Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
Title
Communications Conduit Connector Mounting Device
Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a device for mounting communications
conduit
connectors to modular office furniture systems.
Background on the Invention
Modular office furniture systems utilizing modular partitions are well known
for
the advantages of increased efficiency in the use of space and the ability to
adapt and
make changes to any particular configuration selected.
Many different forms of partitions are known which comprise a panel assembly
consisting of a rectangular frame including vertical and horizontal frame
members and
with covers removably mounted to the frame on at least one side of the frame
such that
the panel assembly provides an interior space within the frame accessible by
removal of
the removable cover. A preferred panel assembly is taught by the present
applicant's
U.S. patent 5,406,760 to Edwards issued April 18, 1995. Other known panel
assemblies
include those taught by U.S. patent 4,685,225 to Kelly issued August 11, 1987
and U.S.
patent 5,209,035 to Hodges et al issued May 11, 1993.
An important feature of such office panel systems is the ability to lay-in,
customize and modify communications conduit such as wiring and optical cable
used to
connect and transmit signals between electronic equipment such as telephones,
facsimile
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machines, computers including peripherals such as servers, printers, modems,
speakers
and the like. Known panel assemblies provide convenient access openings
throughout the
length of the panel assemblies for ease of exit and egress of communication
conduit as for
example to permit communication conduit to exit from or enter into the
interior space
defined by the panel assembly at different positions along the length of the
panel as to
permit easy placement of telephones, computers and the like at varying
different locations
as may be desired by a user and adjusted from time to time.
Known panel assemblies, however, suffer the disadvantage that there is not a
convenient mechanism for the easily securing within the panel connectors for
interconnecting two or more communications conduit as is typically necessary
as for
example to couple a telephone with a telephone communication conduit.
Background of the Invention
Accordingly, to at least partially overcome these disadvantages of previously
known devices the present invention provides a communications conduit
connector
mounting device providing a support member to receive a communications conduit
connector to join together the ends of two communications conduit, and with
the support
member depending from a hanger mechanism adapted for engaging the interior
structure
of the panel assembly.
An object of the present invention is to provide a communications connector
mounting device providing a support plate for attachment of a communications
conduit
connector and depending from a suspension mechanism to engage the interior
structure of
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a panel assembly.
Another object is to provide a communications conduit connector mounting
device
which is adapted to engage a horizontal member of a panel assembly to be
movable to a
plurality of positions along the length of the horizontal member, preferably
to be slidably
movable along the length of the horizontal member.
Another object is to provide a communications conduit connector mounting
device
comprising an outlet-box forming portion which is open at both ends and
preferably at
one of its top, bottom, interior or exterior sides so as to provide a shielded
cavity for at
least a portion of a communications conduit connector, however having an open
side to
permit easy exit and entrance of communications conduit.
Another object is to provide a communications conduit connector mounting
device
which is readily removable from or engagable onto an interior structure of a
panel
assembly for ease of removal and access when a removable cover mounted to the
panel
assembly may by removed.
Another object is to provide a simple communications conduit connector
mounting
device which is adapted to be located at a plurality of positions within the
interior space
of a panel assembly.
Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect provides a communications
conduit connector mounting device comprising a support member adapted to carry
a
communications conduit connector for joining together ends of at least two
communication conduit for transmission of signals therebetween, which support
member
depends from an engagement member adapted for engaging an interior structure
of a
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panel system for supporting the support member within the interior of the
panel system.
Preferably the engagement member may comprise a hook mechanism removably
engaging
a horizontal member attached to a frame forming the panel assembly which frame
has
covers removably mounted to at least one side of the frame. The hook mechanism
engages the horizontal member such that the bracket carrying the connector
locates the
connector within the internal space disposed for ready access of the removable
cover.
Preferably the hook mechanism is capable of being moved to a plurality of
positions
along the length of the horizontal member in which in each position the
support member
locates the connector within the interior space exposed for easy access on
removal of the
removable cover. More preferably the hook mechanism is slidably movable along
the
length of the horizontal member.
