US20060236625A1 - Panel system - Google Patents

Abstract

An office panel partition includes a panel frame having at least two uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections that are removably insertable into the at least four apertures to removably secure the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have different horizontal dimensions than those of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures. The range of lateral positions provided by the apertures in the first one of the columns is less than the range of lateral positions provided by the apertures in the other row of the columns. The apertures located in a first one of the rows has vertical dimensions that are different than those located in the other of the rows. The range of vertical positions provided by the apertures in the first one of the rows is less than the range of vertical positions provided by the apertures in the other of the rows.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY
• The present application is a continuation of commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/770,368, filed Feb. 2, 2004, entitled PANEL SYSTEM, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/07,553, filed Feb. 15, 2002, entitled PANEL SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,929, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and claims priority thereto under 35 U.S.C. §120.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to open office plans and the like.
• The efficient use of building floor space is an ever-growing concern, particularly as building costs continue to escalate. Open office plans have been developed to reduce overall officing costs, and generally incorporate large, open floor spaces in buildings that are equipped with modular furniture systems which are readily reconfigurable to accommodate the ever-changing needs of a specific user, as well as the divergent requirements of different tenants. One arrangement commonly used for furnishing open plans includes movable partition panels are detachably interconnected to partition off the open spaces into individual workstation and/or offices. Such partition panels are configured to receive hang-on furniture units, such as worksurfaces, overhead cabinets, shelves, etc., and are generally known in the office furniture industry as “systems furniture”. Another arrangement for dividing and/or partitioning open plans includes modular furniture arrangements, in which a plurality of differently shaped, freestanding furniture units are positioned in a side-by-side relationship, with upstanding privacy screens attached to at least some of the furniture units to create individual, distinct workstations and/or offices. Both of these types of modular furniture systems, as well as others, have been widely received due largely to their ability to be readily reconfigured and/or moved to a new site, since they are not part of a permanent leasehold improvement.
• At present, some types of furniture systems utilize vertical rows of slots to support hang-on furniture units. Also, systems have been developed that utilize horizontal rows of slots for supporting hang-on furniture units such as storage units, worksurfaces and the like. Existing furniture systems commonly include cover panels that are attached to a partition frame to close off the frame and provide visual and audio privacy for the worker. However, existing furniture systems may not provide sufficient flexibility to permit the location of the hang-on furniture units to be readily adjusted. Furthermore, positioning of the cover panels on existing systems may be problematic.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• One aspect of the present invention is to provide an office panel partition including a panel frame having at least two generally vertical uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the vertical uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections extending therefrom, each of the four projections having a common projecting configuration. The at least four projections are removably insertable into the at least four apertures. Insertion of the projections in the apertures removably secures the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have horizontal dimensions which differ from horizontal dimensions of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has the common projection configuration having a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures. The range of lateral positions provided by the apertures in the first one of the columns is less than the range of lateral positions provided by the apertures in the other row of the columns. The apertures located in a first one of the rows has vertical dimensions which differ from vertical dimensions of the aperture located in the other of the rows. Each of the projections has a common projecting configuration having a range of vertical positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures. The range of vertical positions provided by the apertures in the first one of the rows being less than the range of vertical positions provided by the apertures in the other of the rows.
• Another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel for dividing floor space including a frame having a pair of horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members and a pair of vertically spaced apart horizontal frame members extending between and rigidly interconnecting the vertical frame members to form a rigid frame having generally vertical opposed side faces. An intermediate horizontal beam is positioned between the horizontal frame members and extends between the vertical frame members. The intermediate beam defines a side face having a plurality of apertures therethrough forming a horizontal row of apertures. The partition panel further includes at least one hang-on furniture unit having at least one connector extending into a selected one of the apertures to support the hang-on furniture unit. A cover panel is secured to the frame and covers at least a portion of a selected one of the side faces.
• Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel including a rigid partition frame defining generally vertical opposed side faces. The partition frame includes at least four apertures, each defining a horizontal dimension and a vertical dimension. A first one of the apertures has a first vertical dimension and a first horizontal dimension. A second one of the apertures has a vertical dimension that is approximately the same as the first vertical dimension, and a horizontal dimension that is greater than the first horizontal dimension. A third one of the apertures has a vertical dimension that is greater than the first vertical dimension, and a horizontal dimension that is approximately the same as the first horizontal dimension. A fourth one of the apertures has a vertical dimension greater than the first vertical dimension, and a horizontal dimension greater than the first horizontal dimension. The partition panel further includes a cover panel having connectors received in each of the apertures to support and position the cover panel on the partition frame.
• Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel for dividing floor space including a frame having a pair of horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members and a pair of vertically spaced apart horizontal frame members extending between and rigidly interconnecting the vertical frame members to form a rigid frame having generally vertical opposed side faces. An intermediate horizontal beam is positioned between the horizontal frame members and extends between the vertical frame members. The intermediate beam defines a side face having a plurality of apertures therethrough forming a horizontal row. The partition panel includes at least one hang-on furniture unit having at least one connector extending into a selected one of the apertures to support the hang-on furniture unit. The partition panel further includes a cover panel secured to the frame and covering at least a portion of a selected one of the side faces.
• Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel including a pair of horizontally spaced apart upright frame members, and vertically spaced apart upper and lower horizontal frame members extending between the upright frame members and rigidly interconnecting the upright frame members to form a rigid partition frame adapted to be abuttingly supported in an upright position freestanding on a floor surface. The partition frame defines an open interior space. A pair of side-by-side horizontal beams extend between the upright frame members, each horizontal beam having opposite ends connected to the upright frame members. Each horizontal beam includes a horizontal row of apertures and first connectors. The horizontal beams are positioned at a location that is between the upper and lower horizontal frame members. The partition panel further includes a cover panel secured to the partition frame and closing off at least a portion of the open interior space. The cover panel includes second connectors engaging the first connectors to secure the cover panel to a selected one of the horizontal beams.
• Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel including a pair of horizontally spaced-apart upright frame members, and vertically spaced apart upper and lower horizontal frame members extending between the upright frame members and rigidly interconnecting the upright frame members to form a rigid partition frame adapted to be abuttingly supported in an upright position freestanding on a floor surface. The partition frame defines an open interior space. The partition panel includes a pair of side-by-side horizontal beams extending between the upright frame members at a location between the upper and lower horizontal frame members. Each horizontal beam has hooks on opposite ends connected to the upright frame members, and also includes first connectors. A cover panel is secured to the partition frame and closing off at least a portion of the open interior space.
• These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a partition panel system embodying the present invention;
• FIG. 1B is a partially exploded, perspective view of the partition panel system ofFIG. 1A;
• FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a partition frame;
• FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the panel frame ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIA-IIIA;FIG. 2;
• FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB;FIG. 2;
• FIG. 3C is a partially fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the partition frame ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 3D is a partially fragmentary view taken along the line IIID-IIID;FIG. 3C;
• FIG. 3F is a partially fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIF-IIIF;FIG. 3D;
• FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the panel frame ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 5 is a right elevational view of the panel frame ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a vertical frame member;
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of an aperture that receives a mounting clip to support a cover panel;
• FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of an alternate embodiment of the aperture ofFIG. 7;
• FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an aperture that receives a mounting clip to support a cover panel;
• FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an aperture that receives a mounting clip to support a cover panel;
• FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of an alternate embodiment of the aperture ofFIG. 9;
• FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an aperture that receives a mounting clip to support a cover panel;
• FIG. 11 is a plan view of a partition system embodying the present invention, illustrating the intermediate horizontal beams, cover panels, and hang-on furniture units;
• FIG. 12 is a fragmentary top plan view of a light duty intermediate horizontal beam;
• FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the light duty intermediate horizontal beam ofFIG. 12;
• FIG. 14 is an end view of the light duty intermediate horizontal beam ofFIG. 13 taken along the line XIV-XIV;
• FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a structural intermediate horizontal beam;
• FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the structural intermediate horizontal beam ofFIG. 15;
• FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the structural intermediate horizontal beam ofFIG. 16 taken along the line XVII-XVII;
• FIG. 17A is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of an end portion of an intermediate beam having a safety catch;
• FIG. 17B is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view of an end portion of an intermediate beam having a safety catch;
• FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the structural intermediate horizontal beam ofFIG. 17;
• FIG. 18A is a schematic side elevational view of the partition frame ofFIG. 3 illustrating the tolerancing scheme for mounting the cover panels;
• FIG. 18B is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view showing the mounting of the cover panel retaining clips to a cover panel;
• FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the top/bottom cover panel mounting clip ofFIG. 18;
• FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the top/bottom cover panel mounting clip ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 21 is a right elevational view of the top/bottom cover panel mounting clip ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the top/bottom cover panel mounting clip ofFIG. 19;
• FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of a cover panel clip utilized along the left and right vertical side edges of a cover panel;
• FIG. 23A is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the cover panel clip illustrated inFIGS. 23-26;
• FIG. 23B is a side elevational view of the clip ofFIG. 23A;
• FIG. 23C is a front elevational view of the clip ofFIG. 23A;
• FIG. 23D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXIIID-XXIIID;FIG. 23C;
• FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the cover panel mounting clip ofFIG. 23;
• FIG. 25 is a right side elevational view of the cover panel mounting clip ofFIG. 23;
• FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the cover panel mounting clip ofFIG. 23;
• FIG. 26A is a fragmentary, perspective view showing a cover panel mounting clip extending through an opening in the sidewall of a vertical frame member;
• FIG. 26B is a fragmentary, perspective view showing a cover panel mounting clip extending through an opening in the sidewall of a vertical frame member;
• FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an upper connector bracket for mounting an off-module panel; and
• FIG. 28 is a lower bracket for mounting an off-module panel;
• FIG. 29 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an in-line connector;
• FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the in-line connector taken along the line XXX-XXX;FIG. 29;
• FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a lower in-line connector bracket;
• FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a pair of adjacent partition panels showing the engagement of the bracket ofFIG. 31 with the partition panels;
• FIG. 33 is a side elevational view illustrating the assembly of a pair of side-by-side partition frames;
• FIG. 34 is a schematic plan view of a pair of partition panels forming an L junction;
• FIG. 35 is a schematic plan view of three adjacent partition panels that are interconnected to form a T junction;
• FIG. 36 is a schematic plan view of four adjacent panels that are interconnected to form an X junction;
• FIG. 37 is a schematic plan view of a pair of panels that are interconnected to form a V junction having a 120° angle between the panels;
• FIG. 38 is a schematic plan view of three adjacent panels that are interconnected at 120° angles relative to one another to form a Y junction;
• FIG. 39 is a partially fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a vertical frame member and a bracket that interconnects the panels to form the L, T, X, V, Y junctions ofFIGS. 34-38;
• FIGS. 40-40B are perspective views illustrating bracket assemblies that may be utilized to interconnect the panels to form the L, T, and X plan configurations;
• FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a bracket that may be utilized to form the V and Y plan configurations ofFIGS. 37 and 38;
• FIG. 42 is an exploded side view of a partition assembly including a base frame and stacker frame;
• FIG. 43 is a front view of the bayonet ofFIG. 43 that connects the stacker frame to the base frame;
• FIG. 44 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the base frame, stacker frame, and bayonet;
• FIG. 45 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the stacker frame, base frame, and bayonet; and
• FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XLVI-XLVI;FIG. 45.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• The present application is related to co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/076,709, entitled PARTITION PANEL WITH MODULAR APPLIANCE MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT, filed on even date herewith, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,226), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
• For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 1A. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
• The reference numeral1 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) generally designates apartition system1 embodying the present invention, which is particularly designed for use in open office plans, and other similar settings and environments.Partition system1 includes a plurality ofpartition frames2 that are rigidly interconnected to define aworkspace3 that may include various hang-on furniture units such as aworksurface4,shelf5, orstorage unit6. As described in more detail below, a plurality of cover panels or “skins”7 may be connected to the partition frames2 to close off thepartition frame2 and provide privacy for a user.Trim members7A,7B and7C cover the edge portions of theframes2, and base trim7D closes off the lower portion of the partitions.Lower frame members10 are spaced abovefloor surface18 to define a lower horizontal raceway152.Power lines153 andpower receptacles154 in raceway152 provide power to the partition system.
