GB2267719A - A partition element with means for distributing electrical services - Google Patents

Abstract

A partition element (10) includes an upright partition panel (11), a hollow housing (19) extending horizontally along the upper edge of the partition panel (10) and means (14; 18) for securing the partition panel rigidly to the floor. The securing means is either an enlarged foot (18) secured at one end of the partition element and extending beyond the partition element at least in a direction transverse thereto, and optionally an elongate plate (14) extending along the partition element beneath the partition panel (11). Thus, the partition element (10) may be supported both transversely and longitudinally. The advantage is that cables may readily be distributed horizontally in a room, by making a wall of adjoining partition elements, which divide up, e.g. an open-plan office. <IMAGE>

Description

A Partition Element and a Method of Distributing Electrical Services in a Room This invention relates to a partition element. The invention also resides in a partition wall comprising a plurality of partition elements, and a method of distributing electrical services in a room.

The majority of modern office buildings are constructed with a ceiling void to accommodate lighting. The ceiling void has been found to be a convenient place to install cable trays for the supply of electrical power cables, telecommunications cables and computer data cables. However, in the majority of office buildings the socket outlets for such cables are required either at floor level or at desk height, since the majority of equipment which is plugged into such cables is used on desktops.

In open plan office buildings, the only known, effective way of interconnecting socket outlets at floor or desk level and cable trays in a ceiling void above the floor or desk level is to employ so-called "power posts11. A power post is a hollow, square-section post which extends between the floor and the ceiling of an open plan office. Cables are fed via an aperture in the ceiling into the hollow interior of the power post, and the power post has one or more socket outlets at the base thereof, adjacent the floor. The socket outlets are connected to the cables, thereby allowing the connection of apparatus in the office to the cables in the ceiling void via the cables in the power post.

Power posts suffer numerous disadvantages. Only a limited number of socket outlets can be provided in the base of the power post. There is thus a tendency for multiple socket adaptors to be plugged into the socket outlets of power posts when it is required to connect additional equipment. This can lead to overloading of the socket outlets.

Furthermore, power posts only convey cables in a vertical direction, and do not assist with the distribution of cables horizontally within an office.

Thus, if only a small number of power posts is used, equipment tends to become bunched around the power posts to avoid the use of long, trailing cables.

This leads to inefficient use of office space. Alternatively, a large number of power posts can be provided to distribute cables throughout an office area.

However, the appearance of a large number of power posts in an office building is unsightly, and tends to cause the arrangement of office furniture to be dictated by the locations of the power posts.

Moreover, the use of power posts is inflexible because power posts are virtually permanent installations. The removal of a power post leaves an unsightly hole through to the ceiling void which requires filling, and also occasions the need to repair cables in the ceiling void where a post has been removed. Thus reorganisations of office layouts are difficult when power posts are used.

As an alternative to the use of power posts, it is known to provide electrical services in floor voids, and provide floor mounted socket outlets.

This arrangement also suffers from disadvantages, as follows: (i) Equipment (and hence furniture) tends to become bunched around the sockets; (ii) If electrical equipment is to be sited away from sockets, long, trailing cables are needed; and (iii) It is difficult to alter the positions of the sockets once they are installed.

There is therefore a need for a modular, adaptable means of distributing power, data and telecommunications cables both vertically and horizontally within an office space.

It has been proposed to use discrete, freestanding partition panels including a duct which supports and encloses an electrical cable. Socket outlets are connected at intervals to the cable, and are mounted on the surface of the partition panel. At one end of the partition panel the cable emerges through the panel wall and a suitable plug is provided for connecting the cable to a main.

This known partition panel is disadvantageous firstly because it is freestanding, and hence is defined in electrical regulations as an electrical appliance. British IEE regulations and those of many other countries confer strict limits on the loadings which can be applied to electrical appliances, the number of socket outlets present thereon, the earthing and numerous other electrical and physical characteristics. Furthermore, there is a risk of the known partition panel being knocked over because it is freestanding. Apart from the risk of injury occasioned thereby, there is also the danger of pulling cables attached to other electrical appliances.

