BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Large open office spaces are commonly partitioned into workstations through the use of wall panel systems. Panel systems typically consist of free standing panels that are joined together in a spatial pattern to define the desired sub-area or workstation space. Each workstation space is then supplied with individual workstation components such as work surfaces and storage units. Most of these workstation components are attached directly to and supported by the panels.

Although useful, office panel systems lack a certain degree of versatility and flexibility. In the modern office environment, however, workstations can require frequent reconfiguration as new work projects evolve, thereby requiring new work environments. Most importantly, it can be difficult and time consuming to disassemble, reconfigure and reassemble office panel systems, particularly when power and communication cabling are housed within the panels. For instance, many office panel systems require disconnection of the workstation components and the cabling within the panels when a panel is moved to a different area. The free standing panels are disassembled and reconnected at the desired location where the workstation components are reattached. Another problem with the reconfiguration of prior office panel systems is that it often disrupts the work routine on both sides of the panel being reconfigured or moved.

Another problem which can arise when a company owns panels and components from different manufacturers, or from different lines by the same manufacturer. These different panels and components often are not able to intermesh with one another thereby making it difficult to reconfigure the work space. Accordingly, there is a need for a system which is easy to

assemble and disassemble.

There is also a need for a system which improves the ease of reconfiguring by being capable of being attached to one or more different types of panel assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention is directed to a linear bridge system having a first vertical post with a predetermined width as measured along a horizontal direction and a second vertical post that is spaced from the vertical post along the horizontal direction. A support ledge is attached to the first vertical post, the support ledge having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end extends beyond a first vertical face of the first vertical post along the horizontal direction and a beam is attached to the support ledge, wherein the beam extends from the first vertical post to the second vertical post.

A second aspect of the present invention regards a linear bridge system having a first vertical post and a second vertical post that is spaced from the first vertical post by a predetermined distance d along a horizontal direction. An extension piece is attached to the first vertical post and extends toward the second vertical post along the horizontal direction by a distance that is less than the separation distance d. A beam is attached to the extension piece and the second vertical post.

A third aspect of the present invention regards a post to be supported on a surface. The post includes a housing extending lengthwise along a first direction, wherein one end of the housing is positioned above the surface. The post further includes a stand attached to the housing and extending down toward the surface and having a portion that acts like a tripod.

A fourth aspect of the present invention regards a linear bridge system having a first vertical post and a second vertical post so as to be parallel to the first vertical post and spaced from the first vertical post. A beam is attached to the first and second vertical posts and a transition piece

is attached to the beam, wherein the transition piece includes a rotatable attachment piece that when rotated to a first position engages the beam and when rotated to a second position disengages from the beam.

A fifth aspect of the present invention regards a channel attachment system having a beam with a longitudinal opening formed therefrom and a connector inserted within an interior of the longitudinal opening, wherein the beam comprises a bolt and comprises a structure that allows the inserted connector to freely move along the longitudinal opening.

The channel attachment system further includes both a piece of material with an opening formed therein that receives the bolt and a nut located exteriorly of the longitudinal opening and attached to the bolt, wherein rotation of the nut results in the connector to engage a surface of the beam that faces the interior of the longitudinal opening.

A sixth aspect of the present invention regards a linear bridge system having a linear bridge frame extending from and supported on a floor, wherein the linear bridge lies substantially along a first plane that is perpendicular to the floor. A first planar surface is connected to the linear bridge frame, wherein the linear bridge frame and the connected planar surface are incapable of supporting together a large load structure.

A seventh aspect of the present invention regards a method of reconfiguring an office system which includes the steps of (1) providing a stationary linear bridge frame at an initial position extending from and supported on a floor and a first planar surface connected to the stationary linear bridge frame, wherein the linear bridge frame lies substantially along a first plane that is perpendicular to the floor and (2) attaching a wing wall to the stationary bridge frame, wherein the wing wall lies substantially within a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane, the stationary linear bridge frame, the first planar surface and the wing wall define an initial office system. The method further includes the step of reconfiguring the initial office system by (1) removing the wing wall from the stationary bridge frame, (2) retaining the stationary linear bridge frame at the initial position during the

entire reconfiguring step, and (3) reattaching the wing wall to the linear bridge frame, wherein the reattached wing wall lies parallel to the second plane and is laterally spaced from the second plane.

An eighth aspect of the present invention regards a power electronics attachment system which includes a planar surface having a front surface and a rear surface and an engagement piece formed on the rear surface, wherein a first opening and a second opening are formed in the planar surface. A first collar is inserted into the first opening, the first collar having an end portion that engages the engagement piece. A second collar is inserted into the second opening, the second collar including an end portion that engages the engagement piece.

A ninth aspect of the present invention regards a linear bridge system having a first vertical post with a predetermined width as measured along a horizontal direction, a second vertical post spaced from the first vertical post along the horizontal direction and a third vertical post spaced from the second vertical post along the horizontal direction. A support ledge is attached to the first vertical post, the support ledge having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end extends beyond a first vertical face of the first vertical post along the horizontal direction. A second support ledge attached to the second vertical post, the second support ledge having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end extends beyond a first vertical face of the second vertical post along the horizontal direction. A beam is attached to the first and second support ledges, wherein the beam extends from the first vertical post to the second vertical post. A third support ledge is attached to the third vertical post, the third support ledge having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end extends beyond a first vertical face of the third vertical post along the horizontal direction. A second beam is attached to the second and third support ledges, wherein the second beam extends from the second vertical post to the third vertical post.

Each of the aspects of the present invention provide improved versatility and flexibility for existing office panel systems.

Each of the aspects of the present invention reduce the difficulty of disassembly, reconfiguring and reassembly of an existing office panel system.

Each of the aspects of the present invention improve the reconfiguration of two or more different types of office panel systems.

The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1A-C are perspective views of embodiments of linear bridge systems according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a linear bridge frame to be used with the linear bridge system of FIG. 1A; FIG. 3 is a front view of the linear bridge frame of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a linear bridge frame to be used with the linear bridge system of FIG. 1 B ; FIG. 5 is a front view of the linear bridge frame of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the linear bridge frame of FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a linear bridge frame to be used with the linear bridge system of FIG. 1 C ; FIG. 8 is a front view of the linear bridge system of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the connection of a beam to a post in the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 2-8; FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a beam to be used with the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 2-8; FIG. 11 is a rear view of the beam of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a top view of the beam of FIG. 10; FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the connection between a planar surface and a top portion of a beam used with the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 2-9;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the connection between a planar surface and a bottom portion of a beam used with the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 2-9; FIG. 15 schematically shows a side view of a wedge connected to a bottom portion of a beam used with the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 2-9; FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an extension piece being used with the left posts of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 2-8; FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an extension piece being used with the right posts of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 2-8; FIG. 18 A is a top view of an embodiment of a beam of a linear bridge frame connected with a pair of extension pieces; FIG. 18B is a side view of the beam and extension pieces of FIG. 18A; FIG. 19 shows a bracket to be attached with the beam of FIGS.

18A-B; FIG. 20 A is a top view of a second embodiment of a beam of a linear bridge frame connected with a pair of extension pieces; FIG. 20B is a side view of the beam and extension pieces of FIG. 20A; FIG. 21 shows an enlarged view of the extension piece of FIG.

17; FIG. 22 shows a side view of the extension piece of FIG. 16; FIG. 23 shows a top view of the extension piece of FIGS. 16-17; FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of the extension piece of FIGS. 16-17; FIG. 25 shows a front cross-sectional view of the extension piece of FIG. 24; FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a skirt to be used with the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 2-8; FIG. 27 shows a front view of a side wall of the skirt of FIG. 26; FIG. 28 shows a side view of the side wall of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows a top view of a saddle piece of the skirt of FIG.

26.

FIG. 30 shows a side cross-sectional view of the saddle piece of FIG. 29; FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with a panel assembly ; FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with two different sizes of panel assemblies ; FIG. 33 shows a front view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with three different types of panel assemblies ; FIG. 34 shows a side cross-sectional view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with a panel assembly ; FIG. 35 shows top cross-sectional view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 to the panel assemblies of FIG. 33; FIG. 36 shows a top view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 to the panel assemblies of FIG. 33; FIG. 37A shows a perspective view of a T-connector or block used to connect the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the panel assemblies of FIGS. 31-36 and 38; FIG. 37B shows a top view of the T-connector of FIG. 37A; FIG. 37C shows a front view of the T-connector of FIG. 37A; FIG. 37D shows a right side view of the T-connector of FIG.

37A; FIG. 38A shows an exploded view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with one of the panel assemblies of FIG.

