Free standing partition

Abstract

A free standing mobile partition set is configured to either temporarily or permanently partition open floor areas to create an enclosed or semi-enclosed area that is more suitable for smaller assemblies of people for meetings, instruction, etc. The partition set comprises two panels pivotally connected to each other, a mechanical constraint between the panels to limit the minimum and maximum dihedral angles of pivotal rotation between the panels, a plurality of swivel casters on the bottom edges of said panels, jackscrews on the bottom of said panels for anchoring the partition set in a desired location and preferably one or more doors and windows in each partition set. One or more partition sets can be combined or use separately to provide practical and flexible use of a larger open floor space as short term and long term needs arise.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]The subject application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61 / 149,903 filed Feb. 4, 2009.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The subject disclosure is related to free standing partitions, and more specifically to movable, free standing partition sets that can be arranged in multiple configurations.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Often is the case that large, open floor areas exist in a building and the need to section-off this same space becomes required. The options are to subdivide this open area with permanent walls, usually presenting a prohibitive renovation expense, or with the standard office partitions commonly referred to as cubicles, offering only slight isolation to attempt similar utility. These solutions reflect permanent and temporary solutions, respectively, but both result in a fixed use of available space. Due to the inflexibility of either of these solutions, it is not uncommon to end up with inefficient utility of space....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]It is an object of the invention that the preferred embodiment of the free standing partition set feature windows as shown in the accompanying drawings, such that one can view into and view out of the enclosed area for convenience, safety and to foster a pleasing, non-claustrophobic atmosphere in which to occupy the enclosed space.

[0010]It is another object of the invention to be able to easily move and position the preferred embodiment of the free standing partition set by a multitude of stated methods to the location where desired; offering greatest flexibility and utility of the resulting spaces both within and without the enclosed area.

[0012]In fulfillment of one or more of the objects of the invention, a flexible free standing partition set is provided. The partition set comprises a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected to one another at respective ends of the panels. A mechanical constraint, such as a strut and chain are provided between the first and second panels to limit the minimum and maximum dihedral angles of pivotal rotation between the panels. A plurality of swivel casters on the bottom edges of said panels so that the partition set can be easily moved from one location or configuration to another. Preferably jackscrews or other means are provided on the bottom of the panels for anchoring the partition set in a desired location. The panels can include optional doors and / or windows. The free standing partition set also preferably includes a removable tie rod connecting the first panel to the second panel at a dihedral angle less than 90 degrees. The tie rod facilitates easy and safe movement of the partition set from one location to another by a single person.

[0013]The invention further provides a flexible partition system comprising a plurality of partition sets. The plural partition sets are configurable with each other or separable from each other in multiple arrangements. The configuration of the partitions can be quickly and easily changed to meet changing space needs. This provides great flexibility for businesses, religious organizations, schools, community centers, etc.

Problems solved by technology

The options are to subdivide this open area with permanent walls, usually presenting a prohibitive renovation expense, or with the standard office partitions commonly referred to as cubicles, offering only slight isolation to attempt similar utility.

Due to the inflexibility of either of these solutions, it is not uncommon to end up with inefficient utility of space.

For example, the resulting number of permanently constructed “offices” or cubicles proves to be too many, or that some amount of desired open areas that previously existed are no longer available, but are still needed.

And in the end, the utility of the floor plan is limited.

The above described predicament of coping with limited floor space is a particular dilemma for organizations with limited funding.

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