Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR LIFTING OFFICE FURNITURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a device for lifting
furniture. Specifically, the invention relates_to a device for temporarily
lifting
office furniture, for example, while a floor covering or cabling is being
installed or replaced underneath.
Many office environments are now created by starting with a
large space and then subdividing it to create individual work stations with
office panels, storage units, work surtaces and the like. Many of these
components are equipped to distribute power and data cabling through the
work stations. For example, many office panels include a raceway at the
base through which electrical power is distributed, either by conventional
wiring, or by modular power systems. Also, many panels include raceways or
channels in which data cabling, e.g. computer or voice networks, are laid.
In addition to supporting the cabling requirements in the office
space, some office panels are also used to support work surfaces and
storage units. In particular, some work surfaces and storage units hang from
the sides of office panels and are attached thereto by hooks inserted in the
slotted rails or "slotted standards" positioned vertically at the ends of each
panel. This support system is commonly referred to as a cantilever system.
While it is a goal of most office panel systems to maintain some
degree of flexibility for reconfiguration, the presence of the power and data
cables, together with the cantilever supported components, can make the
task of moving these work stations difiacult.
Another trend in office environments has been to use carpet tile
as the floor covering. One reason for the popularity of carpet tile is that
worn
or stained carpet tiles can be replaced one at a time instead of replacing an
entire section of broadloom carpet. Even if an entire room full of carpet must
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be replaced, carpet tile can be much less disruptive to install, particularly
in
an office environment.
Naturally, if carpet tile is being installed or replaced in a work
environment that is equipped with an office panel system, the office panels
need to be lifted in order to remove the old carpet and to install the new
carpet tiles. Known devices for lifting furniture while carpet tile is
installed,
such as that disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 5,234,197 ("the '197 patent"),
5,459,897 ("the '897 patent") and U. S. Patent No. 5,490,757 ("the '757
patent"), utilize a rocker and lever type design. There are problems
associated with this design. For example, in the '197 patent, the device
comprises an arcuate foot, one end of which is adapted to fit under an object
to be lifted, and a central shaft secured to the foot at a predetermined
angle.
To operate the device, an operator pulls back on the shaft to one of several
predetermined angles with respect to the foot. Thus, the height to which the
object can be lifted is limited. The device disclosed in the '897 patent
requires the operator to continuously apply pressure to the device to keep
the furniture lifted, making it difficult for the operator to simultaneously
install
carpet tiles underneath.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a system for lifting office
furniture such as panels and all attached furniture systems as well as
freestanding furniture, while floor covering or cabling is installed or
replaced
underneath. The system includes various furniture engagement elements of
differing configurations for holding a piece of furniture during lifting.
In one aspect of the invention, a jack for temporarily lifting
pieces of office furniture includes a base and a lifting body movably attached
to the base and adapted to be raised and lowered in a generally vertical
direction. The lifting body is adapted to engage a piece of office furniture
and
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thereby lift it when raised. In this aspect, one of the base or the lifting
body
includes a vertical screw attached thereto, and the other of the base or the
lifting body includes a threaded opening attached thereto. As a result, the
lifting body and thus the piece of office furniture is raised and lowered by
relative rotation between the vertical screw and the threaded opening.
In another aspect of the invention, the system includes a base
which rests upon a floor and a lifting body movably attached to the base.
Preferably, the lifting body is adapted to raise and lower in a generally
vertical direction and includes an engagement face defining at least one slot.
The system also includes a plurality of furniture engagement elements, each
with an engagement end adapted to engage and hold a piece of office
furniture during lifting. Preferably, each engagement element is adapted to
be removably and interchangeably attached to the engagement face of the
lifting body through the slot.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the device for
temporarily lifting at least two office panels having slotted standards
includes
a base which rests upon a floor and a lifting body movably attached to the
base and adapted to raise and lower in a generally vertical direction. The
device also includes a furniture engagement element comprising a first and
second hook each attached to the lifting body and spaced horizontally
whereby the first hook can be inserted into the slotted standard of a first
office panel and the second hook can be inserted into the slotted standard of
a second and adjacent office panel. Preferably, the first and second hooks
are able to be moved both horizontally and vertically with respect to each
other to thereby account for different horizontal distances and/or vertical
offset between slotted standards of adjacent panels.
In accordance with still yet another aspect, the device for
temporarily lifting an office panel having a slotted standard includes base
and
a lifting body movably attached to the base and adapted to raise and lower in
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a generally vertical direction. A furniture engagement element is attached to
the lifting body and includes a hook which is inserted into a first slot of
the
slotted standard. The device further includes an engagement wedge which is
inserted into a second slot of the slotted standard, which second slot is
immediately above the first slot. As a result, the slotted standard is
reinforced during lifting of the first hook.
The present invention allows a user to lift office systems
furniture in a substantially vertical manner, thereby preventing damage to
joined office panels. Another advantage of the aspect which utilizes a
vertical
screw for the lifting mechanism is that it maintains furniture in a raised
position without continuous pressure from the user. This allows the user to
have both hands free to install floor covering or cabling underneath. In
addition, the use of a vertical screw is advantageous in that it does not
allow
for a sudden dropping of the furniture piece.
An advantage of the aspect which utilizes a first and second
horizontally spaced hook for engaging a first and second office panel is that
it
provides better distribution of the lifting force by applying it to two panels
instead of one.
An advantage of the preferred embodiments wherein the
engagement elements are adapted to be attached at various heights along
the lifting body is that it gives the user more flexibility in what height the
engage the office furniture.
The present invention, together with attendant objects and
advantages, will be best understood with reference to the detailed description
below in connection with the attached drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the system
of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
system of the present invention taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
system of the present invention taken along line 3-3 in Fig 2.
Figure 4 is a view similar to that in Figure 3 with the system of
the present invention in a raised position.
Figures 5 and 5a are a perspective view and side view,
respectively, of a second preferred embodiment of the furniture engagement
element of the present invention which can be used with the system of the
present invention to lift office furniture.
Figures 6 and 6a are a perspective view and side view,
respectively, of a third preferred embodiment of the furniture engagement
element of the present invention which can be used with the system of the
present invention to lift office furniture.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a alternate embodiment of the
system of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the
system of the present invention taken along fine 2-2 in Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
system of the present invention taken along line 3-3 in Fig 8.
Figure 10 is a view similar to that in Figure 9 with the system of
the present invention in a raised position.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of another alternate
embodiment of the furniture engagement element of the present invention
which can be used with the system of the present invention to lift office
furniture.
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Figure 12 is a perspective view of a yet another alternate
embodiment of the furniture engagement element of the present invention
which can be used with the system of the present invention to lift office
furniture.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a panel lock plate for holding
office panels together while lifted.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
panel lock plate for holding office panels together while lifted.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of another alternate
embodiment of a panel lock plate for holding office panels together while
lifted.
Figure 16 is a top view of a preferred engagement element.
Figure 17 is a side view of the engagement element shown in
Figure 16.
Figure 17a is a view similar to Figure 17 showing engagement
of a slotted standard.
Figure 18 is a top view of an alternatively preferred engagement
element that is shaped to engage an office panel with slots set at a different
angle.
Fjgure 19 is a side view of the engagement element shown in
Figure 18.
Figure 20 is a top view of an engagement wedge.
Figs 21 and 22 are different side views of the engagement
wedge of Figure 20.
Figure 23 is a perspective view of another preferred
engagement element.
Figure 24 is a side view of the engagement element of Figure
23.
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Figure 25 is top view of the engagement element of Figure 23.
Figure 26 is a front side view of the engagement element of
Figure 23.
Figure 27 is a perspective view of yet another preferred
engagement element.
Figure 28 is a side view of the engagement element of Figure
27.
Figure 29 is a top view of the engagement element of Figure 27.
Figure 30 is a front side view of the engagement element of
Figure 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of the
system of the present invention. In this embodiment, the system 10 includes
a base 12. The base 12 is preferably 3'/" x 3" and defines an opening 1'/< in
diameter. An inner frame 16 is connected, preferably by a weld (not shown),
over the opening in the base 12. The inner frame 16 is preferably made from
an aluminum alloy 1'/u O.D. x 1'/" LD. The device 10 also includes a lifting
body or outer frame 18, preferably made from a 12' 2" x 2" x %" aluminum box
tubing, that axially overlaps the inner frame 16. The lifting body 18
preferably
has an engagement face 19. The engagement face 19 of the lifting body 18
includes slots 14 (Figure 2) that are shaped to receive removable and
interchangeable furniture engagement elements 22 (only one shown) for
lifting various types of office furniture. In the presently preferred
embodiment,
the slots 14 are 5/8" in length and 1/8" in width.
