WO2004046477A2 - Systeme d'infrastructure - Google Patents

Systeme d'infrastructure Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004046477A2
WO2004046477A2 PCT/US2003/027746 US0327746W WO2004046477A2 WO 2004046477 A2 WO2004046477 A2 WO 2004046477A2 US 0327746 W US0327746 W US 0327746W WO 2004046477 A2 WO2004046477 A2 WO 2004046477A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
accordance
signals
space
ofthe
space division
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2003/027746
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sheila Kennedy
Bill Chen-Hsun Yen
Joseph Chi-Chen Ho
Senan Choe
Walraud Beckmann
Russel Howe
Daniel W. Hillis
Robert W. Insalaco
Kenneth Munsch
James B. Long
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MillerKnoll Inc
Original Assignee
Herman Miller Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Herman Miller Inc filed Critical Herman Miller Inc
Priority to AU2003298573A priority Critical patent/AU2003298573A1/en
Publication of WO2004046477A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004046477A2/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/19—Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission
    • H05B47/195—Controlling the light source by remote control via wireless transmission the transmission using visible or infrared light
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/196—Controlling the light source by remote control characterised by user interface arrangements
    • H05B47/1965—Controlling the light source by remote control characterised by user interface arrangements using handheld communication devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to systems for providing vertically disposed space division and, more particularly, to a flexible system which employs lightweight and rapidly reconfigurable elements with internal stretch characteristics, and with means for providing power distribution, interconnection to and integration of functional components, data storage and control of components through digital programming.
  • space division additional work was performed regarding physical space dividers. For example, work was undertaken with respect to forming space dividers or partitions in the form of stud walls, steel frames and the like. However, such space dividers still were typically relatively fixed with respect to physical locations, heavy, costly and difficult to move.
  • Hanging and supporting bracket structures were developed to provide means for interconnecting furniture accessories (such as shelving, cabinets and work surfaces) to stationary walls or to the space dividers themselves. As these systems evolved, they included arrangements for use with specific utilitarian elements, such as computer stands, keyboard drawers and the like.
  • space dividers in use today are often "ground-based,” meaning that they are supported and extend upwardly from floor structures. Many of these configurations are limited in height, and do not particularly lend themselves to visual privacy. Also, as a result of the lack of flexibility and inherent problems with reconfiguration, known systems do not facilitate reconfiguration of space divider groupings, for purposes of individual privacy, collaboration and other "interaction" characteristics.
  • known space division systems do not particularly assist in providing an occupant's control of his or her own environmental conditions. Even further, however, difficulties can arise in known space division systems when environmental characteristic control is provided within a general space of an occupant. For example, lighting associated with an occupant's usage area may be controlled by a switch which is initially relatively close in proximity and readily accessible. However, if this interior space is reconfigured in any substantial manner, the switch controlling the lighting may no longer be accessible or otherwise located in a functionally "correct" position. In this regard, known systems have no capability of providing any relatively rapid reconfiguration of controlling/controlled relationships among functional elements, such as switches, task lights, data terminals and the like.
  • the architectural interior of the building may not be appropriately laid out for the actual occupants. That is, the prospective tenants' needs may be substantially different from the designers' anticipated ideas and concepts.
  • most architectural interiors permit little reconfiguration after completion ofthe initial design. Reconfiguring of structures in accordance with the needs of a particular tenant can be extremely expensive and time consuming. During structural modifications, the architectural interior is essentially "down" and provides no positive cash flow to the buildings' owners.
  • a architectural interior can be characterized as being "delivered” to original occupants in a particular "initial state.” This initial state is defined by not only the physical locations of functional accessories, but also the control relationships among switches, lights and the like. It would be advantageous to provide means for essentially
  • Roberts, U.S. Pat No. 5,274,970 issued January 4, 1994 discloses a freestanding space division system having upstanding posts for resting on the floor. At least one rail assembly is extended between adjacent posts and spaced from the floor. Saddles hang from the rail assembly, and trays are suspended from the saddles so as to form raceways. Vertical pole assemblies are detachably mounted to each post and extend "axially" so that a pair of adjacent pole assemblies on a rail can define a panel receiving space.
  • a wall panel space division system having a movable panel with a rigid frame.
  • a core panel is mounted in the frame, and at least one cover panel is detachably mounted on the frame and encloses an associated portion.
  • the frame has at least one vertical stile with first and second channels that extend longitudinally therealong.
  • the stiles are shaped to receive utilities through outwardly opening sides.
  • the outwardly opening sides ofthe panels are juxtaposed in opposing directions, so as to facilitate routing utilities along both faces ofthe panel.
  • a variable height frame support may be positioned between the top ofthe panel and the building ceiling for floor-to-ceiling applications.
  • a correlation system for configuring and modifying a control relationship between controlling and controlled apparatus.
  • the correlation system includes programming means comprising a hand-held configuration.
  • the programming means is manually operable by a user so as to transmit correlation signals to the controlled apparatus and to the controlling apparatus.
  • the controlled apparatus and the controlling apparatus each have sensing means responsive to the correlation signals for effecting the control relationship between the controlled apparatus and the controlling apparatus.
  • the correlation system can comprise spatially transmitted signals.
  • the correlation system includes programming means.
  • the programming means comprise a wand having a hand-held configuration, and a programmable controller.
  • Switching means are provided which are manually operable by a user so as to generate state signals as input signals to the programmable controller.
  • the programmable controller is responsive to the state signals so as to execute particular functions as desired by the user.
  • the wand also includes mode selector means, adapted for receiving separate and independent inputs from the user.
  • the mode selector means is further adapted to generate and apply second state signals as input signals to the programmable controller.
  • the wand also includes transmitting means for transmitting the correlation signals to the controlled apparatus and to the controlling apparatus.
  • the programmable controller is responsive to the state signals and to the second state signals for applying activation signals to the transmission means.
  • the transmission means can comprise an IR emitter.
  • the correlation system can include a communication network for electronically coupling the controlling apparatus to the controlled apparatus.
  • the controlled apparatus can include at least one controlled programmable controller, having a unique address identifiable through the communication network ofthe correlation system.
  • the controlled apparatus can also include sensing means responsive to the correlation signals for applying control signals to the controlled programmable controller.
  • the controlling apparatus can include at least one controlling programmable controller having a unique address identifiable through the communications network ofthe correlation system. Sensing means ⁇ re responsive to the correlation signals, for applying control signals to the controlling programmable controller.
  • the controlling apparatus can include a plurality of switch units.
  • the controlled apparatus can include a plurality of lighting units.
  • the wand can include a trigger switch manually operable by the user, so as to generate state signals as input signals to the programmable controller.
  • the wand can also include a visible light having first and second states.
  • the programmable controller can be adapted to selectively generate and apply activation signals as input signals to the visible light, so as to change the state ofthe visible light between the first and second states.
  • the wand can also include a lens spaced forward ofthe visible light, with the lens being transparent to both visible and infrared light.
  • the lens can be a collimating lens for purposes of focusing the visible light into a series of parallel light paths.
  • the correlation system can include a plurality of separate and independent programming means.
  • the mode selector means can be adapted to generate and apply second state signals to the programmable controller as signals indicative of SET, ADD and REMOVE command signals.
  • the controlled apparatus can include transmission means for transmitting address code signals to the programming means, where the address code signals are representative of a unique address ofthe controlled apparatus.
  • Each ofthe wands can include means for indicating successful reception and execution of command signals.
  • the means for indicating successful reception and execution of command signals can include a visible light.
  • the configuring and modifying ofthe control relationship between the controlling apparatus and the controlled apparatus can be performed in the absence of any transmission of signals from the programming means which identify any element ofthe programming means.
  • the programming means can comprise means for transmitting identification signals which expressly identify one or more elements ofthe programming means.
  • the programming means can include a plurality of hand-held and manually operable wands. Each ofthe wands can comprise means for transmitting identification signals indicative of particular identification numbers ofthe wands.
  • the correlation system can also include means responsive to the identification signals for establishing a wand prioritization hierarchy. Means can be provided for storing signals indicative of a last state in which the control relationship was configured.
  • the correlation system can also include means for tracking and identifying which of a plurality of elements ofthe programming means is within a physical space associated with the correlation system.
  • the system also includes means for limiting capability ofthe programming means to effect the control relationship, based upon identification ofthe programming means and/or a particular physical space in which the control relationship is attempting to be effected.
  • the controlled apparatus can include one or more of a group consisting of light fixtures, microphones, cameras, monitors and wall sockets.
  • the controlled apparatus can be provided with standard power and data connections.
  • Each ofthe devices ofthe controlled apparatus can be connected to a control bus.
  • At least a subset ofthe controlled apparatus can be provided with a unique global identifier.
  • the identifier can reflect at least the manufacturer, type, class of device and particular unit.
  • the correlation system can include a control unit transmitting command signals to all devices ofthe controlled apparatus connected to a bus, for purposes of identifying elements of the controlled apparatus.
  • Each element ofthe controlled apparatus-comprises means for responding, by transmitting its identifier as a signal.
  • the correlation system also includes an identifier recording unit capable of receiving the identifier signals and converting the same to unique identifiers, and storing the identifiers in memory.
  • the system also includes means for determining a set of identifiers, and providing the identifiers to a control unit.
  • the placement of a device indicator adjacent a device can trigger the device to transmit its identifier by means of the control bus to a control unit.
  • the control unit can include means for recording the device identifier as a tagged device, and mapping the device with a particular control.
  • the correlation system can also include means for mapping a control in a particular parameter at a particular location within a workspace. In this manner, direct control of locations is provided, rather than control of devices.
  • all ofthe electrical signals transmitted among the programming means, control apparatus and controlled apparatus are wireless.
  • a method for use in a correlation system for configuring and modifying a control relationship between controlling apparatus and controlled apparatus.
  • the method includes the use of a programming means comprising a hand-held configuration manually operable by a user so as to transmit correlation signals to the controlled apparatus and the controlling apparatus. Receipt of correlation signals are sensed at the controlled apparatus. Further, receipt of correlation signals are also sensed at the controlling apparatus. A control relationship is effected between the controlled apparatus and the controlling apparatus, based on transmitted correlation signals.
  • a method in accordance with the invention also includes determining, through programmable processes, prior sets of correlation signals transmitted by the programming means. Determinations are made of next prior sets of correlation signals transmitted to the controlling apparatus. A particular control relationship is effected between the controlled apparatus and the controlling apparatus based on a sequential relationship existing between transmission ofthe correlation signals to the controlled apparatus and correlation signals to the controlling apparatus.
  • the method in accordance with the invention also includes configuring a particular controlling apparatus so as to control states of a plurality of controlled apparatus.
  • the method further includes steps for effecting a master/slave relationship among two or more ofthe controlled apparatus.
  • a further method in accordance with the invention includes use ofthe wand for transmitting a first particular command signal C to switch S, where C is representative ofthe sequence number ofthe command signal from the wand, and S is representative ofthe particular switch to which the command signal is transmitted.
  • a second particular command signal C+1 is transmitting to light L, where L is representative of a particular one ofthe lights to which the command signal C+1 is transmitted.
  • a third particular command signal C+2 is transmitted to light M, where M is representative of a particular one ofthe lights.
  • a fourth particular command signal C+3 is transmitted to light N, where N is also representative of a particular one ofthe lights.
  • a fifth particular command signal C+4 is transmitted to switch T, where T is representative of a particular one ofthe switches.
  • command signal C+3 was a command signal to the light N. Control is effected between light N and switch T. A determination is then made that command signal C+2 was a command signal to light M, and control is effected of light M by switch T. Command signal C+1 is then determined as a command signal to light L, and control of light L is effected by the switch T. A determination is then further made that command signal C was a command signal t ⁇ the switch S, and a further determination is made that a particular sequential configuration of control is completed. The foregoing method also includes transmitting a sixth particular command signal C+5 to switch U, where U is representative of a particular other one ofthe switches. A determination is then made that command signal C+4 was transmitted to switch T.
  • a control relationship is then effected so that switch U is a master switch for control of lights L, M and N, and switch T is slaved to switch U.
  • a further method in accordance with the invention includes the use ofthe wand for transmitting control signals to certain ones of lights. Further command signals are transmitted to particular ones of switches. A controlling relationship is then removed between the switches and the lights, based upon the command signals.
  • Methods in accordance with the invention also include configuring and modifying the control relationship in the absence of any transmission of signals from the programming means which identify an element ofthe programming means. Also, the method can include transmission of identification signals from the programming means, which expressly identify one or more elements ofthe programming means. The method can also include storage of signals indicative of a last state in which the control relationship was configured. The method can include means for tracking and identifying which of a series of elements ofthe programming means is within a physical space associated with the correlation system.
  • Further method steps in accordance with the invention include limiting capability ofthe programming means to effect the control relationship, based upon identification ofthe programming means and/or particular physical space in which the control relationship is attempting to be effected.
  • Means can also be included for generating a unique global identifier for each of at least a subset o the controlled apparatus.
  • the unique " global identifier can reflect at least a manufacturer, type, class of device and particular unit of each of at least a subset of a controlled apparatus.
  • Other method steps in accordance with the invention include transmission of command signals from a control unit to all devices of a controlled apparatus connected to a bus. This is for the purpose of identifying elements ofthe controlled apparatus. Each element ofthe controlled apparatus can respond by transmitting an identifier as a signal.
  • the method also includes having an identifier recording unit receiving identifier signals and converting the same to unique identifiers, and storing the identifiers in memory.
  • the method can also include placement of a device indicator adjacent to a device ofthe controlled apparatus, and triggering the device to transmit its identifier by means of a control bus to a control unit.
  • This method can further include recording the device identifier as a tagged device, and mapping the tagged device for particular control.
  • the method can include transmission of all signals between the control apparatus and the controlled apparatus as wireless signals.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a communications network in accordance with the invention, showing details in block diagram format of a lighting unit and a switch unit;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram partially in schematic format, illustrating a wand structured in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a rail system in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 4 is a two dimensional exploded view of certain of the elements ofthe rail system in accordance with the invention, with the principal elements also shown in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of a series of commercial interiors, illustrating an exemplary use ofthe rail system with the commercial interiors, in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of cable trays which may be utilized with the rail system in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective and partially exploded view of a rail connector which may. be utilized in accordance with the invention, for purposes of interconnecting adjacent primary tracks and providing intermediate support ofthe rail system in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a primary track which may be employed as a component ofthe rail system in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a power and communication bus strip which may be employed with the rail system in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a power connector which may be utilized through coupling with the power and communication bus strips, for purposes of providing electrical power and communication signals to components selectively interconnected to the rail system through the power connector in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 11 is an underside perspective view of a primary track interconnected at its end to a rail connector in accordance with the invention, and further showing the primary track partially exploded away from a primary track cover, in addition to illustrating certain power and communication elements ofthe rail system in an exposed state
  • FIG. 12 is a partially perspective and exploded view ofthe primary track, illustrating the staggering of track elements in accordance with the invention, for purposes of providing relatively greater strength and rigidity;
  • FIG. 12A is a diagrammatic illustration ofthe staggered components ofthe primary track illustrated in FIG. 12, further clarifying the staggering ofthe components in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary use ofthe primary track cap in accordance with the invention, and further illustrating the interconnection ofthe primary track cap with the primary track and electrical conduit (shown in phantom format);
  • FIG. 14 is an end view ofthe primary track cap in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG, 15 is a side elevation view ofthe primary track cap illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14;
  • FIG. 16 is an illustration ofthe assembly ofthe rail system in accordance with the invention, showing a powered cross rail being coupled between two primary tracks, with the powered cross rail being configured so as to be substantially level with and in the same horizontal plane as the interconnected primary tracks;
  • FIG. 17 is an end view of one ofthe primary tracks illustrated in FIG. 16, and showing in greater detail the interconnection ofthe powered cross rail to the primary track;
  • FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view ofthe powered cross rail illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, and taken along section lines 18-18 of FIG. 17;
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a rail system in accordance with the invention, and showing the system assembled and in use within a commercial interior, and further showing a powered cross rail interconnected between two primary tracks, in a manner so as to be located below the plane formed by the two interconnected primary tracks;
  • FIG. 20 is somewhat similar to FIG. 17, and comprises a cross sectional view of one ofthe primary tracks of FIG. 19, and illustrating in greater detail the interconnection ofthe cross rail to the primary track in a manner such that the cross rail is supported below the primary track;
  • FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view longitudinally along the powered cross rail of FIGS. 19 and 20, and taken along section lines 21-21 of FIG. 20;
  • FIG. 22 is a cross sectional end view of a primary track, and illustrating the interconnection of a non-powered cross rail in a manner such that the non-powered cross rail is supported below the general plane ofthe primary track;
  • FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view taken longitudinally along the non-powered cross rail illustrated in FIG. 22, and taken along section lines 23-23 of FIG. 22;
  • FIG. 23 A illustrates a rail system in accordance with the invention in use within a particular commercial interior, and illustrating the interconnection of a non-powered cross rail in an angled configuration below two supporting primary tracks, the view being similar in scope to FIGS. 16 and 19;
  • FIG. 24 is a cross sectional end view of a primary track and primary connector, with a hanging electrical power box coupled to the primary track, and further illustrating the use of electrical conduit projecting laterally from the longitudinal axis ofthe primary track;
  • FIG. 25 includes a number ofthe components illustrated in FIG. 24, but illustrates the use of electrical conduit projecting downwardly from the electrical power box, and further illustrates, as an example, the interconnection ofthe electrical cord to components for energizing electrical receptacles;
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a hanging clip which' may be utilized in accordance with the invention with the rail system, for purposes of supporting various accessories;
  • FIG. 27 is a cross sectional end view ofthe use of a primary track, power connector and the hanging clip illustrated in FIG. 26, for purposes of supporting and energizing a light fixture;
  • FIG. 28 is a perspective view ofthe use ofthe rail system in accordance with the , invention, in a particular commercial interior, and showing the use ofthe rail system with primary tracks, powered and non-powered cross rails, and accessories including light fixtures and vertically disposed partitions;
  • FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a rail system similar in structure to the rail system in FIG. 28, and further showing the use ofthe rail system with a supported electronic marker board or teleconferencing screen;
  • FIG. 30 illustrates the use of a rail system in accordance with the invention configured somewhat similar to the rail systems illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, and further illustrating the use ofthe rail system with manual manipulation of a wand for purposes of controlling lighting fixtures and the like;
  • FIG. 31 illustrates the further programming of a second light fixture associated with the rail system in FIG. 30;
  • FIG. 31 A further illustrates manual manipulation ofthe wand so as to generate appropriate signals (which will be carried through the rail system) for purposes of programming relationships between the light fixtures and the switch unit illustrated in FIG. 31 A;
  • FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a wand which may be utilized for the purposes illustrated in FIGS. 30, 31 and 31 A;
  • FIG. 33 is an elevation view ofthe wand illustrated in FIG. 32;
  • FIG. 34 is an end view of one end ofthe wand illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31;
  • FIG. 35 is an example embodiment of one space divider within a space division system with technology in accordance with the invention, with the space divider hung from a rail system having communications, and with the space divider displaying certain SSL lighting technology;
  • FIG. 36 is a plan view of an office environment showing the space division system in accordance with the invention, in various configurations;
  • FIG. 37 is a side elevational view ofthe system, showing the space divider with 3D translucency, and with the use of stretch material;
  • FIG. 38 is an end view ofthe space divider of FIG. 37, showing material characteristics and taken along section lines 38-38 of FIG. 37;
  • FIG. 39 illustrates a space divider in accordance with the invention, utilizing what is characterized as "cattle mattress” material, with FIG. 39 being a side elevational view;
  • FIG. 40 is a sectional end view, taken along section lines 40-40 of FIG. 39, for purposes of showing material characteristics;
  • FIG, 41 is a perspective view of two curved space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 42 is partial sectional view ofthe bottom and top detail ofthe space dividers in FIG. 41, taken along section lines 42-42 of FIG. 41;
  • FIG. 42A is an end view of an alternative embodiment for an articulated bottom which may be utilized with the space dividers of FIG. 41;
  • FIG. 42B is a perspective view ofthe alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG.
