc. Stack-on panel assembly

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5058347A (en) * 1990-09-18 1991-10-22 Herman Miller, Inc. Panel connector system
US5347778A (en) * 1993-04-07 1994-09-20 Globe Business Furniture, Inc. Partition joining system
US6393783B2 (en) * 1996-06-07 2002-05-28 Herman Miller, Inc. Wall panel
US6389773B1 (en) * 1999-06-04 2002-05-21 Knoll, Inc. Stackable panel system for modular office furniture
US6729085B2 (en) * 2001-02-09 2004-05-04 Herman Miller, Inc. Wall panel system
US6964138B2 (en) * 2002-05-14 2005-11-15 Hni Technologies Inc. Wall panel system
US8046957B2 (en) * 2006-11-22 2011-11-01 Steelcase Inc. Stack-on panel assembly

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130074439A1 (en) * 2011-09-23 2013-03-28 Mayline Company, Llc Connection System for Joining Rectangular Wall Frames
US9382711B2 (en) * 2011-09-23 2016-07-05 Mayline Company, Inc. Connection system for joining rectangular wall frames

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20130097958A1 (en) 2013-04-25
US8713868B2 (en) 2014-05-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8579127B2 (en) Closet organizer shelving system
US8689705B2 (en) Reconfigurable table assemblies
US7603821B2 (en) Partition panel system and method
JP5792805B2 (en) Furniture part fixing device, furniture system, and method for assembling furniture to provide a work space
US8079313B2 (en) Shelving system with removable shelves
US7270242B2 (en) Modular rack for displaying tools and merchandise
US20130113343A1 (en) Universal outdoor modular kitchen system
CA2622205A1 (en) Shelving system
US3001844A (en) Cabinet structure
US20110252735A1 (en) Metal ceiling system having locking panels without visible access holes
US9376812B2 (en) Ceiling panel mounting system
US8844210B2 (en) Upmount overhead brackets for office partition systems
CA2962518C (en) Multi-piece rack shelf
US20070278168A1 (en) Decorative wall hanging assembly
US20120187814A1 (en) Furniture System and a Frame Assembly for a Furniture System
US8322942B2 (en) Interlocking connector system
US20230067292A1 (en) Sectional seating system
US8713868B2 (en) Stackable office panels
US20150027350A1 (en) Outdoor kitchen unit
US20130111827A1 (en) Tool-less modular panel system
JP2006296790A (en) Assembly structure
US11006749B2 (en) Systems, brackets, and methods for mounting storage structures to office work surfaces
US20160073794A1 (en) Modular display unit
US8403313B2 (en) Work table having elevated support members
CN202550317U (en) Electric appliance cabinet stand column section bar and electric appliance installing board as well as electric appliance cabinet and electric appliance screen frame using electric appliance installing board

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: COMPATICO INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KADZBAN, RONALD J.;REEL/FRAME:024338/0485

Effective date: 20100429

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION