GB2346905A

GB2346905A - Framework for office partition

Info

Publication number: GB2346905A
Application number: GB9903700A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tak Him Pang
Original assignee: Joinwide Investment Ltd
Current assignee: Joinwide Investment Ltd
Priority date: 1999-02-19
Filing date: 1999-02-19
Publication date: 2000-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-19
Also published as: GB9903700D0; CN1265443A; FR2790019A1; JP2000240195A; GB2346905B; DE10007431A1; HK1027607A1

Abstract

A method of partitioning an office using an interlocking framework consisting of the following: a vertical framework (fig 1), skirting framework (fig 2), covers, window framework (fig 4) and door framework (fig 3), which can receive partitioning material (15). When assembled the framework creates an internal conduit (5, fig 2, not shown) through which cables can be run from the ceiling to the skirting framework. The frameworks may generally comprise a U shaped channel with two L shaped channel members attached for receiving the partition material. The skirting framework may include boxes for receiving the cabling and can be attached to the floor using bolts.

Description

METHOD OF PARTITIONING OFFICE SPACES This invention relates to a method of partitioning office space to create discrete and separate office units.

At completion office buildings are usually in a bare shell condition. This requires the incoming occupant to design and implement its office layout.

The creation of discrete office units on a floor has traditionally required the erection of a framework, usually made of steel, which is bolted to the floor, watts and the ceiling. Cables for electricity and telephones are then run from the ceiling through fixed metal conduits inside the framework to the floor level. On either side of the framework panels made of plasterboard or a similar material are attached by means of screws or other similar means of attachment. Holes are then cut into the plasterboard at the desired location to allow for installation of electricity and power sockets.

The disadvantage with the present method of creating and partitioning office space is that the ceiling and all the building service work, such as laying the electrical cables and the like, must be done prior to commencement of the partitioning work. Further the entire partitioning work must be carried out on site. The result of this is that partitioning of the office space can be delayed pending the completion of the building services work and, because the framework has to be created on site, partitioning can take several days to complete.

A further disadvantage of the present system is that once the partitioning has been installed any alteration to the office layout requires the entire partitioning to be disassembled before it can be relocated. This means all the panels and the framework have to be removed, as well as the fixed internal conduits for the cabling.

The present system of partitioning office space overcomes all these problems. An advantage of the present system is that the entire partitioning system, which incorporates a supporting framework and partitioning panels, are fully prefabricated off site. The prefabricated panels are then brought to the site for assembly. As the panels are fully prefabricated erection on site requires considerably less time than with the conventional system. The assembly of the entire partition system can take place in the office before any of the building services and/or the ceiling, have been put into place.

Further once the partitioning is installe the layout of the office can be changed quickly and easily without having to dismantle the entire partitioning. The entire prefabricated panels can be detached from the securing means holding them in place to the floor and to the wall and relocated as a unit.

The present invention utilizes a framework which, when assembled, creates an internal conduit between the adjacent partition panels, which can accommodate all cabling from the ceiling. This eliminates the need to fix conduits from the ceiling to the floor inside the framework. Accordingly cabling can be run down to the floor and thence to the appropriate sockets in the internal conduit between any of the adjacent partition panels. By virtue of the fact that the conduit for the cabling is built into the framework, the partition panels can be erected immediately.

According to the invention the partitioning system consists of a five types of frameworks each of a different shape, to hold and support the partitioning panels, windows and/or doors. The different frameworks are designed so that when they are adjacent to each other they interlock to create a rigid framework.

The types of framework can be categorised as vertical framework, skirting framework, covering framework, window framework and door framework.

The vertical framework consist of an rectangular"U"shaped channel which has two members disposed perpendicular to the long edge of the rectangular"U"shaped channel on the internal surface, which create distinct channels within the"U"shaped channel and which also has an inverted"L"shaped member disposed at the top end of the short edges of the rectangle which creates an external channel capable of receiving partition panels. The vertical framework is provided with a means for interlocking the open face of the framework with the adjacent framework.

