Steelcase Inc.

Harold L Vanden Hoek

Larry A Speet

Robert G Mohr

The specification discloses a hard wired, free standing movable room divider panel system in which wiring is provided for two separate circuits, one of which is especially adapted for connecting to panel mounted lighting through an internal quick disconnect connector. This is referred to as the lighting circuit. The second circuit is adapted only for mounting conventional outlet receptacles via quick disconnect connectors. The wiring terminates in connectors which provide terminals for connecting into the lighting circuit, terminals for connecting into the power circuit and terminals for connecting into both circuits which facilitate electrically connecting adjacent panels through a panel power connector. In one embodiment of the invention, conventional outlets receptacles can optionally be connected to the lighting circuit as well. However, the two types of conventional outlets cannot be inadvertently connected to the wrong circuit.

Panel wiring system

The specification discloses a panel system in which panels are joined by one (at an angle) or two (in a straight line) elongated, flexible hinge(s) which is secured to each of the panels to be joined by being clamped between the end of the panel and an end cover which is readily removable from the panel. The end cover and the end of the panel both include flanges which interengage. The flanges on the end of the panel are relatively short so that by sliding the end cover only a short distance vertically, one can either secure it in position or remove it. The end cover includes a top shoulder and the end of the panel includes a bottom shoulder between which the elongated flexible hinge member extends with its top edge generally adjacent or abutting the top shoulder and its bottom edge generally adjacent or abutting the bottom shoulder, such that two adjacent panels joined by the hinge are automatically properly aligned.

Growing community of inventors

Grand Rapids, MI, United States of America

Harold L Vanden Hoek