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.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 14, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 28, 1999
Anthony A. Stachowiak, Belmont, MI (US);
Steven C. Gortsema, Grandville, MI (US);
Mark T. Slager, Caledonia, MI (US);
Steelcase Development Corporation, Caledonia, MI (US);
Abstract
A partition system includes adjacent partitions that have aligned top frame members with abutting and horizontally aligned cantilevered end sections. An in-line connector system includes a flat top connector and a U-shaped bottom connector that mateably span between the cantilevered end sections and that engage top and bottom surfaces, respectively, on the top frame members. Specifically, the top connector fits into a cavity in a top of the top frame member. The bottom connector includes a bottom wall and opposing sidewalls that matingly receive and engage bottom and side surfaces of the cantilevered end sections. The connectors combine with a beam-like strength that holds the cantilevered end sections in a particularly stable in-line condition.