  • FIG. 43 is an end sectional view of a section ofthe space dividers shown in FIG. 41, taken along section lines 43-43 of FIG. 41;
  • FIG. 44 is a section of the junction between the adjoining space dividers shown in FIG. 41 , and taken along section lines 44-44 of FIG. 41 ;
  • FIG. 45 is a "close up" sectional view of an end portion of a wall ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, illustrating the use of 3D translucent material, and also showing power/communication cables extending through a pre-woven pocket;
  • FIG. 46 is a "close up" sectional view of the junction ofthe two space dividers in FIG. 41, illustrating the use of 3D translucent material, and also showing power/communication cables extending through the pre-woven portion ofthe pocket;
  • FIG. 47 is a "close up” sectional view of an end portion ofthe wall shown in FIG. 41, with the space divider utilizing “cattle mattress” material, and with power/communication cables from the rail system extending through the pre-woven pocket;
  • FIG. 48 is a "close up” sectional view ofthe junction of two space dividers utilizing the "cattle mattress” material, and also showing the power/communication cables extending through the pre-woven pocket;
  • FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of one ofthe space dividers of the space division system in accordance with the invention, illustrating the use of internal LED light technology;
  • FIG. 50 is a sectional end view of details ofthe internal LED light technology of FIG. 49, taken along section lines 50-50 of FIG. 49, and illustrating the concept of utilizing a pattern having a flexibility of location for color wash or signaling, and further illustrating the concept of channel voids being integral to the fabric;
  • FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of a partition panel of the space division system in accordance with the invention, illustrating another arrangement for use of internal LED light technology
  • FIG. 52 is a sectional end view of a portion ofthe space divider shown in FIG. 51, taken along section lines 52-52 of FIG. 51;
  • FIG. 53 is a side elevational view of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, illustrating another configuration ofthe internal LED light technology utilized with the space dividers;
  • FIG. 54 is a sectional end view of a portion ofthe space divider illustrated in FIG. 53, taken along section lines 54-54 of FIG. 53;
  • FIG. 55 is a side elevational view of a space divider ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, and illustrating another embodiment ofthe use of internal LED light technology with the space divider;
  • FIG. 56 is a sectional end view showing a portion ofthe space divider of FIG. 55, taken along section lines 56-56 of FIG. 55;
  • FIG. 57 is an alternative sectional end view taken from FIG. 55, and showing the use ofthe LED light technology in a manner which may be important for emergency directional lighting, and illustrating the use of internal LED lighting on both sMes of a space divider;
  • FIG. 58 is a side elevation view of a space divider ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, and illustrating the use of internal LED technology with arrows;
  • FIG. 59 is a side elevational view of a space divider ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, and showing the use of external LED light technology, so as to provide a "color wash" along one side ofthe space divider;
  • FIG. 60 is a sectional end view ofthe space divider illustrated in FIG. 59, and taken along section lines 60-60 of FIG. 59;
  • FIG. 61 is a side elevational view of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, and illustrating the use ofthe space dividers with power and data storage;
  • FIG. 62 is a side elevational view ofthe use of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, and further showing the use of SSL task lighting technology with the space dividers;
  • FIG. 63 is a front elevational view, illustrating the task lighting technology of FIG. 62;
  • FIG. 64 is a perspective view showing a curved space divider, and further showing the use of task lighting technology with the space divider;
  • FIG. 65 is a side elevational view of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, and showing DC low voltage technologies associated with the space dividers;
  • FIG. 66 is a side elevation view of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, illustrating various office environment technologies incorporated with the space dividers, and further illustrating the use of Nelcro dtps on attachment points;
  • FIG. 67 is a side elevational view of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, showing the space dividers with use of technology in a temporary work or gathering space, where the technology may comprise data storage switches, headphones, projection screens and the like;
  • FIG. 68 is a top plan view of a mockup office environment similar to that of FIG. 36, but showing the use of a projector and screen with one ofthe configurations ofthe space dividers;
  • FIG. 69 is a plan view of one embodiment of a shape of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 70 is a plan view of a further embodiment ofthe use of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 71 is a plan view of a still further embodiment ofthe use ofthe technology curtains ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 72 is a plan view of a particular configuration ofthe space dividers characterized as a "flutter" form
  • FIG. 73 is a ian view of a further embodiment of a "flutter" form configuration ofthe space dividers
  • FIG. 74 is a plan view of a configuration ofthe space dividers, with the configuration illustrating positions of individual and collective space, and with FIG. 74 specifically illustrating a "quad-place" configuration
  • FIG. 75 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a "quad-place” configuration, with the embodiments of FIGS. 74 and 75 showing individual and collective space, and moving to more collectivity with a less flexible central passageway, where the space grows so as to accommodate group work
  • FIG. 76 is a plan view of space dividers ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, in a configuration which illustrates a "triplace" configuration, having three spaces;
  • FIG. 77 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment, illustrating a single space configuration
  • FIG. 78 is a plan view of a third alternative embodiment, illustrating a configuration with two spaces
  • FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a translucent partition panel ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, in use;
  • FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a user employing a control wand for purposes of reconfiguring control relationships among technologies associated with the space division system, with the user working on control relationships associated with activation of LED technologies on the space dividers;
  • FIG. 81 illustrates a perspective view of a user employing the control wand for purposes of working on control relationships associated with the task lighting technologies ofthe space division system;
  • FIG. 82 is a perspective view of a control wand which may be utilized in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 83 is a plan view ofthe control wand of FIG. 82;
  • FIG. 84 is a front elevational view ofthe control wand of FIG, 82;
  • FIG. 85 is a perspective view of an arrangement of a partition panel ofthe space division system in accordance with the invention, using task lighting technologies in an arrangement which could be employed for a library, study hall, restaurant or similar environment;
  • FIG. 86 is a perspective, diagrammatic illustration of a ceiling system located above a particular spatial area having various functions
  • FIG. 87 is a perspective view of a series of shielding elements in accordance with the invention, suspended from a rail system;
  • FIG. 88 is a perspective view of shielding elements similar to FIG. 87, but with the shielding elements being suspended from cables;
  • FIG. 89 is a section view of FIG. 87, illustrating certain aspects ofthe LED lighting and ceiling, with the concept that single or a plurality of LED's may be utilized for possible color changing or the like;
  • FIG. 90 is a section view of FIG. 87, showing the cable suspensions and further showing aspects ofthe LED lighting and ceiling;
  • FIG. 91 is a perspective of ceiling components in accordance with the invention, and comprising what is characterized as an LED or member having a linear LED lighting module associated therewith;
  • FIG. 92 is a perspective view similar in scope to FIG. 91, but showing the use of a pair of linear LED lighting modules with the LED member;
  • FIG. 93 is a perspective view similar in scope to FIGS. 91 and 92, but showing the use ofthe LED member with three linear LED lighting modules;
  • FIG. 94 is an underside view ofthe LED member of FIG. 93;
  • FIG. 95 illustrates a generally elevational view of a linear LED lighting module, detached from the LED member
  • FIG. 96 is a side elevation cross section similar in scope to FIG. 89, but showing the use of a power transformer
  • FIG. 96 A is a sectional end view ofthe LED lighting module and connector elements associated therewith, taken along section lines 96A-96A of FIG. 96;
  • FIG. 97 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention, showing the combination ofthe actual shields and the LED lighting modules;
  • FIG. 98 is a cross sectional view ofthe first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 97;
  • FIG. 99 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 100 is a cross sectional view ofthe ceiling embodiment illustrated in FIG. 99;
  • FIG. 101 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 102 is a cross sectional view ofthe ceiling configuration illustrated in FIG. 101;
  • FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 104 is a cross sectional view ofthe ceiling configuration illustrated in FIG. 103;
  • FIG. 105 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 106 is a cross sectional view ofthe ceiling configuration illustrated in FIG. 105;
  • FIG. 107 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 108 is a cross sectional view ofthe ceiling configuration illustrated in FIG. 107;
  • FIG. 108 A is an enlarged portion ofthe cross sectional view illustrated in FIG. 108;
  • FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a seventh alternative embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 110 is a cross sectional view ofthe ceiling configuration illustrated in FIG. 109, with marker lights being shown;
  • FIG. 110 A is an enlarged portion of the cross sectional view illustrated in FIG.
  • FIG. I l l is a perspective view of an eighth alternative embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 112 is a cross sectional view ofthe ceiling configuration illustrated in FIG. 111;
  • FIG. 112A is an enlarged view ofthe cross section illustrated in FIG. 112;
  • FIG. 113 is a perspective view of a ninth alternative embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 114 is an underside view ofthe ceiling configuration illustrated in FIG. 113, and showing details ofthe fabric;
  • FIG. 115 is a cross sectional view ofthe ceiling configuration of FIG. 113, illustrating the support structure for the same;
  • FIG. 116 is a perspective view of an orientation of shielding elements which may be utilized in accordance with the invention;
  • FIG. 117 is an perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an orientation of shielding elements which may be utilized in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 118 illustrates the use of one ofthe embodiments ofthe ceiling configuration, utilized in combination with a dimmer control switch
  • FIG. 118A is an elevation view of an example dimmer control switch
  • FIG. 119 is a perspective view of a user exhibiting manual manipulation of a control wand for purposes of controlling the LED lighting modules of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 120 is a perspective view of a user exhibiting manual manipulation of the control wand, for purposes of controlling functional relationships between a dimmer control switch and a ceiling configuration
  • FIG. 121 is a perspective view of a control wand which may be utilized for the purposes illustrated in FIGS. 119 and 120;
  • FIG. 122 is an elevation view ofthe control wand illustrated in FIG. 121; and
  • FIG. 123 is an end view of one end ofthe wand illustrated in FIGS. 121 and 122, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the principles ofthe invention are disclosed, by way of example, in a switch/light correlation system which is adapted for use with a lighting system ⁇ O2 as illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the lighting system 102 is associated with one or more wands 104, with an example embodiment of one ofthe wands 104 being illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the wand 104 is utilized with the lighting system 102 so as to initially configure or reconfigure relationships or correlation's among switches and lights ofthe lighting system 102.
  • the wand 104 provides a manual, handheld means for determining which ofthe lights ofthe lighting system 102 are controlled by which ofthe switches ofthe lighting system 102.
  • Control ofthe lighting system 102 in accordance with the invention is provided through the use of relatively inexpensive apparatus, which is readily usable by the layperson.
  • the lighting system 102 includes a plurality of lighting units 106.
  • Each lighting unit 106 includes a conventional light 107.
  • the light 107 may be any one of a number of conventional lights, including florescent and LED devices.
  • the light 107 is electrically interconnected to and controlled by a controller 108, with each ofthe controllers 108 associated with one ofthe lighting units 106.
  • Each ofthe controllers 108 may be a conventional programmable controller.
  • Each programmable controller 108 will have a unique address 110 identifiable through the communications network ofthe lighting system 102.
  • Each ofthe lighting units 106 further includes an infrared (IR) sensor 112.
  • IR infrared
  • IR sensor 112 is conventional in nature and may be any one of numerous commercially available IR sensor devices. An IR sensor 112 is associated with each ofthe lighting units 106, and is utilized to receive IR signals from the wand 104 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. Each ofthe IR sensors 112 is adapted to convert IR signals from the wand 104 to electrical signals, and apply the same to the corresponding controller 108 through line 114.
  • each " ⁇ ontroller has bi-directional communication with a control bus 116 or similar common interface used to provide for control and communication among various devices, such as the lighting units 106 and the switch units to be described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the control bus 116 or a similar communications interface is associated with a communications network 118.
  • Communications network 118 may be sophisticated in design and provide for network control of a number of different devices associated with environmental systems, in addition to switch and lighting apparatus. Alternatively, communications network 118 may be relatively simplistic in design and provide only a few functions associated solely with switches and lights.
  • Each controller 108 associated with a lighting unit 106 communicates with the control bus 116 through a line 120.
  • Each controller 108 may have the capability of not only storage of a unique address 110 associated with the corresponding light 107, but may also store other information, such as light state and the like.
  • the lighting system 102 may also include a plurality of switch units 128.
  • Each ofthe switch units 128 is utilized to control one or more of the lighting units 106.
  • the lighting system 102 includes a series of m switch units 128.
  • the switch unit 128 includes a conventional switch 129.
  • a switch 129 is associated with each one ofthe switch units 128,
  • Each switch 129 can be any one of a number of conventional and commercially available switches.
  • Each ofthe switches 129 converts manual activation or deactivation into an output state applied on line 130.
  • the state of switch 129 on line 130 is applied as an input to a conventional controller 132.
  • Controller 132 is preferably a conventional programmable controller of any of a series of commercially available types. Each ofthe controllers 132 may correspond in structure to the controllers 108 associated with the lighting units 106. As with each ofthe controllers 108 ofthe lighting units 106, the controllers 132 each have a unique address 134 associated therewith. Each controller 132 may also include various programmable instructions and memory storage which may comprise a light control list 136 stored in writeable memory. Each ofthe switch units 128 also includes an IR sensor 138. Each ofthe IR sensors 138 may correspond in structure and function to the IR sensors 112 associated with each ofthe lighting units 106.
  • each ofthe IR sensors 138 is adapted to receive IR signals as inputs signals, and convert the same to corresponding electrical signals.
  • the electrical signals are applied as input signals on line 140 to the corresponding controller 132.
  • the input IR signals to the IR sensor 138 will be received from the wand 104, and will be utilized to compile and modify the light control list 136.
  • each ofthe controllers 108 associated with the lighting units 106 the controllers 132 associated with the switch units 128 will have bi-directional communication through line 140 with the control bus 116 ofthe communications network 118.
  • Each ofthe switch units 128 may be configured (in accordance with methods described in subsequent paragraphs herein) so as to control one or more ofthe lights 107 ofthe lighting units 106.
  • the general programmable control as specifically associated with the switch units 128 and the lighting units ' 106 is relatively straightforward, in that each ofthe controllers 132 may include, as part ofthe light control list 136, identifications of each ofthe unique addresses 110 ofthe lighting units 106 associated with the lights 107 to be controlled.
  • the wand 104 may include any type of desired mechanical structure, preferably including a housing 141. Enclosed within or otherwise interconnected to the housing 141 is a conventional programmable controller 142.
  • the programmable controller 142 may be any of a number of conventional and commercially available controllers, preferably sized and configured for convenience of use within a device such as the handheld wand 104.
  • the wand 104 also preferably includes a trigger switch 144.
  • the trigger switch 144 may be manually operated by the user so as to generate a state signal as an input on line 146 to the controller 142.
  • the state signal on line 146 may be a responsive signal to activation ofthe trigger switch 144 so as to cause the controller 142 to perform particular functions desired by the user.
  • the wand 104 also includes a mode selector module 148.
  • the mode selector module 148 may preferably comprise a selector switching module adapted for three separate and independent inputs from the user. More specifically, the mode selector module 148 may include a SET switch 150, ADD switch 152 and REMOVE switch 154.
  • the mode selector module 148 is adapted so as to generate and apply a state signal on line 156 as an input signal to the controller 142.
  • the state signal on line 156 will preferably be of a unique state, dependent upon selective activation by the user of any one ofthe switches 150, 152 or 154.
  • the mode selector module 148 may be one of any number of commercially available three switch modules, providing unique state outputs.
  • the controller 142 is adapted to apply activation signals on line 158, as input activation signals to an IR emitter 160.
  • the IR emitter 160 is conventional in design and structure and adapted to transmit IR signals in response to activation signals from line 158.
  • the controller 142 is also adapted to selectively generate and apply activation signals on line 162.
  • the activation signals on line 162 are applied as signals to a visible light 164.
  • the visible light 164 may be any of a number of appropriate and commercially available lights for the purposes contemplated for use of the wand 104 in accordance with the invention.
  • the wand 104 may also preferably include a lens 166 spaced forward ofthe visible light 164.
  • the lens 166 is preferably a lens which is transparent to both visible and infrared light.
  • the lens 166 is also preferably a collimating lens for purposes of focusing the visible light 164 into a series of parallel light paths (e.g. a coUimated light beam 168).
  • the foregoing describes the general structure of one embodiment of a switch/light correlation system in accordance with the invention.
  • the correlation system may be characterized as correlation system 100, which comprises the lighting system 102 and the wand 104. The operation ofthe correlation system 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • a principal concept ofthe invention is to provide a means for configuring (or reconfiguring) the communications network, so that certain ofthe switch units 128 control certain ofthe lighting units 106.
  • a plurality of wands 104 may be utilized.
  • the wands 104 may be numbered W-l, W-2, W-3...W-a, where a is the total number of wands 104.
  • An individual wand 104 may be characterized as wand W-A, where A is the particular wand number 1 through a.
  • each ofthe wands 104 may be utilized to initiate one of three commands, namely SET, ADD or REMOVE, through use ofthe mode selector module 148, and its switches 150, 152 and 154. More specifically, and as an example, the user may wish to initiate a SET command for purposes of associating one or more ofthe switches 129 with one or more ofthe lights 107. The user may first activate the SET switch 150. At the time the SET command is to be transmitted to an appropriate one ofthe lights 107 or switches 129, the trigger, switch 144 is activated by the user. The controller 142 ofthe wand 104, in response to the SET command signal and the trigger switch signal, will generate appropriate electrical signals to the IR emitter 160.
  • the IR emitter 160 will transmit IR signals representative ofthe SET command. These IR signals will be received as input signals by the respective IR sensor 112 or 138 associated with the lighting unit 106 or switch 128, respectively, to which the wand 104 is then currently pointed.
  • an individual light 107 may be characterized as light L-X, where X is an integer from 1 to n.
  • an individual switch 129 may be characterized as switch S-Y, where Y is an integer from 1 to m.
  • each command may be referenced as C-N, where N is the sequential number ofthe command generated by a specific wand 104.
  • a command referenced herein as W-4, C-3 would reference the third command from the fourth wand 104.
  • W-4, C-3, SET meaning that IR signals are generated from the fourth wand 104, indicating that, in fact, the signals are from the fourth wand, they represent the third command from the fourth wand, and they are indicative of a SET command.
  • the complete "directional" command may be characterized as W-4, C-3. SET, L-2.
  • the directional command may be characterized as W-4, C-3, SET, S-4.
  • the "SET" designation would be replaced by the designation "ADD” or "REMOVE,” respectively.
  • a specific sequential process will now be described as an embodiment in accordance with the invention to relate or correlate control between a particular one ofthe switches 129 and the lights 107.
  • the user wishes to configure the lighting system 100 such that switch S-6 is to control light L-4.
  • the sixth wand 104 is being utilized by the user, and the last command transmitted by wand W-6 was the fourteenth command (e.g. C-14).
  • command C-14 from wand W-6 was transmitted to one ofthe switches 129.
  • the user would first configure the mode selector module 148 for wand W-6 so as to enable the SET switch 150.
  • the wand W-6 is than pointed to the lighting unit 106 associated with light L-4.
  • the directional configuration ofthe wand 104 is indicated by the coUimated light beam 168.
  • the user may activate the trigger switch 144 of wand W-6.
  • the light 164 may preferably be "blinked" so as to indicate appropriate command transmittal.
  • the command may be characterized as W-6, C-15, SET, L-4.
  • the command is transmitted to light L-4 through transmittal of IR signals from the IR emitter 160 associated with wand W-6. These IR signals will be received by the IR sensor 112 associated with the lighting unit 106 for light L-4. IR signals received by the IR sensor 112 are converted to corresponding electrical signals applied to the corresponding controller 108 through line 114. These signals are then also available to the communications network 118.
  • the user then "points" the wand W-6 to switch S-6 ofthe set of switches 129.
  • the trigger switch 144 can again be activated, thereby transmitting IR signals through the IR emitter 160 to switch S-6, indicative of a SET command.
  • This directional command can be characterized as W-6, C-16, SET, S-6.
  • the IR signals transmitted by the IR emitter 160 will be received by the IR sensor 138 associated with the switch unit 128 for switch S-6 ofthe set of switches 129.
  • IR signals received by the IR sensor 138 from wand W-6 are converted to electrical signals on line 140 and applied as input signals to the corresponding controller 132. Signals indicative ofthe command are also made available to the communications network 118.
  • switch unit 128 for switch S-6 When this particular command is received by switch unit 128 for switch S-6, program control via controllers 108, 132, and communications network 118 will have knowledge that the SET command sent to switch S-6 was the sixteenth command from wand W-6. Programmable processes are then undertaken to determine the particular command corresponding to the fifteenth command from wand W-6, i.e. W-6, C-15. Through the prior storage of data associated with the command W-6, C-15, a determination is made that this particular command was a SET command transmitted to light L-4. With this information, the communications network 118 is provided with sufficient data so as to configure the lighting system 100 such that switch S-6 is made to control light L-4.
  • the foregoing sequence is an example of where a single one ofthe switches 129 is made to control a single one ofthe lights 107.
  • the lighting system 100 may also be configured so as to have one of these switches 129 control two or more ofthe lights 107.
  • an example similar to the foregoing example using commands from wand W-6 may be utilized. More specifically, it can be assumed that command C-12 from wand W-6 was a command directed to one ofthe switches 129. It can be further assumed that the user wishes to have switch S-6 control not only light L-4, but also lights L-7 and L-10.
  • wand W-6 the user may than transmit a SET command to light L-10 as the thirteenth command from wand W-6. That is, the command will be described as W-6, C-13, SET, L-10. Directional pointing ofthe wand W-6 toward light L-10 would be in accordance with the prior description herein.
  • a further SET command can be transmitted to L-7. This will be the fourteenth command from wand W-6, and would be indicated as W-6, C-14, SET, L-7, Following this command, the two SET commands C-15 and C-16 for light L-4 and switch S-6, respectively, can be transmitted as described in the prior example.
  • command C-15 was a SET command to light L-4
  • switch S-6 would be made to control light L-4.
  • a further search would than be made for command C-14 from wand W-6.
  • the lighting system 100 would make a determination that this particular command was a SET command to light L-7, rather than a command to a switch 129.
  • the communications network 118 With command C-14 being transmitted to light L-7, the communications network 118 would be configured so that switch S-6 would be made to control not only light L-4, but also light L-7.
  • the lighting system 100 would be made to search for data indicative of command C- 13 from wand W-6.
  • command C-13 was a SET command to light L- 10
  • the switch S-6 would be further configured through the communications network 118 so as to control not only lights L-4 and L-7, but also light L-10.
  • a search for data indicative of command C-12 from wand W-6 would then be undertaken by the communications network 118.
  • the communications network 118 Upon determining that this particular command was a command directed to one ofthe switches 129, the communications network 118 would determine that this particular sequential configuration is completed.
  • the controller 132 ofthe switch unit 128 associated with switch S- 6 will include a light control list 136 having data indicative of switch S-6 controlling lights L-4, L-7 and L-10. Program control through the appropriate controllers and the communications network 118 will than effect this configuration, so that switch S-6 will have control of all three of the designated lights.
  • the lighting system 100 in accordance with the invention can also operate so as to configure a "master/slave" relationship among two or more ofthe switches 129.
  • wand W-6 was utilized to transmit a series of commands C-12, C-13, C- 14, C-15 and C-16 as described in the foregoing paragraphs. It may also be assumed that the commands were exactly as described in the foregoing paragraphs in that the commands C-13 through C-16 were made to cause switch S-6 to control lights L-10, L-7 and L-4.
  • a seventeenth command may then be generated through the use of wand W-6, with the command being a SET command and the wand W-6 being pointed at switch S-8.
  • This command would be designated as W-6, C-17, SET, S-8.
  • This command will be transmitted in accordance with the procedures previously described herein with respect to other SET commands.
  • the controllers and communications network 118 Upon receipt of IR signals by the IR sensor 138 associated with the switch unit 128 for switch S-8, the controllers and communications network 118 would than be made to search for data indicative of command C- 16 from wand W-6.
  • the data indicative of command C-16 from wand W-6 would indicate that this particular command was a SET command to switch S-6.
  • command C-16 which was immediately prior to command C-17 from wand W-6, was a command directed to a switch, rather than a light.
