Partition system for a building space

Abstract

A partition system for dividing a building space, the building space having a floor, a ceiling and walls bounding the space between the ceiling and floor. The partition system includes self-supporting wire mesh paneling, which is attached to least one post that is mounted to the floor of the building space. Each post extends from the floor up to a predefined height that may be less than the height of the ceiling of the building.

1 . A partition system in a building space, the building space having a floor, a ceiling and side walls bounding the space between the floor and the ceiling, said partition system comprising:
 a) at least one post having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end mounted to the floor of the building space, the upper end being freestanding without attachment to the ceiling of the building space;   b) self-supporting wire mesh paneling mounted to said at least one post, said paneling including at least one panel of unframed, substantially flat wire mesh;   c) wherein said at least one post and said paneling are arranged to define at least one wall dividing the building space.   
   
   
       2 . A partition system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said paneling extends over a length of at least one of said at least one wall. 
   
   
       3 . A partition system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said at least one post extends from the floor of the building space up to a predefined height that is lower than a height of the ceiling of the building space. 
   
   
       4 . A partition system as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said at least one panel of unframed, substantially flat wire mesh is self-supporting. 
   
   
       5 . A partition system as defined in  claim 4 , wherein each of said at least one panel is made up of vertical and horizontal wires that are joined where they cross, the wires between four and ten gauge in diameter. 
   
   
       6 . A partition system as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the horizontal wires are characterized by a gauge that is heavier than that of the vertical wires. 
   
   
       7 . A partition system as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the horizontal wires are six gauge in diameter and the vertical wires are 8 gauge in diameter. 
   
   
       8 . A partition system as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the wires of each panel are spaced apart by a distance of between one and a half inches and three inches. 
   
   
       9 . A partition system as defined in  claim 3 , wherein each of said at least one post includes a main tubular body member having a diameter that is between one and a half inches and four inches. 
   
   
       10 . A partition system as defined in  claim 3 , wherein each of said at least one post includes a main tubular body member having a diameter that is at least three inches. 
   
   
       11 . A partition system as defined in  claim 10 , wherein said main tubular body member is characterized by a square cross-section. 
   
   
       12 . A partition system as defined in  claim 9 , wherein each of said at least one post has a plate member at its lower end that abuts against, and is anchored to, the floor of the building. 
   
   
       13 . A partition system as defined in  claim 12 , wherein each of said at least one post is adjustable in length. 
   
   
       14 . A partition system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein at least one of said at least one wall is defined by at least two spaced-apart posts, said self-supporting wire mesh paneling being mounted to each of said at least two spaced-apart posts. 
   
   
       15 . A partition system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said partition system includes a closure in one of said at least one wall, said closure mounted between first and second spaced-apart posts. 
   
   
       16 . A partition system as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said partition system includes a plurality of posts, said partition system further including a cap structure mounted atop each post for joining together said plurality of posts. 
   
   
       17 . A partition system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said partition system includes a plurality of posts, said plurality of posts and said paneling arranged to define first and second adjoining walls dividing the building space, said paneling extending over the length of at least one of said adjoining walls. 
   
   
       18 . A partition system as defined in  claim 17 , wherein said plurality of posts and said paneling are arranged to define one of a fully enclosed area and an open-sided area. 
   
   
       19 . A partition system as defined in  claim 18 , wherein said partition system is positioned within the building space such that said plurality of posts and said paneling together with at least a portion of at least one of the building side walls define one of a fully enclosed area and an open-sided area. 
   
   
       20 . A partition system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said at least one wall of said partition system is attached to a side wall of the building. 
   
   
       21 . A partition system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one post and said self-supporting wire mesh paneling are arranged to define a storage locker. 
   
   
       22 . A partition system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one post and said self-supporting wire mesh paneling are arranged to define a set of storage lockers. 
   
   
       23 . A partition system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one post and said self-supporting wire mesh paneling are arranged to define an installation that is selected from the group consisting of: a storage locker, a set of storage lockers, a wall, a stock cage, a perimeter guard, an open-sided cage and a corner. 
   
   
       24 . A partition system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said partition system includes at least two separate installations, each installation being formed of a respective arrangement of posts and self-supporting wire mesh paneling. 
   
   
       25 . A partition system as defined in  claim 23 , wherein each of said at least two separate installations is selected from the group consisting of: a storage locker, a set of storage lockers, a wall, a stock cage, a perimeter guard, an open-sided cage and a corner. 
   
   
       26 . A method for installing a partition system in a building space, the building space having a floor, a ceiling and side walls bounding the space between the floor and the ceiling, the partition system including at least one post and self-supporting wire mesh paneling, the paneling including at least one panel of unframed, substantially flat wire mesh, said method comprising:
 a) mounting the at least one post to the floor of the building;   b) mounting the paneling to the at least one post, whereby the at least one post and the paneling are arranged to define at least one wall dividing the building space;   c) adapting the partition system to a condition of the building space by cutting at least one panel of the paneling at the time of installation without affecting an integrity of the installed paneling.   
   
   
       27 . A partition system for a building space, the building space having a floor, a ceiling and side walls bounding the space between the floor and the ceiling, said partition system comprising:
 a) at least one post adapted to be mounted to the floor of the building space;   b) at least one panel of unframed, substantially flat wire mesh made up of vertical and horizontal wires that are joined where they cross, the horizontal wires being characterized by a gauge that is heavier than that of the vertical wires;   c) wherein said at least one panel is mountable to said at least one post for defining at least one wall within the building space.