32; FIG. 38B shows an exploded view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with a second one of the panel assemblies of FIG. 32; FIG. 39 shows a front view of a transition piece used with the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the panel

assemblies of FIGS. 31-36 and 38; FIG. 40 shows a top cross-sectional view of the transition piece of FIG. 39; FIG. 41 shows a perspective view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with a second embodiment of a panel assembly; FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with two different sizes of the second embodiment of the panel assembly of FIG. 41; FIG. 43 shows a front view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the two different sizes of the panel assemblies of FIG. 42; FIG. 44 shows a top view of FIG. 43; FIG. 45 shows a side cross-sectional view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 to the panel assemblies of FIGS. 41- 44; FIG. 46 shows a top perspective view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 to the panel assemblies of FIGS. 41-45; FIG. 47 shows a front view of a transition piece attached to the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the panel assemblies of FIGS. 41-46; FIG. 48 shows a front view of the transition piece of FIGS. 41- 47; FIG. 49 shows a top cross-sectional view of the transition piece of FIGS. 47-48; FIG. 50 shows an exploded view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the panel assembly of FIG. 41; FIG. 51 shows a top cross-sectional view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the panel assemblies of FIGS. 41- 50; FIG. 52 shows a side cross-sectional view at the top of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the panel assemblies of FIGS. 41-51;

FIG. 53 shows a side cross-sectional view at the bottom of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the panel assemblies of FIGS. 41-52; FIG. 54 shows a side cross-sectional view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the transition piece of FIGS. 47- 49; FIG. 55A shows a perspective view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with a second linear bridge frame; FIG. 55B shows an exploded view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with a second linear bridge frame; FIG. 56 shows a top cross-sectional view of the attachment of the linear bridges of FIG. 55; FIG. 57 shows a side cross-sectional view of the attachment of the linear bridges of FIGS. 55-56; FIG. 58 shows a perspective view of a U-shaped bracket to be used with the linear bridges of FIGS. 1-57; FIG. 59 shows a top view of the U-shaped bracket of FIG. 58; FIG. 60 shows a front view of the U-shaped bracket of FIGS.

58-59; FIG. 61A shows a perspective view of an upper tile and a lower tile attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-60; FIG. 61 B shows a perspective view of a diagonal tray attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-60; FIG. 62 shows a perspective view of a marker board attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-60; FIG. 63 shows a perspective view of a hanger board attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-60; FIG. 64A shows a side view of the insertion of a hanger rail into a beam of the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-60; FIG. 64B shows a perspective view of FIG. 64B; FIG. 65A shows a side view of the hanger rail of FIGS. 64A-B

into a beam of the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-60; FIG. 65B shows a perspective view of FIG. 65B; FIG. 66A shows a rear perspective view of the attachment of the hanger rail of FIGS. 64-65 to a tackboard ; FIG. 66B shows a perspective view of a mini-tackboard attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-60; FIG. 67 shows a rear perspective view of the attachment of the hanger rail of FIGS. 64-65 to a tackable tile or marker tile ; FIG. 68 shows a rear perspective view of the attachment of the hanger rail of FIGS. 64-65 to a rail tile ; FIG. 69 shows a perspective view of a bottom panel of the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-68; FIG. 70A shows a perspective view of a collar to be used with the bottom panel of FIG. 69; FIG. 70B shows a bottom view of the collar of FIG. 70A; FIG. 70C shows a cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 70B taken along line A-A of FIG. 70B; FIG. 70D shows a cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 70B taken along line B-B of FIG. 70B; FIG. 71 shows a top cross-sectional view of the bottom panel of FIG. 69 FIG. 72 schematically shows a top view of a prior art office system or floor plan ; FIG. 73 schematically shows a top view of an office system or floor plan that employs the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-71; FIG. 74 schematically shows the method of reconfiguring the office system or floor plan of FIG. 73; FIG. 75A shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the attachment of a transition piece to a linear bridge frame; FIG. 75B shows a side view of the second embodiment of FIG.

75A when the transition piece is attached to the linear bridge frame;

FIG. 76A shows an exploded view of a third embodiment of the attachment of a transition piece to a linear bridge frame; FIG. 76B shows a side view of the third embodiment of FIG.

76A when the transition piece is attached to the linear bridge frame; FIG. 77A shows an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the attachment of a transition piece to a linear bridge frame; FIG. 77B shows a side view of the fourth embodiment of FIG.

77A when the transition piece is attached to the linear bridge frame; FIG. 78A shows an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of the attachment of a transition piece to a linear bridge frame; FIG. 78B shows a side view of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 78A when the transition piece is attached to the linear bridge frame; FIG. 79 shows an exploded view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with a third embodiment of a panel assembly; FIG. 80 shows a cross-sectional view of a wooden insertion piece used with the attachment of FIG. 79; FIG. 81A shows a top view of a T-connector or block used to connect the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with the panel assemblies of FIGS. 41-54; FIG. 81 B shows a front view of the T-connector of FIG. 81A; FIG. 81 C shows a right side view of the T-connector of FIG.

81A ; FIG. 82A shows a perspective and exploded view of an end cap and a cover piece; FIG. 82B is an enlarged view of the end cap and cover piece of FIG. 82A; FIG. 83 shows an exploded view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 with a cabinet; FIG. 84A shows a perspective view of a shelf attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 84B shows a perspective view of a rail divider attached to

the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 84C shows a perspective view of a message holder attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 84D shows a perspective view of a day calendar holder attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 84E shows a perspective view of a card file attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 84F shows a perspective view of a tape dispenser attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 84G shows a perspective view of arches attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 84H shows a perspective view of an organizer tray attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 841 shows a perspective view of a hanger peg attached to the linear bridge systems of FIGS. 1-83; FIG. 85 shows an side view of a sixth embodiment of the attachment of a transition piece to a linear bridge frame; FIG. 86 shows a perspective view of a connector to be used with the attachment of FIGS. 76A-B; FIG. 87A shows a side view of a seventh embodiment of the attachment of a transition piece to a linear bridge frame; FIG. 87B shows a front view of the seventh embodiment of FIG.

87A; FIG. 88 shows a top view of a connector to be used with the attachment of FIGS. 87A-B; FIG. 89 shows a side view of an eighth embodiment of the attachment of a transition piece to a linear bridge frame; FIG. 90A shows a perspective view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 to the transition piece of FIG. 38A; FIG. 90B is a front view of FIG. 90A; FIG. 90C is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 90A taken along

line A-A; FIG. 91A shows a perspective view of the attachment of the linear bridge frames of FIGS. 1-30 to the transition piece of FIG. 38B; FIG. 91 B is a front view of FIG. 91A; and FIG. 91C is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 91A taken alone line A-A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-91 show various structural aspects of a linear bridge system 50 according to the present invention. The basic building block for the linear bridge system 50 is the linear bridge frame 52 shown in FIGS. 2-8. The linear bridge frame 52 includes a pair of posts 54 and 56 which extend lengthwise along a vertical direction, Z, and are parallel to one another and spaced from one another along a horizontal direction, X, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction, Z. Each of the posts 54 and 56 preferably have the same shape and structure as shown in FIG. 2-8. Each post is made of a resilient material, such as steel, and has a vertical length of approximately 51", a predetermined width of approximately 3.1" as measured along the horizontal direction, X, and a thickness of approximately 1.3" as measured along the direction, Y, which is perpendicular to both the X and Z axes. Other vertical lengths for the posts 54 and 56 are possible, For example, the vertical distance may be 66" (FIGS. 4-6) or 37" (FIGS. 7-8).

As shown in FIGS. 2-8, three support ledges 58,60,62 are attached to the front face 64 of the vertical post 54 in a well known manner, such as welding. Each support ledge 58,60,62 includes an L-shaped bracket 66 having a first leg 68 extending downward and attached to the front face 64 in a well known manner such as welding. The L-shaped bracket 66 further includes a second leg 70 that extends away from the front face 64 and perpendicular to the first leg 68. The second leg 70 forms a surface that is preferably parallel to the support surface or floor 72 that supports the entire linear bridge frame 52. As shown in FIGS. 2-8, the post 54 is centrally

located with respect to the support ledge 58 so that an inner end 74 of the support ledge 58 is inwardly offset from the inner face 76 of the post 54 along the horizontal direction, X, by approximately 2"and the outer end 78 of the support ledge 58, which is aligned with the inner end 74 along the horizontal direction, is outwardly offset from the outer face 80 of the post 54 along the horizontal direction, X, by approximately 2". The inward facing part of the second leg 70 supports one end 82 of a beam 84 thereon so that the upper face of the inner end 74 faces the bottom face of the beam 84. The end 82 of the beam 84 is attached the second leg 70 by inserting two bolts through corresponding holes formed in the end 82 and the second leg 70 and attaching nuts to the bolts. The attached end 82 of the beam 84 is separated from the front face 64 of the post 54 by approximately 1.75".