  • program control through the communications network 118 would configure the lighting system 100 so that switch S-8 will be configured by the communications network 118 as a "master" switch for control of lights L-10, L-7 and L-4, while switch S-6 is "slaved" to switch S-8.
  • the mode selector module 148 also includes an ADD switch 152 and a REMOVE switch 154. Functionality ofthe lighting system 100 for purposes of these particular functions is similar to the functionality for the SET commands. Accordingly, relatively simple configuration sequences will be described in the subsequent paragraphs with respect to examples of use ofthe ADD and REMOVE commands.
  • the mode selector module 148 may be set by the user so as to enable7 the ADD switch 152. Assume that the user wishes to add light L-20 to the control list for switch S-10.
  • the user would than point the wand W-6 to light L-20, and activate the trigger switch 144 so as to transmit command W-6, C-18, ADD, L-20. Following transmittal of this command, the, user may than transmit a further ADD command by pointing the wand W-6 to switch S-10.
  • the command transmitted would be characterized as W-6, C-19, ADD, S-10.
  • the controllers 108, 132 and the communications network 118 would than search for data indicative of command C-18 from W-6. Data would be found indicative of command C-18 being an ADD command transmitted to light L-20. Accordingly, the communications network 118 would be configured so as to ADD light L-20 to the list of lights 107 which are under control of switch S-10.
  • command C-17 had been an ADD command associated with a particular light, then not only light L-20, but also the light associated with command C-17 would also be added to the list of lights 107 controlled by switch S-10.
  • the user may also employ a REMOVE command.
  • the REMOVE mode may be selected by enabling the REMOVE switch 154 ofthe mode selector module 148 associated with the particular wand 104 to be used.
  • the REMOVE command is similar to the functionality associated with use ofthe SET and ADD commands.
  • the user wishes to REMOVE control of light L-30 by switch S-25.
  • the user may enable the REMOVE switch 154, point the wand W-6 to light L-30, and activate the trigger, switch 144.
  • This causes transmittal ofthe command W-6, C-20, REMOVE, L-30.
  • the user may then point wand W-6 to switch S-25, and again transmit a REMOVE command.
  • This command may be characterized as command W-6, C-21, REMOVE, S-25.
  • the switch unit 128 associated with switch S-25 Upon receipt ofthe signals indicative of command C-21, the switch unit 128 associated with switch S-25 would than cause the communications network 118 to search for data indicative of command C-20 from wand W-6. Upon retrieval of data indicating that command C-20 from wand W-6 was a REMOVE command transmitted to light L-30, the communications network 118 would be reconfigured so as to REMOVE light L-30 from control by switch S-25. A further search would than be made for data indicative of command C-19 from wand W-6. Upon obtaining data indicating that command C-19 was a command directed to switch S-10, the REMOVE process would be considered complete, Through this reconfiguration, light L-30 would no longer be controlled by switch S-25. It will be apparent from the description ofthe foregoing configuration processes that control of two or more ofthe lights 107 may be REMOVED from a particular one ofthe switches 129, through processes similar to the foregoing.
  • each ofthe lighting units 106 and an IR emitter associated with each ofthe switch units 128.
  • an IR sensor could then be employed within each ofthe wands 104.
  • each ofthe wands 104 may be utilized to receive and to transmit IR signals.
  • each ofthe switch units 128 and lighting units 106 can also be enabled to transmit IR signals.
  • a command could be generated from a wand 104 or a switch unit 128 requesting certain ofthe lights 107 to "broadcast" their individual addresses.
  • various commands other than merely SET, REMOVE and ADD commands could be transmitted from each ofthe wands 104.
  • switch units 128 may be made to directly transmit commands to lighting units 106 through spatial signals.
  • sensors could be included within switch units 128 and the wands 104 so as to sense visible light itself.
  • commands may be transmitted to the lighting units 106 so as to cause the lights 107 themselves to "blink" their own codes, such as their unique addresses.
  • other variations of spatial signal transmission/reception may be utilized in accordance with the invention, without departing from the novel concepts thereof.
  • the visible light 164 for each ofthe wands 104 may be made to "blink" when the trigger switch 144 is activated, indicating the transmission of a command.
  • Other functionality may be included to provide feedback, such as each ofthe lights 107 which is the subject of a command from one ofthe wands 104 being made to "blink" or otherwise indicate successful reception or completion of a command.
  • each device to be controlled may be provided with standard power and data connections required by the device.
  • each ofthe devices may be connected to a control bus.
  • controllers and control buses The concept of utilizing controllers and control buses is set forth in prior paragraphs herein, and also is set forth in a commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “Rail System” and filed as of even date herewith. Connection to a bus may be made via existing electrical power lines, or separate hardwired or wireless channels. AU control units would be connected to the control bus.
  • Each device could also be provided with at least one global unique identifier.
  • the identifier would preferably be unique from the date of manufacture.
  • the identifier could be broken into portions, with a first portion reflecting the manufacturer, a second portion identifying the type, family or class of device, and a third portion uniquely identifying the particular unit.
  • the control arrangement could commence in operation with the control unit sending a command to all devices connecting to the bus, so as to identify themselves.
  • Each device would respond by emitting its identifier via a method consistent with its end use. For example, a speaker may emit an audio signal from which the identifier could be determined. A light may flash at the identifier. Alternatively, an IR LED on the device may be utilized to flash the identifier. This would also allow devices such as cameras and heaters, where no clear method exists, to identify themselves.
  • An identifier recording unit capable of receiving each of these signals and converting them to unique identifiers may then be brought into close proximity with one or more devices, each in succession.
  • the identifier recorder reads the identifier, and then stores it in memory. In the case of devices without convenient access, it may be possible to obtain the identifying signal via a directional microphone or optics.
  • a set of identifiers may be provided to the control unit and assigned to a particular control. This may be achieved by any ofthe device emitting methods previously described herein, or by means of a serial cable or wireless communications protocol. In the case of a control unit with multiple switches, the user may select the particular control to which the collected identifiers are assigned. It is preferable that the identifier recorder be capable of storing more than one set of identifiers. This would permit more than one set of devices to be mapped to more than one control in a signal pass, simplifying the process of establishing the control scheme.
  • placement ofa device indicator near a device may trigger the device to transmit its identifier by means ofthe control bus to the control unit. The control unit would then record the device identifier as a "tagged" device. The control unit could then be instructed to map the tagged devices to a particular control. Most simply, the device indicator could be a button on each device.
  • control arrangement in accordance with the invention allows the user to create a device control scheme in the physical space ofthe devices. That is, it is not necessary to design a control scheme, convert the scheme to a set of identifiers, and then program a control unit using these identifiers. Instead, the invention allows the user to program a control scheme as the user visualizes it within the workspace.
  • the concepts set forth above may be used to readily map a control to a particular parameter (e.g., lighting intensity, sound intensity and the like) at a particular location within the workspace.
  • a particular parameter e.g., lighting intensity, sound intensity and the like
  • the invention provides for the direct control of locations, rather than the control of devices.
  • concepts associated with the invention may be utilized in control units associated with residential facilities, theaters, vehicle interiors and the like.
  • FIG. 5 A general layout ofthe rail system 1100 as used within a series of reconfigurable commercial interiors s is illustrated in FIG. 5. Structural layouts ofthe rail system employing certain of its principal components are also illustrated in FIGS. 16, 19, 23A, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 31 A.
  • the rail system 1100 comprises an overhead structure providing significant advantages in environmental workspaces. As examples, the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention facilitates access to locations where a commercial interior designer may wish to locate various functional elements, including electrical power receptacles and the like. In addition, the rail system 1100 facilitates flexibility and reconfiguration in the location of various functional elements which may be supported and mounted in a releasable and reconfigurable manner with the rail system.
  • the rail system in accordance with the invention may carry not only AC electrical power (of varying voltages), but also may carry DC/low voltage or communication signals.
  • the communication signals can be used for purposes of relatively well-known communication functions.
  • the rail system 1100 may include a communication bus structure which permits the "programming" of controlled relationships among various commercial interior components. For example, with a bus structure as inco ⁇ orated within the rail system 1100, "control relationships" may be "reprogrammed" among components such as switches and lights. More specifically, with the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention, reconfiguration is facilitated, both with respect to expense, time and functionality.
  • the commercial interior can be reconfigured in "real time."
  • various functional components can be quickly relocated from a "physical” sense, but relationships among functional components can also be altered.
  • functional or "control" relationships can be readily modified among various switch and lighting components.
  • it is the "totality" ofthe differing aspects of a commercial interior which are readily reconfigurable, and which provide some ofthe inventive concepts ofthe rail system 1100.
  • the rail system 1100 may be employed within a commercial interior structure 1102.
  • the commercial interior structure 1102 includes a number of workspaces which have been defined in a reconfigurable manner through the use of a series of vertically disposed partitions 1104, an example of which is shown with respect to another exemplary commercial interior in FIG. 28.
  • the vertically disposed partitions 1104 are utilized to reconfigurably separate the commercial interior structure 1102 into workspaces.
  • a workspace 1106 is defined which may be employed as a conference room having a conference table 1108 and chairs 1110.
  • the conference room workspace 1106 may also be somewhat partially open, as also illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • the commercial interior structure 1102 may include other workspaces, such as the workspace 1112.
  • the workspace 1112 may comprise, for example, a series of computer workstations 1114 which are reconfigurably segregated from each other through one ofthe vertically disposed partitions 1116, which is configured in a continuous S-shaped configuration.
  • the commercial interior structure 1102 may have other work areas.
  • the area indicated as room 1118 may be a library reading room.
  • the area designated as area 1120 may be a teleconferencing area.
  • the commercial interior structure 1102 may include book stacks 1122.
  • a skylight 1124 may also be provided.
  • the structure 1102 may include shared offices 1126 and collaborative work areas 1128. These are merely some examples of areas which may be formed and partitioned within a commercial interior structure 1102.
  • the rail system 1100 as illustrated in FIG. 5 comprises an overhead rail structure having a series of primary tracks 1130 which are shown as extending horizontally in the view illustrated in FIG, 5.
  • the primary tracks 1130 are shown in FIG. 5 as being spaced apart in a parallel manner and each equidistant from adjacent ones ofthe primary tracks 1130.
  • the primary tracks 1130 comprise a principal component ofthe rail system 1100.
  • the primary tracks 1130 are employed to releasably and reconfigurably support, in an overhead manner, the vertically disposed partitions 1104.
  • the rail system 1100 as illustrated in FIG. 5 comprises a series of cross rails 1132.
  • the cross rails 1132 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein, are releasably interconnectable to the primary tracks 1130. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cross rails 1132 extend in pe ⁇ endicular configurations relative to the primary tracks 1130, However, as also described in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to FIG. 23 A, a cross rail 1132 may be interconnected to adjacent primary tracks 1132 at an angular configuration, relative to the longitudinal configurations ofthe interconnected primary tracks 1130.
  • the work place structure 1102 may also include ceiling panels 1134 or similar types of ceiling structures which may be supported by the primary tracks 1130 and cross rails 1132 ofthe rail system 1100.
  • the ceiling panels 1134 are shown, for pu ⁇ oses of clarity, in phantom line format in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention, as may be applied as an overhead structure to a commercial interior structure 1102 having a series of reconfigurable and partitioned workspaces 1106.
  • one aspect of the rail systems in accordance with the invention relates to increased structural rigidity. In part, this is provided by a staggering relationship for rail system components, as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. This rigidity reduces the probability of inadvertent dislodgment of components and connected items, such as ceiling covers and the like. In addition, the rigidity. provides for superior egress for occupants during fires and seismic events.
  • FIG. 3 which illustrates an assembled one ofthe primary tracks 1130
  • the primary tracks 1130 may be supported by interconnection to a steel or other metallic overhead support beam 1136.
  • the overhead support beam 1136 is illustrated in cross- sectional configuration in FIG. 3.
  • the overhead support beam 1136 may be load or non-load bearing.
  • the support beam 1136 includes a lower and horizontally extending flange 1138 extending in a substantially horizontal plane.
  • a series of co-threaded bolts 1140 may be employed.
  • the co-threaded bolt 1140 extends at its upper end through an aperture (not shown) extending through the lower flange 1138 of the support beam 1136.
  • the co-threaded bolt 1140 is threaded adjacent its upper end and is secured at a desired vertical disposition through the use of a lower hex-nut 1142 and an upper hex-nut 1144.
  • the hex-nuts 1142, 1144 are threaded onto the co-threaded bolt 1140 on opposing sides ofthe lower flange 1138.
  • the primary track 1130 may be secured to the overhead support beams 1136, in a manner which provides for rigidity, yet also provides for adjustability with respect to vertical positioning relative to the support beam 1136.
  • the bolt 1140 could be replaced by a threaded hangar or similar means, with a threaded rod having a metallic hangar threadably received at an upper end ofthe threaded rod.
  • the hangar may then be hung on or otherwise releasably interconnected to other overhead supporting components.
  • the lower end ofthe co-threaded bolt 1140 is threaded and extends downwardly through an aperture 1146 which, correspondingly, extends vertically through the upper portion of a back half assembly 1148 or "back half (illustrated in a clarifying manner in FIG. 4).
  • the back half 1148 will be described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the co-threaded bolt 1140 is further extended through a threaded bore 1150 of a track connector 1152.
  • the threaded bore 1150 and track connector 1152 are illustrated in a clarifying manner in FIG. 7.
  • a stationary and self-locking hex nut 1154 Associated with the underside ofthe threaded bore 1150.
  • the co-threaded bolt 1140 can first be threadably received within the threaded bore 1150 of the track connector 1152, with the co-threaded bolt 1140 also extending through the aperture 1146 ofthe back half 1148. After being threadably received within the threaded bore 1150 an appropriate distance, the hex nuts 1142, 1144 can be appropriately tightened and positioned at a desired vertical orientation, so as to provide the appropriate vertical disposition ofthe primary track
  • the primary track 1130 includes a series of individual elements which form the track itself. More specifically, the primary track 1130 includes a previously referenced back half 1148.
  • the back half 1148 is primarily illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, and may preferably be constructed as a steel roll formed section.
  • the back half 1148 includes an upper member 1154 having a normal horizontally disposed configuration, and extending in an elongated manner so as to form part ofthe longitudinal structure ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the end 1156 ofthe upper member 1154 is turned inwardly so as to form somewhat ofa tongue 1158.
  • the tongue 1158 is utilized so as to assist in securing a cover 1202 ofthe primary track 1130 to the back half 1148, as described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the upper member 1154 is integral at one side with a downwardly disposed side member 1160, again as primarily shown in FIG. 4.
  • the side member 1160 extends downwardly a certain distance, and then projects inwardly so as to form a supporting pedestal 1162.
  • the supporting pedestal 1162 acts so as to support one end ofthe front half assembly 1180 ofthe primary track 1130, as described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the side member 1160 continues to extend downwardly from the supporting pedestal 1162, and terminates in an elongated tongue 1164, again as primarily illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the elongated tongue 1164 acts as a support for interconnection of one or more cross rails to the primary track 1130, and for support for ceiling decorative coverings and the like.
  • the back half assembly 1148 also includes, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a secondary bracket 1166.
  • the secondary bracket 1166 includes an upper member 1168 which curves outwardly and is integral with a vertical member 1170.
  • the secondary bracket 1166 and upper member 1168 also prevent screws or the like from being driven into electrical components.
  • the vertical member 1170 is preferably secured (by weldment or other securing/connecting means) to the side member 1160 ofthe back half assembly 1148.
  • the secondary bracket 1166 then includes a supporting pedestal 1172A which extends inwardly, and acts so as to facilitate support ofthe power connector 1340 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. Further, the support pedestal 1172B extends inwardly, and acts so as to facilitate support of cross rails, vertical partitions, lighting and other accessories.
  • the primary track 1130 also includes a front half assembly 1180, also preferably constructed as a steel roll formed section.
  • the front half assembly 1180 includes an upper member 1182 having a normally horizontally disposed configuration, and extending in an elongated manner so as to form part ofthe longitudinal structure ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the upper member 1182 is also utilized to support and secure, in part, the rail connector, as described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the right side ofthe upper member 1182 projects somewhat downwardly and curves back upon itself so as to form a lip 1184.
  • the lip 1184 is utilized, in part, so as to secure the track cover to the assemblage ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the front half assembly 1180 projects downwardly and then outwardly so as to form a projection 1186.
  • the front half assembly 1180 continues downwardly and then terminates in a laterally projecting and elongated tongue 1188.
  • the elongated tongue 1188 acts as a support for interconnection or one or more cross rails to the primary track 1130 and ceiling decorative coverings.
  • the front half assembly 1180 further includes, as also illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, a secondary bracket 1190.
  • the secondary bracket 1190 includes an upper member 1192 which curves outwardly and is integral with a vertical member 1194.
  • the secondary bracket 1190 and upper member 1192 also prevent screws or similar elements from being driven into electrical components.
  • the vertical member 1194 is preferably secured (by weldment or other securing/connecting means) to a side member 1196 ofthe front half assembly 1180.
  • the secondary bracket 1190 further includes a supporting pedestal 1198A positioned below the vertical member 1194 and projecting inwardly, so as to facilitate support of a power connector 1340, as described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the primary track 1130 further includes a cover assembly 1202 which is utilized to enclose what is characterized as the front side ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the cover assembly 1202 is primarily shown in FIGS. 4, 8 and 10. With reference primarily to FIG. 6, the cover assembly 1202 includes an upper portion 1204 having an inwardly directed tongue 1206 formed by the upper portion curving back against itself.
  • the upper portion 1204 is integral with a front portion 1208 having a vertical orientation, and shaped so as to enclose a central portion ofthe primary track 1130. Extending downwardly from and integral with the front portion 1208 is an inwardly projecting shoe 1210 shown in cross sectional configuration in FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the cover assembly 1202 may also include apertures 1212. The apertures 1212 are adapted to receive connectors (such as screws) 1214 illustrated in exploded view in FIG. 4. The screws 1214 (or similar connecting means) are received through the apertures 1212 and through corresponding apertures in the support bracket (as described in subsequent paragraphs herein) for pu ⁇ oses of tightly securing opposing ends ofthe cover assembly 1202 to the primary track 1130.
  • connectors such as screws
  • the cover assembly 1202 may also inco ⁇ orate knock- outs 1216 spaced at desired intervals along the longitudinal axis ofthe cover assembly 1202.
  • the knock-outs 1216 are adapted to receive electrical cables and the like, such as the electrical cables 1218 illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • a cable 1218 may be secured through a knock-out 1216 by means of a bushing and collar 1220 (as also shown in FIG. 11) or a similar connecting and securing means.
  • the assemblage ofthe primary track 1130 also includes the support bracket or track connector 1152.
  • the structural configuration ofthe support bracket 1152 is primarily shown in FIG. 7.
  • the support bracket 1152 includes a primary structure 1222 having, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a substantially rectangular cross sectional configuration and a relatively short length.
  • the primary structure 1222 includes an upper wall 1224, lower wall 1226, back wall 1228 (conforming to the directional naming convention used with the front and back half assemblies 1180 and 1148, respectively) and front wall 1230.
  • Each ofthe walls 1224, 1226, 1228 and 1230 are preferably integral with adjacent other ones ofthe walls.
  • the upper wall 1224 includes a threaded bore 1150 previously described herein, and adapted to threadably receive the co-threaded bolt 1140 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5.
  • Also situated within the upper wall 1224 are a series of four apertures 1232.
  • the apertures 1232 are adapted to receive securing means for pu ⁇ oses of securing the support bracket to elements ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the lower wall 1226 also includes a series of four apertures 1234 adapted to receive securing means for further securing the support bracket 1152 to other elements ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the back wall 1228 includes a series of four apertures 1236, while the front wall 1230 inco ⁇ orates a series of four apertures 1238.
  • the support bracket 1152 also includes a lower plate 1240.
  • the lower plate 1240 as with each ofthe walls ofthe primary structure 1222, includes a series of four apertures 1242.
  • the apertures 1234 ofthe lower wall 1226 are substantially concentric with the apertures 1242 ofthe lower plate 1240.
  • the wall 1182 ofthe tongue 1188 is squeezed between the primary structure 1222 and lower plate 1240 through the use of pop rivets.
  • each ofthe main tracks 1130 also includes a back bus strip 1174 and a front bus strip 1200, as primarily illustrated in an exploded format in FIG. 4.
  • the bus strips 1174, 1200 are fabricated from extruded PVC plastic, with inserted copper strips.
  • the back bus strip 1174 includes an upper member 1244 which terminates in a hook 1246 formed by an arcuate portion ofthe upper member 1244. Integral with and disposed downwardly from the upper member 1244 is a side member 1248. Longitudinally disposed along the side member 1248 are a series of three spaced apart AC buses 1250.
  • the AC buses 1250 are utilized to provide a continuum of electrical power along the length ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the AC buses 1250 may carry, for example, 120-volt AC power.
  • the bus configuration employing the AC buses 1250 permits interconnection of functional components to be electrically energized along the continuum ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the buses 1250 may carry other voltages, or electrical power other than AC.
  • the back bus strip 1174 projects downwardly to an inwardly projecting supporting pedestal 1252.
  • the supporting pedestal 1252 mates with the corresponding supporting pedestal 1172 ofthe secondary bracket 1166 of back half assembly 1148.
  • the structural design also provides functionality in that the inward projection of the supporting pedestal 1252 provides a physical separation barrier for insuring isolation among buses carrying different voltages or circuits.
  • the back bus strip 1174 may also inco ⁇ orate low voltage DC/communication buses. More specifically, depending outwardly and downwardly from the supporting pedestal 1252 is a lower member 1254.
  • the lower member 1254 is integral with the supporting pedestal 1252 and carries a pair of low voltage,
  • the low voltage, DC/communication buses 1256 may be employed to provide low voltage, DC power and/or communication signals to a variety of functional components.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention may be employed to provide not only electrical power to conventional, electrically energized devices such as lights and the like, but may also be employed to provide communication signals to apparatus associated with the same devices.
  • control relationships between switches and lights may be reconfigured in a "real time" fashion.