The support bracket member may comprise an outlet-box forming portion
comprising a first elongate U-shaped channel member extending parallel the
horizontal
member open along its length on one side and at both ends. The hook mechanism
may
comprise a second elongate U-shape channel member extending parallel the
horizontal
member also open along its length on one side and at both ends. With such
configurations, preferred versions of the invention can permit the device to
have a
substantially constant cross-section profile in cross-section normal the
horizontal member
and preferably with profiles selected from S-shapes and C-shapes. The hook
mechanism
is preferably configured so as to engage the horizontal member in a manner to
fixedly
secure the device thereto against pivoting relative the horizontal member,
preferably with
at least one side of the support bracket member to receive the connector
disposed
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
vertically. This can be accomplished by having the hook mechanism engage the
horizontal member at locations spaced longitudinally along the frame member
sufficient
to prevent pivoting of the apparatus about any horizontal axis normal the
horizontal
member and by having the hook member engage the horizontal member on each
lateral
side of the horizontal member to prevent pivoting of the device about any axis
parallel
the horizontal member.
While the support bracket member may comprise a simple planar member, it is
preferred that the bracket member include a planar shield portion extending
generally
parallel a mount portion of the bracket member carrying the connector spaced
therefrom
to provide a partially protected space between the mount portion and the
shield portion
for connections between the connector and at least some of the conduits.
Preferably the
bracket member also includes an upwardly directed trough open upwardly and at
its ends
and extending parallel the horizontal member to assist in receiving at least
one of the
communication conduit. A channel member preferably also carries securement
devices to
assist on securing of conduit thereto.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent having
regard to the following description taken together with the accompanying
drawings in
which:
Figure 1 shows a frontal prospective elevation view of an assembled modular
office furniture partition wall including a number of panel assemblies in
accordance with
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U.S. patent 5, 406,760;
Figure 2 is a frontal prospective view of the partition wall of Figure 1 with
some
of the cladding covers removed to reveal the internal partition frames;
Figure 3 is an exploded schematic view showing a communications conduit
connector mounting device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of
the present
invention together with a preferred connector, a telephone jack and a conduit
to connect
to the connector;
Figure 4 is a schematic pictorial view illustrating the mounting device and
connector shown in Figure 3 located on a section on a rectangular frame of a
panel
assembly of the same construction as that shown in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional end view through a middle portion of the panel
assembly of Figure 1 along section line V-Vl in Figure 1;
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of~central portions of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 but showing a mounting device in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
Figures 8 to 13 comprise cross-sectional end views of mounting devices in
accordance with third to eighth embodiments of the present invention,
respectively;
Figure 14 shows a schematic end view of a ninth embodiment of the present
invention in which the mounting device is secured to a U-shaped trough member;
Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional end view of a mounting device in
accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention secured to a
horizontally
extending flange member;
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Figure 16 is a pictorial view of a mounting device in accordance with an
eleventh
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 comprises a pictorial view of a twelfth embodiment of the present
invention; and
Figure 18 comprises a schematic exploded pictorial view of a thirteen
embodiment
of the present invention together with a connector.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Each of Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 illustrate a panel assembly in accordance
with U.S.
patent 5,406,760. The partition wall illustrated comprises a plurality of
rectangular panel
assemblies generally indicated 10 shown to be arranged end to end for
convenience. Each
panel assembly comprises a generally rectangular frame including vertical
frame members
or post 1 and horizontal frame members or beams 2. The beams 2 are preferably
arranged in
parallel pairs on both sides of each post 1. The beams 2 are connected to the
outward
opposing front and rear faces of each post 1 in an overlapping moment
resisting connection.
Both the posts 1 and the beams 2 are shown as tubular in cross-section. The
post 1 and
beams 2 are connected with brackets 3 having a saddle portion of internal
profile mating
with the external profile of the beams 2. The brackets 3 include flange
portions above and
below the saddle portion which overlie and are connected to the outward,
forward or
rearward face of the associated post 1 as by screws, rivets, welding and the
like. The
posts 1 of adjacent panel assemblies are connected as shown in Figure 2 in
line with the
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g
posts 1 of adjacent panels as by connectors generally indicated as 25.
Cladding covers indicated generally as 5 but also specifically as Sa or Sb are
removably coupled to the frame as best seen in Figures 2, 5 and 6 laterally
outward of
the beams 2. As best seen in Figure 6, due to the thickness of the brackets 3,
a vertical
space is present between the beams 2 and inward portions of the covers 5 other
than
where the brackets are present. Mechanisms are provided for mounting the
covers 5 to
the frame however such mounting mechanisms are not illustrated for the purpose
of
simplicity. The mounting mechanism preferably comprise resilient clips to
engage
portions of each covers 5 with the clips preferably secured between adjacent
beams 2 or
to the post 1. Each cover 5 preferably comprises a skin of sheet metal
generally
indicated 12 and having at each end a plastic end plug 14 which assists in
maintaining the
sheet metal in its desired form. The end plug 14 provides a means for
engagement of the
mounting mechanisms so as to realisably couple each cover 5 to the frame. As
shown
each panel 5 preferably spans between adjacent parallel vertically spaced
pairs of beams
2 however in a middle portion of the panel assembly there are shown cover Sa
and Sb
which do not span between adjacent beams 2 but rather are removably coupled to
each
frame and generally span half the distance between two adjacent beams 2.