As shown in FIGS. 2-8, the beam 84 extends from the first post 54 to the second post 56 along the horizontal direction, X. The beam 84 has a length of approximately 48". Of course other lengths of the beam 84 are possible, such as 24"and 18". The second end 88 of the beam 84 is attached to an inwardly extending end 89 of a support ledge 90 which is attached to the second post 56. The support ledge 90 has the same structure and shape as the support ledge 58. In particular, the support ledge 90 includes an L-shaped bracket 92 that has the same structure as the L- shaped brackets 66 of the post 56 described above. The L-shaped bracket 92 has a downwardly extending leg 91 that is welded to the front face 94 of the second post 56 and a second leg 96 that is perpendicular to the leg 91 and extends away from the front face 94. The beam 84 is supported on the upper surface of the second leg 96 which is preferably parallel to the floor 72.

The post 56 is centrally located with respect to the support ledge 90 so that an inner end 98 of the support ledge 90 is inwardly offset from the inner face 100 of the post 56 along the horizontal direction, X, by approximately 2". Likewise, the outer end 102 of the support ledge 90, which is aligned with the inner end 98 along the horizontal direction, is outwardly offset from the outer face 104 of the post 56 along the horizontal direction, X,

by approximately 2". The inward facing part of the second leg 96 supports the end 88 of the beam 84 thereon so that the upper face of the inner end 98 faces the bottom face of the beam 84. The end 88 of the beam 84 and the second leg 96 each have openings similar to those for the end 82 and the second leg 70, respectively, so that the end 88 of the beam 84 is attached to the post 56 by inserting two bolts through the openings in a manner described previously with respect to the end 82 of the beam 84 and the second leg 70.

The attached end 88 of the beam 84 is separated from the front face 94 of the post 56 by approximately 1.75".

As shown in FIGS. 2-10, the support ledges 58 and 90 are attached to the tops of the post 54 and 56, respectively, and are aligned with each other along the horizontal direction, X, so that the beam 84 attached thereto extends parallel to the floor 72.

As shown in FIGS. 2-9, the beam 84 forms a C-shaped opening 108 that faces away from the front faces 64 and 94 of the posts 54 and 56, respectively. A rectangular planar surface 110 is attached to both the beam 84 and a lower beam 114 by first inserting the top edge 115 of the lower beam 114 into the slots 117 formed by a pair of lower hooks or clips 112 of the planar surface 110. Then, the upper edge of the planar surface 110 is pivoted towards the beam 84 so that a pair of upper C-shaped wedges 119 compressively engage the bottom edge 121 of the beam 84. The attached planar surface 110 extends down from the beam 84 to a lower beam 114 which has the same shape as beam 84. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower beam 114 is approximately 47.183"below the upper beam 84 and preferably is parallel to and lies directly below the beam 84. The separation distance between the upper beam 84 and the lower beam 114 may have a wide range of values depending on the desired look of the panel system. For example, the separation distance may be 32.183" or 18.183". In the case of the linear bridge frame of FIGS. 2-3, the planar surface 110 has a length of approximately 46"and a height of approximately 47.82" to cover the space between the beams 84 and 114 and may have a number of structures, such

as being made of steel. Furthermore, the planar surface 110 may have a tackable surface attached thereto in a well known manner. The planar surfaces 110 for the linear bridge frames 52 of FIGS. 4-8 would have a similar structure and would have dimensions to cover the space between the beams 84 and 114. Exemplary dimensions are 46"by 18"or 46"by 24".

As shown in FIGS. 2-8, the lower beam 114 is attached to the posts 54 and 56, via support ledges 60 and 117 and their respective L- shaped brackets 66,92 which have the same structure and attachment scheme as described previously with respect to support ledges 58,90 and their L-shaped brackets 66,92. The upper facing surfaces of the legs 70,96 of the L-shaped brackets support the lower edge of the planar surface 110 thereon.

The above description shows how a portion of one side of the linear bridge frame 52 is covered by a planar surface 110. The other side of the linear bridge frame 52 may or may not be covered in a similar manner. If the linear bridge frame 52 is to be placed parallel to a permanent wall of a room, then the side of the linear bridge frame 52 opposite the planar surface 110 can be placed so as to face the permanent wall without fear that someone will be able to see the unpaneled side. However, if the linear bridge frame 52 is positioned away from a permanent wall, then the other side of the linear bridge frame 52 needs to be covered by a planar surface as well. This is accomplished by attaching two beams 118 and 120 to the posts 54 and 56 on the other side of the linear bridge frame 52. Attachment of the beams 118 and 120 is accomplished in the same manner that beams 84 and 114 are attached to the posts 54 and 56. In particular, each of the beams 118 and 120 have the same structure as the beams 84 and 114 so that they each define C-shaped openings 122 and 124, respectively, that face away from the rear faces 126 and 128 of the posts 54 and 56, respectively. The opening 122 allows for the attachment and hanging of a rectangular rear planar surface 129 from the beam 118 by having wedges 119 compressively engage the bottom edge of the beam 118 in the same manner described above with

respect to the attachment of the wedges 119 to the bottom edge beam 84.

The attached rear planar surface 129 extends down from the beam 118 to the lower beam 120. The lower portion of the rear planar surface 129 is attached to the top edge of the lower beam 120 by the previously described clips 116 and in the same manner that clips 116 are attached to the lower beam 114.

The rear planar surface 129 preferably has the same size and structure and dimensions as the planar surface 110.

Preferably, the rear planar surface 129 is aligned with the planar surface 110. As shown in FIGS. 2-8, alignment of planar surface 129 is accomplished by attaching support ledges 130,131,132 and 134 to the rear faces 126,128 of the posts 54 and 56 so that they are the same height above the floor 72 as support ledges 58,90,60,117, respectively. The support ledges 130,131,132 and 134 each have L-shaped brackets 66, which have the same structure and attachment scheme as described previously with respect to support ledges 58,90,60,117 and their L-shaped brackets 66.

The upper facing surface of the legs 70 of the L-shaped brackets support the lower edge of the planar surface 129 thereon.

As described above, one function of the linear bridge frame 52 is to provide a structure that allows planar surfaces 110,129 to be easily attached thereto. Another function of the linear bridge frame 52 is to provide efficient cable and power management for an office. The planar surfaces 110 and 129 are offset from the front and rear faces of the posts 54 and 56 by approximately 1.5". This allows cables and/or wires to be run from one end of the planar surface to the other end where the cable and/or wires are laid on the support ledges 58,60,90,117,130,131,132,134. Power management is provided by a third beam 136 which has cabling electronics that includes wiring and modular power components or electronics, such as well known power harness, attached thereto via well known brackets 137. As shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 7-8, the beam 136 may be rectangular in shape and extend a distance d between the posts 54 and 56. The beam 136 is inserted between the J-shaped brackets 139 which are attached to either side of the posts 54

and 56. The brackets 139 may be replaced with the L-shaped brackets 66 as shown in FIG. 6. In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-25, the beam 136 has a length that is less than the separation distance, d, along the horizontal direction, X, as measured between the posts 54 and 56. The beam 136 is attached to the posts 54 and 56 by means of a pair of identical extension pieces 138 and 140, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 22-25 the extension piece 138 has a flange 142 that extends along the horizontal direction, X, and a second flange 144 that is substantially parallel to the flange 142. The flanges 142 and 144 are attached to each other so as to form a female receiving member, such as the slot-like opening 146, into which the post 54 is inserted so that the post 54 is positioned between the flanges 142 and 144. The flanges 142 and 144 are attached to support ledges 62 and 150, respectively, via a nut inserted through an aligned opening of the flanges 142 and 144 and the L-shaped bracket 66 and a bolt threaded on the nut. The support ledges 62 and 150 each have an L-shaped bracket 66 which has the same structure as the L-shaped brackets 66 described previously. The legs 70 of the L-shaped brackets 66 extend substantially perpendicular to the front and rear faces 64 and 126 of the post 54 and present an upper surface upon which the flanges 142 and 144 lie as shown in FIGS. 16,22 and 23.

The two flanges 142 and 144 join each other so that they form an inverted U-shaped portion 156. The inverted U-shaped portion 156 extends approximately 7"from the post 54 towards the post 56. An end of the beam 136 is inserted into the opening formed by the portion 156 and attached to the U-shaped portion 156 by being welded thereto.

The other end of the beam 136 is inserted into and attached to the U-shaped portion 158 of the extension piece 140 in a manner similar to the attachment to the extension U-shaped portion 156. As shown in FIGS.

17,18 and 20-21, the extension piece 140 is identical in shape to the extension piece 138 and has a pair of parallel flanges 160 and 162 that form a slot 164 into which the post 56 is inserted. The flanges 160 and 162 are

supported on the legs 96 of the L-shaped brackets 92 which have the same structure as the L-shaped brackets 66.