  • lighting devices may have programmable controllers, memories or other associated apparatus controlled by communication signals.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention provides a convenient means for . transmitting and receiving these communication signals from devices which may be physically located along a continuum ofthe primary tracks 1130 ofthe rail system 1100.
  • the primary track 1130 also includes the front bus strip 1200, again as shown primarily in FIG. 4.
  • the front bus strip 1200 has a structural configuration substantially confomiing to a "mirror image" ofthe back bus strip 1174. More specifically, and with reference primarily to FIG. 4, the front bus strip 1200 includes an upper member 1260, terminating in a downwardly projecting hook 1262. The upper member 1260 is integral with a downwardly projecting side member 1264.
  • the front bus strip 1200 includes a series of three AC buses 1266 extending longitudinally along the length ofthe side member 1264. As with the AC buses 1250, the AC buses 1266 may, for example, carry 120-volt AC.
  • the lower member 1270 ofthe front bus strip 1200 may carry a pair of low voltage, DC and/or communication buses 1272.
  • the low voltage, DC/communication buses 1272 may be operable to carry low voltage or DC signals for pu ⁇ oses of energizing certain functional components or, alternatively, may also carry communication signals for pu ⁇ oses of facilitating control of various functional components.
  • the lower member 1270 terminates in an upwardly projecting hook 1274, similar in structure to the hook 1258 of the back bus strip 1174.
  • the back half assembly 1148 and the front half assembly 1180 may be brought together correspondingly with a support bracket 1152.
  • the support bracket 1152 can be positioned at one end of a front half assembly 1180, primarily as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the upper member 1182 ofthe front half assembly 1180 can be positioned intermediate the lower wall 1226 ofthe primary structure and the lower plate 1240. This configuration is also illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • pop rivets may be inserted through apertures (also not shown) in the upper member 1182, and extended through apertures 1234 ofthe lower wall 1226 and the apertures 1242 ofthe lower plate 1240.
  • the front half assembly 1180 is secured to the support bracket 1152 at one of its ends.
  • a similar interconnection may be utilized at an opposing end ofthe front half assembly 1180.
  • the interconnections may be spaced along the front half assembly 1180 at, for example, no more than 60 inches apart. As illustrated in FIG.
  • the support bracket 1152 is positioned so that only two ofthe apertures 1242 and 1234 are utilized with the support bracket 1152 for interconnection to the upper member 1182 of one section ofthe front half assembly 1180. The remaining apertures 1234 and 1242 ofthe same support bracket 1152 will be utilized for interconnection to an adjacent section ofthe front half assembly 1180.
  • the back half assembly 1148 can be positioned so that it extends around at least a portion ofthe support bracket 1152 in a configuration as primarily shown in FIG. 3.
  • apertures (not shown) in the upper member 1154 ofthe back half assembly 1148 may be positioned so as to be concentric with at least a pair ofthe apertures 1232 associated with the upper wall 1224 ofthe primary structure 1222.
  • the upper member 1154 can be secured through pop rivets 1276 (as shown in FIG. 4) or similar connecting or securing means, for pu ⁇ oses of rigidly securing the back half assembly 1148 to a support bracket 1152. As shown in FIG.
  • the supporting pedestal 1162 ofthe back half assembly 1148 is positioned at one end and below the upper member 1182 of the front half assembly 1180.
  • pop rivets 1278 may be received through apertures (not shown) in the side member 1160 ofthe back half assembly 1148, and then further through apertures 1236 (as shown in FIG. 7) ofthe back wall 1228.
  • the back half assembly 1148 is rigidly secured to a support bracket 1152. As shown in FIG.
  • the back bus strip 1174 and the front bus strip 120 ⁇ ⁇ can then be secured to the back half assembly 1148 and the front half assembly 1180, respectively.
  • the bus strips 1174 and 1200 may be positioned and secured to the assemblies 1148 and 1180, respectively, before the assemblies 1148 and 1180 are actually assembled.
  • the back bus strip 1174 can be positioned so as to structurally "mate" with the vertical member 1170 ofthe back half assembly 1148, With this structural mating, the hook 1246 at the upper end ofthe back bus strip 1174 is positioned so as to engage the upper member 1168 ofthe secondary bracket 1166 associated with the back half assembly 1148.
  • the hook 1258 which is located at the terminating lower end ofthe back bus strip 1174 is made to engage a downwardly depending lower member 1280 ofthe secondary bracket 1166 ofthe back half assembly 1148.
  • the secondary bracket 1166 and the back bus strip 1174 are manufactured with at least some minimal resiliency so as to appropriately engage the bracket 1166 with the bus strip 1174. This structural interconnection is shown in several views ofthe drawings, including FIGS. 3 and 11.
  • the front bus strip 1200 is structurally "mated” with the secondary bracket 1190 ofthe front half assembly 1180.
  • the front bus strip 1200 includes a hook 1262 which is made to engage an upper end ofthe upper member 1192 ofthe secondary bracket 1190 associated with the front half assembly 1180.
  • the hook 1274 located at the terminating lower end ofthe front bus strip 1200 hooks around and engages the terminating end of a lower member 1282 ofthe secondary bracket 1190 associated with the front half assembly 1180. In this manner, the front bus strip 1200 is secured to the front half assembly 1180.
  • the supporting pedestals 1172 and 1252 ofthe secondary bracket 1166 ofthe back half assembly 1148 and the back bus strip 1174 may include apertures (not shown) extending there-through, so as to be concentric with one another when the secondary bracket 1166 is structurally mated with the back bus strip 1174.
  • the axis line X in FIG. 4 represents the general location of a central axis for the apertures.
  • a set of apertures may extend through the central portions ofthe , supporting pedestals 1268 and 1198 ofthe front bus strip 1200 and the secondary bracket 119 ⁇ ofthe front half assembly 1180, respectively.
  • a bolt 1284 with a conventional hex nut 1286, may be received within the apertures ofthe supporting pedestals 1172, 1252, 1268 and 1198. These bolts 1284 and nuts 1286 may be spaced periodically along the length ofthe back half assembly 1148 and front half assembly 1180. To insure separation between these supporting pedestals 1252 and 1268, and so as to further insure that the back half assembly 1148 and front half assembly 1180 are not too tightly secured together so as to cause damage, a sleeve 1288 (as also shown in FIG. 4) may be received on the threaded shaft ofthe bolt 1284.
  • the bolt 1284 and nut 1286 can also be utilized to removably secure power connectors 1340 to the primary track 1130. This concept is described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the cover assembly 1202 may be set in place. More specifically, and as primarily shown in FIG. 3, the cover assembly 1202 may be mounted to the-front side ofthe primary track 1130 so that the tongue 1206 ofthe upper portion 1204 will engage the tongue 1158 ofthe end 1156 of upper member 1154 associated with the back half assembly 1148.
  • the lower shoe 1210 of the cover assembly 1202 may be resiliently secured under the lip 1184 ofthe front half assembly 1180. Again, this configuration is primarily shown in FIG. 3. In this manner, the cover assembly 1202 may be flexibly and removably secured to the back half assembly 1148 and the front half assembly 1180. This structural interconnection is primarily shown in FIGS. 3 and 8. To more rigidly secure the cover assembly 1202 to the back half assembly 1148 and front half assembly 1180, and as previously described with respect to FIG. 11, the cover assembly 1202 includes a series of apertures 1212 spaced apart along the length of the front portion 1208 ofthe cover assembly 1202.
  • the screws or other threaded fasteners 1214 can be received through the apertures 1212 and then through the apertures 1238 and the front wall 1230 of support bracket 1152, for pu ⁇ oses of securing the cover assembly 1202 to the support bracket 1152.
  • an elongated section ofthe cover assembly 1202 may have one end connected through only two of the apertures 1238 ofthe front wall 1222 of support bracket 1252. The remaining two apertures in front wall 1222 may be utilized to receive screws received through apertures 1212 of an adjacent section ofthe cover assembly 1202.
  • the enclosure formed when cover assembly 1202 is assembled creates a wireway for AC wires to be passed through, as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. As previously described primarily with respect to FIGS.
  • the co- threaded bolt 1140 may be interconnected to the primary track 1130 by threadably receiving the lower end ofthe co-threaded bolt 1140 through the threaded bore hi 50 associated with the support bracket 1152.
  • apertures may be appropriately spaced apart along the length ofthe upper member 1154 ofthe back half assembly 1148.
  • the back half assembly 1148 can be positioned so that these apertures in the upper member 1154 are positioned concentric with at least a pair ofthe apertures 1232 located in the upper wall ofthe support bracket 1152, as shown in FIG. 7.
  • the pop rivets 1276 can then be received through the apertures ofthe upper member 1154 and the apertures 1232 of the support bracket 1152.
  • the primary track 1130 provides a means for supplying electrical power and for receiving/transmitting communication signals along a continuum of an overhead infrastructure. Positioning of functional components requiring electrical power or otherwise operating through the use of data communications and signaling may therefore be physically reconfigured and repositioned throughout a commercial interior, without the need of substantial disassembly and reassembly of an infrastructure.
  • the rail system 1100 may include a pair of cable trays 1290.
  • the cable trays 1290 can comprise a back cable tray 1292 and a front cable tray 1294.
  • the back cable tray 1292 can include a rear portion 1296 having an arcuate shape as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.
  • the rear portion 1296 can extend downwardly and is integral with a forward portion 1298 having a curved configuration, as also shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.
  • a brace 1300 extends forwardly from the back ofthe lower part ofthe forward portion 1298.
  • the brace includes a support 1302 and a beveled ledge 1304, having the configurations shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.
  • the forward portion 1298 extends upwardly so as to form a downwardly projecting hook 1306 at its termination.
  • a secondary support extends downwardly from the rear ofthe forward portion 1298.
  • the front cable tray 1294 comprises a forward portion 1310 which is somewhat of a mirror image ofthe rear portion 1296 ofthe back cable tray 1292.
  • the forward portion 1310 is integral with, at its lower end, a rear portion 1312 having an arcuate or curved configuration.
  • the rear portion 1312 includes a vertically disposed support 1314 and a brace 1316.
  • the brace 1316 comprises a downwardly extending support 1318, and an undercut beveled ledge 1320.
  • the front cable tray 1294 includes, at its rear portion 1312, a series of spaced apart and arcuate slots 1322.
  • the front cable tray 1294 can be positioned so that the co-threaded bolts 1140 utilized with the primary track 1130 are received through the arcuate slots 1322. This configuration is primarily shown in FIG. 3.
  • the cable trays 1290 are then assembled together as also primarily shown in FIG. 3. More specifically, the upper end ofthe rear portion 1312 of the front cable tray 1294 is releasably secured within the hook 1306 ofthe back cable tray 1292. Correspondingly, the beveled ledge 1304 ofthe back cable tray 1292 is interlocked with the undercut beveled ledge 320 ofthe front cable tray 1294.
  • the supports 1302 of back cable tray 1292 and 1314, 1318 of front cable tray 1294 then rest upon the upper member 1154 ofthe back half assembly 1148.
  • the cable trays 1290 can be utilized for various functions associated with the rail system 1100. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cable trays 1290 are employed to carry data cables 1324 along the lengths ofthe primary tracks 1130. Two other aspects ofthe cable trays 1290 should be mentioned. First, instead of carrying the data cables 1324, it would be possible for the cable trays 1290 to carry rigid conduit, especially in situations where electrical codes are relatively strict. Further, because the cable trays 1290 essentially comprise a ⁇ two-sided tray, this configuration provides an opportunity for a separation of various cables or the like, where distortion or other harmful effects may occur as a result of various cables being adjacent to each other.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention comprising the cable trays 1290, provide a means for efficiently and reconfigurably carrying low voltage, electrical, data or communication cables throughout the infrastructure of the rail system 1100.
  • the specific structural configuration ofthe cable trays 1290 may be modified, without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe principal concepts of the invention.
  • the particular structure shown herein for the cable trays 1290 provides an efficient and relatively simple means for supporting the cable trays 1290 within the infrastructure ofthe rail system 1100.
  • the rail system 1100 also includes an additional means for carrying desired power, data or other communications signaling.
  • an upper chamber or raceway 1326 is formed, as also shown in FIG. 8.
  • the upper chamber 1326 is enclosed and substantially isolated from the cable trays 1290, back bus strip 1174 and front bus strip 1200. Accordingly, the upper chamber 1326 provides an isolated location for carrying cabling or conduit which may be of relatively high voltage.
  • the upper raceway 1326 may carry, as illustrated in FIG. 3, 277-volt AC cables 1328. Other types of relatively high voltage or other power/communications conduit requiring substantial isolation may also be carried within the upper raceway 1326.
  • FIG. 11 An example of "tapping in” to the 277-volt AC cables 1328 is illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • the primary elements illustrated in FIG. 11 were previously described herein, and will not be described in any particularly greater detail.
  • wires 1330 of an electrical cable 1218 are tapped into the 277-volt AC cables 1328 through the connectors 1332.
  • the electrical cable 1218 extends through a knockout 1216 within the cover assembly 1202. With the knockouts 1216 appropriately spaced along the length ofthe cover assembly 1202, power taps can be conveniently provided along the length ofthe 277-voh AC cables 1328 within the upper raceway 1326.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention provides a means for safely and efficiently carrying high voltage cabling, while further providing a configuration permitting the user to tap into the cabling at spaced apart intervals along the primary track 1130.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention can include means for tapping into the back bus strip 1174 and front bus strip 1200 along a continuum ofthe bus strips.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention can comprise a power connector 1340. It should be emphasized that the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention is not limited to the particular power connector 1340 described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the power connector 1340 can have a structural configuration as primarily shown in FIG. 10A.
  • the power connector 1340 comprises an upper chamber 1342 having bores 1344 projecting outwardly in diametrically opposed directions. Projecting from the bores 1344 is a series of AC circuit taps 1346.
  • the AC circuit taps 1346 can be electrically connected within the upper cylinder 1342 to AC connectors or wires extending downwardly from the upper cylinder 1342.
  • These AC connectors or wires are represented by the AC conduit 1348 extending outwardly from the bottom ofthe power connector 1340.
  • the AC circuit taps 1346 can be connected in any conventional manner within the upper cylinder 1342 to electrical circuits or connectors which, in turn, are connected to wires within the AC conduit 1348, as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the AC circuit taps 1346 may be connected, . again in a conventional manner, to completely separate and distinguishable AC circuits or, alternatively, certain ofthe AC circuit taps 1346 may be connected to the same AC circuit.
  • an interconnecting chamber 1350 Depending downwardly from the upper cylinder 1342 is an interconnecting chamber 1350.
  • the interconnecting chamber 1350 is preferably of a relatively smaller diameter than the diameter ofthe upper cylinder 1342.
  • a lower cylinder 1352 Depending downwardly from the interconnecting chamber 1350 is a lower cylinder 1352.
  • the lower cylinder 1352 includes two pairs of diametrically opposed bores 1354.
  • the taps 1356 are interconnected, within the lower cylinder 1352, to low voltage, DC/communication connectors or wiring (not shown).
  • the interconnections within the lower cylinder 1352 can be made in a conventional and well-known manner, and resultant low voltage, DC or communication signals can be represented by the cable 1358, as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the AC conduit 1348 and the cable 1358 may actually comprise multiple conduits and cables.
  • the taps 1356 may be each connected to separate circuits or communication signaling apparatus or, alternatively, certain ones ofthe taps 1356 may be connected to the same power circuits or communication paths.
  • the lower portion ofthe power connector 1340 mayterminate in an externally threaded sleeve 1360.
  • the AC conduit 1348 and DC/communications cable 1358 are received through the externally threaded sleeve 1360, which is open to the lower cylinder 1352, interconnecting chamber 1350 and upper cylinder 1342.
  • the sleeve 1360 may be externally threaded as illustrated in the drawings, for pu ⁇ oses of securing the power connector 1340 to other desired electrical components such as junction boxes and the like.
  • the releasable interconnection of a power connector 1340 with the primary track . 1130 is primarily shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 11. More specifically, the power connector 1340 can be mounted within the lower portion ofthe primary track 1130 in a manner such that the upper cylinder 1342 is positioned adjacent the AC buses 1250 associated with the back bus strip 1174 and the front bus strip 1200. As shown expressly in FIGS. 3 and 11, the upper cylinder 1342 is configured so that it is somewhat supported on the supporting pedestals 1252 and 1268 ofthe bus strips 1174, 1200, respectively, and with the AC circuit taps 1346 mechanically and electrically abutting the AC buses 1250, so as to provide appropriate electrical connections therebetween. For pu ⁇ oses of securing appropriate interconnection, the AC circuit taps 1346 may be spring- loaded so as to be biased against the AC buses 1250.
  • the interconnecting chamber 1350 is positioned intermediate the supporting pedestals 1252 and 1268 of bus strips 1174, 1200, respectively.
  • the lower cylinder 1352 is positioned intermediate the buses 1256 associated with the back bus strip 1174 and the buses 1272 associated with the front bus strip 1200.
  • the power connector 1340 and its lower cylinder 1352 are sized and configured so that with the power connector 1340 in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the taps 1356 mechanically and electrically abut the buses 1256 and 1272.
  • the taps 1356 may be spring-loaded within the lower cylinder 1352, so as to ⁇ be biased against the buses 1256 and 1272.
  • the power connector 1340 can be appropriately positioned anywhere along a continuum ofthe bus strips 1174 and 1200.
  • the power connectors 1340 may include a bore (not shown) through the interconnecting chamber 1350 ofthe power connector 1340.
  • the power connector 1340 may then be positioned so that the bore within the interconnecting chamber 1350 is concentric with apertures (not shown) extending through the supporting pedestals 1172, 1252, 1268 and 1198 ofthe supporting brackets and bus strips, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the bolt 1284 may be received through all ofthe apertures and through the bore within the interconnecting chamber 1350 ofthe power connector 1340. In this manner, the power connector 1340 may be more rigidly secured to the primary track 1130.
  • the power connector 1340 provides a means for tapping into electrical power, data signals and communication signaling along a continuum ofthe primary track 1130. Further, with the particular configuration ofthe power connector 1340 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11, and with the sizing and configuration ofthe supporting pedestals 1252 and 1268 of bus strips 1174, 1200, respectively, it is difficult to accidentally lower or raise the power connector 1340 in a manner such that AC circuit taps would inadvertently abut the low voltage, DC/communication bus strips or, alternatively, the taps 1356 would inadvertently touch the AC bus strips 1250 and 1266. With this particular structure, the power connector 1340 provides means for insuring safety and mechanically and electrically isolating AC power from DC power and communications signals.
  • the present invention is concerned with many principles, including structural integrity, while maintaining an acceptable weight.
  • structural integrity While maintaining an acceptable weight.
  • staggering certain elements ofthe primary track enhance the structural integrity, without requiring elements such as strengthening ribs or the like, which increase weight. Due to the length of buildings, it is not practical to pre-assemble long lengths of track, and ship them fully assembled. Accordingly, this problem necessitates assembly ofthe tracks within the commercial interior.
  • FIG. 12 The principles of this staggering arrangement are illustrated in FIG. 12, and in the diagrammatic illustration of FIG 12 A.
  • the elements within FIGS. 12 and 12A are also illustrated in FIG. 8.
  • a first section ofthe back half assembly 1148 is shown in position and labeled as Section G. Solely for pu ⁇ oses of illustration and description, Section G for the back half assembly 1148 may be presumed to have a length of approximately five feet.
  • example lengths of sections ofthe elements ofthe primary track 1130 will be presumed within this description, it should be emphasized that none of these lengths should be considered as limiting elements ofthe invention. That is, without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe staggering concept in accordance with the invention, various lengths of sections of portions of the primary track 1130 may be utilized.
  • one ofthe support brackets 1152 may be utilized at the left end of Section G for pu ⁇ oses of interconnection ofthe back half assembly 1148.
  • a second support bracket 1152 may be utilized at the opposing end of Section G.
  • This other support bracket 1152 may be used, as hereinbefore described, to interconnect Section G ofthe back half assembly 1148 with Section H ofthe back half assembly 1148.
  • Section H may be ten feet in length.
  • the support bracket 1152 connected to the right side of Section G will interconnect Section H to Section G.
  • Section H ofthe back half assembly 1148 will be connected to the left side of Section I ofthe back half assembly 1148.
  • a support bracket 1152 will be utilized for this interconnection of adjacent Sections H and I.
  • Section I ofthe back half assembly 1148 and other sections of back half assembly 1148 located to the right of Section I will each be ten feet in length.
  • Section E the front half assembly 1180 located on the left side ofthe structure illustrated in FIG. 12 is designated as Section E.
  • Section E in this particular example, will be approximately ten feet in length.
  • Section E ofthe front half assembly 1180 will be interconnected to an adjacent one ofthe front half assemblies 1180 through a support bracket 1152.
  • each of these sections including Sections E and F illustrated in FIG. 12, will each be ten feet in length.
  • FIG. 12 A the effect ofthe staggering relationship is readily understood as illustrated in diagrammatic form in FIG. 12 A.
  • a support bracket 1152 is utilized to interconnect adjacent Sections A and B ofthe cover assembly 1202.
  • This same support bracket 1152 will also be utilized to interconnect Sections G and H ofthe back half assembly 1148.
  • the front half assembly includes Section E, which is continuous through the interconnection locations of Sections A, B and Sections G, H of cover assembly 1202 and back half assembly 1148, respectively.
  • Sections B and C ofthe cover assembly will be interconnected together by a support bracket 1152 which will also interconnect adjacent Sections E and F of the front half assembly 1180.
  • Section H ofthe back half assembly 1148 is continuous.
  • Section C ofthe cover assembly 1202 and Section D ofthe cover assembly 1202 are also interconnected together at their ends with a support bracket 1152.
  • Sections H and I of back half assembly 1148 are also interconnected by the same support bracket 1152.
  • Section F ofthe front half assembly 1180 is continuous in structure.
  • the rail system 1100 can also include additional components for pu ⁇ oses of providing appropriate structure and function for its electrical and communication signaling components.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention may include primary track caps for pu ⁇ oses of appropriately enclosing ends ofthe primary track 1130, while still permitting access to electrical power and communications.
  • Such a structure is illustrated as primary track cap 1400 as shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.
  • FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 In prior description with respect to the power connector 1340 and FIG. 11, it was described and illustrated as to how electrical power conduits and communication signaling cables could access the bus strips 1174 and 1200, and be extended downwardly through the power connector 1340. Also, in FIG.
  • the primary track cap 1400 provides a means of not only enclosing an end ofthe primary track 1130, but also providing a means for extending power conduits and communications cabling from the ends ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the primary track cap 1400 is illustrated in FIGS, 13, 14 and 15 as connected to elements of the primary track 1130, but with the elements of the primary track 1130 shown in phantom line format.
  • the primary track cap 1400 includes an end plate 1402 which is secured over the end of elements ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the end plate 1402 has an upper portion 1404, intermediate portion 1406, and lower portion 1408.
  • the upper portion 1404 has an elevational configuration as illustrated in FIG. 14, and essentially covers the raceway 1326 (illustrated in FIG. 8) previously described as being formed by the cover assembly 1202, back half assembly 1148, and front half assembly 1180.
  • the raceway 1326 acts as to carry high voltage cabling, such as the 277-volt AC cables 1328 illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • a port 1410 is formed in the upper portion 1404.
  • the 277-volt AC cables 1328 may then be extended through the port 1410.
  • the primary track 1130 with the primary track cap 1400, provides a convenient means for extending powereabling through ends ofthe primary track 1130 and in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal elongation ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the port 1410 may include appropriate bushings or similar elements so as to provide strain relief support for the cables 1328 extending therethrough.
  • the intermediate portion 1406 ofthe end plate 1402 essentially encloses the area ofthe primary track that is formed between the back bus strip 1174 and the front bus strip 1200.
  • the intermediate portion 1406 also includes a. port 1412.
  • the buses 1250 and 1266 associated with the bus strips 1147 and 1200, respectively may carry conventional 120-volt AC power.
  • electrical cabling may be interconnected to the buses 1250, 1266, either in a relatively direct manner or, alternatively, through a modified version ofthe power connector 1340 which would permit the cabling to extend from the power connector along the length ofthe chamber formed by the bus strips 1174, 1200.
  • this cabling can comprise wires carrying 120-volt AC power or the like.
  • port 1412 may also include means to provide strain relief for cabling 1414.
  • the lower portion 1408 ofthe end plate 1402 essentially covers the area located between the low voltage DC/communication buses 1256.
  • a port 1416 may be formed in the lower portion 1408.
  • Cable 1358 (previously described with respect to FIG. 11) may be directly or indirectly interconnected to the buses 1256, 1272, and extended outwardly through the port 1416 in the lower portion 1408. Strain relief means may be provided with port 1416 and cable 1358.
  • rearwardly extending tabs 1418 may be formed so that a pair of tabs 1418 extend rearwardly from the upper portion 1404, and corresponding pairs of tabs 1418 extended rearwardly from the intermediate portion 1406 and the lower portion 1408.
  • the tabs 1418 are formed with apertures 1420, and metal screws 1422 or the like may be received within the apertures 1420 and extended through the cover assembly 1202 and walls ofthe back half assembly 1148 and front half assembly 1180.
  • the primary, track cap 1400 provides a means for enclosing an end ofthe primary track 1130, while correspondingly providing means for extending power and signaling cables and wires outwardly through the ends ofthe primary track 1130.
  • These power and communication signaling cables and wires may be readily interconnected to power and communication signals on the buses ofthe bus strips 1174 and 1200.
  • the rail caps 1400 provide strain relief for cables extending therethrough.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a configuration ofthe rail system 1100 within a workspace, identified as workspace 1430 and illustrated in phantom line format in FIG. 16. More specifically, the particular configuration ofthe rail system 1100 in FIG. 16 illustrates a set of three primary tracks 1130. For pu ⁇ ose of simplicity and clarity in description, the details ofthe primary tracks 1130 are not shown in FIG. 16, nor are elements showing the hanging interconnection ofthe primary tracks 1130 to the workspace 1430.
  • the primary tracks 1130 illustrated in FIG. 16 are preferably arranged in parallel configurations, and may also be preferably spaced apart so that each primary track 1130 is equal distant from adjacent others ofthe primary tracks 1130.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention may also comprise a series of cross rails.
  • the cross rails may be utilized to provide greater flexibility in positioning and reconfiguring positions of functional components to be energized, as well as providing location convenience for communication signals and the like.
  • An example of one such cross rail in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIG. 16 as cross rail 1432.
  • Cross rail 1432 is also illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 17 and 18, and will be described primarily with respect thereto.
  • cross rail 1432 is a cross rail which may be characterized as a "powered" cross rail, in that cross rail 1432 is adapted to carry electrical power and communication signaling buses longitudinally through the cross rail 1432.
  • the particular description ofthe cross rail 1432 represents the cross rail 1432 as being interconnected to adjacent primary tracks 1132 in a manner so that the cross rail 1432 is characterized as being "level” with the adjacent primary tracks 1130. That is, the cross rail 1432 will be located within the horizontal plane defined by the two adjacent primary tracks 1130. Of course, it is assumed that the two adjacent primary tracks 1130 each reside in substantially the same horizontal plane.
  • the powered cross rail 1432 includes a first half assembly 1434 as shown primarily in FIG. 18.
  • the first half assembly 1434 includes an upper bracket 1436 extending vertically upward as shown in FIG. 18.
  • the upper bracket 1436 is integral with a downwardly depending portion having a side wall 1438.
  • the side wall 1438 terminates in a laterally projecting section 1440.
  • Connected to the side wall 1438 (by weldment or otherwise) is a secondary bracket 1442.
  • An upper side wall 1444 as illustrated in FIG.18 is attached to the side wall 1438. From the upper side wall 1444, the ⁇ secondary bracket 1442 extends downwardly and forms a recessed wall 1446. From the recessed wall 1446, the secondary bracket 1442 forms a vertically disposed and downwardly extending portion 1448.
  • the cross rail 1432 is formed by not only the first half assembly 1434, but also by means of a second half assembly 1450.
  • the first half assembly 1434 when positioned so as to form the cross rail 1432, is essentially a mirror image ofthe second half assembly 1450.
  • the second half assembly 1450 can be formed by taking the first half assembly 1434 and rotating the same. Accordingly, for pmposes of description, like numerals will refer to like elements ofthe first half assembly 1434 and the second half assembly 1450.
  • the second half assembly 1450 also includes an upper bracket 1436, with a side wall 1438 extending downwardly therefrom.
  • a secondary bracket 1442 is connected (by weldment or otherwise) to the side wall 1438. More specifically, it is an upper side wall 1444 ofthe secondary bracket 1442 which is connected to the side wall 1438. Extending downwardly from the upper side wall 1444 is a recessed wall 1446. Vertically disposed and extending downwardly from the lower portion of recessed wall 1446 is a downward portion 1448, integral with the recessed wall 1446.
  • the cross rail 1432 is characterized as a "powered" cross rail. Accordingly, and with reference again primarily to FIG. 18, the cross rail 1432 includes a pair of bus strips 1452, comprising a first bus strip 1454 associated with the first half assembly 1430 and a second bus strip 1456 associated with the second half assembly 1450.
  • the bus strips 1454, 1456 may have a spatial configuration similar to the bus strips 1174, 1200 previously described herein primarily with respect to FIG. 4. That is, each of the bus strips 1452 can include a plurality (such as three shown in FIG. 18) of AC buses 1458 and of low voltage, DC/communication buses 1460.
  • the secondary brackets 1442 For pu ⁇ oses of interconnection ofthe bus strips 1452 to the first half assembly 1430 and the second half assembly 1450, the secondary brackets 1442 have a cross sectional configuration as illustrated in FIG. 18.
  • the bus strips 1452 can be secured to the secondary brackets 1442 at their upper ends through the use of hooks 1462 capturing upper ends of the .secondary brackets 1442.
  • lower hooks 1464 can be positioned below the low voltage, DC/communication buses 1460, so as to capture the downward portions 1448 ofthe secondary brackets 1442.
  • the recessed walls 1446 ofthe secondary brackets 1442 may include spaced apart apertures 1466.
  • the apertures 1456 may be adapted to receive a bolt 1468 with an attachment nut 1470. So as to ensure that the first and second half assemblies 1434, 1450, respectively, are not damaged by over-tightening, a sleeve 1472 can be received on the shaft of the bolt 1468, as illustrated in FIG. 18.
  • pop rivets 1476 or similar connecting means may be used to interconnect the first half assembly 1434 and the second half assembly 1450 extending through apertures 1478.
  • a cross rail support bracket 1474 may be employed for pu ⁇ oses of appropriately securing each end ofthe cross rail 1432 to an adjacent one ofthe primary tracks 1130.
  • the cross rail support bracket 1474 includes a pair of opposing wing sections 1478.
  • the wing sections 1478 are on opposing sides ofthe support bracket 1474 and include apertures 1480 which line up concentric with apertures 1482 within a back half assembly or front half assembly ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the apertures 1480, 1482 are adapted to receive screws 1484 or comparable connecting means for pmposes of securing together the cross rail support bracket 1474 with an adjacent primary track 1130.
  • the cross rail support bracket 1474 also includes a central section 1486 which has an open box-like configuration and extends into the raceway 1488 formed by the first half ana second half assemblies 1434, 1450, respectively, ofthe cross rail 1432.
  • a central section 1486 which has an open box-like configuration and extends into the raceway 1488 formed by the first half ana second half assemblies 1434, 1450, respectively, ofthe cross rail 1432.
  • the sides ofthe central section 1486 may be appropriately secured to corresponding sides ofthe first and second half assemblies 1434, 1450. Any appropriate connecting means may be utilized for this interconnection.
  • a powered cross rail 1432 is provided at a plane substantially corresponding to the plane of interconnected adjacent primary tracks 1130.
  • conduit 1490 may extend downwardly from the power connector 1340 and into appropriate elements (not shown) in the cross rail 1432, for pu ⁇ oses of interconnecting the appropriate wires and cables in the conduit 1490 to the appropriate buses 1458, 1460.
  • power connectors similar to power connector 1340 may be employed within the cross rail 1432.
  • the concept ofthe powered cross rail 1432 provides a structural means for convenient access to power, along with data and communication signals.
  • means for providing programming and signaling among functional components are also conveniently provided.
  • functional components such as lights, switches, telecommunications, sound masking devices and the like.
  • the powered cross rail 1432 is positioned essentially within the same horizontal plane as the interconnected adjacent primary tracks 1130. Accordingly, the powered cross rail 1432 can be characterized as being interconnected to the adjacent primary tracks 1130 in a manner so that it is "level" with the same. However, in certain situations, it may be advantageous to locate a powered cross rail at a location somewhat below the horizontal plane formed by the two interconnecting adjacent primary tracks 1130. An example of such a powered cross rail suspended below the adjacent interconnecting primary tracks 1130 is illustrated as the powered cross rail 1490 in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21. With reference primarily to FIG.
  • the powered cross rail 1490 has a structure which is similar to the previously described powered cross rail 1432, but with some structural differences. More specifically, and primarily with reference to FIG. 21, the powered cross rail 1490 includes a first half assembly 1492.
  • the first half assembly 1492 is somewhat similar in structure to the first half assembly 1434 ofthe powered cross rail 1432.
  • the first half assembly 1492 includes a substantially horizontally disposed upper arm 1494 having a hook portion 1496 at its terminating end. Integral with and depending downwardly from the upper arm 1494 is a side wall 1498.
  • Interconnected to the side wail 1498 (by weldment or other appropriate securing means) is a secondary bracket 1500.
  • the secondary bracket 1500 includes a side wall 1502 having an upper finger 1504 extending integrally therefrom. Integral with and depending downwardly from the side wall 1502 is a recessed wall 1506 through which an aperture 1508 extends.
  • the secondary bracket 1500 terminates at its lower end in a vertically disposed downward portion 1510.
  • the powered cross rail 1490 also includes a second half assembly 1512. As further shown in FIG. 21 , the second half assembly 1512 is substantially similar in structure to the first half assembly 1492. More specifically, the second half assembly 1512 includes an upper arm 1514 extending inwardly toward the center ofthe cross rail 1490 and terminating in a latch portion 1516.
  • the latch portion 1516 can be any of a number of conventional means for interconnecting with the hook portion 1496 ofthe first half assembly 1492, so as to provide an upper interconnection between the first half and second half assemblies 1492, 1512, respectively. However, it should be emphasized that various coupling means could be utilized for securing the assemblies together at their upper arms 1494, 1514.
  • the second half assembly 1512 also includes a side wall 1518 integral with and depending downwardly from the upper arm 1514.
  • a secondary bracket 1520 Connected to the inner portion ofthe side wall 1518 (by weldment or other appropriate securing means) is a secondary bracket 1520.
  • the secondary bracket 1520 includes a side wall 1522 with an upper finger 1524 integral therewith. Extending downward from the side wall 1522 is a recessed wall 1526 having an aperture 1528 extending therethrough. Integral with and depending downwardly from the recessed wall 1526 is a downward portion 1530.
  • the powered cross rail 1490 can also include a pair of bus strips, identified as bus strips 1532 in FIG. 21. The configuration ofthe bus strips 1532 substantially conforms to the configuration ofthe bus strips f452.
  • the upper end ofthe bus strip 1532 associated with the first half assembly 1492 is interconnected to the first half assembly 1492 by capturing the upper finger 1504.
  • the bus strip 1532 associated with the second half assembly 1512 is coupled at its upper end to the second half assembly 1532 by capturing the upper finger 1524.
  • the bus strips 1532 capture the downward portions 1510 and 1530 ofthe first half assembly 1492 and the second half assembly 1512, respectively.
  • the , bus strips 1532 and the first and second half assemblies 1492, 1512, respectively, are secured together through the use ofthe bolt 1534 and nut 1536 through the apertures 1508, 1528. Corresponding apertures are also located within the bus strips 1532 for receiving the bolt 1534.
  • FIGS. 20 and 21 For pu ⁇ oses of suspending the powered cross rail 1490 below the plane ofthe interconnected primary tracks 1130, a convenient type of hanger arrangement is preferably employed.
  • FIGS. 20 and 21 One such type of hanger arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates a primary track hanger bracket 1536.
  • the main hanger bracket 1536 includes inwardly extending legs 1538 which essentially sit atop the supporting pedestals 1172 and 1198 ofthe primary track 1130 as previously described herein with respect to FIG. 4. Integral with and depending downwardly from the legs 1538 are opposing side walls 1540.
  • the side walls 1540 are integral with opposing sides of a horizontally disposed bracket floor 1542.
  • a bolt 1545 can be received through apertures 1548 ofthe side walls 1540, and secured with a nut 1546. In this manner, the primary track hanger bracket 1536 can be secured to the corresponding primary track 1130, at any of a continuum of locations longitudinally along the length ofthe primary track 1130.
  • a bolt 1550 For pu ⁇ oses of interconnecting the primary track hanger bracket 1536 to the powered cross rail 1490, a bolt 1550, threaded at least at its upper and lower ends, is secured through an aperture in the bracket floor 1542 ofthe primary track hanger bracket 1536.
  • the head ofthe bolt 1550 is positioned above the bolt bracket floor 1542, and the bolt extends downwardly therefrom.
  • an upper nut 1552 may be threadably received on the bolt 1550.
  • the bolt 1550 depends downwardly and, at the lower end thereof, is received through an aperture 1554 extending through an upper brace 1556 of a cross rail securing bracket 1558.
  • the bolt 1550 is rigidly secured to the cross rail securing bracket 1558 by means of threadably receiving a pair of nuts 1560 on opposing upper and lower sides ofthe upper brace 1556.
  • each ofthe clamping arms 1560 may include an aperture 1562 (as shown in FIG. 20) through which screws or other connecting means may be utilized to more rigidly secure the clamping arms 1560 to the first half and second half assemblies 1492, 1512, respectively, ofthe powered cross rail 1490.
  • the inventors have found that the primary track holding bracket 1536 and the cross rail securing bracket 1558, as described with FIGS.
  • bracket and securing arrangements are currently ones which they believe to be somewhat preferable to certain other securing arrangements.
  • bracket and securing arrangements may be utilized to releasably interconnect the powered cross rail 1490 to the primary track 1130, without departing from the i spirit and scope ofthe principal concepts ofthe invention.
  • a conduit 1562 may extend from a power connector 1340 appropriately positioned in the primary track 1130, and project into the powered cross rail 1490 from the bottom thereof, as also shown in FIG. 20.
  • the conduit 1562 illustrates an example of how electrical power, data or communication signals may be transmitted from the cables and bus strips associated with the primary track 1130 to the cables (if any) and bus strips associated with the powered cross rail 1490.
  • various conventional arrangements may be utilized to electrically interconnect cables and wires within conduit 1562 to appropriate electrical components within the powered cross rail 1490.
  • a powered cross rail such as powered cross rail 1490 in accordance with the invention, in addition to the connecting components previously described herein with respect to FIGS. 20 and 21 , provides a means for transmitting power, data and communications signaling from the primary track 1130 to physical locations located 1 below the plane of a pair of adjacent primary tracks 1130, and laterally from such primary tracks 1130. Still further, and as with the powered cross rail 1432, the powered cross rail 1490 provides a means for supplying electrical power, data and communications signaling along a continuum of the length ofthe powered cross rail 1490.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention may also employ non-powered cross rails.
  • non-powered cross rails would be utilized in situations where it is unnecessary to supply power, data or communication signals to functional components located in relatively close proximity to the cross rail.
  • FIGS. 22 and 23 An example of such a non- powered cross rail is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23.
  • a non- powered cross rail 1566 is releasably secured below a primary track 1130.
  • a primary track hanger bracket 1536 substantially corresponding to the primary track hanger bracket 1536 previously described with respect to FIGS.
  • the non-powered cross rail 1566 includes an upper bracket 1568 having an upper wall 1570 at opposing side walls 1572.
  • a lower bracket 1574 comprises the remainder ofthe non-powered cross rail 1566.
  • the lower bracket 1574 includes a pair of opposing side walls 1576 located externally ofthe side walls 1572 ofthe upper bracket 1568.
  • the side walls 1576 are attached to the side walls 1572 and the upper bracket 1568 by appropriate securing means, such as weldment or the like.
  • bolt/nut combinations, connecting screws or the like may also be utilized through apertures extending through portions ofthe clamping arms 1560, side walls 1572, and side walls 1576.
  • the non-powered cross rail 1566 in accordance with the invention provides a means for facilitating connection of non-powered functional components to the rail system 1100, at locations intermediate adjacent ones ofthe primary tracks 1130.
  • the rail system 1100 comprises means for positioning a cross rail at non- pe ⁇ endicular angles relative to the interconnecting, adjacent primary tracks 1130.
  • FIG. 23A illustrates the powered cross rail 1490 (previously described with respect to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21) as being suspended below a pair of adjacent primary tracks 1130.
  • the cross rail 1490 as illustrated in FIG.
  • the cross rail 1490 can be readily angled relative to the interconnected primary tracks 1130. Further, this angled configuration can be provided not only with the powered cross rail 1490, but also with the non- powered cross rail 1566.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention provides means for selectively interconnecting functional components to electrical power supported within or around primary tracks 1130 ofthe rail system 1100.
  • the elements ofthe primary track 1130 provide means for supplying data and communication signals to interconnected functional components, as well as between interconnected functional components.
  • FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional configuration of various electrical components which may be utilized to interface the primary track 1130 to electrical conduit to be interconnected directly to functional components to be energized.
  • a primary track 1130 is illustrated, with a power connector 1340 coupled thereto.
  • the power connector 1340 provides electrical, data and communications connections to the bus strips 1174, 1190.
  • connections to appropriate ones of buses ofthe bus strips 1174, 1190 are made to cables and wires, such as those shown in FIG. 24 as electrical wires 1582.
  • cables 1584 may also project downwardly from the power connector 1340, after being appropriately coupled to buses ofthe bus strips 1174, 1190, which may carry data and/or communication signals.
  • the electrical wires 1582 and cables 1584 extend downwardly into a junction box 1586, as illustrated in FIG. 24.
  • the junction box 1586 can be relatively conventional in design, and secured to the primary tracl lT30 by means of a junction box hanger 1588.
  • the junction box hanger 1588 may have, as further illustrated in FIG.
  • junction box hanger 1588 a pair of opposing clamping arms 1590 which are secured around the lower members 1280, 1282, ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the junction box hanger 1588 may also have its clamping arms 1590 more tightly secured to the primary track 1130, by means of connecting screws (not shown) or other appropriate securing means.
  • the junction box hanger 1588 includes a pair of side walls 1592 which are secured to the junction box 1586 by appropriate securing means (not shown), such as connecting bolts, screws or the like.
  • the electrical wires 1582 may be interconnected to the AC buses ofthe bus strips 1174, 1190. These electrical wires 1582 (or a sub-set ofthe same) may be applied through a fuse 1594, for pmposes of providing appropriate fusing between the AC buses ofthe bus strips 1174, 1190, and the electrical devices to be powered. Following appropriate fusing, the electrical wires 1582 may apply input power to a control module 1596. In addition to the electrical wires 1586, the data/communication cables 1584 may also be interconnected to the control module 1596. These data/communication cables will provide signals to and from the module 1596.
  • the control module 1596 provides a means for transmitting and receiving data and communication signals for purposes of controlling the functional components or devices to be interconnected to the junction box 1586.
  • the control module 1596 may include memory, microcode, instruction registers and the like for pmposes of control of a device to be interconnected to the junction box 1586.
  • the control module 1596 may be associated with an interconnected lighting element, whereby control signals may be utilized within the control module 1596 for pmposes of determining when AC power from the electrical wires 1586 is to be applied to the lighting element.
  • control signals can be transmitted to the control module 1596 or data can be transmitted to control module 1596, and the control module 1596 programmed so as to determine an outcome, such that AC power applied on the electrical output wires 1598 within conduit 1600 can be selectively controlled through appropriate switching or the like within the control module 1596.