The skirting framework consists of a rectangular"U"shaped channel which has two members disposed perpendicular to the long edge of the rectangular"U"shaped channel on the internal face and which also has two"L"shaped members disposed on the external face of the long edge of the rectangular"U"shaped channel. The top of the short edge of the"U" shaped rectangular channel is disposed with two lips which create a channel into which a partition panel can sit. The bottom of the short edged of the"U"shaped channel has one lip which is used to secure a cover for the skirting framework. Cabling can thus be run along the length of the skirting framework within the"U"shaped rectangular channel.

The covering framework consists of a"U"shaped rectangular channel which has two members disposed perpendicular to the long, internal edge of the channel, which creates two channels. The covering framework can be used to secure the vertical framework to the wall and it can also be used to cover the horizontal face of the partitioning panels at the ceiling. The partitioning panels fit into the channels in the covering framework.

The window framework consists of a member with a broadly rectangular cross-section disposed with a wing at the top edge of either side of the member. The wings can receive either the open face of the vertical framework or the partition panels directly. A section of the top surface of the rectangular coss-section member is cut out so as to form a channel in to which the glass for the window can be inserted. The rectangular crosssection member is provided with a means for interlocking the open face of the member with the adjacent framework.

The door framework consists of a member with broadly rectangular crosssection which is provided with a means for interlocking the open face of the member with the adjacent framework. A section of the top face of the rectangular cross-section member is cut out at either end of the member creating two recess, one of which can accommodate a partition panel. A member of a generally tubular cross-section is attached at the corner of the rectangular cross-section. The tubular cross-section member has a recess on the same face as the recesses on the rectangular cross-section member.

This recess can also receive and accommodate a partition panel.

Each partition panel consists of two sheets of the partitioning panel placed parallel to each other with the vertical edge of the panels inserted into the "L"shape member disposed at the edge of the"U"shaped rectangular channel of the vertical framework. The design of the vertical framework is such that when two partition panels are placed adjacent to each other to create the partition wall, the outer face of the vertical framework of each panel meets to form an interlocking, enclosed conduit which can accommodate cables from the ceiling. Horizontal or diagonal bracing members may be attached between the inner faces of the vertical framework, to provide additional support for the partitioning panels.

The bottom edge of the partition panel are inserted into the channels created on the top edge of the skirting framework. The skirting framework is attached to the bottom of the vertical framework by suitable attachment means and is provided with junction boxes at various points along its length to facilitate the installation of telephone, data and electricity sockets.

The vertical framework is disposed with holes at a suitable location near the floor to allow the cabling from the vertical framework to pass into the skirting framework. Cabling from the ceiling is fed through the conduit created by the vertical framework, through the holes, into the"U"shaped channel in the skirting framework.

Where the layout of the office requires a window to be installed in the partition panel a hole is cut into the partition panel. If the window is the width of the partition panel, the partition panel is severed horizontally.

The vertical and horizontal faces of the partition panels which form the space for the window may be enclosed by the vertical framework. The window framework which has the glass for the window in place is then connected to the open face of the vertical framework such that it interlocks with the vertical framework surrounding the window space. The vertical and horizontal faces of the partition panels which form the space for the window need not be enclosed by the vertical framework in which case the partition panels slot into the channels in the window framework.

Where the layout requires a door to be installed, the door framework of the appropriate size is connected to the open face of the vertical framework surrounding the door space such that it interlocks. The door can then be hinged to the door framework.

The partition panels are prepared off site in accordance with the design of the office layout. The prepared panels can then be brought to the site and installed where required in the office space and this can be done even before the wiring or the ceiling work has been completed.

In order to erect the partitioning in the office brackets are bolted on the floor and the wall. The brackets are disposed with retaining pins, which are perpendicular to the bracket. The retaining pins interlock with the channels in the vertical framework which receive the partitioning panels.

In order to secure the vertical framework to the wall the covering framework is attached to the wall.

In order that the method of creating and partitioning office space can be more fully understood it will now be described by reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a transverse sectional view of the vertical framework.

Figure 2 is a transverse section view of the skirting framework.

Figure 3 is a transverse section view of the door framework cover.

Figure 4 is a transverse section view of the window framework.

