Steelcase Inc.

James R Ahart

Randall S Helm

A ventilation system is provided for communicating ventilation air through a modular furniture arrangement, such as open office partition panel systems or the like. The ventilation system includes an air source, and a collapsible duct connected to the air source. The collapsible duct can be routed through interior spaces in partition panels in a collapsed state to facilitate routing and installation. After installation, the collapsible duct can be inflated for use, at which time the collapsible duct inflates to a maximum size to minimize resistance to air flow. Multiple secondary openings distribute the ventilation air in the collapsible duct to various worksurfaces as desired. A pressure relief valve is attached to the collapsible duct to prevent over-pressurization of the collapsible duct.

Utility distribution system for furniture

A workstation ventilation system is provided for offices divided into workstations by modular furniture units, such as partition panels, or the like. The ventilation system includes air ducts attached to the modular furniture units in the configuration of the furniture units, and further includes a collection and distribution unit for receiving air from an overhead ventilation system and for communicating the air through the air ducts to individual workstations. Optimally, the air ducts can be retrofittably attached to the furniture units to facilitate installation. Also optimally, the air ducts include air diffusers at each workstation, which air diffusers include individually adjustable deflectors to direct the conditioned air from the air ducts into the workstation area as desired.

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St. Louis, MO, United States of America

James R Ahart