  • signals indicating the status of a lighting element or other device electrically connected to the junction box 1586 may be generated by the control module 1596. Greater detail retarding controlling ofthe relationships between controlled and controlling devices (such as switches and lights) can be found in commonly-assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/374,012, filed April 19, 2002.
  • junction box 1586 is electrically coupled to the buses 1574, 1190, again through the power connector 1340.
  • the junction box hanger 1588 is again used, for pu ⁇ oses of mechanically connecting the junction box 1586 to the primary track 1130.
  • the junction box 1586 does not include a control module 1596. Instead, electrical wires extend directly (after going through the fuse 1594) from the power connector 1340 downwardly into the conduit 1600 as electrical power connections to a pair of outlet receptacles 1602.
  • the particular circuits to which the outlet receptacles 1602 are electrically interconnected will be determined by the connections within the power connector 1304 and the specific connections to the AC buses ofthe bus strips 1174, 1190.
  • the configurations in accordance with the inventior ⁇ -as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, utilize a particular junction box 1588, where the only connection between the junction box 1588 and the functional device or accessory is an electrical connection through the conduit 1600 and the electrical output wires 1598.
  • a universal hanging clip 1604 may be utilized as illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27.
  • the universal hanging clip 1604 may be, employed for suspending, from the primary track 1130, functional components and accessories, such as the lighting fixture 1606 illustrated in FIG. 27. More specifically, the hanging clip 1604 includes an upper left-side bracket 1608.
  • the left-side bracket 1608 consists of a single upwardly depending finger 1610.
  • the finger 1610 is integral with an arcuate section integral with a downwardly depending side wall 1612.
  • the side wall 1612 is integral with a substantially horizontally disposed member 1614, which extends to the right side ofthe hanging clip 1604 (the terms "left side” and “right side” being chosen solely for convenience, and in accordance with the illustration of FIG. 27).
  • the clip 1604 includes a pair of right-side brackets 1616 having a substantially parallel configuration.
  • Each ofthe right-side brackets 1616 in a manner similar to the left-side bracket 1608, includes an upwardly depending finger 1618 which is integral with an arcuate section and, in turn, integral with a downwardly depending side wall 1620.
  • Each ofthe side walls 1620 ofthe right-side brackets 1616 is integral with, at their lower ends, a left- extending member 1622.
  • a left-side lower flange 1624 Depending downwardly from the left-extending members 1622, and integral therewith, is a left-side lower flange 1624.
  • the left-side lower flange 1624 is downwardly depending and somewhat angled inwardly.
  • the member 1614 integral with the side wall 1612 is, in turn, integral with a downwardly depending right-side lower flange 1626.
  • the right-side lower flange 1626 is also angled inwardly.
  • the left-side lower flange 1624 and the right-side lower flange 1626 are integral with a floor section 1628 having the configuration as substantially shown in FIG. 26.
  • a bore 1630 or similar aperture extends substantially through the center of the floor section 1628.
  • a rod 1632 or other similar connecting arrangement may be secured at its upper end through the bore 1630, with the lower portion ofthe rod 1632 mechanically interconnected to the lighting fixture 1606.
  • the configuration illustrated in FIG. 27 may also utilize a power connector 1340.
  • the power connector 1340 is shown as being more directly connected to the control module 1596, with an attendant fuse 1594 also associated therewith.
  • AC power for the lighting fixture 1606 may be applied from the control module 1596 through conduit 1600.
  • the universal hanging clip 1604 in accordance with the invention provides significant advantage, with respect to its structure and removable interconnection to the primary track 1130.
  • the universal hanging clip 1604 is structured so that if manual pressure is exerted inwardly against the left-side lower flange 1624 and right-side lower flange 1626, and with the hanging bracket 1604 being integrally constructed and having appropriate flexibility and resiliency, the fingers 1610, 1618 and side walls 1612, 1620 will move outwardly, so as to increase the distance between fingers 1610 and 1618. With this distance appropriately increased, the fingers 1610, 1618 can be appropriately positioned within the lower recesses 1634 ofthe primary track 1130.
  • the universal hanging clip 1604 provides a convenient means for firmly being coupled to the primary track 1130, but with the coupling being in a removable manner. Further, the universal hanging clip 1604 is advantageous in that with its configuration along the primary track 1130 not requiring a specific connecting means (such as screws or the like) which would require .
  • the universal hanging clip 1604 can be positioned at any of a number of locations along a continuum ofthe length ofthe primary track 1130. Further, although the universal hanging clip 1604 is illustrated with a lighting fixture 1606 in FIG. 27, it is evident that the hanging clip 1604 could be utilized for a number of various functional components and accessories.
  • the rail system 1100 has been described herein with respect to individual components ofthe rail system itself, and individually interconnected functional components and accessories, the significant advantages ofthe rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention, reside in part with its "universal" aspect in providing a convenient and reconfigurable means for locating and "controlling" various accessories.
  • FIG. 28 An example, although simplified, of a configuration which may employ the rail system 1100 is illustrated as configuration 1636 in FIG. 28.
  • a rail system 1100 is shown which employs three primary tracks 1130.
  • reference numerals with respect to detailed components ofthe rail system 1100 will not be illustrated in FIG. 28.
  • FIG. 28 does illustrate, however, a series of powered cross rails 1432 which, in the particular configuration 1636, are connected in a manner so as to be level with interconnecting, adjacent primary tracks 1130. Accordingly, these cross rails 1432 may be interconnected to the adjacent primary tracks 1130 in a manner as previously illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19. As further illustrated in FIG. 28, the powered cross rails 1432 may be utilized with the previously described universal hanging clips 1604 to support lighting fixtures 1606 therefrom. In addition to the use ofthe hanging clips 1604 with the lighting fixtures 1606, FIG.
  • FIG. 28 also illustrates the use ofthe universal hanging clips 1604 within a primary track 1130 and also within a nonpowered cross rail 1566.
  • the nonpowered cross rail 1566 is also positioned level with its adjacent, interconnecting primary tracks 1130.
  • the nonpowered cross rail 1566 and the associated hanging clip 1604 are illustrated in FIG. 28 as being utilized to support a downwardly depending and vertically disposed partition 1104.
  • the use of such a partition is more specifically described in commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled "Partition System with Technology" and filed September 4, 2002.
  • the vertical partition 1104 may be relatively opaque, so as to provide an area of relative privacy.
  • the vertical partition 1104 may instead be constructed of a material which permits relatively significant light transmission, while providing diffusion or "color wash" so as to provide a relatively aesthetically pleasing commercial interior.
  • such vertical partitions 1104 may, by necessity, have to be connected not only to the rail system 1100, but also to floor supports and the like. This may occur where there is a necessity for a more structural vertical element, and where support solely by the rail system 1100 would cause undue stress.
  • FIG. 29 Another illustration of a commercial interior which may be configured utilizing the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention is illustrated as configuration 1638 in FIG. 29. Referring specifically to FIG. 29, the configuration 1638 includes a rail system 1100 having a series of three, parallel primary tracks 1130.
  • a pair of powered cross rails 1432 are each interconnected between a pair of adjacent primary tracks 1130.
  • the powered cross rails 1432 are illustrated as being pe ⁇ endicular to the interconnecting cross rails 1130, and parallel to each other.
  • the powered cross rails 1432 are also illustrated as being level with the interconnected primary tracks 1130.
  • FIG. 29 further illustrates a nonpowered cross rail 1566, level with the interconnected primary track 1130.
  • the powered cross rails 1432 are illustrated as each having a universal hanging clip 1604 supporting a functional accessory 1640.
  • the functional accessory 1640 may be one of a number of different accessories, further illustrating the relatively wide and reconfigurable use ofthe rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention.
  • the functional accessory 1640 could be a plain "whiteboard,” requiring no interconnection with electrical power or data or communication signals.
  • the functional accessory 1640 could be an electronic whiteboard, whereby the whiteboard 1640, through the data and communication components ofthe primary track 1130, may be utilized to transmit and receive signals representing writings and graphics on the whiteboard 1640 and remotely located whiteboards.
  • the functional accessory 1640 could represent a flat screen teleconferencing device. Such a device would again use the electrical power and data and communication signals associated with the primary tracks 1130 and the powered cross rails 1432.
  • the rail system 1100 provides a means for facilitating control and reconfiguration of controlled relationships among various functional components which may be utilized with the rail system 1100. Reference has been previously made herein to the concept of establishing control relationships among switches and lights, and reconfiguring the same as required.
  • FIG. 30 illustrates a configuration 1642, employing a series of three primary tracks 1130, two powered cross rails 1432 and two lighting fixtures 1606. Also illustrated in FIG.
  • control wand 1644 is a user employing a control device, which may be characterized as a control wand 1644.
  • a control wand 1644 An example ofthe control wand 1644 is illustrated in FIGS. 32, 33 and 34.
  • the control wand 1644 may be of an elongated configuration.
  • a light source 1646 At one end ofthe control wand 1644 is a light source 1646 which, preferably, would generate a substantially coUimated beam of light.
  • the control wand 1644 may also include an infrared (IR) emitter 1648, for transmitting infrared transmission signals to corresponding IR receivers associated with the rail system 1100 and the functional accessories.
  • IR infrared
  • the control wand 1644 may also include a trigger 1650, for pmposes of initiating transmission of IR signals. Still further, the wand 1644 may include mode select switches, such as mode select switch 1652 and mode select switch 1654. These mode select switches would be utilized to allow manual selection of particular commands which may be generated using the wand 1644.
  • the control wand 1644 would also utilize a controller (not shown) or similar computerized devices for pmposes of providing requisite electronics within the wand 1644 for use with the trigger 1650, mode select switches 1652, 1654 and the light source 1646 and IR emitter 1648.
  • a controller not shown
  • An example ofthe use of such a wand, along with attendant commands which may be generated using the same, is described in a commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/374,012 filed April 19, 2002.
  • the contents ofthe aforedescribed patent application are hereby inco ⁇ orated by reference herein.
  • the user could employ the wand 1644 to transmit signals to the controller (not shown) associated with either ofthe lighting fixtures 1606.
  • the controller not shown
  • the user is shown as transmitting an IR signal 1656 specifically to the lighting fixture 1606, the actual IR transmission signal would be picked up by an IR receiver or the like which may be associated with a controller or the like located adjacent the hanging clip 1604.
  • this IR signal 1656 would, in fact, be utilized in association with functionality or control associated with the lighting fixture 1606.
  • FIGS. 31 and 31 A This control concept is further shown in FIGS. 31 and 31 A. More specifically, each of FIGS. 31 and 31A illustrate a configuration 1658, which substantially corresponds to the configuration 1642 illustrated in FIG. 30. However, the configuration 1658 further shows the concept of a pair of electrical receptacles 1602 (such as those shown in FIG. 25) being electrically interconnected to one ofthe primary tracks 1130.
  • FIG. 31 illustrates the user employing the control wand 1644 to transmit IR signals to one ofthe particular lighting fixtures 1606 (or an IR sensor associated with a control module which is further associated with the lighting fixture 1606).
  • FIG. 31 A illustrates the user transmitting IR signals to the structure housing the electrical outlet receptacles 1602.
  • the structure housing the electrical outlet receptacles 1602 is further illustrated as having an IR sensor 1660 directly associated therewith.
  • the user wishes to have the light switch 1660 control the particular lighting fixture shown in FIGS. 31 and 31 A as lighting fixture 1664.
  • the user could first configure the mode selector switches associated with the wand 1644 so as to enable a "control set" sequence.
  • the wand 1644 could then be pointed to the IR sensor (not shown) associated with the lighting fixture 1664.
  • the wand 1654 is appropriately pointed (indicated by the light source 1646), the user may activate the trigger 1650 on the wand 1644.
  • the user could then "point" the wand 1644 to the IR sensor 1662 associated with the light switch 1660, When the wand 1644 again has an appropriate directional configuration as indicated by the location ofthe light source 1646, the trigger 1650 could again be activated, thereby transmitting the appropriate IR signals 1656. Additional signals could then be transmitted through the wand 1644, so as to indicate that the control sequence is complete and the lighting fixture 1664 is to be controlled by the light switch 1660.
  • the capability of essentially "programming" controlled relationships among the various accessories associated with the rail system 1100 require the capability of transmitting and receiving communication signals among the various functional accessories.
  • the rail system 1100 conveniently provides proximity of not only electrical power, but also data and communication signals. Still further, these signals are provided in association with the use of control modules or the like for pmposes of providing programmability to various functional accessories. Again, detailed examples of this programmability among functional components is described in the commonly assigned Application Serial No. 60/374,012. In addition to the foregoing, it is possible that there may be a potential use of RF signaling for pmposes of changing the on and off states of various elements.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention facilitates flexibility and reconfiguration in the location of various functional or utilitarian elements which may be supported and mounted in a releasable and reconfigurable manner with the rail system.
  • the rail system 1100 also facilitates access to locations where a commercial interior designer may wish to locate various functional or utilitarian elements, including electrical power receptacles and the like.
  • the rail system 1100 may carry not only AC electrical power (of varying voltages), but may also carry DC or communication signals.
  • the communication signals can be used for pmposes of relatively well-known communication functions.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention may include a communications bus structure permitting the "programming" of controlled relationships among various commercial interior components.
  • the programming (or “reprogramming") may be accomplished at the location ofthe controlled and controlling elements, and may be accomplished by a lay-person without significant training or expertise.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention facilitates the reconfiguration ofthe commercial interior in "real time.” Not only may various functional elements be quickly relocated from a “physical” sense, but relationships among functional or utilitarian elements can also be altered, in accordance with the prior description relating to programming of control relationships.
  • the rail system 1100 in accordance with the invention presents a "totality" of concepts which provide a commercial interior readily adapted for use with various utilitarian elements, and with the capability of reconfiguration without necessarily requiring additional physical wiring or substantial rewiring.
  • the space division system 2100 utilizes a series of movable and internally reconfigurable vertically disposed partitions for pmposes of providing lighting aesthetics, function signaling, privacy, semi-private configurations and the like.
  • the space division system 2100 in accordance with the invention also provides a space division system which facilitates inco ⁇ oration of various technologies.
  • Space dividers and other aspects ofthe space division system 2100 in accordance with the invention are capable of physical relocation, and comprise lightweight components. Rapid addition/deletion of joined space dividers is provided, through the use of quick-release components.
  • the invention includes the use of spline concepts for joined connection of space dividers.
  • formation of various configurations ofthe space division system 2100 have moved from known line segment configurations, to having the capability of a configuration having a curve of any desired radius.
  • space division systems in accordance with the invention exhibit internal stretch characteristics, with respect to space divider surfaces, battens and frames.
  • another aspect of space divider systems in accordance with the invention include the use of digital storage.
  • storage disks can be contained within fabric ofthe space dividers. These storage disks can be coupled to external equipment such as laptop computers. Such laptops and other powered equipment may be energized through other components associated with the space dividers.
  • digital storage can be provided in the form of microprocessors or other similar elements, having software for functions such as sound management and the like.
  • space divider systems in accordance with the invention can provide digital programming and switching functions.
  • these functions, along with other aspects of space division systems in accordance with the invention harness the effect ofthe semiconductor development and the effect of miniaturization.
  • the space division systems in accordance with the invention provide for embedment and integration of electronic and lighting components.
  • space division systems in accordance with the invention can comprise integration of solid state lighting (SSL).
  • SSL solid state lighting
  • This lighting can be utilized for functions such as providing for color changes of space dividers themselves.
  • lighting functions can provide for the signaling of interior or exterior circumstances. "For example, lighting associated with the space dividers can be utilized to provide wayfinding. Signaling can also be utilized to indicate, for example, that a person is "in” within a particular working space.
  • Space division systems in accordance with the invention can also comprise integration and distribution of power.
  • space division systems in accordance with the invention provide for DC power distribution. They also permit flexible use of 12-volt applications.
  • they can include channel voids within space dividers, with the voids being located at differing heights. These voids can be utilized to carry power lines, lighting, digital storage and other components.
  • space division systems in accordance with the invention provide for modification and reconfiguration ofthe appearance of space divider fabrics.
  • Color change can be provided, for example, through the use of solid state lighting embedded within channel voids ofthe space dividers.
  • appearance changes can be made to occur through the use of functional control of conventional lighting.
  • Space dividers employed in space division systems in accordance with the invention can also provide for acoustical ameliorations.
  • space divider fabrics can employ physical sound attenuation material.
  • components associated with the space division system can provide for functional control of sound management systems and the like.
  • a primary aspect of space division systems in accordance with the invention relates to the totality ofthe foregoing principles.
  • FIG. 35 the particular example ofthe space division system 2100 illustrated therein shows a space divider 2102 vertically suspended from a rail system 2104.
  • the rail system 2104 includes a rail 2106 with a pair of hanger clips 2108 which are releasably secured to the rail 2106 and capable of being moved along a continuum ofthe length ofthe rail 2106.
  • Support rods 2110 depend downwardly from the hanger clips 2108 and are secured to the space divider 2102.
  • the support rods 2108 are adjustable in length so that the height ofthe space divider 2102 may also be adjustable. Connection ofthe support rods 2110 to the space divider 2102 may be accomplished by any number of suitable means.
  • the lower terminating ends ofthe support rods 2110 may be located within grommet holes (not shown) at the top portion ofthe space divider 2102. Such grommet holes may be spaced apart in a manner so as to provide variation in the location of interconnections ofthe support rods 2110 to the space divider 2102.
  • the hanger clips 2108 can be characterized as "quick release” and “quick connect” elements. That is, the hanger clips 2108 are advantageous for rapidly reconfiguring the physical locations of space dividers 2102 relative to the rail system 2104.
  • General concepts associated with the rail system 2104, and more specific configurations of elements such as the hanger clips 2108 are disclosed in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/408,149, entitled “Rail System” and filed September 4, 2002.
  • the space divider 2102 may include an upper structural batten 2112.
  • the upper structural batten 2112 provides, in part, for "shape holding" of the space divider 2102.
  • Extending downwardly from the structural batten 2112 is the main body 2114 of the space divider 2102.
  • the main body 2114 may be of a fabric which is substantially opaque, so as to generally provide a visual privacy curtain.
  • lighting technology which may be in the form of solid state lighting (SSL) technology, such as LED lights.
  • SSL solid state lighting
  • LED lights embedded within the main body 2114, in a manner so as to be visible to a person near the space divider 2102, are a series of LED lights 2116 arranged in a horizontal configuration.
  • solid state lighting which may also be in the form of LED lighting, is structured as arrow lighting 2118 shown near the bottom ofthe main body 2114, In emergency situations, the arrow lighting 2118 may be activated (in any of a number of appropriate control arrangements) so as to activate all ofthe arrow lights 2118 or, alternatively, the arrow lights
  • 2118 may be activated in a manner so that they are sequentially “pulsed” so as to create the effect of "pointing" in a particular direction to show an appropriate direction of egress in an emergency situation.
  • solid state lighting or other types of lighting could be utilized in combination with other elements so as to signal various other internal and external situations.
  • solid state lighting associated with the space dividers 2102 could be utilized to indicate if an individual is "in" a particular workspace or, alternatively, is absent.
  • Numerous other types of signaling could be utilized with the solid state lighting associated with the space dividers 2102.
  • the space divider 2102 also includes a lower hemmed section 2120 having a weighted insert as described in subsequent paragraphs herein with respect to other drawings.
  • the weighted insert within the lower hemmed section 2120 may also be utilized for pmposes of "shape holding.”
  • various types of configurations may be utilized.
  • One type of configuration is disclosed in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/408,149, entitled “Rail System” and filed on September 4, 2002.
  • FIG. 36 illustrates a plan view of an office environment showing various configurations of space dividers of a space division system according to the invention, in differing configurations. For example, FIG.
  • FIG. 36 illustrates use of a wall curtain 2130 having somewhat ofa "hooked" configuration.
  • a further space divider 2132 is illustrated as showing a series of "S-shaped" configurations, which may be utilized to provide a series of computer workstations or the like.
  • Conference tables 2134 are illustrated as being somewhat enclosed through the use ofthe space dividers 2130, 2132.
  • space divider 2136 is shown as primarily enclosing a privacy station 2138, which may be utilized for telephone calls or the like. Other areas may be partitioned or otherwise have space dividers ofthe space division system in a manner so as to provide aesthetics, such as space dividers 2140 and 2142.
  • the various configurations ofthe space dividers illustrated in FIG. 36 can provide for various types of spaces. With the interconnection of space dividers such as 2130, 2132 and 2140, 2142, the interconnections can be provided through the use of splines. The spline interconnections are illustrated within the drawings. With the spline interconnections, reconfigurations ofthe various space dividers is not limited to movement along specific line segments.
  • FIG. 37 illustrates a side-elevation view of a space divider in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 38 illustrates a partial sectional end view ofthe same.
  • the space divider 2150 may be comprised of a translucent and stretchable material.
  • FIG. 38 illustrates how the material 2152 may be woven into the wall configuration.
  • the space divider 2150 may also have a power batten 2154 positioned at the top thereof, for pmposes of carrying power such as low voltage DC power.
  • the power batten 2154 may provide power to a DC power cable 2156 or, alternatively, an AC power cable 2158.
  • the DC power cable 2156 may carry DC low voltage power and is accessible through power batten openings 2160.
  • the power batten openings 2160 would be accessible to internal linear voids existing within the three-dimensional knitting ofthe main body 2150.
  • the linear voids are illustrated as voids 2162 in FIGS. 37 and 38.
  • FIG. 39 illustrates another space divider 2170 which may be formed of a woven fabric material.
  • a woven fabric material For example, one type of woven material which may be utilized is commonly referred to in the industry as "cattle mattress” material.
  • the cattle mattress material ofthe space divider 2170 provides linearly directed pockets 2172 which may be segmented by the use of brackets 2174, as illustrated in FIG. 40.
  • FIG. 41 is a perspective view of two curved space dividers, forming a space division system 2180.
  • the space division system 2180 includes a first space divider 2182 and a second space divider 2184.
  • FIG. 41 illustrates a structural configuration which may be achieved with respect to aesthetic curvature, through the use ofthe space dividers 2182, 2184.
  • FIG. 41 illustrates use of not only the rails 2106, but also the use of a cross rail 2186.