The presently preferred embodiment of the furniture
engagement element 22 includes an attachment end 24 having at least one
hook 23 (shown in phantom lines) for connecting to the engagement face 19,
thereby maintaining the furniture engagement element 22 in fixed relation to
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the lifting body 18. The furniture engagement element 22 also includes an
engagement end 28 which defines a plurality of hooks 25 for mating with slots
on a piece of furniture to be lifted.
Further prefer-ed embodiments of the furniture engagement
element 22 of the present invention are described with reference to Figures 5
and 6. The furniture engagement element 60 of Figure 5 includes an
attachment end 62 having at least one hook 63 (Figure 5a) for connecting to
the engagement face 19 (Figure 1 ), thereby maintaining the furniture
engagement element 60 in fixed relation to the lifting body 18. The furniture
engagement element 60 includes an engagement end 66 substantially
perpendicular to the attachment end 62 and having vertical members 68
substantially parallel to the attachment end 62.
The furniture engagement element 70 of Figure 6 includes an
attachment end 72 having at least one hook 73 (Figure 6a) for connecting to
the engagement face 19 (Figure 1 ), thereby maintaining the furniture
engagement element 70 in fixed relation to the lifting body 18. The furniture
engagement element 70 includes an engagement end 76 substantially
perpendicular to the attachment end 72 and defines a slot 78. The particular
type and amount of furniture engagement elements 22, 60, 70 used with the
system 10 at one time will depend on the type of furniture to be lifted.
Referring now to Figure 1, attached to the top surtace of the
lifting body 18 of the presently preferred embodiment of the system 10 is a
horizontally moveable member 30. The member 30 provides further support
for the piece of furniture lifted. Preferably, the member 30 is attached to
the
lifting body 18 in a manner to substantially prevent movement in a vertical
direction between the member 30 and the lifting body 18. The member 30 is
preferably L-shaped made from ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) angle
polyethylene. Attached between the member 30 and the lifting body 18 is a
means 31 (Figure 3) for lockingly adjusting the position of the member 30
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relative to the lifting body 18. Preferably, the means 31 includes a ratchet
mechanism 31 a attached to either the member 30 or lifting body 18 and a
pawl mechanism 31 b attached to the other of either the member 30 or lifting
body 18. Preferably, either the ratchet mechanism 31 a or the pawl
mechanism 31 b is resiliently mounted to urge the two mechanisms toward
each other. Attached to either the ratchet mechanism 31 a or the pawl
mechanism 31 b is a lever 32 (Figure 2) for unlocking the position of the
member 30 relative to the lifting body 18. The ratchet mechanism 31 a and
pawl mechanism 31 b are well known in the art and are commonly available
from many sources.
Also shown in Figure 1 is an engagement element lock 29.
Preferably, the lock 29 is a substantially square piece of steel that fits
around
the lifting body 18 and rests upon a furniture engagement element 22,60,70
to maintain the furniture engagement element 22,60,70 fixedly secured to the
engagement face 19 of the lifting body 18.
The details of the operation of the system 10 of the present
invention are most clearly seen by reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the
presently preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the inner frame 16
has a threaded opening 46 at the top of the frame 16 for receiving a threaded
rod 38. The threaded rod 38 is preferably a 10 9/", '/"-16 Acme All.
Preferably, the threaded.: rod has.four.threads per inch. The threaded rod 38
is rotatably mounted to the lifting body 18, preferably using an aluminum
mounting block with a brass bushing and thrust bearings. Preferably, the
thrust bearing is a torrington bearing. Connected to the top of the threaded
rod 38 is a first gear 42, preferably a Boston gear model no. L11 OY available
from American Bearing and Power Transmission located in Charlotte, North
Carolina. A second gear 44, preferably a Boston gear model no. L11 OY is
rotatably attached to the lifting body 18 and registers with the first gear
42.
Rotation of the second gear 44 by turning a knob 48 rotates the first gear 42
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and the threaded rod 38 within the threaded opening 46 of the inner frame
16. The rotation of the threaded rod 38 within the threaded opening 46 of the
inner frame 16 causes.the rod 38 and the lifting body 18 to move with respect
to the inner frame 16. Figure 4 illustrates the result of turning the knob 48
in
a direction such that the threaded rod 38 and the lifting body 18 move up
with respect to the inner frame 16.