The four L-shaped brackets 66 and 92 are each arranged approximately 8.00" above the bottom of the posts 54 and 56 so that the beam 136 and the power electronics (not shown) will extend parallel to and be approximately 12.00" above the floor 72.

Access to the power electronics is controlled by placing a rectangular planar surface 174 over the opening formed between the beam 114 and the beam 136. The planar surface 174 has the same structure as planar surfaces 110 and 129 and has a height of approximately 18.8" and a length of approximately 24"or approximately 18". The planar surface 174 may have openings 176 to allow access to electrical outlets 401 of the power electronics. As shown in FIGS. 69-71, the openings 176 may be formed in pairs where each opening 176 has a plastic rectangular collar 398 that has slots 399 of tabs 400 into which the edges of the opening 176 are inserted.

Each rectangular collar 398 functions to take up the tolerance of the openings 176 when electrical outlets 401 are inserted therethrough. As shown in FIGS.

69 and 71, an electrical outlet 401 is inserted into each collar 398. As shown in FIG. 71, adjacent collars 398 each have z-shaped ends 402 that overlap and engage a T-shaped piece 404 that is formed in the rear of the planar surface 174. The attachment with the T-shaped piece 404 provides improved structural stability for the collars 398.

The planar surface 174 is attached to the beams 114 and 136 via clips 112 and C-shaped wedges 119 in the same manner that planar surfaces 110 and 129 are attached to the beams 84 and 114, respectively.

The bottom portion of the planar surface 174 is attached to the vertical flaps 177 formed in the extension pieces 138,140 by having two clips 112 engage the flaps 177 in the same manner that the clip 112 engages the top edge 115 of the beam 114. As shown in FIGS. 18A-B and 19, a wing-shaped bracket 179 is bolted to the center of the beam 136 and has vertical flaps 181 that are engaged by a clip 112 of the planar surface 174 in the same manner that the

clips 112 engage the flaps 177. The bracket 179 may be movable to adjust the place of attachment with the planar surface 174. Note that if the linear bridge frame 52 is isolated from a permanent wall, then the other side of the linear bridge frame 52 extending from the beam 114 to the beam 136 can be covered in a similar manner by a rear planar surface 178 that has the same dimensions and structure as the planar surface 174.

A skirt 180 is used to cover the area from the floor 72 to the beam 136. The skirt 180 is preferably made of a hard plastic, such as extruded PVC, and is rectangular-like in shape having a length of approximately 48"and a width of approximately 4.75". Other lengths for the skirt 180 are possible, such as 24"and 18". As shown in FIG. 28, the skirt 180 has a cross-section that includes a C-shaped channel 182 integrally attached to a planar section 184 that has a width of approximately 0.250". A bottom outset 186 is offset by approximately 0.50" with respect to the planar section 184 and is integrally attached thereto via intermediate section 188 which is angled approximately with respect to the planar section 184. The bottom outset 186 and the intermediate section 188 each have widths of approximately 0.50". Different shapes for the skirt 180 are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The skirt 180 is maintained parallel to the front faces 64 and 94 of the posts 54 and 56 by attaching the skirt 180 to a pair of saddle pieces 190 as shown in FIG. 26. Each saddle piece 190 is in the shape of an inverted U with a rectangular top piece 192 and a pair of rectangular sides 194. The top piece 192 has a width of approximately 2.00" and a length of approximately 8.00". The sides 194 are perpendicular to the top piece 192 and are identical in shape with a width of approximately 1.18"and a length of approximately 8.00". A pair of spring-like elements 196 are attached to each of the lines of intersection between the sides 194 and the top piece 192.

Each spring-like element 196 defines an opening 198 into which one end of the C-shaped channel 182 of the skirt 180 is inserted. As shown in FIG. 26, a second identically shaped saddle piece 200 is attached to the other end of

the C-shaped channel 182 of the skirt 180.

As shown in FIG. 29, each saddle piece 190 and 200 has a slot 202 formed in the top piece 192. The slots 202 have an opening with a width of approximately 1.00" into which the posts 54 and 56 are inserted. Once the posts 54 and 56 are inserted into the slots 202, the skirt 180 is lowered so that it rests on the floor 72. The skirt 180 remains on the floor 72 irrespective of whether the posts 54 and 56 are raised or lowered since the slots 202 in the saddle pieces 190 and 200 allow the posts 54 and 56 to move relative thereto. Note that at the end of a run of planar surfaces, the exposed bottom below the end cap 330 is covered by a rectangular cover piece 506, preferably made of wood. As shown in FIGS. 82A-B, the rectangular cover piece 506 rides within two parallel vertical slots 508 formed in the interior of the end cap 330. Like the skirt 180, the cover piece 506 remains on the floor 72 irrespective of whether the posts 54 and 56 are raised or lowered.

Note that if the linear bridge frame 52 is isolated from a wall, then a second skirt 204, identical in shape to skirt 180, is attached to the other side of the posts 54 and 56 via the other spring-like element 196 in the same manner as described above with respect to the skirt 180. The second skirt 204 is also supported on the floor 72 and covers the rear area defined by the beam 136 and the floor 72.

With the above description of the structure of a linear bridge system 50 in mind, a novel structure for assisting in the construction of the linear bridge system 50 is shown in FIGS. 2-8 and 16-17. In particular, a stand 206 is attached to the housings 208 of each post 54 and 56 which aids in allowing the linear bridge frame 52 and system 50 to stand alone. One end of the stand 206 is inserted into a collar 210 that is attached to a side of the housing 208. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, one end 212 of the stand 206 lies parallel to the housing 208 that extends vertically and perpendicular to the floor 72 while the other end of the stand 206 extends down toward the floor 72 so that a portion thereof contacts the floor 72 and acts like a tripod by defining a point of contact 582 and two separate piece 584,586 that are

joined at the point of contact 582 and are angled relative to one another. As shown in FIG. 16, the tripod end is a J-shaped portion 214 that lies on the floor 72. The tripod end may be L-shaped as well. The J-shaped portion 214 has a cylindrical cross-section and coils upon itself so as to provide an area of support for supporting the post upright. The position of the area of support can be adjusted by rotating the stand 206 within the collar 210 about the vertical axis. Note that when the linear bridge frame 52 is attached to a panel system, the stand 206 can be rotated out of sight. Further support for the post 54 or 56 is provided by a well known glider 216 whose circular base is attached to a screw 217 which is rotatably attached to the post 54 or 56 in a well known manner so that rotation of the screw varies the amount that the lower end of the housing 208 is positioned above the floor 72.

The linear bridge frame 52 described above has a structure that facilitates the attachment of a plurality of linear bridge frames 52 along a single line. Two linear bridge frames 52 are attached to each other by beginning with the construction of a bridge frame 52 as described previously.

Next, a third post is laterally spaced from the post 56 so that the third post and posts 54 and 56 are aligned with each other and the post 56 lies between post 54 and the third post. The laterally spacing between the third post and post 56 preferably is the same as that between posts 54 and 56. Three support ledges, like ledges 58,60,62, are attached to the front face 64 of the vertical third post. Each support ledge includes an L-shaped bracket 66 that is oriented with respect to the third post in the same manner as the L-shaped brackets 66 of the post 54 are. Like the posts 54 and 56, the third post is centrally located with respect to the support ledges so that each of the ends of the support ledges and brackets 66 extend past the side faces of the third post. Accordingly, a portion of each bracket 66 extends toward the offset outer ends 102 of the brackets 66 of the post 56. A second linear bridge frame is formed by attaching three beams to the outer ends 102 of the brackets 66 of the post 56 and the end of the brackets 66 of the third post that are offset toward the post 56. The structure for the attachment of the three

beams is the same as the attachment structure used for the beams of posts 54 and 56. Note that two upper beams can be attached to the other side of the post 56 and the third post by attaching two additional brackets 66 on each of the other sides of post 56 and the third post. Two beams are attached to the additional brackets in the same manner as beams 122 and 124 are attached to the brackets 66 of the posts 54 and 56. With the above structure, two linear bridge frames 52 have been formed and planar surfaces can be placed on each linear bridge frame 52 in the manner described previously. It is clear that having the brackets 66 being offset from both side faces of the post allows for a simple structure to attach beams to posts and form additional linear bridge frames in either direction in which a linear bridge frame 52 extends.

Note that when a desired number of linear bridge frames 52 have been attached, the run of linear bridge frames is discontinued by moving the brackets 66 of the last post in the run so that the ends of the brackets nearest the end of the run are aligned with or flush with the side face the end post nearest the end of the run. Beams are attached to the other ends of the brackets as described previously and planar surfaces are attached to the final linear bridge frame in the run. An end cap 330 is attached to the brackets 66 of the end post in a manner described later with respect to FIGS. 58-60. A top cap is also attached to the top of the linear bridge frames that are connected to one another.