Moreover, the known partition panel must be sited close to an existing mains socket to avoid the need for a long, trailing cable to connect the partition panel to the main.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a partition element comprising a partition panel; a hollow housing extending along the partition panel for supporting and enclosing one or more electrical cables; and means for rigidly securing the partition element to a floor with the partition panel in a generally upright position.

The advantages of this arrangement are, firstly, that the partition element is not prone to falling over; secondly that, since it is intended to be secured to a floor, it is not characterised as a freestanding electrical appliance and consequently the current carrying capacity, the number of socket outlets and the types of cable which can be carried are allowed to be significantly greater under British IEE regulations; and thirdly, the problem of distributing cables horizontally in an office in a neat and safe manner is solved.

Preferably, the partition element includes a pair of frame members secured to the partition panel respectively at either end thereof, wherein the means for securing the partition element to a floor comprises a floor engaging foot extending beyond the partition panel at least in a direction transverse thereto and rigidly secured to one of the frame members, the foot being adapted for fixing to said floor.

An advantage of this arrangement is that the partition element is afforded inherent transverse stability, even prior to its being secured to the floor. Thus, there is no danger of the partition element falling over during its installation.

Conveniently, the foot includes one or more apertures for receiving screws, bolts or studs for securing the partition element to the floor. Thus, the partition element may be firmly yet removably secured to a floor.

It is preferable that the foot is secured to the frame member by means of a rigid mullion interconnecting the foot and the frame member.

This allows the use of standard frame members at either end of the partition element, with the frame member at one end being adaptable by the addition of the rigid mullion (secured e.g. by welding) supporting the foot.

Conveniently, the means for securing the partition element to the floor includes a floor engaging foot extending beyond the partition panel at least in a longitudinal direction and rigidly secured to one of the frame members, the foot being adapted for fixing to the floor.

It is further preferable that the partition element includes means for supporting the partition panel above the floor, wherein the means for securing the element to the floor includes or further includes a floor engaging member adapted for fixing to the floor and extending along the space between the partition panel and the floor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the floor engaging member includes an elongate plate having one or more apertures formed therein for receiving screws, bolts or studs for securing the partition element to the floor.

When the floor engaging member is present in conjunction with the foot referred to above, the partition element may be extremely securely fixed against both longitudinal and transverse movement.

Preferably, when the partition element includes a pair of upright frame members secured to the partition panel respectively at either end thereof, the floor engaging member is secured at each end to a respective frame member and extends between the frame members beneath the partition panel. Thus, the partition element may be constructed as an extremely rigid item.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hollow housing may comprise a cable conduit extending along the length of one side of the partition panel and having one or more sockets secured thereto for providing electrical contact with one or more cables supported within the conduit. the advantage of this arrangement is that the sockets may be spaced at will over apertures which may be cut where desired in the surface of the conduit. Thus, sockets may be provided at any point along the partition element.

Conveniently, the partition element includes a pair of cable conduits extending respectively along opposite surfaces of the partition panel. Thus, the partition panel can support socket outlets facing outwardly on either longitudinal surface of the partition panel.

Preferably, the or each cable conduit extends generally horizontally adjacent the uppermost edge of the partition panel. If the partition panel is appropriately dimensioned (and in a preferred embodiment the partition element has an overall height of 1 metre), the socket outlets secured to the or each conduit are disposed at a height just above the surface of a typical desk which may be placed against the partition element. (It has been found that desktop height socket outlets are the most convenient for use in an office. However, the use of a partition element the overall height of which is 1 metre means that people sitting at such desks can see over the partition element and thereby the advantages of an open plan office are retained.) Preferably, the or each cable conduit is internally divided into a plurality of compartments. In a preferred embodiment, the compartments are dedicated to the supporting of respective types of cable, such as mains power cables, data cables and telecommunications cables.

Preferably, the partition element is adapted to abut a further such element to provide a partition fence or wall of greater length than a single such element. Thus, the partition element of the invention may be employed in a modular system for distributing electrical services throughout a room.

Conveniently, the or each cable conduit is open at each end thereof to permit discrete lengths of cable to be supported by adjacent elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the frame members is of an "H" cross section or an outwardly facing "C" cross section.

Thus, when two partition elements according to the invention abut one another at their ends, an attractive and neat appearance results in the vicinity of the abutment if the limbs of the "H" or "C" section members abut one another.

However, components of the partition element may be contained within the void created by the abutting limbs of the H or C sections.

Optionally, the outwardly facing limbs of the 11H11 or "C" cross section frame members are dimensioned to enclose the floor engaging foot of an adjacent partition element when the said elements are brought together.

The invention is also considered to reside in a partition element as defined herein when connected in a mains circuit of power, telephone and/or data transmission cables.

Furthermore, the invention is considered to reside in a partition element as previously defined when connected to a power post carrying cables from ceiling to floor or a working height in a room.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a partition fence or wall comprising a plurality of partition elements as herein defined. Preferably, the partition fence or wall comprises a plurality of intersecting partition fence or wall sections.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of distributing electrical services in a room comprising the steps of: (i) providing power, telephone and/or data transmission cables, optionally within a power post; (ii) supporting said cables or further such cables connected thereto within the cable conduit of a first partition element as defined above; (iii) securing said partition element to the floor of said room optionally abutting said power post (if present); (iv) supporting said cables or further cables in the cable conduit of a further such partition element; (v) securing said further partition element to said floor abutting said first partition element; and (vi) repeating steps (iv) and (v) until a fence or wall of desired length and shape has been built.

There now follows a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, by way of example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a partition element according to the invention: Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a partition fence or wall in an office constructed from partition elements such as that shown in Figure 1: Figure 3 shows schematically three possible configurations of partition elements according to the invention in the distributing of electrical services in a room; and Figure 4 is a schematic, plan view showing in further detail the abutment of two partition elements each according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings, a partition element 10 comprises a partition panel 11 supported in an upright position between respective frame members 12, 13 extending generally vertically at either end of the partition panel 11.

The partition panel is spaced vertically from the base of the partition element, and a rigid floor engaging member 14 extends between the frame members 12 and 13 below the bottom of the partition panel 11. The floor engaging member 14 has in the embodiment shown a plurality of spaced apertures 16 formed therein. The position of the floor engaging member 14 is such that, when the partition element is stood upright on a floor, the floor engaging member engages the floor. Thus, the partition panel 11 is retained within and supported by a rigid frame made up of members 12, 13 and 14.

A rigid mullion 17 is secured (e.g. by welding) to frame member 13 as shown. At its lowermost end, mullion 17 has secured thereto a rigid, floor engaging foot 18. Foot 18 extends beyond the lowermost part of the partition element at least in a direction transverse thereto, and in the embodiment shown also longitudinally thereof. Thus, foot 18 prevents the partition element 10 from falling over when the partition element is stood upright on a floor. Further apertures 16 are formed in foot 18 for securing foot 18 to the floor. Optionally, there may be provided secured to frame member 12 a further floor engaging foot (not shown) which may resemble foot 18 or which may extend beyond the general envelope of the partition element in only one direction, e.g. longitudinally.

Adjacent the uppermost edge of the partition element, there is provided a respective cable conduit 19 extending generally horizontally along each surface of the partition panel. In the embodiment shown, each conduit 19 is internally divided into three horizontally extending compartments 21, 22, 23.

Each conduit 19 is open at either end, to allow the construction of partition fences or walls comprising a plurality of abutting partition elements 10. In a preferred mode of use of the partition element 10, each of the compartments 21, 22, 23 supports and encloses one type of cable, such as data cables, mains power cables and telecommunications cables. Appropriate sockets such as mains socket 24 , telephone jack socket 26 and data socket 27 are secured at intervals to the surface of the conduit 19. The sockets are connected to the appropriate cables within the conduit 19. The location and number of sockets is determined at the option of the installer of the partition element, it being necessary merely to cut an appropriate hole in the cable conduit to allow the securing of each socket.

The uppermost edge of the partition element is capped with an optional handrail 28 for neatness and safety. In the embodiment shown, handrail 28 is constructed of timber or a timber-finish material; however, other materials may of course be used.

The frame members 12, 13 are either "H" section members or "C" section members, with the limbs of the "C" outwardly directed. Thus, when two partition elements 10 are positioned longitudinally abutting one another, the mullion 17 of one element 10 is enclosed by the limbs of the frame member 12 of the adjoining partition element. Thus, it is possible neatly to construct a partition fence or wall of a plurality of partition elements 10. The enclosing of mullion 17 is best shown in Figure 4.

It is also possible to construct a partition fence or wall with partition elements 10 abutting at right angles, as shown in Figure 2. In such a case it is necessary to cut a mitre in the abutting ends of the conduits 19 and handrail 28. The frame members 12, 14 abut at the edges thereof, and an optional filler piece or cap 29 may be inserted to enclose the resulting aperture at the junction of a plurality of partition elements 10.

It will be appreciated that it is possible to construct partition fences or walls in which elements 10 abut at angles other than 900, and it is also not essential for there to be four abutting elements 10 as shown in figure 2.

Appropriate filler pieces can be constructed to close any open apertures which may result.

As shown in Figure 2, the cable conduits 19 are closed by suitable end caps 31 at the end of a run of partition fence or wall.

Again as shown in Figure 2, the cables supported within the conduits 19 may be connected to the ceiling void of an office room by means of a power post 32. Where such an arrangement is adopted, the cable conduits 19 of the partition element 10a adjacent the power posts are extended beyond the end of the partition element 10a to engage the power post 32 and thereby provide for connection of the cables in the conduits 19 to the cables in the power post 32. It will be appreciated that, in using the partition elements of the invention, a significantly reduced number of power posts would be needed compared with an office where power is supplied solely by means of power posts. In other words, the apparatus of the invention serves in conjunction with a small number of power posts to distribute cables both vertically and horizontally in a neat and safe manner throughout a room.

The partition fence shown in Figure 2 includes secured to one of the partition elements 10 an optional distribution hub 32, for telephone or data cables. The provision of such a distribution hub allows new equipment to be readily accommodated. If appropriate cables are already installed within the conduit on construction of the partition wall, it is necessary merely to connect an appropriate socket where required along the conduit 19 and connect the cable to an appropriate connection within distribution hub 32. In an alternative arrangement, the distribution hub 32 can be located in the ceiling void and it is necessary then to remove a ceiling panel to carry out the connection of cables.

The partition elements 10 are secured to the floor by means of bolts, screws or studs which pass through the apertures 16. Thus, the elements may be securely tightened to the floor. However, the elements may readily be removed, for example in the event of a reorganisation of office accommodation, since all the fixing pieces bar the threads of the screws or bolts (if used) are disposed above the level of any flooring in the room. An optional, removable skirting panel 32 may be attached between the frame members 12, 13 on either side of the floor engaging member 14 to cover the screw or bolt or stud heads, thereby enhancing the appearance of the elements 10.

The preferred height of the partition element from floor level to the top of the handrail 28 is 1 metre. This allows for the positioning of socket outlets a short distance above desk height. However, other heights are possible.

Similarly, the inventor has found that a useful length for the partition element is 1.2 metres, although other lengths are easy to manufacture.

In optional applications of the partition element, for instance when electrical apparatus is to be secured directly to the partition panel 11, a fillet (not shown in the drawings) may be welded to the floor engaging foot 18 and either the mullion 17 or the frame member 13 to improve the strength of the element.

In preferred embodiments, the frame members and floor engaging members are constructed of metal (e.g. steel) and the partition panels 11 are of a lightweight honeycomb construction covered with boarding for a neat appearance. However, a great range of other materials may optionally be used to construct the partition elements, e.g. glass, timber, plastics, chipboard fibre board and stone. Many surface finishes are possible.

A preferred method of constructing a partition fence and hence of distributing cables in a room, using the partition element of the invention involves providing a power post carrying appropriate cables, or providing a floor- or wall-supported cable main; connecting further cables as necessary to the main cables and supporting the further cables within the cable conduit 19 of the first partition element 10 to be installed; securing the partition element 10 to the floor abutting the source of main cables; supporting the further cables in the cable conduit 19 of a further partition panel 10; securing that partition panel to the floor in a desired abutting relationship with the first partition element 10; and repeating the foregoing steps until a fence or wall of desired shape and length has been constructed.

Figure 3 shows some possible configurations of partition elements 10 which have been found to create efficient working spaces.

