The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Jan. 16, 2001

Filed:

Nov. 03, 1999
Applicant:
Inventors:

Michael J. Feldpausch, Hastings, MI (US);

Stephen J. Feldpausch, Hastings, MI (US);

William K. Hofman, Ada, MI (US);

Assignee:

Steelcase Development Inc., Grand Rapids, MI (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
E04B 2/78 ; E04B 2/82 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
E04B 2/78 ; E04B 2/82 ;
Abstract

A partition system includes a first partition having a face and a horizontal row of slots accessible through the face, and a second partition having an abutting end adapted to be positioned adjacent the face. The first partition includes a frame and covers on the frame that define a horizontally extending gap for accessing the slots. A connector for interconnecting the abutting end to the face includes a one-piece U-shaped clip having a pair of legs forming a first end with opposing hooks configured to securely horizontally engage the slots in the face, and having an intermediate section forming a second end configured to securely engage the abutting end. The intermediate section is resilient such that the legs can be flexed together to an install position for insertion into a selected slot and can be flexed apart to a retaining position where the hooks are positioned to securely engage the selected slot in the first partition. The intermediate section and the legs form an interior space therebetween shaped to closely receive a fastener when the legs are in the retaining position so that the existence of the fastener between the legs prevents the legs from being moved to the install position. A method is also defined related to the above.


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