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. 21, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 21, 2000
Michael L. Waalkes, Athens, AL (US);
Marcus K. Pressnell, Athens, AL (US);
Mark T. Slager, Kentwood, MI (US);
Michael R. Shields, Greensboro, NC (US);
Brian J. Kane, San Francisco, CA (US);
Robin Christopher, Athens, AL (US);
Dennis J. Boyle, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Peter N. Skillman, San Carlos, CA (US);
Charles A. Seiber, Atherton, CA (US);
Joseph Chang, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Paul J. Granzotto, Grandville, MI (US);
Richard S. Hand, Holland, MI (US);
Kevin J. Longhurst, Hastings, MI (US);
Theodore Q. Chau, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Douglas L. Scheerhorn, Byron Center, MI (US);
John L. McCrackin, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Steelcase Development Inc., Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Abstract
A partition includes at least two vertical posts with upper and lower beams having opposite ends thereof interconnecting the vertical posts to define when in an assembled condition, a rigid panel frame having a substantially open interior. The panel frame defines a vertical dimension. At least one cover panel is configured to enclose at least a portion of the open interior of the panel frame, and is removably mounted on the panel frame to readily access the open interior thereof. The cover panel defines an interior surface and a center portion spaced-apart from the posts. A cover panel brace is connected with the upper beam, and has an outer surface abutting the interior surface of the cover panel to support the cover panel adjacent the center portion to prevent flexing of the cover panel. The cover panel brace is longitudinally extensible to accommodate variations of the vertical dimension between the upper and lower beams.