One advantage of the above-described linear bridge system 50 is that it provides more ease in reconfiguring an office floor plan. In the past, office floor plans were formed in the shape of an ice cube tray as schematically shown in FIG. 72. Such office floor plans are difficult to reconfigure since it requires disassemblying the side walls 219 from the center spine 221 and moving the side walls 219 and the center spine 221 to a desired location. The present invention provides for an improved method for reconfiguring office floor plans or systems as shown in FIGS. 73 and 74. In particular, a stationary linear bridge frame 52 is positioned at an initial position

extending from and supported on a floor 72. The planar surfaces connected to both sides of the linear bridge frame define a first planar surface connected to said stationary linear bridge frame so that the linear bridge system 50 lies substantially along a plane that is perpendicular to the floor 72. As shown in FIG. 73, a plurality of wing walls 223 are attached to the linear bridge frame 52 so that the wing walls 223 lie substantially within planes that are perpendicular to the plane of the linear bridge system 50. The wing walls 223 are rectangular in shape having a height that extends from the top of the linear bridge system 50 to the floor 72 where the walls 223 rest thereon. The wing walls 223 may be made of steel or clear plastic and may have a tackable material on its exterior surface. Attachment of the wing walls 223 to the linear bridge frame 52 can be accomplished in a large variety of ways such as the attachment of the linear bridge frame 52 to the panel systems of FIGS. 31-53 and which is described below. The stationary linear bridge frame 52 and two consecutive wing walls 223 define a U-shaped boundary of a space 225 on the floor 72. Furniture, such as desks and chairs is arranged on the space 225.

The initial office system of FIG. 73 is reconfigured by removing the wing walls 223 from the stationary linear bridge frame 52 while at the same time retaining the stationary linear bridge frame 52 at its initial position during the entire reconfiguration process. Next, the wing walls 223 are reattached to the linear bridge frame 52 at positions to create the desired office system as shown in FIG. 74. The reattached wing walls 223 lie parallel to one another so that the linear bridge frame 52 and consecutive wing walls 223 define a new U-shaped perimeter of a new spaces 227 in which the furniture in the initial floor plan is inserted in the new spaces 227.

Besides providing improved reconfiguration of office floor plans, the stationary linear bridge frame 52 also provides the advantage of being light weight and easy to move. In particular, the linear bridge frame 52 is a non-permanent structure which allows the frame 52 to be moved to other locations and to be assembled and disassembled. One of the purposes of

the linear bridge frame 52 is to provide a frame of reference from which other panel systems can be attached. In other words, the linear bridge frame 52, with the planar surfaces attached to one or both sides thereto, but instead acts like the hub of a bicycle wheel with in that a number of panel systems can be attached to and radiate in different directions from the linear bridge frame 52 like spokes in the wheel. in our case, the panel systems would radiate in directions that either parallel or perpendicular to the linear bridge frame 52. Since a major function of the linear bridge system 50 and frame 52 is the connection of panel systems, they are not designed to carry or be connected to large load structures, such as work surfaces and overhead storage cabinets. Instead, the linear bridge system 50 is designed to support such light load structures as paper trays (FIG. 61A), diagonal trays (FIG.

61 B), marker board (FIG. 62), hanger boards (FIG. 63), tackboards (FIG.

66A), mini-tackboards (FIG. 66B), shelves (FIG. 84A), rail dividers (FIG. 84B), message holders (FIG. 84C), day calendar holders (FIG. 84D), card files (FIG. 84E), tape dispensers (FIG. 84F), arches (FIG. 84G), organizer trays (FIG. 84H) and hanger pegs (FIG. 841). The panel systems attached to the linear bridge frame may be of the same make or there may be a mixture of different panel systems attached to the linear bridge frame 52. For example, the linear bridge frame 52 of FIGS. 1-30 may be simultaneously attached to the three panel assemblies of FIGS. 31-54 and the cabinet of FIG. 83 or any combination thereof. Thus, the linear bridge frame 52 allows greater reconfiguration flexibility when introduced in offices that already have one or more different panel systems. The linear bridge frame 52 and system 50 may be attached to a second linear bridge frame 52 and system 50 that is perpendicular to the first linear bridge frame 50 and that also is incapable of carrying large load structures, such as work surfaces and overhead storage cabinets. As shown in the ice cube plan of FIG. 72, the office contains a central spine 221 that is formed from expensive and complicated modular office systems. The cost of reconfiguring such a floor plan can be reduced drastically by using the present invention's lightweight linear bridge frame 52

as the spine and using wing walls to define the office spaces.

As shown in FIGS. 31-53, the linear bridge system 50 is also capable of being attached to or linked up with other panel assemblies that have a wall or panel that is perpendicular to the linear bridge system 50.

Note that it is contemplated that the linear bridge system 50 will be capable of being attached to various types of panel assemblies having heights which are either the same as, larger than, or smaller than the height of the linear bridge system 50. In the following description of the embodiments of FIGS. 31-53, like elements will be given identical numeral designations.

One example of attachment of the linear bridge system 50 to a panel assembly is shown in FIGS. 31-40 and 90A-C. The linear bridge system 50 can be attached to a panel assembly 218 in a manner like that described in U. S. Reissue Patent No. Re. 32,890, whose entire contents are incorporated herein, and like the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ACTION OFFICE. Attachment is achieved by attaching a transition piece 220 to the beams 84 and 114 after the attachment of the planar surfaces 110,129,174 and 178 onto the linear bridge frame 52. As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the transition piece 220 is W- shaped and has a length of approximately 68"so that it extends from the top of the linear bridge system 50 to the bottom of the lower planar surface 129.

Other lengths for the transition piece 220 are possible so that the transition piece 220 conforms to the height of the linear bridge system 50. Other possible lengths for the transition piece are 27", 38", 41", 52"and 55". The transition piece 220 has two pairs of holes 222 and 224 that are aligned with the C-shaped openings of beams 84 and 114, respectively. A pair of connectors 226, as shown in FIG. 37, are slid into the C-shaped openings 108 and are used to attach the transition piece 220 to the beams 84 and 114.

As shown in FIGS. 37A-D and 38A-B, each connector 226 has an irregularly U-shaped body 228 with a pair of openings that receive corresponding T-bolts or nuts 233 and bolts 232. The connector 226 is made of a durable material, such as die cast aluminum, and has a height of

approximately 1 3/4", a length of approximately 2.50" and a width of approximately 0.450". The T-bolts 232 are cylindrical in shape having a length of approximately 0.75" and a diameter of approximately 0.625". A channel attachment system includes the expansive connector 226, the transition piece or material 220 and the beam 84. The channel attachment system operates by having the connector 226 inserted into the interior of a C- shaped opening 108 by first rotating the T-bolts 232 so that they run parallel to the opening 108. Since the width of the T-bolts 232 and the connector body 228 are less than that of the width of the C-shaped opening 108, the connector 226 can be inserted lengthwise into the C-shaped opening 108 with the T-bolts 232 leading the way. Once the connector 226 is inserted into the opening 108, the T-bolts 232 are rotated by 90 degrees. Since the height of the T-bolts 232 is greater than the width of the C-shaped opening 108, the T-bolts 232, and consequently the connector 226, are prevented from passing back through the C-shaped opening 108. While the connector 226 is prevented from passing back through the opening 108, the connector 226 is allowed to freely move along the longitudinal length of the opening 108. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, a portion of the bolts 232 extend outside of the C- shaped opening 108. The bolts 232 are inserted into corresponding holes 222,224 formed in the transition piece 220 and attached to the transition piece 220 by tightening the exterior nuts 233 onto the T-bolts 232. The nuts 233 are located exteriorly of the C-shaped opening 108. Rotation of the nuts 233 causes the interior T-bolts 232 to move toward and engage a surface of the beam 84 that faces the interior of the opening 108. When the interior T- bolts 232 engage the surface, the transition piece 220 is fixedly attached to the beam 84. Note that since the T-bolts 232 engage the interior surface of the beam 84, a reduction in the wear and tear of the exterior of the beam 84 is accomplished.

It is understood that other schemes are possible for attaching the transition piece 220 to the linear bridge frame 52. As shown in FIGS.

75A-B, a C-shaped lower lip 235 is formed in the beam 84. A C-shaped end

237 of a connector block 239 is inserted into the channel 241 formed by the lower lip 235. Once inserted into the channel 241, the connector block 239 is able to slide alone the entire length of the beam 84. The connector block 239 has two T-bolts 232 which attach the connector block 239 to the transition piece 220 in the same manner that the T-bolts 232 attach the connector 226 to the transition piece 220 (FIG. 38A). The connector block 239 has a spacer (not shown) positioned between the bolts 232 which aids in offsetting the transition piece 220 from the linear bridge frame 52.

A second alternative attachment scheme is shown in FIGS.