It will be appreciated that the partition element of the invention may be used to construct a truly modular partition fence or wall system, which is securely fixed to the floor and which requires fewer devices such as power posts than have been previously employed in such applications. The partition elements 10 may be supplied in a range of finishes and colours, to suit the colour schemes of the rooms, e.g. offices, where they are to be installed.

Claims (24)

1. A partition element comprising a partition panel; a hollow housing extending along the partition panel for supporting and enclosing one or more electrical cables; and means for rigidly securing the partition element to a floor with the partition panel in a generally upright position.

2. A partition element according to Claim 1 including a pair of frame members secured to the partition panel respectively at either end thereof, wherein the means for securing the partition element to a floor comprises a floor engaging foot extending beyond the partition panel at least in a direction transverse thereto and rigidly secured to one of the frame members, the foot being adapted for fixing to said floor.

3. A partition element according to Claim 2 wherein the foot includes one or more apertures for receiving screws, bolts or studs for securing the partition element to the floor.

4. A partition element according to Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the foot is secured to said frame member by means of a rigid mullion interconnecting said foot and said frame member.

5. A partition element according to any of Claims 2 to 4 wherein the means for securing the partition element to the floor includes a floor engaging foot extending beyond the partition panel at least in a longitudinal direction and rigidly secured to one of the frame members, the foot being adapted for fixing to the floor.

6. A partition element according to any of Claims 1 to 5 including means for supporting the partition panel above said floor, wherein the means for securing the element to the floor includes or further includes a floor engaging member adapted for fixing to the floor and extending along the space between the partition panel and the floor.

7. A partition element according to Claim 6 wherein the floor engaging member includes an elongate plate having one or more apertures formed therein for receiving screws, bolts or studs for securing the partition element to the floor.

8. A partition element according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 including a pair of upright frame members secured to the partition panel respectively at either end thereof, wherein the floor engaging member is secured at each end to a respective frame member and extends between the frame members beneath the partition panel.

9. A partition element according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow housing comprises a cable conduit extending along the length of one side of the partition panel and having one or more sockets secured thereto for providing electrical contact with one or more cables supported within the conduit.

10. A partition element according to Claim 9 including a pair of cable conduits extending respectively along opposite surfaces of the partition panel.

11. A partition element according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the or each cable conduit extends generally horizontally adjacent the uppermost edge of the partition panel.

12. A partition element according to any of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the or each cable conduit is internally divided into a plurality of compartments.

13. A partition element according of any of Claims 2 to 12 adapted to abut a further such element to provide a partition wall of greater length than a single such element.

14. A partition element according to Claim 13 when dependent on any of Claims 8 to 11 wherein the or each cable conduit is open at each end thereof to permit discrete lengths of cable to be supported by adjacent elements.

15. A partition element according to Claim 13 wherein at least one of the frame members is of an "H" cross section or an outwardly facing "C" cross section.

16. A partition element according to Claim 15 wherein the outwardly facing limbs of the "H" or "C" cross section frame member are dimensioned to enclose the floor engaging foot of an adjacent partition element when the said elements are brought together in an abutting relationship.

17. A partition element according to any preceding claim when the cables supported thereby are connected to a main circuit of power, telephone and/or data transmission cables.

18. A partition element according to Claim 17 connected to a power post carrying cables from ceiling to floor or other working levels in a room.

19. A partition fence or wall comprising a plurality of partition elements according to any preceding claim.

20. Partitioning for a room comprising a plurality of intersecting partition fences or walls according to Claim 19.

21. A method of distributing electrical services in a room comprising the steps of: (i) providing power, telephone and/or data transmission cables, optionally within a power post; (ii) supporting said cables or further such cables connected thereto within the cable conduit of a first partition element according to any of Claims 1 to 17; (iii) securing said partition element to the floor of said room optionally abutting said power post (if present); (iv) supporting said cables or further cables in the cable conduit of a further such partition element; (v) securing said further partition element to said floor abutting said first partition element; and (vi) repeating steps (iv and (v) until a fence or wall of desired length and shape has been built.

22. A partition element generally as herein described, with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

23. A partition fence or wall generally as herein described, with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of distributing electrical services in a room generally as herein described, with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.