The panel assembly illustrated is to be appreciated as formed with an open
gridwork of posts 1 and beams 2 with the result that the panel assembly has an
open
interior cavity which advantageously permits the passage of wires and cables
therein.
This interior cavity is made up of a vertically extending central post space
39 together
with horizontally extending raceways 41 adjacent and open to the central post
space 39.
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The central post space 39 is defined between the posts 1, that is between a
forward plane
including the forward face of each post 1 and a rearward plane including a
rearward face
of each post 1. The central post space 39 extends vertically between the
spaced, parallel
forward and rearward planes and between interior faces of the post 1. The
central post
space 39 extends continuously vertically throughout the height of the
partition open
upwardly to above the top of the partition and open downwardly to below the
lowest
beam of the partition.
A plurality of raceways 41 extend horizontally between the beams 2 outward of
the respective of the forward or rearward planes. The raceways 41 extend a
full width of
each partition and are open at each end to beyond the exterior end faces of
the posts.
The raceways 41 are defined inward of the covers 5 and extend forwardly and
rearwardly
from the respective forward and rearward planes the combined thicknesses of
the beams 2
and the saddle portion of the brackets 3. In addition, the raceways 41 also
include an
interior space within the cover 5, that is a space between the ends 14 of each
cover which
is in communication with the raceway 41 and thus extends the raceway 41
laterally
outwardly to the metal sheet 12 forming the cover.
The raceways 41 are open on their interior sides to the central post space 39
over
the entire distance between the posts 1. Whereas the central post space 39
ends at the
interior end faces of the post 1, the raceways 41 provide for passageway for
conduit
horizontally past the posts outward of the posts inward of the covers.
Similarly the
central post space 39 provides a passageway for conduit vertically past the
beams 2
inward of the beams and inward of the covers. The raceways 41, central post
space 39
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and covers 5 define an interior cavity in the panel assembly which permits
conduit to be
routed vertically throughout the partition between the post 1 inside the beams
and
horizontally across the partition and between adjacent partitions in the
raceways outside
the post 1, between the beams 2 and inside the covers 5.
Figures 1, 2 and 5 show a recessed panel 7 adapted to carry horizontally
extending electrical cables. The panel 7 preferably comprises sheet metal
removably
coupled to the frame by a coupling mechanism not show and carrying an internal
electrical outlet-box 16 carrying electrical power outlets 8 accessible on
either side of the
panel assembly through openings in the recessed panel 7. Such recessed panel 7
may
optionally be closed from view by a half cover Sa as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
The recessed panel 7 has its upper end 18 recessed inwardly from the cover Sb
and thus provides a vertically extending space or gap 99 therebetween
particularly
advantageous for passage of communication conduit.
Reference is now made to Figure 3 to 6 which show a preferred embodiment of a
communications conduit connector mounting device generally indicated 20. The
device
includes a hanger mechanism generally indicated 22 and a connector support
member
generally indicated 24. The hanger mechanism 22 is adapted to engage the
horizontal
frame member comprising beam 2 so as to support the connector support member
24 in a
position within the interior cavity of the panel assembly. The hanger
mechanism 24
shown as comprising an elongate U-shaped hook channel member which has two
parallel
side walls 26 and 28 joined by a bridging side wall 30 to form an elongate
hook forming
cavity 32 therebetween open along its length at one open side indicated 34 and
at both
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ends 36 and 38.
The connector support member 24 comprises an outlet-box forming portion which
is in the form an elongate U-shaped box channel member with two parallel side
walls 40
and 42 joined by a bridging side wall 44 to define an elongate generally
rectilinear cavity
48 therebetween. The channel member and its cavity is open along its length at
one open
side 50 between the two opposed side walls 40 and 42 and opposite the bridging
side wall
44. The channel member and its cavity are also open at open ends 52 and 54.
The box channel member of the connector support member 24 extends parallel the
hook channel member of the hanger mechanism 22.