Figure 5 is a transverse section) view of the covering framework Figure 6 is a transverse section view of a complete partition panel showing two partitioning panels placed parallel to each other with the vertical edges enclosed within the vertical framework.

Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view of three adjacent partition panels forming a partition wall.

Figure 8 is a transverse section view of a window between two adjacent partition panels enclosed by the vertical framework.

Figure 8A is transverse section view of a window between two adjacent partition panels with the partition panels slotted directly into the window framework.

Figure 9 is perspective view of a section of the window and partition panels.

Figure 10 is a transverse section view of the end of two partition panels c a corner.

Figure 11 is a transverse section view of a door unit between two adjacent partition panels.

Figure 12 is perspective view of a section of the door with the partition panels.

Figure 13 is a longitudinal section view of the skirting framework attached to the floor.

The vertical framework (1) as seen in Figure 1 has two members (2) disposed perpendicular to the long edge of the rectangular"U"shaped channel on the internal face and has two L shaped members (3) at either end of the long edge of the framework which form a recess within which the partition watt panels (13) sit.

The vertical face of each partition panel (15) is enclosed by the vertical framework (1) as can be seen in Figure 6 such that the open face of the vertical framework is facing outward. Such partition panels sits adjacent to each other to form a partition wall as can be seen in Figure 7, whereby the open faces of the vertical framework meet forming an interlocking joint (17) and create an internal vertical conduit (16) for cabling running from the ceiling to the skirting framework. The members of the vertical framework disposed perpendicular to the long edge of the"U"shaped rectangular channel (2) enable the formation of discrete channels within the internal conduit to separate power, data and telephone cables.

The skirting framework as seen in Figure 2 consists of a rectangular"U" shaped channel (4) which has an"L"shaped member forming a recess (6) at the top end of the vertical face of the skirting member such that a partition panel can sit within the recess and a further L shaped member forming a recess at the bottom end (7) of the vertical face of the skirting member to enable a skirting cover (21) to be attached as seen in Figure 13.

The top of the short edge of the skirting framework is disposed with two lips (6A and 6B) and the bottom edge is disposed with one lip (6C). The top lip creates a recess within which a partitioning panel can be accommodated. The lower lip enables a skirting cover (21) to be attached.

The skirting framework is secured to the bottom of the vertical framework by suitable securing means.

A further cover (21 A) as seen in Figure 13 can be attached at the open face of the rectangular"U"shaped channel (4). Cables from the ceiling which are carried down to the floor via the internal conduits (16) in the vertical framework can be fed into the skirting framework via holes disposed in the vertical framework and from there be fed into junction boxes located at suitable intervals along the length of the skirting framework.

The members disposed perpendicular to the long edge of the"U"shaped channel (5) as seen in Figure 2 enable the cables for electricity, data and telephones to be kept separate from each other while running along the skirting.

The window framework (1 0), can be seen in Figure 4 which shows the wings (11) creating the recess for the partition panels and the recess for the glass (12). The glass (18) which can be seen in Figures 8,8A and 9 is in fact enclosed by the recess (12) on all four sides. The open face of the window framework created by the wings (11) can either interconnect with the open face of the vertical framework (1) which surrounds the opening for the window, as seen in Figure 8, or can receive the partition panels directly as can be seen in Figure 8A.

The door framework (8) can be seen in Figure 3, which shows the recess for the partition panels (9) and the recess for the cabling (9A). The door framework surrounds the door on 2 sides. The open face of the door framework can either interconnect with the open face of the vertical framework surrounding the door as can be seen in Figure 11, or receive the partition panels directly into the recess (9), as can be seen in Figure 12.

The recess (9A) in the door framework enables an internal conduit to be created (16). The door (20) is attached to the rectangular cross section member of the door framework.

Where two partition walls meet to form a corner the open face of the vertical framework can be concealed from view by the use of a suitable cover (19) as seen in Figure 10.

On arrival at the site covering framework (Figure 5) is secured to the wall at the desired location. Brackets are then attached at the appropriate locations on to the floor and the wall.

The perpendicular retaining pins of the bracket, which lie in a horizontal plane when attached to the wall, interconnect with the channels of the covering framework disposed at the top horizontal surface of the partitioning panels.