76A-B. The beam 84 has been reformed so that the C-shaped opening is eliminated and the upper side A has a plurality of rectangular openings 243.

A T-bolt 245 is inserted into the opening 243 where it is desired to attach the transition piece 220 along the beam 84. Once the T-bolt 245 is inserted in the desired opening 243, it is rotated by 90 degrees so that the T-bolt 245 is prevented from being removed from the opening 243. As shown in FIG. 76A, a T-bolt 245 in inserted into a connector spacer 247 and the T-bolt is inserted into a corresponding opening of the transition piece 220 where it is attached via bolt 251. Note that the connector spacer 247 and the T-bolt 245 may be replaced by a connector 226 as shown in FIG. 86. The connector 226 has a pair of L-shaped arms 550 that are inserted into the slots 243 and laterally moved so that the edges 552 forming the slots 243 are inserted into the gaps 554 formed by the arms 550. The lateral movement results in the edges 552 being engaged by the arms 550. Once the connector 226 is attached, a set screw 556 is inserted and engages an opening formed in a transition piece.

A third alternative attachment scheme is shown in FIGS. 77A-B.

The beam 84 has been reformed so that the C-shaped opening is eliminated and the upper side A has a plurality of circular openings 253. A pair of screws 255 are inserted through openings formed in the transition piece 220, the connector spacer 257 and into the desired the openings 253 where it is desired to attach the transition piece 220 along the beam 84. As shown in FIG. 77B, a flexible hole cover adhesive strip 259 may be attached to the rear

of the beam 84 so that it covers all of the openings 253 and the screws 255.

Note that an indent aligned with the openings 253 may be formed along the entire length of the beam 84 to provide added strength.

A fourth alternate attachment scheme is shown in FIGS. 78A-B where the C-shaped opening 108 receives an H-shaped attachment piece 261 that extends along the entire length of the beam 84. The attachment piece 261 is attached to the beam 84 by a screw 263. A rectangular block 265 is inserted into the opening 108 until it is flush with the piece 261. A pair of screws 255 are inserted through openings formed in the transition piece 220, the block 265 and into the slot 267 formed in the attachment piece 261.

A fifth alternative attachment scheme is shown in FIG. 85, an upper L-shaped bracket 558 is attached to a bracket 560 while a lower L- shaped bracket 562 is attached to a bracket 564. The two L-shaped brackets 558 and 562 are separated from one another and are inverted relative to one another so that the free end 566 of the upper bracket 558 points upward and the free end 568 of the bracket 562 points downward. As shown in FIG. 85, the free end 566 allows a hook 112 of a planar surface to be attached thereto and the free end 568 to be compressively engaged by a wedge 119 attached to a planar surface.

A sixth alternative attachment scheme is shown in FIGS. 87-88.

The beam 84 has been reformed so that the top surface 570 has a plurality of rectangular openings 574 formed therein. The connector 226 of FIGS. 87B and 88 has a pair of L-shaped arms 576 that are inserted into a desired pair of openings 574. The set screw 578 then is inserted into and engages an opening of a transition piece. When the set screw 578 is tightened, the connector 226 will move toward and compressively engage the front edges 580 of the openings 574.

A seventh alternative attachment scheme is shown in FIGS. 89.

The beam 590 has a horizontal face 592 that is attached to the posts 54 and 56 via brackets 66 and ledges as before. However, the beam 590 has been reformed so as to be cross-like in shape with two vertically extending faces or

plates 594 and 596. The top edge 598 of face 594 is engaged by a clip or hook 112 of a planar surface in a manner described previously. The face 596 is engaged by a rotatable attachment piece, such as L-bolt 596, that is attached to a transition piece 600 via a nut 602. When the rotatable attachment piece is rotated to a first position (see FIG. 89) it engages the beam 590 and when rotated by about 90 degrees to a second position it disengages from the beam 590. Once rotated to the engagement position, the nut 602 is rotated to tighten the connection between the transition piece 600 and the beam 590. Note that the lower face 604 can be compressively engaged by one or more wedges 119 of a planar surface in a manner as described previously.

The end of the panel assembly 218 (FIG. 38B) has a transition piece 236 that is the same shape as transition piece 220 and is attached to the panel assembly 218 in a manner similar to the attachment of the frame hangers described in U. S. Patent No. 5,058,347, whose entire contents are incorporated herein, and like the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ACTION OFFICE 3. As shown in FIG. 38A, the two transition pieces 220 and 236 are compressively attached to one another by an upper draw block 240 that has wedge-shaped portions 250,252 that extend downwards. The wedge shaped portions 250 and 252 of the upper draw block 240 are inserted into the slots 254 of the upper U-shaped pieces 256 which are attached to the transition pieces 220 and 236 approximately 2.0"below the top of the transition pieces 220 and 236.

The lower portion of the transition piece 220 has a lower block 242 with a wedge-shaped 250 portion that extends upward. The wedge shaped portion 250 for the lower block 242 is inserted into a groove formed in an upwardly extending wedge shaped portion of a lower block (not shown) of the transition piece 236 that has substantially the same shape as the U- shaped piece 256 except it is inverted so that its slot opens downwardly. The lower U-shaped piece is separated from its corresponding upper U-shaped

piece 256 by approximately 68". The U-shaped piece 256 preferably has the same width as the transition pieces 220 and 236 and has a pair of legs 260 that have a length of approximately 1.50" and are separated from one another so as to form a slot having a width of approximately 1.00". The upper U- shaped pieces 256 and the lower blocks 242 each have a pair of openings into which screws are inserted so as to be attached to the transition pieces 220 and 236. Once the wedge shaped portions 250 and 252 are inserted into the slots of the U-shaped pieces 256 and the grooves of the blocks 242, respectively, a screw 269 (FIG. 38A-B) is inserted through a threaded opening 271 of the draw block 240 and into a threaded opening 273 formed in the U-shaped piece 256 of the transition piece 220. Tightening of the screw 269 causes the wedge shaped portions 250 to engage the base 264 of the U- shaped pieces 256 of the transition pieces 220 and 236 and to draw the wedge portions 250 and 252 towards each other so as to compressively engage one another. An example of this type of compressive engagement is described in U. S. Patent No. 5,058,347, whose entire contents are incorporated herein, and like the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ACTION OFFICE. Note that a filler material 532 (FIG. 38A) may be inserted between the transition pieces 220 and 236 to prevent light from passing through the connection.

Both of the U-shaped pieces 256 of FIGS. 33 and 35 are designed to attach the linear bridge system 50 to a panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ACTION OFFICE 3. The upper U-shaped pieces 256 of the transition pieces 220 and 236 can be replaced by identically shaped insertion pieces 266 so that the linear bridge system 50 can be attached to panel assemblies sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade names of ACTION OFFICE 1 and ACTION OFFICE 2 as shown in FIGS. 38B and 91A-C. The insertion pieces 266 each have an upwardly extending groove into which the wedge shaped portions 250 of the draw block 240 can be inserted. The lower portion of the transition piece 220 has a block 242 with an upwardly extending

wedge portion attached thereto via screws. The lower portion of the transition piece 236 also has a block 242 attached thereto but the wedge portion extends downward. Thus, the grooves of the blocks 242 of the transition pieces 220 and 236 face each other. Like the embodiment of FIG. 38A, a screw 269 is inserted through a threaded opening 271 of the draw block 240 and into a threaded opening 273 formed in the insertion piece 266 of the transition piece 220. Tightening of the screw 269 causes the wedge shaped portions 250,252 to engage the grooves of the insertion pieces 266.

Furthermore, tightening of the screw 269 causes the wedge portion of the block 242 of the transition piece 220 to be inserted into the groove of the block 242 of the transition piece 236 and are drawn towards each other so as to compressively engage one another. An example of this type of compressive engagement is described in U. S. Patent No. 5,058,347, whose entire contents are incorporated herein, and like the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ACTION OFFICE. Note that a filler material 532 may be inserted between the transition pieces 220 and 236 to prevent light from passing through the connection.

The insertion pieces 266 also have a pair of openings into which the bolts 232 are inserted. As described previously, the bolts 232 are tightened so that the transition piece 220 is attached to the linear bridge system 50.

Note that the above-described attachment of the linear bridge frame 52 to the panel system 218 can be used to attach the wing walls 223 to the linear bridge frame 52. This is accomplished by attaching the transition piece 236 piece to an end of the wing wall 223 and using the same attachment scheme as shown in FIGS 38A or 38B to compressively attach the wing wall 223 to the linear bridge frame 52.