The side wall 40 of the coilnector support member 24 carries a major aperture
56
therethrough adapted to receive a conduit connector 58. The conduit connector
is
schematically illustrated as a commercially known type such as for example
sold under
the trademark Leviton. As is known the connector 58 is provided with a
connector tabs
60 and 62 at either end each carrying a hole by which screws 64 and 66 may
secure the
connector 58 within the aperture 56 by engaging in threaded holes 68 and 70 in
the side
wall 40.
The connector 58 carries a female socket 59 of the type known for use with
telephone connections and adapted to receive in a quick connect snap
connection, a male
plug 74 connected to a first conduit 76. The connector 58 also include at its
rear as
generally indicated 78 a connection mechanism for connection of the end of one
or more
other conduit in known manner. As shown in Figure 3 a second conduit 80 is
shown
whose end is adapted to be engaged to the rear end 78 of the connector 58.
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The side wall 42 is shown as being provided with a number of holes 82 which as
described later may be used to assist in securing a conduit to the connector
support
member 24.
Reference is now made to Figure 4 which shows the mounting device 20 of Figure
3 mounted in the interior cavity of a panel assembly having a construction
substantially
the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2 and with the covers removed
therefrom. As
seen, the hanger mechanism 22 and its hook channel member forms a hook member
with
the side walls 26 and 28 forming arms of the hook and the bridging side wall
30 forming
the bight. The hook member closely engages about the right hand most beam 2
with the
side walls 26 and 28 engaging the inward and outward surfaces of the beam,
respectively,
and the bridging side wall 30 engaging the top of the beam such that the
device 20 is
suspended from the beam with the connector support member 24 disposed
therebelow and
located with the side wall 40 being disposed vertically and facing towards the
left hand
side of the partition as shown. With the hook channel member extending
parallel the
horizontal beam 2, is to be appreciated that the hook mechanism can be placed
on the
right hand beam 2 at a plurality positions along the length of the beam, that
is at an
infinite number of sequential positions spaced along the beam between the
posts 1.
Preferably the hook channel member is sized to fractionally engage the beam 2
however
to permit longitudinal sliding of the hanger mechanism 22 along the beam 2.
As seen in Figure 4, communications conduit indicated as the second conduit 80
and a third conduit 84 are connected to the rear of the connector 58 with each
conduit
extending from the connector 58 horizontally through the cavity 48 of the
connector
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support member 24 out one of the opens ends 52 and 54 of the cavity and
subsequently
through the interior cavity of the panel assembly and out of the panel
assembly
horizontally through the raceways 41 outward of the posts 1. The third conduit
84 is
secured to the side wall 42 of the connector support member 24 by a plastic
strap which
extends through two adjacent of the holes 82 and about the conduit 84. This
plastic strap
can comprise known strap forming devices with an eyelet at one end through
which the
other end of the strap is drawn and which eyelet frictionally engages the
strap to resist
withdrawal.
Reference is now made to Figures 5 and 6 which illustrates the device 20 as
suspended from the right hand beam 2 as in Figure 4 however in these specific
context of
the panel assembly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and disposed behind covers
Sb mounted
above recessed panels 7. As shown, the device 20 has its hanger mechanism 22
disposed such that the side wall 28 extends vertically downwardly in a
vertically
extending lateral space defined between the beam 2 and the covers 5 and Sb.
This lateral
space is provided between the covers and the beam the thickness of the bracket
3 and
with the side wall 28 having a width not greater, and preferably less than the
bracket 3,
the side wall 28 may readily extend vertically through the lateral space.
Referring to Figure 6, with only the left hand side cover Sb removed, a person
can reach into the interior cavity of the partition and remove or engage the
mounting
device 20 on the right hand beam 2, by merely vertically sliding the mounting
device 20
to slide the side wall 28 between the right hand beam 2 and the right hand
covers 5 and
Sb. Neither the left hand cover 5 nor the right hand covers 5 and Sb need to
be
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removed to permit installation, removal or relocation of the mounting device
20. In
removal, once side wall 28 is above the right hand beam 2, the mounting device
can be
moved horizontally to between the horizontal pair of beams 2 and then
vertically
downwardly in the central post space 39 to below the beams from which it may
be moved
horizontally to the left between the left hand beam 2 and the top 18 of the
recessed panel
7. In order to permit the mounting device 20 to be removed from the beam 2 by
movement vertically and then horizontally, the distance between the lower end
of the side
wall 28 and the flange 90 must be greater than the vertical height of the beam
2 at least
in the context of a hanger as shown in which the flange 90 and/or the
connector support
member 24 extends vertically under the beam 2.