  • the configuration of a cross rail 2186, with the use of vertically disposed partitions, is described in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/408,149, entitled “Rail System” and filed on September 4, 2002.
  • FIG. 42 illustrates a sectional end view ofthe space-divider 2184. This view shows the structural batten 2112 at the top end thereof, with the fabric extending downwardly therefrom. Linear or substantially horizontal voids 2188 are provided at spaced-apart intervals downwardly along the space divider 2184.
  • the space divider 2184 terminates at its lower portion with the lower hem 2120.
  • the lower hem 2120 is shown as having a weighted insert 2190.
  • the weighted insert 2190 is utilized to maintain the space divider 2184 in a stable position. That is, the weighted insert 2190, provides for "shape holding" for the space dividers ofthe space division system 2100.
  • the weighted insert 2190 may be a tubular section 2192 fitted within the hem 2120, and filled with material such as sand.
  • FIG. 42 A is similar to FIG. 42, but shows the lower hem 2120 as capturing a tubular insert 2192.
  • the tubular insert 2192 may be a flexible sheath 2194 consisting of rubber or the like.
  • the sheath 2194 may be of relatively substantial weight in and of itself or, alternatively, may be weighted by the use of sand or other materials carried within the sheath 2194.
  • the weighted insert 2192 can include an end tab 2196 which may be interconnected to a cooperating recess or similar connecting means in the weighted insert 2192 associated with an adjacent space divider 2184. In this manner, the weighted inserts of adjacent space dividers may be interconnected together.
  • FIG. 43 is a sectional end view (taken along section lines 43-43 of FIG. 41) showing an end portion ofthe space divider 2184.
  • a power batten 2200 extends downwardly so as to form an end hem ofthe space divider 2184.
  • a low voltage DC power cable 2202 may be extended downwardly through the power batten 2200.
  • the batten 2200 is formed by taking the space divider 2184 and turning-it rearward upon itself, and then connecting the end ofthe space divider 2206 to another portion ofthe space divider 2184 through the use ofa spring clip 2208 or a similar releasable securing means.
  • FIG. 44 illustrates an interconnection between the space divider 2182 and 2184 which may be employed in accordance with the invention.
  • a power batten 2210 (having communication cables 2204) is formed at the intersection ofthe space dividers 2182 and 2184.
  • the space dividers 2182 and 2184 are releasably coupled together through the use of a pair of spring clips 2208.
  • the space division system 2100 in accordanc with the invention provides for the rapid addition and deletion of space dividers.
  • the elements ofthe space division system 2100 exhibit internal stretch characteristics, with respect to space divider surfaces, battens and frames. These internal stretch characteristics provide for a continuum of configurations, with the spline interconnections providing for curvature of any reasonable radius.
  • FIG. 45 is a close up section ofthe end portion ofthe space divider 2184, similar in form to FIG. 43. However, FIG. 45 further illustrates the use of 3D translucent material for the space divider 2184. Further, FIG. 45 illustrates communication cables 2212 which may extend through a pre-woven pocket 2214 of the translucent space divider 2184.
  • FIG. 46 illustrates a "close up” view ofthe intersection between the space dividers 2182, 2184.
  • FIG. 46 is a view similar in scope to FIG. 44, but further illustrates power/communication cables 2216 extending through pre-woven pockets 2218 ofthe space dividers 2182, 2184.
  • FIG. 47 is a close up section view of an end portioff of the space divider 2184 (similar to FIG. 45), but illustrating the space divider 2184 as comprising a woven fabric material 2220.
  • Various types of woven materials may be utilized as material 2220.
  • the woven material 2220 may be a material which is characterized as "cattle mattress" material.
  • FIG. 48 is a close up section similar in scope to the close up section illustrated in FIG. 46, but showing the two space dividers 2182, 2184 as employing cattle mattress material 2220.
  • FIG. 49 is an elevational view of space dividers 2230.
  • the space dividers 2230 include a series of internal linear voids 2232 through which linear LED lighting strips may be inserted.
  • LED strip 2234 will have a sequential series of LED lights 2236 extending along the lighting strip 2234.
  • the lighting strip 2234 will be positioned within the linear void 2232.
  • additional linear voids such as linear voids 2238 and 2240, may also be horizontally located within the space dividers 2230.
  • FIG. 49 also illustrates the use of a series of LED power supplies 2242 which may be connected to LED power lines 2234.
  • the LED power lines 2234 may be connected in any appropriate manner to the LED lighting strips 2236. Further, additional power may be provided, such as with the utilization ofa 12-volt DC utility power supply line 2246.
  • the particular LED lighting strips 2234 may comprise, for example, yellow linear flex side LED lighting strips, having a configuration of approximately 2 inches by 24 feet. Other interconnections may also be employed with the space dividers 2230, such as Internet connections and the like.
  • FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of a similar set of space dividers 2250.
  • the sections 2250 are similar to the sections 2230 previouslydescribed with respect to FIG. 49.
  • these sections carry LED power supplies 2242 and LED power lines 2244, in addition to a DC power line 2246.
  • the LED lighting strips 2260 are turned in a different direction from the LED lighting strips 2234 illustrated in FIG. 50.
  • FIGS. 51 and 52 illustrate the use of two LED lighting strips 2260.
  • FIG. 53 is a further embodiment of a pair of space dividers 2270, with FIG. 53 showing a side elevational view thereof.
  • a series of LED power supplies 2242 are shown, interconnected to LED power lines 2244.
  • a DC power line 2246 is also illustrated.
  • linear voids 2272 are provided, one of which carries an LED lighting strip 2274 having the substantially "flat" configuration illustrated in FIG. 54.
  • FIGS. 55, 56 and 57 illustrate similar space dividers utilizing LED internal lighting technology.
  • FIG. 55 illustrates space dividers 2290, having linear voids 2292 positioned at the lower portion thereof.
  • each ofthe linear voids 2292 carries a flat-configured LED lighting strip 2296 facing toward the left side ofthe space divider 2290 illustrated in FIG. 56.
  • FIG. 57 is similar in form to FIG. 56, and illustrates the upper LED flat-configured lighting strip 2298 as facing to the right side ofthe space divider 2290, while the lower LED flat-configured lighting strip 2298 faces toward the left side ofthe space divider 2290.
  • FIG. 58 illustrates a pair of space dividers 2300 having a linear or horizontal void
  • the LED lighting strip 2304 includes a series of arrows which can be utilized for emergency directional lighting, and may be sequentially "pulsed" so as to illustrate a direction of egress for emergency evacuation.
  • various additional electrical equipment may be required.
  • the lighted arrows ofthe LED lighting strip 2304 may be utilized for pmposes other than emergencies.
  • the arrows ofthe LED lighting strip 2304 may be utilized to provide "wayfmding" for pmposes of directing visitors to the commercial interior to appropriate locations within the interior, as well as for pmposes of emergencies.
  • the arrows ofthe LED lighting strip 2304 may be utilized, for example, to direct visitors in a library to appropriate book classification sections.
  • Numerous other wayfmding uses may also employ the use of arrows or similar directional indicators ofthe LED lighting strip 2304.
  • lighting may be utilized for indication of external and internal situations.
  • lighting may be associated with the space dividers in a manner so as to indicate whether an individual is "in" a particular workspace.
  • FIGS. 59 and 60 illustrate a pair of space dividers 2310, with LED lighting technology utilized externally ofthe space dividers 2310. More specifically, the space dividers 2310 include a curtain 2314 mounted from the top portion ofthe space divider 2310. Depending forwardly and horizontally from the space dividers 2310 is an LED lighting strip support 2316, . which may be appropriately secured to a linear void 2312 ofthe space dividers 2310. Positioned downwardly from the support 2316 is a series of LED lights. The LED lights may be of appropriate colors, and will provide what may be characterized as an external "wash” and a color "wash” over the lower portion ofthe side surfaces ofthe space dividers 2310, below the curtain 2314. This color wash can be modified in intensity and with respect to diffusion dependent upon the intensity and color of the LED lights 2318, and of the particular materials from which the space dividers 2310 are constructed.
  • FIG. 61 illustrates a pair of space dividers 2320 showing a low voltage DC power line 2328, communications cabling 2326, AC power 2322 and AC power line 2324.
  • the AC power line 2324 terminates in a pair of electrical receptacles 2330.
  • a computer 2332 may be energized through the electrical receptacles 2330.
  • Data and communication signals may be transmitted from the computer 2332 through a communications signal junction box or modem 2334, and outwardly through the communications cabling 2326.
  • FIG. 62 is a side elevational view of space dividers 2340, similar in structure to the space dividers 2320 illustrated in FIG. 61.
  • the space dividers 2340 are illustrated showing use of wall-connected task lighting technology.
  • the configuration employs a task light 2342 illustrated in FIGS. 62 and 63.
  • the task light 2342 utilizes low voltage DC power and LED lighting technology.
  • the LED task light 2342 includes a rectangular LED marker 2344 at the terminus ofthe task light 2342. Extending downwardly from the marker 2344 is a rigid foam core 2346. The rigid foam core 2346 is adjacent a flexible joint 2348.
  • a fabric cover 2350 extends downwardly and angularly from the flexible joint 2348.
  • the fabric cover 2350 is interconnected to an appropriate securing bracket 2352, which is seemed to the space divider 2340 by appropriate means. For example, Velcro or a similar securing means could be employed.
  • the task light 2342 may be utilized to provide appropriate light for use of a computer screen 2354.
  • the space dividers and associated channel voids can be utilized with data storage technology.
  • the computer 2332 or other types of computerized or communications equipment could be releasably attached to a data storage device embedded within voids ofthe space dividers.
  • These data storage devices could be in the form of disks or similar devices.
  • data storage and programming devices such as microprocessors could also be embedded within voids ofthe space dividers, for releasable interconnection to other types of equipment, such as sound management technology and the like.
  • the space division system 2100 in accordance with the invention provides for actual data storage embodied and embedded within the space division system itself. In this manner, the space dividers themselves are not merely fabrics within frames having battens and the like, but are elements which take advantage of today's miniaturization and advancements in technology, so as to provide data storage, access to programmable devices and the like.
  • FIG. 64 illustrates a curved configuration of a space ⁇ divider 2360 showing the use ofthe task light 2342 therewith.
  • FIG. 65 is an elevational view of a pair of space dividers 2370, showing the use of DC low voltage technologies with a pair of task lights 2342.
  • FIG. 65 further shows the energizing of a coffee maker 2343, through the power supplied to the space dividers 2370.
  • FIG. 66 illustrates another pair of space dividers 2380, showing the space dividers 2380 in use in an office environment with technologies.
  • this office environment may include a telephone 2382, MP3 player 2384, laptop 2386 and fan 2388.
  • FIG. 67 illustrates another pair of space dividers 2390, showing use with technology which may be associated with a temporary work or gathering space.
  • the configuration illustrated in FIG. 67 includes a phone 2382, a set of wireless headphones 2384, teleconferencing screen 2386 and various other accessories.
  • FIG. 68 is substantially similar to FIG. 36, but further illustrates the use ofa projector 2400 in use with a screen 2402 secured to the space divider 2130.
  • the foregoing drawings illustrate interconnections of various types of technological and other functional accessories through the space dividers. Further, the drawings illustrate the use of velcro clips at attachment points. As earlier stated, data storage devices and switches can also be employed with the space dividers. Still further, other types of equipment may be utilized. For example, both wired and wireless headphones may be employed and energized through the DC power distribution systems. Still further, projection equipment may be utilized, with projection screens releasably attached to fabrics ofthe space dividers. This was illustrated with respect to projector screen 2402, coupled to the space divider 2130. Still further, however, projection may occur upon fabric surfaces ofthe space dividers themselves. This can be provided-through the use of monofilaments.
  • FIGS. 69, 70 and 71 illustrate alternative embodiments and configurations of space dividers 2410, 2420 and 2430, respectively, and illustrate various plan views of these space dividers so as to provide visual privacy.
  • These space dividers may be in the form of what is characterized as "technology curtains," and create flexible spaces for individual and small group uses.
  • the enclosures provided by these space dividers exhibit daily flexibility for project teams.
  • FIGS. 72 and 73 show other configurations ofthe technology curtains, identified as technology curtains 2432 and 2434. These technology curtains can be characterized as being configured in a "flutter" form configuration.
  • FIGS. 72 and 73 show two alternative embodiments ofthe "flutter” form configuration. With these configurations ofthe technology curtains, relatively more efficient place making is provided.
  • FIGS. 69, 70 and 71 show movement from “shared” to “separate” configurations.
  • the enclosures formed by the space dividers within these drawings provide for substantial flexibility for project teams and the like.
  • the configurations in FIGS. 72 and 73 provide for individuals' space along edges, in addition to collective action.
  • FIGS. 74 and 75 illustrate technology curtain configurations 2436 and 2438. These configurations may be characterized as "quad-place" configurations. In these illustrations, the spaces shown move collectively to a less flexible, central passageway which grow so as to accommodate group work.
  • the configurations comprise technology curtains which would provide both visual privacy and sound abso ⁇ tion. Advantages associated with "quad-place" configurations relate to the responsiveness to fluid conditions of collaborative work practices. In addition, these configurations provide daily flexibility for project teams, and can be grouped as "sub-centers" around what may be characterized as a "silent center.”
  • FIGS. 76, 77 and 78 illustrate the use of technology curtains 2440, 2442 and 2444, respectively, and exemplify what can be characterized as "triplace" configurations.
  • These technology curtain configurations provide both visual privacy and sound abso ⁇ tion. Benefits include responsiveness to fluid conditions of collaborative work practices, in addition to daily flexibility for project teams.
  • these triplace configurations can be grouped as "sub- centers" around a silent center. More specifically, FIG. 76 illustrates a configuration having three spaces. Correspondingly, FIG. 78 illustrates a configmation with two spaces, while FIG. 77 illustrates a single space configmation.
  • FIG. 79 illustrates the actual use of a translucent space divider 2450.
  • the space division system 2100 with technology provides a means for facilitating control and reconfiguration of control relationships among various functional components which may be utilized with the space division system 2100.
  • various functional components which may be utilized with the space division system 2100.
  • the contents ofthe aforedescribed patent application are hereby inco ⁇ orated by reference herein.
  • FIG. 80 illustrates a user employing a control wand 2460 (to be described in subsequent paragraphs herein) for pu ⁇ oses of establishing control of an LED lighting strip 2462.
  • FIG. 80 also illustrates the location of a wall-attached task light 2464. These elements are associated with a space divider 2466.
  • FIG. 81 is similar to FIG. 80, but further illustrates the user employing the control wand 2460 for pu ⁇ oses of establishing control ofthe task light 2464.
  • An example ofthe control wand 2460 is illustrated in FIGS. 82, 83 and 84.
  • control wand 2460 may be of an elongated configuration. At one end ofthe control wand 2460 is a light source 2470 which, preferably, would generate a substantially coUimated beam of light. In addition to light source 2470, the control wand 2460 may also include an infrared (IR) emitter 2472, for transmitting infrared transmission signals to corresponding IR receivers associated with the LED lights 2462 or task light 2464, in addition to switches or the like which may control these functional accessories.
  • IR infrared
  • the control wand 2460 may also include a trigger 2474, for pmposes of initiating transmission of IR signals. Still further, the wand 2460 may include mode select switches such as mode select switch 2476 and mode select switch 2478. These mode select switches may be utilized to allow manual selection of particular commands which may be generated using the wand 2460.
  • the control wand 2460 may also utilize controllers (not shown) or similar computerized devices for pmposes of providing electronics within the wand 2460 for use with the trigger 2474, mode select switches 2476, 2478, light source 2470 and the IR emitter 2472. As earlier mentioned, an example ofthe use of such a wand, with the attendant commands which may be generated using the same, is described in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/374,012, entitled “Switching/Lighting Correlation System” and filed on April 19, 2002.
  • the user may employ the wand 2460 to transmit signals to controllers (not shown) associated with the LED lights 2462 and task light 2464.
  • controllers not shown
  • the capability of essentially "programming" controlled relationships among the various accessories associated with the space division system 2100 requires the capability of transmitting and receiving communication signals among the various functional accessories.
  • infrastructure systems may be employed.
  • An example of such an infrastructure system which may be employed with the space division system 2100 in accordance with the invention is described in detail in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/408,149, entitled “Rail System” and filed on September 4, 2002.
  • FIG. 85 is a perspective view of a particular configuration utilizing space divider 2500 in a curved configuration, with task lights 2502.
  • space divider 2500 as well as other space divider configurations illustrated and described herein, may be utilized with various types of ceiling structures.
  • One such ceiling structure is illustrated in the commonly assigned U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/166,803, entitled “Design for Articulating Ceiling” and filed September 4, 2002.
  • Various types of appliances and technologies may be utilized with the space dividers ofthe space division system 2100, in addition to those that have been expressly described in detail herein.
  • sound apparatus such as speakers and the like may be integrated into the various space dividers ofthe space division system 2100.
  • Such speakers may be energized through power and communication sources described herein, or through other energizing means, including batteries and the like.
  • the speakers could be selectively enabled as desired, and controlled with the control wand 2460 and control processes described earlier herein.
  • noise masking processes could be employed with the use of these speakers, in addition to general acoustical control arrangements.
  • the noise masking arrangements employing the speakers could be integrated within a virtual structure associated with the space division system 2100.
  • various types of speakers, noise masking, acoustical control and other equipment and processes could be employed with the technologies ofthe space division system 2100, and powered with the method and apparatus described herein, as well as with other energizing arrangements (e.g. batteries).
  • the space dividers ofthe space division system 2100 may have application in situations which require the employment of security measures.
  • An example of one such material is known as Kevlar® brand fiber, with the term Kevlar® being a registered trademark of E.L duPont de Nemours and Company.
  • Kevlar® brand fiber is p-phenyleneterephtalamide.
  • Kevlar® brand fiber combines relatively high strength with light weight.
  • Kevlar® brand fiber is within a family of nylon fibers known as Aramids. Specifically, and is within a polyamide, with amide groups attached at carbons 1 and 4.
  • various ofthe space dividers ofthe space division system 2100 may be constructed of Kevlar® brand fiber.
  • the space dividers ofthe space division system 2100 may be constructed of fire resistant or fire proof materials.
  • One such material which also falls within the family of Aramids is known as Nomex® brand fiber.
  • Nomex® is also a trademark of E.L duPont de Nemours and Company.
  • Nomex® brand fiber is commonly utilized for pmposes of making fire proof clothing.
  • Nomex® brand fiber has amide groups attached at carbons 1 and 3. It is not uncommon to construct materials which are blends of both Nomex® and Kevlar® brand fibers. It may therefore be advantageous to construct the space dividers ofthe space division system 2100 wi.
  • __ materials employing Nomex® brand fiber or other materials having fire proof properties, in addition to Kevlar® brand fiber or other materials which substantially resist penetration.
  • Another configuration of the space division system 2100 may also be important with regard to security and safety. Specifically, it may be advantageous to inco ⁇ orate means in the space division system 2100 for releasably seeming space dividers and other elements ofthe space division system 2100 to a floor structure. Various types of securing means could be employed with the space dividers, lower battens and the like. However, it would be preferable to insure that the means for securing elements ofthe space division system 2100 to the floor structure still permit release of these elements from the floor structure without significant effort.
  • the lighting configurations described herein may employ various types of controlling apparatus in the form of enabling switches for controlling the state ofthe lighting elements or other electrical apparatus, appliances, computerized equipment and the like.
  • various types of switches may be employed. These switches may be in the form of conventional switches having differing spatial positions for "on” a ⁇ d "off states.
  • other types of switches may also be employed.
  • the space division system 2100 in accordance with the invention may employ optical switches for controlling lighting elements, electrical appliances and the like.
  • the switches may be associated with sensors which can detect spatial signals transmitted from the wand 2460. Further, physically operable switches such as pressme switches may also be employed. Still further, various types of motion sensing devices may be employed _, to enable and disable switches and associated equipment. These and other types of switches may also be employed with the use of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) systems, whereby, for example, an individual entering a room with a specific RFID badge may cause switches and their associated sensors to identify the individual and configure lighting elements and other equipment associated with the space division system 2100 to specific states. Still further, all of these types of switches and other controlling devices may be communicatively coupled to a power and communications network associated with the space division system 2100. Such a network is generally described in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/408,149, entitled “Rail System” and filed September 4, 2002.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • a space division system 2100 has been disclosed in accordance with the invention, which provides for movable and internally reconfigurable space dividers, inco ⁇ orates various technologies and is not limited in size or expansion capability.
  • the system is internally reconfigurable, light weight and employs quick-release elements.
  • joined space dividers can be rapidly added and deleted, and the use of splines provides for movement from line segment configurations to configurations having a curve of any radius.
  • space division systems in accordance with the invention harness the effect of miniaturization, through the embedment and integration of electronic components.
  • solid state lighting is integrated within the system, having capabilities such as changing color appearances of space dividers and the like.
  • signaling of interior and exterior circumstances is provided.
  • space division systems in accordance with the invention inco ⁇ orate integration and distribution of power, particularly DC power and the flexible use of 12-volt applications.
  • channel voids are provided within space dividers at differing heights.
  • Space divider fabrics can be modified in appearance, such as providing color changes using solid state lighting. Color appearance can also be modified through the functional control of conventional lighting.
  • Space division systems in accordance with the invention can also exhibit acoustical ameliorations, through the use of physical sound attenuation material, functional control of sound management systems and the like.
  • FIG. 86 illustrates a general layout ofthe ceiling system 3100 as it may be utilized above a workplace 3102.
  • the ceiling system 3100 in accordance with the invention provides for an open system to physically change a family of products, including the capability of relocation.
  • digital control and digital programming is also provided for the ceiling system 3100. This control is utilized to undertake activities such as to change the ceiling system appearance for pmposes such as personal design, identity of a particular group, personalization by color change, digital imaging, and projection of images.
  • the ceiling system 3100 may be linked to a digital programming network.
  • ceiling systems in accordance with the invention provide for interchangeable shielding elements and interchangeability of other parts, which is essentially what could be characterized as a "mass customization.”
  • Unique visuals can be provided within the system.