In an alternate embodiment (not shown) of the system of the
present invention, the threaded rod may be mounted to the inner frame
instead of the lifting body. Likewise, the threaded opening may be rotatably
mounted to the lifting body instead of the inner frame.
Figures 7-12 depict another alternative embodiment of the
present invention. The main difference between this alternative embodiment
of Figures 7-12 and that of Figures 1-6 is the means for attaching the
engagement elements. In particular, while the preferred embodiment uses
hooks 23 on the elements 22 which are inserted within slots 14 on the lifting
body 18, the alternative embodiment uses protrusions 120 which receive
apertures 127 on the engagement elements.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of
the system of the present invention. In this embodiment, the system 110
includes a base 112. The base 112 is preferably 3'/n x 3" and defines an
opening 1 %4" in diameter. An inner frame 116 (Figure 8) is connected,
preferably by a weld 114, over the opening in the base 112. The inner frame
116 is preferably made from an aluminum alloy 1%" O.D. x 1%4" LD. The
device 110 also includes a lifting body or outer frame 118, preferably made
from a 12' 2" x 2° x %4" aluminum box tubing, that axially overlaps the
inner
frame 116. The lifting body 118 preferably has an engagement face 119.
Attached to the engagement face 119 of the lifting body 118 are protrusions
120 that are shaped to receive removable and interchangeable furniture
engagement elements 122 (only one shown) for lifting various types of office
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furniture. In the presently preferred embodiment, the protrusions 120 are'/"
length, %4"- 20 flathead. Threadably received within the protrusions 120 are
retaining members 150 (Figure 9), preferably %" in length and 5I8" in
diameter. Preferably, the flange portion 121 of the protrusion 120 has a
.6150" diameter and is countersunk to receive the retaining member 150
(Figure 9). Preferably, the stud portion 123 of the protrusion 120 has a .34"
diameter.
The alternative embodiment of the furniture engagement
element 122 includes an attachment end 124 having at least one opening for
connecting to protrusion 120, thereby maintaining the furniture engagement
element 122 in fixed relation to the lifting body 118: The furniture
engagement element 122 also includes an engagement end 128 which
defines a plurality of hooks 125 for mating with slots on a piece of furniture
to
be lifted.
Further alternative embodiments of the furniture engagement
element 122 of the present invention are described with reference to Figures
11 and 12. The furniture engagement element 160 of Figure 11 includes an
attachment end 162 having at least one opening for connecting to the
protrusion 120 (Figure 13), thereby maintaining the furniture engagement
element 160 in fixed relation to the lifting body 118. The furniture
engagement element 160 includes an engagement end 166 substantially
perpendicular to the attachment end 162 and having vertical members 168
substantially parallel to the attachment end 162.
The furniture engagement element 170 of Figure 12 includes an
attachment end 172 having at least one opening for connecting to the
protrusion 120 (Figure 13), thereby maintaining the furniture engagement
element 170 in fixed relation to the lifting body 118. The furniture
engagement element 170 includes an engagement end 176 substantially
perpendicular to the attachment end 172 and defines a slot 178. The
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particular type and amount of furniture engagement elements 122, 160, 170
used with the system 110 at one time will depend on the type of furniture to
be lifted.
Referring now to Figure 13, attached to the top surface of the
lifting body 118 of the alternative embodiment of the system 110 is a
horizontally moveable member 130. The member 130 provides further
support for the piece of furniture lifted. The member 130 is preferably L-
shaped made from ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) angle polyethylene.
The position of the member 130 is adjusted by loosening a first knob 134 of a
screw 136 (Figure 8) and sliding the member 130 into the desired position.
The position of the member 130 is maintained by tightening the first knob 134
until the member 130 is not movable in relation to the lifting body 118.
The details of the operation of the system 110 of the present
invention are most clearly seen by reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the
presently preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the inner frame 116
has a threaded opening 146 at the top of the frame 116 for receiving a
threaded rod 138. The threaded rod 138 is preferably a 10 '/", '/"-16 Acme
All. Preferably, the threaded rod has four threads per inch. The threaded rod
138 is rotatably mounted to the lifting body 118, preferably using an
aluminum mounting block with a brass bushing and thrust bearings.
Preferably, the thrust bearing is a torrington bearing. Connected to the top
of
the threaded rod 138 is a first gear 142, preferably a Boston gear model no.