It is to be appreciated that by merely removing the removable left hand cover
Sb
access is readily provided to the device 20 and its connector 58 for
connection of the
conduit to the connector, for plugging or unplugging of the plug 74 and for
relocation of
the device 20 at varying locations spaced longitudinally along the beam 2
between the
posts. Preferably when initially coupling the second and third conduit 80 and
84 to the
connector 58, additional lengths of the conduit may be provided in a coil for
each of the
second and third conduits such that there is sufficient extra length of each
conduit to
permit location of the device 20 at any location on the beam between the posts
without
the need to connect or reconnect the conduits 80 or 84. Such coils of
additional conduit
are schematically shown in Figure 4 as in dashed lines as coils 81. The first
conduit 76
is shown to extend from the connector 58 downwardly across central post space
39 and
through the left hand side raceway 41 and out under the bottom of the left
hand cover Sb
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in the space between the left hand cover Sb and the left hand recessed panel
7.
Figures 5 and 6 show the mounting device 20 with its hook member
secured over the right hand beam 2 with the side wall 40 facing towards the
left hand
side. It is to be appreciated that the mounting device 20 could be removed and
reversed
to assume a mirror image position with the hook member over the left hand beam
2 and
with the side wall 40 facing towards the right hand side.
As seen in Figure 6, the cavity 48 of the connector support member 24 opens
upwardly and towards the left hand side. This is achieved by having the device
20
having a generally S-shaped profile in side view normal the horizontal frame
member as
best seen in Figure 6. In this regard the side wall 26 which forms an arm of
the hook
member closest the left hand cover Sb extends inwardly of the right hand beam
2 between
the two beams 2 and downwardly to a horizontal flange 90 which connects to the
side
wall 42 of the support member 24. The flange 90 is vertically spaced from the
upper
most end of the side wall 40 of the support member 24 such that the cavity 48
of the
support member 24 not only is open upwardly between the side walls 40 and 42
but
access to its open end 50 is provided laterally to the cavity 48 throughout
the length of
the device 20. This construction is believed advantageous to permit easy lay-
in of
communication conduit into the cavity 48 from the left hand side of the device
20 when
the left hand cover Sb is removed.
Preferably, when initially installing the connector 58, a workman will remove
the
device 20 from the right hand beam 2 and work on the device with the device
held
laterally to the left hand side of the partition. A workman may feed the
second and third
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conduits 80 and 84 through the cavity 48 and out the aperture 56 connecting
these
conduits to the connector 58 and then securing the connector 58 within the
aperture 56 on
the side wall 40. Next the workman may secure the connector in the aperture 56
and
then hang the device 20 on right hand beam 2. As an alternate embodiment to
that of
Figure 3, the aperture 56 may be modified such that the portion of the wall 50
indicated
in Figure 3 as 92 is removed where by the aperture 56 comprises an upwardly
opening
slot such as shown in the embodiment of Figure 17. With this configuration, it
is not
necessary to initially pass the second and third conduits 80 and 84 through
the aperture
56, rather, the conduits may be connected to the connector 58 separate from
the device
20 and then as the connector is moved horizontally into the aperture 56, the
conduits 80
and 82 are merely passed vertically downwardly into the cavity 48 via the
upwardly
opening aperture 56.
The connector support member 24 in the first preferred embodiment illustrated
in
Figure 4 is shown with its side wall 42 providing a shield wall to assist in
protecting any
of the connections between the second and third conduits 80 and 84 at the rear
of the
connector 58. As well, the side walls 40 and 42 together with the bridging
side wall 44
in effect provide a U-shaped upwardly opening trough to assist in retaining
conduit
therein.
In Figures 4, 5 and 6, the connector 58 is located in the aperture 56 provided
in
the side wall 40 which faces towards the left hand side cover 5b. As an
alternative, a
similar aperture could also be provided in side wall 42 to receive the
connector to face
outwardly to the right into the interior space of the right hand cover 5b and
with a
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conduit such as conduit 76 to extend between the side wall 42 and the skin 12
of the right
hand cover Sb in the interior space of the right hand cover Sb downward to
exit via the
gap 99 between the right hand cover Sb and the right hand recessed panel 7. In
the
context of such an arrangement, the device 20 could be removed and/or engaged
merely
by removal of right hand cover Sb. The alternate aperture in side wall 42
could be
provided as a knockout panel indicated as 91 in Figure 3 and delineated by
dashed lines.
The device 20 as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 shows the connector support
member 24 as located in right hand side raceway 41 and extending partially
inwardly to
the left into the central post space 39 but not extending outwardly to the
right into the
interior space of the right hand cover Sb.
