Space division system with technology cross-reference to related applications

Abstract

A space division system (100) is disclosed, with the space division system (100) incorporating technology. The space division system (100) is disclosed as having a space divider (102) vertically suspended from a rail system (104). The rail system (104) includes a rail (106) with a pair of hanger clips (108) releasably secured to the rail (106) and capable of being moved along a continuum of the length of the rail (106). In one embodiment, the space divider (102) includes a main body (114) consisting of an opaque fabric. Associated with the main body (114) is lighting technology including a series of LED lights (116). Arrow lights (118) may be activated in an appropriate manner for emergency or other purposes. Color changing is also provided for purposes of wayfinding, signaling occupant activities or other external or internal circumstances.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This international application is based upon and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 408,011 filed Sep. 4, 2002.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] The invention relates to systems for providing vertically disposed space division and, more particularly, to a flexible system which employs lightweight and rapidly reconfigurable elements with internal stretch characteristics, and with means for providing power distribution, interconnection to and integration of functional components, and data storage. [0006] 2. Background Art [0007] Building infrastructure, architectural interiors and space division continue to evolve in today's commercial, industrial, office and residential environments. For purposes of the description in this specifi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0096]FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a user employing a control wand for purposes of reconfiguring control relationships among technologies associated with the space division system, with the user working on control relationships associated with activation of LED technologies on the space dividers;

[0097]FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of a user employing the cont...

Problems solved by technology

With the exception of executive offices, privacy for face-to-face or telephone conversations, meetings or other activities was difficult to achieve.

To accomplish such privacy required additional fixed and costly room architecture.

Although building owners and tenants began to concern themselves with the foregoing, architectural interiors still typically involved very heavy and relatively “stationary” furniture.

However, such space dividers still were typically relatively fixed with respect to physical locations, heavy, costly and difficult to move.

However, such HVAC equipment, as well as lighting and other environmental characteristics, continued to be controlled through central and often remote locations.

Although the term “modular” is sometimes used to describe these types of systems, they did not fit within the true definition of a modular system.

Instead, these systems are inherently “closed systems,” and are limited to finite sets of interchangeable physical parts.

For example, many of the architectural interiors in existence today actually result in an “overperformance.” That is, they have weight, bulk and other size parameters which are clearly unnecessary for their desired functionality.

Their cost is significant.

This cost occurs not only from initial acquisition prices, but also, as a result of their lack of true flexibility, from costs associated with moving or reconfiguring the interiors.

Also, in part, additional costs result from the fact that reconfiguration of such systems often results in wastes of component parts.

Still further, known space division systems for many reasons (including those previously stated herein), do not lend themselves to any type of “rapid” reconfiguration.

In fact, they may require a significant amount of work to reconfigure.

Also, reconfiguration of known space division systems may involve additional physical wiring or substantial rewiring.

Still further, although these systems may involve lighting controllable by a workspace user, many environmental functions remain centrally controlled, often in locations substantially remote from the architectural interior being controlled.

Other disadvantages also exist with respect to these known systems.

Many of these configurations are limited in height, and do not particularly lend themselves to visual privacy.

Also, as a result of the lack of flexibility and inherent problems with reconfiguration, known systems do not facilitate reconfiguration of space divider groupings, for purposes of individual privacy, collaboration and other “interaction” characteristics.

As earlier mentioned, known space division systems still do not particularly assist in providing an occupant's control of his or her own environmental conditions.

Even further, however, difficulties can arise in known space division systems when environmenta...

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