L11 OY available from American Bearing and Power Transmission located in
Charlotte, North Carolina. A second gear 144, preferably a Boston gear
model no. L110Y is rotatably attached to the lifting body 118 and registers
with the first gear 142. Rotation of the second gear 144 by turning a second
knob 148 rotates the first gear 142 and the threaded rod 138 within the
threaded opening 146 of the inner frame 116. The rotation of the threaded
rod 138 within the threaded opening 146 of the inner frame 116 causes the
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rod 138 and the lifting body 118 to move with respect to the inner frame 116.
Figure 10 illustrates the result of turning the second knob 148 in a direction
such that the threaded rod 138 and the lifting body 118 move up with respect
to the inner frame 116.
In yet another alternate embodiment (not shown) of the system
of the present invention, the threaded rod may be mounted to the inner frame
instead of the lifting body. Likewise, the threaded opening may be rotatably
mounted to the lifting body instead of the inner frame.
Figures 16 and 17 depict a preferred configuration for an
engagement element 261. This engagement element 261 includes four
attachment hooks 263 which can be inserted within the attachment slots 14
(See Figure 2) on the engagement face 19 of the lifting body 18. A single
hook 265 is included on the engaging portion of this engagement element
261. Just above the hook 265 is a cut-out 267. The element also includes
engagement faces 271 and 273 above and below the hook 261 respectively.
As shown in Figure 17a, the engagement faces 271 and 273 are adapted to
bear against the face of the slotted standard 275 of the office panel so as to
stabilize the panel during lifting and to reduce torsional forces on the hook
265. A. bend 269 is included in the engagement element 261 to strengthen
the element.
Figures 18 and 19 show an engagement element 281 similar to
the engagement element 261 except that the bend 289 is different. The
element 285 is adapted to be used with office panels having slotted
standards that set the slots at 45° angles. Thus, the bend 289 is
configured
to put the attachment hooks 283 at a 45° angle with respect to the
engagement hook 285.
Figures 20-22 show an engagement wedge 301 adapted to be
used with the engagement elements 261 and 281. The wedge 301 is L-
shaped, preferably with legs 303 and 305 of equal length. Each of the legs is
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tapered as shown. Preferably, the top surface of each of the legs is knurled,
or otherwise treated to provide a good grip when inserted within a slot of a
slotted standard.
As shown in Figure 17a, the engagement wedge 301 is adapted
to be inserted into the slot 279 of the slotted standard 275 just above the
slot
277 where the engagement hook 265 has been inserted. The wedge 301 is
conveniently inserted within the cut-out 267. . As shown, the engagement
wedge has a tapered profile so that it is received within the slot 279 with an
interference fit. The function of the engagement wedge is to reinforce the
slotted standard for lifting by the hook 265. In particular, with the wedge
fit
tightly within the slot 279, the hook exerts a lifting force against the
section
266 and 268 of the slotted standard. Naturally, without the engagement
wedge, the hook would exerts a lifting force against section 26fi only.
Figure 23 is a front perspective view of another preferred
engagement element 331. In this configuration, the element 331 includes a
bracket 333 with a back wall 332, and two side walls 334 and 336. Captured
within apertures in the side walls are two rods 335 and 337. Preferably, the
rods are held in place by snap rings 355. A first hook plate 339 with the hook
345 includes apertures 351 and 353 which receive the rods 335 and 357.
Likewise, a second hook plate 341 with the hook 343 includes apertures 347
and 349 which receive the rods 335 and 337. Thus, the hook plates 339 and
341 are allowed to slide along the rods 335 and 337 to thereby have the
horizontal distance between each other adjusted. As a result, the hooks 345
and 343 can each be inserted into a slot of a slotted standard in adjacent
office panels and adjusted sideways to account for different spaces between
the slotted standards.
As seen in Figures 24 and 25, a series of 4 vertically aligned
attachment hooks 359 are attached to the back wall 332 of the bracket. In
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this way, the engagement element 331 is attached to the engagement face 19
of the lifting body 18 (See Figure 2).