The mounting device 20 may be configured as may be desired for different needs
to control the extent to which the device 20 and/or its support member 24
locate within
one or more of the central post space 39, raceway 41 and the interior space
within the
covers. In this regard, reference is made to Figure 7 which shows a side view
of a
partition similar to that of Figure 6 but showing a mounting device 20 in
accordance with
a second embodiment of the invention and in which similar elements are
referred to with
similar reference numbers. The hanger mechanism 22 has its side walls 26,
bridging
wall 30 and side wall 28 formed in the shape of a smoothly curving hook
conforming to
the profile of the upper end of the beam 2. The flange 90 which connects side
wall 26 to
side wall 40 extends diagonally. With the side wall 28 of a shorter vertical
length than
that of the first embodiment, the side wall 26 can be of lesser length yet
permit removal
without the flange 90 preventing the side wall 28 from clearing the top of the
beam 2.
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In Figure 7, the connector support member 24 is located to extend partially
into
the interior space of the right hand cover Sb and partially into the central
post space 39.
In Figure 7, the connector 58 is shown disposed vertically and comprising two
connection
mechanisms 78 for connection of conduit.
Reference is made to Figures 8, 9 and 10 which show schematic cross-sectional
side views of third, fourth and fifth embodiments of mounting devices 20 in
accordance
with the present invention and similar in many respects tv the first
embodiment of the
mounting device 20 shown in Figure 3 in having a profile of generally S-shape
in cross-
section. Each of the members shown is illustrated with a hanger mechanism 22
of
substantially identical shape and profile to that of the hanger mechanism in
the first
embodiment of Figure 3.
The third embodiment of Figure 8 has been provided such that the channel
support
member 24 comprises a U-shaped channel member which does not extend laterally
beyond the hanger mechanism 22 and thus the sides wall 40 and 42 of the
connector
support member 24 do not extend laterally beyond the side walls 26 and 28 of
the hook
mechanism. When utilized in the identical manner to that in Figure 6, the
embodiment of
Figure 8 would be located substantially only in the right hand side raceway 41
leaving the
central post space 39 and the interior space within the right hand cover
substantially
clear.
In Figure 8, two apertures 56 are shown, one in each of side walls 40 and 42.
It
may be possible with the hanger mechanism 22 disposed about a right hand beam
2
shown in dotted lines in Figure 8 to have the connector 58 received either in
side wall 40
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to be directed towards the left or in side walls 42 to be directed towards the
right.
In the fourth embodiment of Figure 9, the side wall 40 on the left side does
not
extend to the left beyond the side wall 26 of the hook mechanism 22 however
the side
wall 42 of the support member 24 in a lower part of the S-shape extends to the
right
substantially beyond the side wall 28 of the hanger mechanism 22. When
utilized in the
identical manner to that in Figure 6 with the hanger mechanism disposed about
a right
hand beam 2 shown in dotted lines in Figure 9, the embodiment of Figure 9
would be
located in the raceway 41 and in the interior space within the right hand
cover leaving the
central post space 39 substantially clear. In Figure 9, only one aperture 56
is shown in
the side wall 40, as when used in the preferred manner as in Figure 6, there
would not be
expected to be room for a conduit to extend between the side wall 42 and the
skin of the
right hand cover.
In the fifth embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the side wall 42 of the
support
member 24 is a vertical extension of the side wall 26 of the hook mechanism 22
and thus
the support member 24 is located entirely to the left of the hanger mechanism
22. The
embodiment of Figure 10 provides a return flange 98 on the upper end of the
side wall
40 of the support member 24 as may be advantageous to provide additional
support to the
side wall 40 and to assist in further enclosing the cavity 48.
When utilized in the identical manner to that in Figure 6 with the hanger
mechanism disposed about a right hand beam 2 shown in dotted lines in Figure
10, the
embodiment of Figure 10 would have its support member 24 located merely within
the
central post space 39 leaving both the raceways 41 and the interior spaces
within the
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
cover is clear. In Figure 10, three apertures 56 are shown one in each of side
walls 40
and 42 and one in bridging wall 44. With the support member 24 mounted in the
central
post space 39, connectors could readily be used in either side walls 40 or 42
so as to be
directed towards either the left side or the right side. As well, in some
circumstance, it
might be advantageous to have a connector directed downwardly as by locating
it in the
aperture 56 in the bridging wall 44.