As shown in FIGS. 32-33 and 35-36, the transition piece 220 is able to attach the linear bridge assembly 50 to various sizes of panel systems 218 and is able to attach the panel assembly 218 at any portion along the

entire length of the linear bridge frame 52. As described previously with respect to FIGS. 32-38, the transition piece 220 can attach a panel assembly 218 that has the same height as the linear bridge system 50. FIGS. 32 and 33 show how a panel assembly 218 of lesser height (labeled as A) is attached to the panel assembly 50. The connectors 226 are inserted into the C- shaped openings 108 of beams 84 and 114 as described previously and are slid along the openings 108 until they are in alignment with the end of the panel assembly 218. The transition piece 220 is attached to the linear bridge system 50 in the same manner described previously. Due to the lesser height of the panel assembly 218, the transition piece 236 is reduced in size to correspond to the height of the panel system 218. As shown in FIGS 33 and 39, the transition piece 220 has a plurality of pairs of openings 500 which allow the top and bottom insertion pieces 266 to be attached at various vertical positions along the transition piece 220. The bottom insertion piece 266 is attached to the transition piece 220 at approximately 4"above the bottom edge of the transition piece 220. The top and bottom insertions pieces 266 each have a pair of openings to receive a pair of screws that are then inserted into the appropriate openings 500 so that the top and bottom insertion pieces 266 are the same height above the floor 72 as top and bottom insertion pieces 266 and 268 of the transition piece 236. As described previously, the screws 269 are tightened so that the wedge shaped portions 250,252 engage the grooves and compressively engage one another.

In each of the embodiments of the attachments shown in FIGS.

32-40, the transition pieces 220 and 236 have top panels 270 attached thereto in a well known manner. In addition, front panels 272 are attached to the transition pieces 220 and 236 so as to extend from the top panels 270 to the U-shaped pieces 256,258 or insertion pieces 266,268. Note that for each of the embodiments, the transition piece 220 is able to attach the panel system 218 at any portion along the entire length of the linear bridge frame 52. As described previously, the connectors 226 are inserted into the C-

shaped openings 108 of beams 84 and 114 and are slid along the openings 108 until they are in alignment with the end of the panel assembly 218.

Another example of attachment of the linear bridge system 50 to another panel assembly is shown in FIGS. 41-53. The linear bridge system 50 can be attached to a panel assembly 274 in a manner like that described in U. S. Reissue Patent No. Re 32,890, whose entire contents are incorporated herein, and like the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ETHOSPACE. Attachment of the linear bridge system 50 and the panel assembly 274 is achieved by attaching a transition piece 276 to the beams 84 and 114 after the attachment of the planar surfaces 110 and 129 onto the linear bridge frame 52. As shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, the transition piece 276 is W-shaped and has a length of approximately 68"so that it extends from the top of the linear bridge assembly 50 to the bottom of the lower planar surface 129. Other lengths for the transition piece 276 are possible so that the transition piece 276 conforms to the height of the linear bridge system 50. Other possible lengths for the transition piece 276 are 38"and 52". The transition piece 276 has two pairs of holes 222 that are aligned with the C-shaped openings 108 of beams 84 and 114, respectively. As described previously with the panel assembly 218, a pair of connectors 226 are slid into the C-shaped openings 108 and attach the transition piece 276 to the beams 84 and 114 by inserting the bolts 232 into corresponding holes 222 formed in the transition piece 276 and tightening the bolts 232.

The end of the panel assembly 274 has a transition piece that is the same shape as transition piece 276. As shown in FIGS. 50-53, transition piece 276 and the transition piece at the end of the panel assembly 274 are compressively attached to one another by a rectangular draw tube 284, a cylindrical draw rod 285 that is inserted through an opening formed in an upper draw block 287. The draw rod 285 includes a head 291 and a stop portion 301 located at the end adjacent to the upper draw block 287 wherein the stop portion 301 preferably has a diameter larger than the remaining

portion of the head 291. The head 291 further includes an opening 303 to receive a hex driver, such as an allen key. As shown in FIG. 50, the bottom of the draw tube 284 includes a pair of clips 298 that are aligned with corresponding openings 300 formed at the bottom of both of the transition pieces. A reaction block 534 may be screwed onto the rear of the transition pieces 276 and 282 so that it lies between the transition piece 276 and the linear bridge system 50.

Attachment of the panel assemblies 50 and 274 via draw tube 284 is very similar to the attachment of the draw tube to the frames as described in U. S. Reissue Patent No. Re 32,890, whose entire contents are incorporated herein, and like the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ETHOSPACE. In particular, the draw tube 284 is attached by pulling the draw tube 284 up until the bottom 302 of the clips 298 engage the top 304 of the openings 300 so that the transition pieces 276 are located between the clips 298 and the draw tube 284. In addition, a wedge shaped surface 312 is inserted through a rectangular opening formed in the draw tube 284 (see FIGS. 51-53).

Further attachment of the linear bridge system 50 and the panel assembly 274 is provided by the U-shaped nuts 286. As shown in FIGS. 50 and 52, the reaction blocks 534 attached to both of the transition pieces each have a wedge-shaped surface 312 that form a groove between the surface 312 and the adjacent transition piece. The draw block 287 has a pair of triangular wedging pieces 314 that fit into the grooves formed between the surfaces 312 and the transition pieces 276. The wedging pieces 314 are compressed up into the grooves by tightening the threaded shoulder cap screw 288. Note that the screw 288 has a pair of annular shoulders 316 and 318 that form a space into which slots 320 and 322 of the top planar surfaces 308 and 310, respectively, are inserted. The slots 320 and 322 hold the screw 288 in a fixed vertical position so that rotation of the screw 288 will cause the draw nut 286 to vertically rise or fall depending on the sense of rotation of the screw 288. Note that a filler material 532 may be inserted

between the transition pieces 276 and 282 to prevent light from passing through the connection.

Note that the above-described attachment of the linear bridge frame 52 to the panel assembly 274 can be used to attach the wing walls 223 to the linear bridge frame 52 (FIGS. 73-74). This is accomplished by attaching the transition piece of the panel assembly 274 to an end of the wing wall 223 and using the same attachment scheme as shown in FIG. 50 to compressively attach the wing wall 223 to the linear bridge frame 52.

As shown in FIGS. 42-43, attachment of the linear bridge system 50 to the panel assembly 274 having a lower height is accomplished with elements similar to those described with respect to FIGS> 51-53. For example, an insertion piece like reaction blocks 534 (FIG. 52) is attached to the transition piece 276 at a height that is the same as the corresponding insertion piece 324 of the panel assembly 274. Like the transition piece 220, the transition piece 276 has a plurality of pairs of openings (not shown) which receive a pair of screws that are inserted into openings formed in the insertion piece 324. Tightening of the screws attaches the insertion piece to the insertion piece 276. Top planar surface 310 has a wedge-shaped surface 312 that forms a groove as described previously with respect to FIG. 52. The wedge shaped portion of the transition piece's insertion piece also forms a groove. In a manner similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 51-53, the grooves receive the wedging pieces 314 of a threaded shoulder cap screw 288 that is attached to a shortened draw tube 284 that has a height extending from the top planar surface 310 to the bottom of the panel system 274. As described previously, the screw 288 is tightened so that the wedging pieces 314 compressively engage the grooves.

Note that prior to inserting the wedging pieces 314 into the grooves, the draw tube 284 is attached by inserting the clips 298 into the openings 300 and pulling the draw tube 284 up until the bottom 302 of the clips 298 engage the top 304 of the openings 300 so that the transition pieces 278 and 282 are located between the clips 298 and the draw tube 284 (see

FIG. 53).

Note that the top planar surface 310 has a slot 322 as described previously and the insertion piece has a slot. The screw 288 is inserted into both of the slots so that rotation of the screw 288 will cause the draw nut 286 to vertically rise or fall depending on the sense of rotation of the screw 288.

In addition, a front planar surface 328 is attached to both of the transition pieces so as to extend from the top planar surface 308 to the top planar surface 310 and has a perpendicular flange 330 that is attached to the top planar surface 310. It is apparent from the previously described embodiments that the transition piece 220 is able to attach the panel system 274 at any portion along the entire length of the linear bridge frame 52 by sliding the connectors 226 along the C-shaped openings 108 until they are in alignment with the end of the panel system 274. An example of a connector 226 to be used with the attachment of FIGS. 41-54 is shown in FIGS. 81A-C which has a similar size and shape and operates and functions in the same manner as the connector 226 of FIGS. 31-40.

Another example of attachment of the linear bridge system 50 to another panel assembly is shown in FIGS. 79-80. The linear bridge system 50 can be attached to a panel assembly 331 by attaching the transition piece 276 to the beams 84 and 114 in the same manner as described previously with respect to FIGS. 41-53. The W-shaped transition piece 220 (see FIGS.