Figures 27-30 show the most preferred embodiment of an
engagement element 371 for use in the present system. As shown, the
element 371 includes a plate 373 with hooks 374 on its back surface for
mating with the slots 14 in the engagement face 19 of the lifting body 18 (see
Figure 2). Attached to the plate 373 is a block 375. The block 375 is
preferably machined to have two cylindrical holes 376 and 378 and two slots
382 and 384. Fit within the round holes are two pivoting cylinders 381 and
383. Passing through and rigidly connected to the pivoting cylinders 381 and
383 are the rods 377 and 379, which thereby pivot with the cylinders. As the
rods 377 and 379 pass through the slots 382 and 384, respectively, the top
and bottom of the slots 382 and 384 limit the pivoting angle of the rods and
the cylinders. Preferably, the rods are allowed to pivot about 30 degrees
above or below a horizontal line.
Slidably received on one side of the rods 377 and 379 is a first
hook assembly 411. The first hook assembly includes a plate 385 attached
to a block 390. The plate 385 includes a hook 386. The block 390 includes
two cylindrical holes 421 and 423 and two slots 398 and 399. Pivoting
cylinders 389 and 391 are received within the holes 423 and 421
respectively. Passing through the pivoting cylinders 423 and 421 are the
rods 377 and 379 respectively. The rods are slidably received so as to allow
the hook assembly 411 to slide sideways along the rods. Snap rings 405
keep the hook assembly 411 from sliding off the end of the rods.
Slidably received on the other side of the rods 377 and 379 is a
second hook assembly 413. The second hook assembly includes a plate 387
attached to a block 392. The plate 387 includes a hook 388. The block 392
includes two cylindrical holes 425 and 427 and two slots 401 and 402.
Pivoting cylinders 393 and 395 are received within the holes 427 and 425
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respectively. Passing through the pivoting cylinders 427 and 425 are the
rods 377 and 379 respectively. The rods are siidably received so as to allow
the hook assembly 413 to slide sideways along the rods. Snap rings 405
keep the hook assembly 413 from sliding off the end of the rods.
The engagement element shown in Figures 27-30 is presently
the most preferred embodiment for an engagement element for use in lifting
office panels with slotted standards because it allows one to engage the
slotted standard of two adjacent panels. In addition, the lateral sliding of
the
two hook assemblies allows one to adjust the horizontal distance between the
hook to thereby account for difference spacing between the slotted
standards. Moreover, this element also provides an automatic adjustment of
the relatively height between the first and second hooks to thereby account
for a vertical offset between the slotted standards of adjacent panels.
While the element depicted in Figures 27-30 has been shown
with the hooks 374 for attachment to the more preferred lifting body, i.e.
with
slots on the engaging face, the element can also be equipped with other
means for attaching the lifting body. For example, the place 373 can be
configured with apertures such as those shown at 161 or 171 in Figures 11
and 12 for attachment to protrusions such as those shown at 120 in Figure 7.
The systems of the present invention are adapted to lift at least
two office panels that are attached to each other at adjacent ends. Figures
13, 14 and 15 illustrate panel lock plates that can be used to secure two
panels together during lifting. In operation, a first plate 180, 182, or 184
is
used to span two office panels on one side. A second plate (not shown),
preferably identical to the first plate 180, 182, 184 is used to span the two
office panels on the opposite side. Drawing mechanisms {not shown),
preferably'/d'- 20 All Threads are used to draw the first and second plates
together, thus clamping the office panels together. Plates 180, 182 and 184
are preferably made from hot rolled steel. Plate 180 (Figure 13) has a first
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portion 180a and a second portion 180b. Both portions 180a and 180b are
preferably 3~/" in length. Preferably, the first portion 180a defines two
oblong
slots and four'/<" -20 threaded openings . Second portion 180b preferably
defines two '/4" -20 threaded openings. Preferably, both portions 180a and
180b have two 33/" in length 1/8" x 1" rubber strips 181 fixedly attached
thereto. Plate 182 (Figure 14) preferably defines two openings and has two
rubber strips 183 fixedly attached thereto. Plate 184 (Figure 15) preferably
defines six '/4" -20 threaded openings and two oblong slots, and has two
rubber strips 185 fixedly attached thereto.
While all of the embodiments have been shown using the
preferred lifting mechanism of a vertical screw, it is noted that other
lifting
mechanisms are available. For example, the jacking mechanism shown in
U.S. Patent No. 5,385,335 can be used.
It should be understood that a wide range of changes and
modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment described above. It
is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as
illustrative rather than limiting and that it be understood that it is the
appended claims, including all equivalents, which are intended to define the
scope of this invention.