Reference is now made to the sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments illustrated
in
end cross-sectional views in Figures 11, 12 and 13 which illustrate mounting
devices 20
similar in many respects to the mounting device of the first embodiment
however
adopting a generally C-shape in profile. In each the hanger mechanism 22 is
substantially
identical to that shown in the first embodiment and the connector support
member 24 is
also substantially the same however the connector support member 24 opens to
the same
lateral side as the hanger mechanism 22. As seen in each of Figures 11, 12 and
13 the
connector support member 24 has side walls 40 and 42, and bridging side wall
44
defining cavity 48 with an open side and open ends.
The embodiment of Figure 11 has its connector support member 24 below the
hanger mechanism 22 so as to locate substantially within a raceway 41 in a
comparable
manner to that described with the embodiment of Figure 8.
The embodiment of Figure 12 has its connector support member 24 arranged so as
to locate substantially within a raceway 41 and the interior space of a cover
in a
comparable manner to that described with the embodiment of Figure 9.
The embodiment of Figure 13 has its connector support member 24 arranged so as
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
21
to locate substantially only within the central post space 39 in a comparable
manner to
that described with the embodiment of Figure 10. As in Figure 10, the
embodiment of
Figure 13 includes reinforcing flange 98.
The embodiment of Figures 8, 10, 11 and 13 are illustrated as having more than
one apertures 56 one in the side walls 40 and 42 and the bridging side wall
44. Such
apertures are each sized so as to receive a connector 58 therein. Having
apertures for the
connectors 58 in the different walls provides increase flexibility in use of
the mounting
device 20 having regard to the desired usage and space configurations in the
interior of
the panel assembly and the like. The apertures 56 may advantageously be pre-
formed. It
is also advantageous that all or some of the apertures 56 be provided as
knockout areas
which can be removed by the application of forces as in known with outlet-
boxes
generally. Insofar as all the apertures 56 are pre-punched, the walls which
are not to
receive a connector 58 still continue to serve some shielding and/or
supporting function.
It is to be appreciated that having the aperture 56 in bridging side wall 44
with the plug
74 to be disposed downwardly could be convenient in some installations.
In the context of a partition system as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and
6, as
best shown in Figures 5 and 6, it is advantageous that the embodiments of the
mounting
devices 20 illustrated in Figures 3 and 7 to 13 be utilized in an orientation
that the side
wall 28 forming the distal end of the hook be received on the outside of the
beam 2 about
which the hanger device 20 is received, that is with the side wall 28 locating
in the space
between the beam 2 and the covers 5 and Sb. One advantage is that the mounting
devices
may be engaged into or removed from the beam merely by removing one of the
covers
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
22
Sb. As an alternate orientation which is not illustrated in the drawings, the
mounting
devices 20 at least of the embodiments shown in Figures 8, 9, 11 and 12 could
be utilized
with the side wall 26 on the inside of the beam 2 about which the hanger
device is
received, that is, with the side wall 26 located in the space between the beam
2 and the
covers 5 and Sb on one side. This has the disadvantage that both covers 5 and
Sb on that
side must be removed in order that the mounting device may be engaged onto or
removed
from the beam.
Mounting devices in accordance with the present invention are not limited
merely
for use with partitions as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. In the
context of other
partition systems, the hanger mechanism 22 may be useful in different
orientations and
the nature of the particular partition system, and any removable covers may
dictate
preferred usages and orientations.
In this regard, reference is made to Figure 14, Figure 14 shows a trough 112
formed of sheet metal which extends as a horizontal member coupled to a frame
within a
panel assembly of a construction is taught for example in U.S. patent
5,209,035 to
Hodges et al. Figure 14 shows a device 20 in accordance with the ninth
embodiment of
the invention which has its hanger mechanism 22 adapted as a hook with a
suitable
spacing in between the side walls 26 and 28 to engage upon one arm of the U-
shaped
trough 112. The device 20 illustrated in Figure 14, is similar to that in
Figure 13 with
the connector support member 24 laterally outside of the side wall 28 and this
permits the
device 20 in Figure 14 to be removed merely by vertically upward movement.
While not
shown, a removable cover would be provided to the left of the device 20.
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
23
Reference is made to Figure 15 which show a tenth embodiment of the invention
accordance with the present invention which is adapted to being engaged upon a
horizontal flange 114 comprising a portion of a panel assembly in accordance
U.S. patent
4,685,255 to Kelly. In Figure 15 the hook mechanism 22 is adapted so as to
provide its
side arms 26 and 28 disposed horizontally to engage on the flange 114 and
support the
device 20 therefrom, slidably horizontally therealong. A removable cover not
shown
would be provided to the left of the device 20.