  • the system can also be fabricated in a relatively efficient manner, with support being provided by frames for the shielding elements. Because ofthe configuration of ceiling systems in accordance with the invention, relatively larger shielding elements can be utilized.
  • the shielding elements can be constructed of compressed polyester fiber material.
  • changes can be made to occur based on external environmental characteristics, such as the color ofthe sky and time of day. Changes in light may also be provided in accordance with the ceiling system d ing different seasons and the like. It is well known that lighting changes can be beneficial for the health and well being of individuals working under certain lighting structures.
  • ceiling systems in accordance with the invention take advantage of advancements in semiconductors and miniaturization of electronic components. That is, ceiling systems in accordance with the invention provide for a harnessing of solid state technology to architectural activities. These advancements in technologies have resulted in changes in the way we work, and it is advantageous for ceiling systems to take advantage of such new work habits.
  • the workplace 3102 may include a series of conference tables 3104 and chairs 3106.
  • the ceiling system 3100 may be utilized in any of variously configmed commercial interiors.
  • the ceiling system 3100 may include a series of shielding elements 3108 supported in any convenient manner through the use of frames 3110 and cross frames 3112.
  • the ceiling system 3100 may be suspended from a building roof or similar overhead structure (not shown) through the use of suspension cables 3114 or comparable elements.
  • the ceiling system 3100 may employ LED (and other) lighting elements, with selectable materials surrounding lighting elements so as to provide varying degrees of translucence.
  • the materials may be constructed and configured so as to accommodate additional utilities (e.g. sprinklers and the like) below a ceiling plane. More specifically, the ceiling configurations described herein in accordance with the invention provide a ceiling plane, with lighting elements and materials that are moveably mountable to the ceiling plane.
  • the materials have"varying degrees of translucence so as to adjust intensity and diffusion of light projected from the ceiling plane.
  • the ceiling system 3100 and its various embodiments may employ lighting elements other than LED elements.
  • lighting elements such as fluorescent lighting, metal halide lighting and various other types of lighting may be employed, without departing from the principal concepts ofthe invention.
  • the materials ofthe ceiling system 3100 may be constructed so as to accommodate additional utilities below a ceiling plane, with the utilities including sprinklers and the like.
  • the materials of which the ceiling system 3100 is constructed may have sufficient openings or porosity so as to permit utilities such as sprinklers and the like to be maintained above a ceiling plane formed by these materials ofthe ceiling system 3100.
  • many building codes provide that sprinklers and the like may be accommodated above the ceiling plane, if the plane exhibits total porosity openings of 70% or more.
  • Permeating throughout the inventive concepts ofthe ceiling system 3100 are the issues associated with what may be characterized as "anticipatory design" or flexibility. That is, at the time that a designer may complete a structural and functional design for a commercial interior (including not only wall structures, but also locations of ceiling shielding elements, electrical fixtures, data nodes, communication outlets and the like), it may be several years before particular tenants occupy the structure. Between the time ofthe design completion and the time the particular tenants wish to occupy the structure, the prospective tenants' needs may be substantially different from the designers' anticipatory ideas. However, most commercial interior structures permit little reconfiguration of architectural elements and structure, after completion of an initial design. Reconfiguring a structure for the needs of a particular tenant can be extremely expensive and time consuming. Dming the structural modifications, the commercial interior is essentially "down" and provides no positive cash flow to the structure's owner.
  • FIG. 87 a perspective view is shown of a pair of shielding elements 3116 which are supported through the use of a rail system which may comprise a pair of parallel and spaced apart rails 3118.
  • a rail system which may comprise a pair of parallel and spaced apart rails 3118.
  • An exemplary embodiment of a rail system having rails such as rails 3118 which may be employed with the shielding elements 3116 is described in commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/408,149, entitled “Rail System” and filed on September 4, 2002.
  • the rails 3118 themselves may be suspended through the use of suspension cables or support rods 3121 to overhead building supports (not shown).
  • the shielding elements 3116 may include coverings 3120, examples of which are described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the coverings 3120 may provide various translucence for a series of LED lighting module strips 3122 and other types of lighting elements. Such LED lighting module strips 3122 will also be described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
  • the shielding elements 3116 are supported on the sides of each ofthe adjacent rails 3118 on a pair of opposing L-shaped brackets 3124. Preferably, the shielding elements 3116 may be releasably secured to the L-shaped brackets 3124 through appropriate securing means such as connecting screws and the like.
  • the shielding elements 3116 may also comprise other elements.
  • other types of materials may be utilized as the shielding elements 3116.
  • the shielding elements 3116 may comprise air- filled cellular structures.
  • such shielding elements may comprise 3D-Pongi fabric.
  • these shielding elements 3116 may comprise rigid fins or, alternatively, heliofon fabric fins.
  • the shielding elements 3116 may be supported on their sides through the use of a frame 3126 which may, for example, consist of various materials, including extruded aluminum.
  • FIG. 88 is similar in scope to FIG. 87, in that it illustrates a pair of shielding elements 3116.
  • the shielding elements 3116 are supported from overhead building supports through the use of suspension cables 3130 interconnected directly to the shielding elements 3116 rather than through the use of rails 3118.
  • the suspension cables 3130 are adjustable in length.
  • the supporting infrastructure and/or the shielding elements 3116 themselves may be adjustable in distance from overhead building supports.
  • interconnection between the shielding elements 3116 and the rails 3118 and support rods 3121 may be constructed so that the shielding elements 3116 are adjustable in vertical distance relative to the rails 3118 and support rods 3121.
  • FIG. 89 is a side elevation cross sectional view ofthe system shown in FIG. 87.
  • FIG. 89 illustrates the support rod 3121 and rail 3118.
  • the rail 3118 will not be described in great detail herein.
  • the rail 3118 may include cable trays 3132 carrying communication cables 3134 or the like.
  • Support brackets 3136 may be interconnected to a main track 3138 at spaced apart intervals.
  • the L-shaped brackets 3124 may be interconnected to the main track 3138 by any number of conventional securing means, such as bolt-nut combinations, connecting screws and the like.
  • a rail system having rails 3118 is described in greater detail in the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/408,149, entitled “Rail System” and filed on September 4, 2002.
  • FIG. 89 also illustrates the cross frames 3126, interconnected to other components through the use of brackets 3140.
  • FIG. 89 further illustrates the positioning ofthe members 3142 in a spaced apart and parallel configuration along the shielding elements 3116.
  • Mounted below the members 3142 are LED lighting modules 3144, which are mounted in any convenient manner on the underside ofthe members 3142.
  • Surrounding the LED lighting modules 3144 are a series of "light bags” 3146, which may have various degrees of translucency. It is these light bags 3146 and other embodiments as set forth in subsequent paragraphs herein which provide modifications to light intensity and varying degrees of translucency and diffusion with respect to the LED lighting modules.
  • FIG. 90 is a side elevation cross-sectional view ofthe configmation illustrated in
  • FIG. 88 That is, FIG. 90 illustrates the use of suspension cables 3130.
  • the suspension cables 3130 depend downwardly and are received within apertures in the cross bracket 3140 and in an
  • FIG. 91 is a perspective view (looking from underneath) of one ofthe elongated
  • LED members 3142 which may be employed with the shielding elements 3116. As illustrated in FIG. 91, the member 3142 is elongated in length and will laterally extend across a shielding elements 3116. Mounted to the lower portion ofthe LED member 3142 is a linear LED lighting module 3144.
  • the linear LED lighting module 3144 is also elongated in length and seemed by any of a number of conventional seeming means (such as adhesives, connecting screws or the like) to the underside ofthe member 3142.
  • the linear LED lighting module 3144 is positioned so that it extends longitudinally along the length ofthe member 3142.
  • the linear LED lighting module 3144 includes a series of LED's 3152 spaced apart along the length ofthe linear LED lighting module 3144.
  • FIG. 92 is an illustration similar to FIG. 91, but illustrates the use of two linear
  • FIG. 93 is similar to FIGS. 91 and 92, but illustrates the use of three linear LED lighting modules 3144 along the length ofthe member
  • FIG. 94 is an underside elevation view ofthe member 3142 and three linear LED lighting modules 3144 as illustrated in FIG. 93.
  • FIG. 95 is an illustration of a linear LED lighting module 3144, separate and apart from any member 3142.
  • FIG. 95 illustrates that the linear LED lighting module 3144 may be flexible in construction, and may be constructed of any of a number of suitable materials.
  • low voltage DC power may be applied to the LED's 3152 ofthe LED lighting-module through wires or other conductors embedded within the length ofthe linear LED lighting module 3144.
  • FIG. 96 is substantially similar in scope to FIG. 89. That is, FIG. 96 illustrates a rail 3118 having cable trays 3132 carrying communication cables 3134.
  • FIG. 96 also illustrates the use ofthe support rod 3121, which is interconnected to the main track 3138. Support brackets 3136 are utilize to interconnect sections ofthe main track 3138.
  • FIG. 96 like FIG. 89, illustrates the use of an L-shaped bracket 3124. and cross bracket 3140 for interconnection of the shielding elements 3116 to the rail 3118.
  • the configuration illustrated in FIG. 96 also includes a power transformer 3160 which may be interconnected to electrical components in any suitable manner which are either associated with the rail 3118 or otherwise configured around the rail 3118 and shielding elements 3116.
  • the power transformer 3160 may be utilized to supply low voltage DC power through power cord 3162 to the linear LED lighting modules 3144.
  • FIG. 96 illustrates the use of bus bars 3164 to supply low voltage DC power to the linear LED lighting modules 3144 and LED's 3152.
  • FIG. 96A illustrates greater detail with regard to the configmation of FIG. 96, and comprises a sectional end view of certain components of FIG. 96, taken along section lines 96A - 96A of FIG. 96.
  • FIGS. 97 - 115 illustrate various configurations in accordance with the invention. Turning to these drawings, FIGS. 97 and 98 illustrate a ceiling configuration 3200.
  • the ceiling configuration 3200 may be characterized as employing light diffusing fabric fins, with light bags. More specifically, the configuration 3200 includes a series of members 3142, each having a linear LED lighting module 3144 seemed to the underside thereof.
  • Each ofthe linear LED lighting modules 3144 includes a series of spaced apart LED lights 3152. Suspended in any appropriate manner from the members 3142 are a series of light bags 3210.
  • the light bags 3210 serve to provide light diffusion and a particular level of translucence.
  • the light bags 3210 may comprise light diffusion heliofon fabric. Such fabric is commercially available.
  • FIGS. 99 and 100 illustrate a second ceiling configuration 3220.
  • light diffusing fabric fins again are employed.
  • the fins are in the form of a singular light sheet 3230 which may be "wrapped" around the light members
  • the light sheets 3230 may be secured together by any suitable means.
  • the light sheets 3230 may also comprise light diffusing heliofon fabric. Again, such fabric is commercially available. However, in addition, the fabric dimensions may be customized through the use of digital cutting by the end user.
  • FIGS. 101 and 102 illustrate another alternative embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention, identified as ceiling configuration 3240.
  • ceilings are utilized which are in the form of rigid fins 3250.
  • 3250 may be secured in any appropriate manner to the lower portions ofthe LED members 3142.
  • the rigid fins 3250 form, as illustrated in FIG. 102, what would be characterized as
  • FIGS. 103 and 104 illustrate a further ceiling embodiment comprising the ceiling configuration 3260.
  • the ceiling configuration 3260 includes a pair of relatively long rigid fins 3270, which essentially form a rectangular configuration.
  • a rigid fin 3290 of intermediate length is a rigid fin 3290 of intermediate length, and a rigid fin 3280 of relatively shorter length.
  • the fins 3280 and 3290 separate a series of three linear LED lighting modules 3144 from each other.
  • the rigid fins 3270, 3280 and 3290 may consist of a translucent Lexan® material.
  • FIGS. 105 and 106 illustrate another embodiment of a ceiling configuration, identified as ceiling configmation 3300.
  • a series of rigid fins 3310 form a rectangular configuration around individual ones ofthe linear LED lighting modules 3144,
  • embodiments described herein unlike certain ofthe other ceiling embodiments described herein, embodiment
  • the ceiling configuration 3300 is configured so that each linear LED lighting module 3144 is turned on its side, with the strips of LED's 3152 have a different directional configuration.
  • the ceiling configuration 3300 includes the rigid fins 3310 in a rectangular configmation, with the fins 3310 also being constructed of a translucent Lexan® material.
  • FIGS. 107, 108 and 108A illustrate a further ceiling-configuration 3320 which may be utilized in accordance with the invention.
  • the ceiling configuration 3320 includes a series of parallel and spaced apart linear air tubes 3330.
  • the linear air tubes 3330 are mounted so that a series of members 3142 and attached linear LED lighting modules 3144 are spaced intermediate the linear air tubes 3330.
  • the LED members 3142 may be mounted in any appropriate means to the frame 3126.
  • polyethylene air tubes may be utilized. Such air tubes are commercially available.
  • FIGS. 109, 110 and 110A illustrate a further ceiling configuration 3340.
  • the configmation 3340 is somewhat similar to that illustrated in FIG. 107, in that the configuration 3340 utilizes linear air tubes 3350 for pmposes of providing the ceilings.
  • the ceiling embodiment 3340 also utilizes what are referred to as round marker LED lighting modules 3360.
  • Such lighting modules 3360 have a structural configuration as primarily illustrated in FIGS, 110 and 110A.
  • the linear air tubes 3350 may be constructed of polyethylene air tubes.
  • FIGS. I l l, 112 and 112A illustrate a further embodiment of a ceiling configuration in accordance with the invention, identified as ceiling configmation 3400.
  • the ceiling configmation 3400 employs round marker LED lighting modules 3360, corresponding to the round marker LED lighting modules 3360 previously described with respect to FIGS. 109, 110 and 110A.
  • the ceiling embodiment 3400 employs ceilings which may be characterized as air pillows 3410. Both the round marker LED lighting modules 3360 and the air pillows 3410 are commercially available.
  • the air pillows 3410 may be constructed of a polyethylene material. The air pillows 3410 and the round marker LED lighting modules 3360 provide a still different translucency and light diffusion.
  • FIGS. 113, 114 and 115 illustrate a further embodiment of a ceiling configmation in accordance with the invention. More specifically, FIGS. 113, 114 and 115 illustrate a ceiling configuration 3450 which utilizes a series of woven fabric materials 3460. These woven fabric materials 3460 may be of any of a number of different fabrics, and may be suspended in a manner so as to provide a "wave" pattern as illustrated in FIGS. 113 and 114. In addition, for pu ⁇ oses of aesthetics, forced air may be circulated around the fabrics 3460, and the same may be suspended or otherwise hung so as to generate "pulsing" curvatures as a result ofthe airflow.
  • the members 3142 Positioned above the fabrics 3460 are members 3142 having any of a number of different types of LED lighting modules 3470 associated therewith.
  • the LED lighting modules 3470 could be in the form of linear LED lighting modules or, alternatively, round marker LED lighting modules, each as previously described herein.
  • FIGS. 116 and 117 illustrate the concept that the ceiling configmations do not necessarily have to be located in horizontal planes.
  • FIGS. 116 and 117 each show a horizontal plane A, for pmposes of orientation.
  • Each of these drawings also shows a series of shielding elements 3116 (which may inco ⁇ orate any ofthe embodiments previously described herein), suspended from suspension cables 3130. As illustrated in FIG. 117; the shielding elements 3116 may be of varied angular orientation, with the shielding elements interconnected through flexible or hinged frames 3500.
  • the ceiling configurations may be provided with means for facilitating control and reconfiguration of controlled relationships among various functional components which may be utilized with the ceiling configuration.
  • means for facilitating control and reconfiguration of controlled relationships among various functional components which may be utilized with the ceiling configuration For pmposes of describing the concept of establishing controlling relationships among various controlled and controlling components which may be associated with the ceiling configurations, reference is made to the commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/374,012 entitled "Switching/Lighting Correlation System" and filed April 19, 2002. The contents ofthe aforedescribed patent application are hereby inco ⁇ orated by reference herein.
  • the ceiling configmations may be categorized as being available in an "unlit” format and a "lit” format.
  • various other types of lighting elements may be utilized, such as fluorescent, metal halide and similar elements.
  • various types of acoustical control or abso ⁇ tion concepts may be employed with ceiling systems in accordance with the invention.
  • the shielding elements may be constructed of fire resistant or fire proof materials.
  • the LED lighting elements and other lighting elements which may be utilized in accordance with the invention can comprise various colors. In addition, the colors of the lighting elements can be physically and/or electrically controlled.
  • FIGS. 118 and: 118 A illustrate a ceiling configuration 3520 utilizing light bag elements 3530 similar to those previously described herein.
  • the linear LED lighting modules 3144 may be coupled to a power cord 3530 which, in turn, is coupled to a switch stand 3530.
  • the ceiling configuration 3520 may employ other types of lighting elements, such as fluorescent, metal halide and similar elements.
  • the switch stand 3530 includes a dimmer configuration 3550, having an enabling switch 3552 and a dimmer control 3554. With respect to this configuration, FIG.
  • FIG. 119 illustrates a user employing a control wand 3560 (to be described in subsequent paragraphs herein) for pmposes of establishing control ofthe linear LED lighting modules 3144 associated with the ceiling configmation 3520.
  • the control wand 3560 may be pointing to an IR receiver (not shown) for executing certain control functions.
  • FIG. 120 illustrates the user projecting the control wand 3560 toward the dimmer configmation 3550.
  • the dimmer configmation 3550 may have an IR receiver, for pu ⁇ oses of receiving IR signals 3562 from the control wand 3560. In this case, and as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
  • control wand 3560 may be employed so as to establish that the dimmer configuration 3550 will be controlling the linear LED lighting modules 3144 ofthe ceiling configuration 3520. Further, the control wand 3560 may be used to reconfigure various shielding elements themselves.
  • control wand 3560 An example ofthe control wand 3560 is illustrated in FIGS. 121, 122 and 123. With reference thereto, the control wand 3560 may be of an elongated configmation. At one end ofthe control wand 3560 is a light source 3570 which, preferably, would generate a substantially coUimated beam of light. In addition to the light so ce 3570, the control wand 3560 may also include an infrared (IR) emitter 3580, for transmitting infrared transmission signals to corresponding IR receivers associated with the ceiling configuration 3520 and the dimmer configuration 3550, in addition to other elements which may be utilized with other functional accessories.
  • IR infrared
  • the control wand 3560 may also include a trigger 3590, for pmposes of initiating transmission of IR signals. Still further, the wand 3560 may include mode select switches, such as mode select switch 3600 and mode select switch 3602. These mode select switches 3600, 3602 may be utilized to allow manual selection of particular commands which may be generated using the wand 3560. The control wand 3560 may also use controllers (not shown) or similar computerized devices, for pmposes of providing electronics within the wand 3560 for use with the trigger 3590, mode select switches 3600, 3602, light source 3570 and the IR emitter 3580.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de corrélation conçu pour configurer et modifier une relation de commande entre un appareil de commande et un appareil commandé. Ledit système de corrélation comprend : un moyen de programmation du type à main et actionnable manuellement par une opération pour la transmission de signaux de corrélation auxdits appareil commandé et appareil de commande. Lesdits appareil commandé et appareil de commande possèdent chacun un moyen de détection réagissant auxdits signaux de corrélation, de sorte que la relation de commande soit assurée entre ledit appareil commandé et ledit appareil de commande.
PCT/US2003/027746 2002-09-04 2003-09-04 Systeme d'infrastructure Ceased WO2004046477A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003298573A AU2003298573A1 (en) 2002-09-04 2003-09-04 Infrastructure system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US40814302P 2002-09-04 2002-09-04
US60/408,143 2002-09-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004046477A2 true WO2004046477A2 (fr) 2004-06-03

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/027746 Ceased WO2004046477A2 (fr) 2002-09-04 2003-09-04 Systeme d'infrastructure

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003298573A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004046477A2 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006081186A2 (fr) 2005-01-24 2006-08-03 Color Kinetics Incorporated Procedes et appareil permettant de fournir un eclairage a un espace de travail et de faciliter la personnalisation de l'espace de travail
WO2014147512A1 (fr) * 2013-03-20 2014-09-25 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Système de distribution de puissance à courant continu (cc)
US9841554B2 (en) 2013-06-07 2017-12-12 Steelcase Inc. Panel light assembly
EP3726939A1 (fr) * 2019-04-19 2020-10-21 Niko NV Mise en service d'appareils électriques dans un environnement domestique automatisé
BE1028161B1 (nl) * 2020-03-25 2021-10-26 Delta Light Nv Verlichtingssysteem met geïntegreerde sensoren en geluidsabsorberende elementen

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006081186A2 (fr) 2005-01-24 2006-08-03 Color Kinetics Incorporated Procedes et appareil permettant de fournir un eclairage a un espace de travail et de faciliter la personnalisation de l'espace de travail
EP1846936A4 (fr) * 2005-01-24 2011-08-10 Philips Solid State Lighting Procedes et appareil permettant de fournir un eclairage a un espace de travail et de faciliter la personnalisation de l'espace de travail
EP2858461A1 (fr) * 2005-01-24 2015-04-08 Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc. Procédés et appareil pour fournir l'éclairage d'un espace de travail et pour faciliter la personnalisation de l'espace de travail
WO2014147512A1 (fr) * 2013-03-20 2014-09-25 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Système de distribution de puissance à courant continu (cc)
US9997958B2 (en) 2013-03-20 2018-06-12 Philips Lighting Holding B.V. DC power distribution system
US9841554B2 (en) 2013-06-07 2017-12-12 Steelcase Inc. Panel light assembly
EP3726939A1 (fr) * 2019-04-19 2020-10-21 Niko NV Mise en service d'appareils électriques dans un environnement domestique automatisé
BE1027206B1 (nl) * 2019-04-19 2020-11-20 Niko Nv Inbedrijfstelling van elektrische apparaten in een geautomatiseerde thuisomgeving
BE1028161B1 (nl) * 2020-03-25 2021-10-26 Delta Light Nv Verlichtingssysteem met geïntegreerde sensoren en geluidsabsorberende elementen

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