Once the brackets are attached to the floor the entire prefabricated panel system can be fitted on the perpendicular pins of the brackets on the floor.

The open face of adjacent partition panels interlock (17) as seen in Figure 7, to give stabi I itiy to the partition wal I.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method of partitioning office space to create discrete and separate office units of any size comprising a series of interlocking framework units identified as vertical framework, skirting framework, covering framework, window framework and door framework, which are capable of receiving and supporting partitioning material, glass or the like for windows and door's and wherein the framework when assembled creates an internal conduit between adjacent partitioning panels through which cables can be run from the ceiling level to the skirting framework.
2. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the vertical framework comprises a rectangular"U"shaped channel which has two members disposed perpendicular to the long edge of the rectangular"U"shaped channel on the internal surface, which create distinct channels within the"U"shaped channel and which is further disposed with an inverted"L"shaped member disposed at the top end of the short edges of the rectangle which creates an external channel capable of receiving partitioning material and wherein the vertical framework is provided with a means of interlocking the open face of the vertical framework with the adjacent framework.
3. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the skirting framework consists of a rectangular"U"shaped channel which has two members disposed perpendicular to the long edge of the rectangular"U"shaped channel on the internal face and which is further disposed with two"L"shaped members disposed on external face of the long edge of the rectangular"U"shaped channel and wherein the top of the short edge of the"U"shaped rectangular channel is disposed with two lips which create the channel capable of receiving partitioning material and wherein the bottom of the short edge of the"U"shaped channel is disposed with one lip.
4. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the covering framework consists of a"U"shaped rectangular channel which has two members disposed perpendicular to the long, internal edge of the channel, which creates two channels which are capable of receiving the partitioning material and wherein the framework is provided with a means for interlocking the open face of the member with the adjacent framework.
5. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the window framework consists of a member with a broadly rectangular cross-section disposed with a wing at the top edge of either side of the member and wherein the wings can receive either the open face of the vertical framework or the partitioning material directly and wherein a section of the top surface of the rectangular cross-section member is cut out so as to form a channel which is capable of receiving and accommodating glass or like material for the window and wherein the rectangular cross-section member is provided with a means for interlocking the open face of the member with the adjacent framework.
6. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in 1 above wherein the door framework consists of a member with broadly rectangular cross-section which is provided with a means for interlocking the open face of the member with the adjacent framework and wherein a section of the top face of the rectangular cross-section member is cut out at either end of the member creating to recesses one of which can receive and accommodate partitioning material and wherein a member of generally tubular cross-section is attached at the corner of the rectangular cross-section and wherein the tubular cross section member has a recess on the same face as the recesses on the rectangular cross-section member wherein the recess on the tubular cross-section member can receive and accommodate partitioning material.
7. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the partitioning wall which partitions the office space comprises one or more panels situated adjacent to each other wherein each panel consists of two sheets of partitioning material placed parallel to each other with the vertical edges of the partitioning material inserted into the"L"shaped member disposed at the edge of the"U"shaped rectangular channel of the vertical framework and wherein the outer face of the vertical framework enclosing each panel interlocks with the open face of the adjacent vertical panel to create an enclosed conduit in the space between the adjacent vertical framework.
8. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the partitioning panels may be secured in place by means of brackets attached to the floor and wherein the brackets are disposed with means to interlock with the vertical framework members of the partitioning panel.
9. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the skirting framework is attached to the bottom of the vertical framework by screws or other suitable attachment means and wherein the bottom edge of the partitioning material from each partitioning panel is inserted into the channels at the top edge of the skirting framework.
10. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in claim 1 above wherein the vertical framework is disposed with the openings at suitable locations near the floor wherein cabling from the ceiling can be passed to the adaptable boxes in the skirting framework.
11. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in 1 above wherein internal bracing members may be attached between the inner faces of the vertical framework of each panel.
12. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in 1 above wherein the skirting framework is disposed with junction boxes capable of receiving cables from the vertical framework.
13. A method of partitioning office space as claimed in 1 above wherein the skirting framework may be bolted to the floor by bolts or other suitable means.