Reference is made to Figure 16 which shows a simplified eleventh embodiment of
the mounting device 20 in which the hanger mechanism 22 comprises two
longitudinally
spaced hook members 22 and the connector support member 24 merely comprises a
flat
planer plate 40 on which aperture 56 is provided as a knock-out which if
removed
provides an aperture 56 as a U-shaped opening open downwardly. Figure 16 shows
two
conduit support hooks 120 each stamped from wall 40 and having a base 122 and
leg
124. The hooks are adapted to permit conduit to be laid therein as a manner of
securing
conduit connected to a connector mounted to wall 40. Other embodiments show
the use
of pairs of holes 82 to assist in securing conduit. Many other mechanisms may
be
utilized to assist in securing conduit to the connector support mechanism.
The embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 and 7 to 16 are all adapted for
manufacture, preferably by forming by bending a sheet of material of
relatively uniform
thickness, as for example by bending sheet of thin metal as from which
appropriate
apertures openings and slots may have been previously stamped. Of course, each
of the
embodiments of Figures 3 and 7 to 16 could also be formed as by extrusion from
plastic
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
24
or metal and subsequently punching or handling as to form appropriate
apertures slots,
holes and the like.
Reference is made to Figures 17 and 18 which show twelfth and thirteenth
embodiments more adapted to manufacture by extension as from plastic and
aluminum.
Each is adapted such that the hanger mechanism 22 engages about a beam 2 and
supports
the connector support member 24 thereabove. In the embodiment of Figure 17,
the two
U-shaped channels are substantially of the same size with the side wall 40
being an
extension of side wall 26 and the side wall 42 being an extension of side wall
28 and with
the bridging walls 30 and 44 being common. Figure 17 shows an aperture 56 as a
U-
shaped opening upwardly as is advantageous to assist in laying in conduit
connected to
the rear of a connector 58.
Figure 18 shows an embodiment in which the connector support member 24 is
spaced upwardly from the hook member 22 by a vertical extension flange 90 and
with
one side wall 42 having a horizontal extension flange 98 to assist in closing
the cavity.
In Figure 18 three locations are shown for aperture 56 with one in each of
walls 40, 42
and flange 90, preferably as removable knockouts. Figure 18 shows the
connector
support member 24 as having two longitudinally extending bosses 100 and 102
each
providing a bore 104 and 106 which are spaced apart a distance such that a
connector 58
may be secured in each open end 52 and 54 of the connector support member 24
as
shown. Such configuration may be advantageous for certain panel assembly
configurations. With the connector 58 not completely enclosing either end, the
connector
support member 24 can continue to permit conduit to pass out the ends.
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
The first embodiment of Figure 3 is also adapted to receive a connector 58
across
its end in a manner as shown in Figure 18. In the embodiment of Figure 3, a U-
shaped
strip 108 bridging wall 44 is shown as punched upwardly from wall 44 to
provide an
opening 110 between strip 108 and the wall 44 into which a screw may be
engaged
extending parallel the longitudinal of the channel member. Similar such strips
108 are
provided on flange 90 such that with the wall 44 and flange 90 suitably spaced
the
connector 58 can be engaged in the end of the connector support member 24 with
screws
received in the openings 110.
The invention has been described illustrating a preferred connector 58 as
illustrated in Figure 3 and as is adapted for location within an aperture in
the connector
support member 24 sized to similar proportion as for example found in typical
outlet-
boxes used in the construction industry. Various other connector devices may
be used
including those which are used for example in telephone industry for surface
mounting of
a telephone connection. One such connector includes a substantially
rectangular box-like
member having an open top and provided with a adhesive on its rear surface
covered
with a release sheet such that when the release sheet is removed the connector
may be
secured to flat surface. This connector also includes a removable box like top
cap with
an open bottom. The connector presents one or more female sockets in its side
walls
thereof accessible through openings in the side walls of the top for coupling
of male plugs
such as plug 74 in Figure 4. Such an adhesive backed connector may readily be
applied
to a flat surface of a mounting device 20 such is shown in particular in the
simple
embodiment in Figure 17.
CA 02213601 1997-08-19
26
While all of the preferred embodiments show the apertures 56 adapted for
mounting connectors disposed in a plane which is vertical parallel that covers
S or
horizontal normal that covers 5. Is to be appreciated that mounting devices
could be
provided with disposed connector at any angle whatsoever.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred
embodiments,
many modifications or variations will now occur to a person skilled in the
art. For
definition of the invention references made to the appended claims.