39-40) has a rectangular central portion which receives a T-shaped piece of wood or plastic extrusion 502 where the side edges 504 of the piece 502 are inserted underneath the edges 505 of the transition piece 276. The piece 502 has slots formed therein with a pair of openings to receive the connectors 226 and the bolts 232. The end of the panel assembly 331 is attached to the piece of wood 502 by inserting two wood screws through openings in the transition piece 536 attached to the end of the panel assembly 331 and into the piece of wood 502. Note that filler material (not shown) may be inserted between the transition pieces 276 and 536 to prevent light from passing through the connection. A cap 538 may also be inserted at the top opening

between the transition pieces 276 and 536.

Note that the above-described attachment of the linear bridge frame 52 to the panel assembly 331 can be used to attach the wing walls 223 to the linear bridge frame 52. This is accomplished by attaching the transition piece 276 with the piece of wood 502 to an end of the wing wall 223 and using the same attachment scheme via wood screws as shown in FIGS 79- 80.

As shown in FIG. 83, the linear bridge frame 52 may be attached to a movable cabinet 540, such as the cabinet sold under the trade name of LIASON by Herman Miller, Inc. Attachment is accomplished in the same manner as the attachment of the linear bridge frame 52 to the panel assembly of FIG. 38B. A transition piece 542 similar in structure and function to the transition piece 220 is attached to a side wall or rear wall of the cabinet 540. Insertion pieces 266 are attached to the transition pieces 220 and 542 in the manner described with respect to FIG. 38B. As described previously, the insertion pieces 266 each have an upwardly extending groove into which the wedge shaped portions 250 and 252 of the draw block 240 can be inserted (see FIG. 38B). The lower portion of the transition piece 220 has a block 242 with an upwardly extending wedge portion attached thereto via screws. The lower portion of the transition piece 542 also has a block 242 attached thereto but the wedge portion extends downward. In a manner similar to that for FIG. 38 A, a screw (not shown) is inserted through a threaded opening of the draw block 240. Tightening of the screw causes the wedge shaped portions 250,252 to engage the grooves of the insertion pieces 266 and blocks of the transition pieces 220 and 542. Furthermore, tightening of the screw causes the blocks 240 and 242 to be drawn towards each other so as to compressively engage one another. Note that the insertion pieces also have a pair of openings into which the bolts 232 are inserted. As described previously, the bolts 232 are tightened so that the transition piece 220 is attached to the linear bridge system 50.

FIGS. 54-60 show how an end of the linear bridge system 50

can be attached to an end of another similar linear bridge system 50. In particular, FIG. 54, shows that the linear bridge frame 52 (designated as A) has its end 328 formed in the same manner as the end of the end of the linear bridge frame as described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 except the side end cap 330 has not been attached. The end 328 is placed flush with the side of the other linear bridge frame 52 (designated as B). An end cap 330 is attached to linear bridge frame 50A by attaching a U-shaped bracket 332 to the L-brackets 92 attached to the upper beam 84 of the linear bridge frame 52A. As shown in FIGS. 58-60, the bracket 332 has a pair of legs 334 with openings 336. One leg 334 is placed on an end portion of the L-bracket 92 on the front face of the end post 56 and the other leg 334 is placed on a similar end portion of the L-bracket 92 on the rear face of the post 56 so that the post 56 is inserted into the opening 338 between the legs 334 and so the legs 334 straddle the post 56. The legs 334 are attached to the L-brackets 92 by inserting bolts through the openings 336 and through openings formed in the L-brackets 92 and are aligned with the openings 336.

A second U-shaped bracket 332 is attached to the L-brackets 92 of the lower beam 114 in a similar manner as the U-shaped bracket 332 is attached to the L-brackets 92 of the upper beam 84. Each of the U-shaped brackets 332 has a rectangular-like support plate 340 that extends upward and perpendicular to the legs 334. The support plate 340 has a pair of holes and which are spaced and sized so as to receive the bolts 232 of the connector pieces 226 which are inserted in the C-channels 108 of the beams 84 and 114 of the linear bridge frame 52B. Tightening of the bolts 232 results in the attachment of the linear bridge frames 52 A and 52B. After the linear bridge frames are attached to one another, planar surfaces can be attached to both frames in a manner described previously with the linear bridge systems 50 of FIGS. 1-9.

The U-shaped brackets 332 can serve two other functions.

First, the U-shaped brackets 332 can be used to attach a linear bridge frame 52 to a permanent wall. The U-shaped brackets 332 are attached to the L- shaped brackets 92 in the same manner described above. However, the

support plate 340 faces a permanent wall. Bolts are inserted through the pair of holes of the support plate 340 and are inserted into the permanent wall.

Note that two pieces of filler material 532 may be inserted on either side of the U-shaped brackets 332 to prevent light from passing through the connection.

A second function of the U-shaped brackets 332 is that they can be used to attach an end cap 330 to the linear bridge system 50. The U- shaped brackets 332 are attached to the L-shaped brackets 92 in a manner similar to that described above except that the U-shaped brackets are inverted so that the support plate 340 points downward (see FIG. 57). As shown in FIGS. 58-60, the support plate 340 has a pair of cylindrical roll pins 342 that are inserted into corresponding openings 344 of a U-shaped clamp 346. A thumb screw 348 is inserted through a threaded opening 358 formed in the clamp 346 and is rotatively attached to the support plate 340. A C- shaped end cap 330 is fitted over the ends 350 of the clamp 346 and the front face 352 of the support plate 340. The screw 348 is rotated so as to cause the ends 350 of the clamp 346 to engage the end cap 330 and translationally move the end cap 330 until its face 354 lies flush against the front face 352 of the support plate 340.

As described above with respect to FIGS. 31-60 and 73-74, the linear bridge systems 50 of the present invention are capable of being connected to various types of panel systems. In addition, the linear bridge systems 50 are capable of having various small load components, such as trays, display boards and marker boards, attached to the linear bridge systems 50. As shown in FIG. 61A, a top rail tile 360 and a bottom tackable tile 362 may be attached to the linear bridge system 50. Shelving 364 is attached to the upper tile 360 by sliding male members (not shown) of the shelving into one or more of the slots 366 of the upper tile 360. Note that a transparent diagonal tray 510 (FIG. 61 B), a mini-tackboard 512 made of a tackable material such as cork (FIG. 66B), a mini-shelf 514 (FIG. 84A), a rail divider 516 to separate books on a shelf (FIG. 84B), a message holder 518 to

hold note pads (FIG. 84C), a day calendar holder 520 (FIG. 84D), a card file 522 (FIG. 84E), a tape dispenser 524 (FIG. 84F), arches 526 to hold books (FIG. 84G), an organizer tray 528 (FIG. 84H) and/or a hanger peg 530 (FIG.

841) may be slid into the slots 366 as well.

Another variation is to attach a marker board 368 to the linear bridge system 50 as shown in FIG. 62. A third possibility is to attach a hanger board 370 to the linear bridge system 50 (see FIG. 63) which allows for various combinations of components, such as marker board 368, to be attached to hanger board 370.

Attachment of the rail tiles 360,362, the marker board 368 and the hanger board 370 to the linear bridge systems 50 is understood upon a review of FIGS. 64-68. Attachment is accomplished by using a pair of vertical hanger rails 372 and 374. As shown in FIGS. 64-65, the top end 376 of each hanger rail 372,374 has a horizontal insertion piece 378 that has a notch 380. The bottom end of each hanger rail 372,374 may have an identical horizontal insertion piece 378 attached thereto. Another variation is to attach a magnetic strip across the bottom rear of the board 368 and have the strip magnetically attached to the metallic planar surface attached to the linear bridge frame 52. The top and bottom insertions pieces 378 of each vertical hanger rail 372,374 are inserted into the C-shaped openings 108 of the beams 84 and 114, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 64A-B. Attachment is achieved when the lower lips 382 of the beams engage the notches 380 as shown in FIGS. 65A-B.

Prior to attachment to the beams 84 and 114, a tackboard 384 may be attached to the front sides 386 of the hanger rails 372,374 via screws 388 that are inserted through holes formed in the rails and into the tackboard (see FIG. 66). The tackboard 384 may be those sold with the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ACTION OFFICE.

A tackable tile or marker tile 390 may be attached to the rails 372 and 374 in the same manner as the attachment of the tackboard 384 as

shown in FIG. 67. The tackable tile or marker tile 390 both may be those sold with the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ETHOSPACE.

A rail tile 392 may be attached to the rails 372 and 374. Each rail 372,374 is attached to the rail tile 392 by a pair of vertical brackets 394 that have male members that are inserted into rear slots 396 of the tile 392. It is also possible to attach the rail tile 392 without using the vertical brackets 394. The brackets 394 have holes 396 which are aligned with corresponding holes of the rail. The screws 388 are then inserted and screwed into the slots of the rails 372,374 and the brackets 394. The rail tile 392 may be those sold with the panel assembly sold by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan under the trade name of ETHOSPACE.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.