• With further reference toFIG. 3,partition frame2 includes a pair ofupright frame members8A,8B, andupper frame member9 andlower frame10. Thehorizontal frame members9 and10 extend between the upright frame members, and rigidly interconnect thevertical frame members8A and8B to form thepartition frame2.Intermediate beams11A and11B are releasably interconnected with thevertical frame members8A and8B, and can be vertically repositioned within the interior ofpartition frame2. As discussed in more detail below,beam11A is a “light duty” beam that includesopenings23 and24 for attachment of acover panel7, but does not includeslots15 for supporting hang-on furniture units. As also discussed in more detail below,beam11B is a structural beam, and includesopenings23 and24 for attachment ofcover panels7, and also includes a horizontal row ofslots15 for supporting hang-on furniture units such as aworksurface4,shelf5, orstorage unit6. The upperhorizontal frame member9 includes an upper horizontal row of slots12, and lowerhorizontal frame member10 includes a lower horizontal row ofslots13. Thevertical frame members8A and8B each include a vertical row ofslots14. The horizontal rows ofslots12,13 may also be utilized to support hang-on furniture units such as theshelf5 andstorage unit6 illustrated inFIG. 1. The vertical rows ofslots14 invertical frame members8 may also be utilized to support hang-on furniture items such as theworksurface4 illustrated inFIG. 1. Theframe2 includesglides16 that threadably engagefeet17 to provide height adjustment for thepartition frame2 to account for irregularities in afloor surface18.Vertical frame members8A and8B include upper openings19 (see alsoFIG. 6) and20 that are aligned with the upper horizontal row of slots12 to provide a continuous row of slots12 across thevertical frame members8. Similarly,vertical frame members8A and8B includeopenings21 and22 at a plurality of vertically spaced apart locations to align with the intermediate beam11 and provide a continuous horizontal row ofslots15.
• As described in more detail below, upperhorizontal frame member9 includes a plurality ofopenings23 for securingcover panel7, and lowerhorizontal frame member10 includesopenings24 that are also utilized to secure thecover panel7. As also described in more detail below, “left”vertical frame members8A include upperleft openings25 and lowerleft openings26 that are also utilized to secure thecover panels7 to thepartition frame2. The “right”vertical frame member8B includes an upperright opening27 and a lowerright opening28, each of which are also utilized to supportcover panels7. Upperhorizontal frame member9 includes an upwardly openingU-shaped channel29 to permit lay-in of utility lines such ascommunication lines30 along the upper edge of the partition. Similarly, verticalside frame members8 include vertical outwardly openingchannels29A (FIG. 4) to permit vertical routing of utility lines along the vertical side edges of theframe2. Upperhorizontal frame member9 includesopenings58 to permit routing of utility lines through theframe member9, and lowerhorizontal frame member10 includes openings59 (FIG. 2) therethrough to permit pass through of utility lines through thelower frame member10. With further reference toFIG. 6,vertical frame members8A and8B also include a plurality oflarge apertures31 to permit pass-through of wiring or other utility lines through thevertical frame members8A and8B. Eachvertical frame member8A,8B includes a plurality ofopenings25 and26 in afirst side face32, and a plurality ofopenings27 and28 in a second,opposite side face33. Accordingly, thevertical frame member8 can be utilized as either a “left hand”vertical frame member8A (FIG. 3), or as a “right hand”vertical frame member8B, depending upon the orientation of thevertical frame member8.
• With further reference toFIG. 3A,cross member9 includes a lowerhorizontal web215 andvertical side webs216 forming a generally U-shaped cross section. Ahorizontal portion217 extends inwardly from thevertical side webs216, and an inwardlyangled portion218 extends downwardly from thehorizontal portion217. Anedge portion219 extends horizontally from theangled portion218. As described in detail below, lowerhorizontal frame member9 and upperhorizontal frame member10 each include angledflanges232 that facilitate welding of the opposite end portions of theframe members9 and10 to thevertical frame members8A and8B.
• With further reference toFIG. 3C,vertical frame member8A has a generally tubular cross-sectional shape including vertically extendingouter webs228,edge web portions229, and offsetedge web portion230. Inwardly extendingvertical web portions233 extend towards one another and fit closely together atseam234. A vertically extending V-groove231 is formed at the intersection between the vertically extendingweb portions228 and233. When assembled, the angledwebs232 ofhorizontal frame members9 and10 are received in the vertically extending V-grooves231. With further reference toFIG. 3D, a bead ofweld material235 rigidly interconnects thevertical frame member8A with thehorizontal frame members9 and10. The V-groove231 andangled flanges232 permit a flat surface, such that theweld material235 does not protrude outwardly causing unsightly appearance and/or interfering with the mounting ofcover panels7, or other components. Preferably, each of theframe members8A,9, and10 are roll-formed, thereby providing a cost-effective yet rigid and durable construction. With further reference toFIG. 3F, acorner bracket member193 may be received within thevertical upright8A, and is welded to thevertical uprights8A and upperhorizontal frame member9 to strengthen the upper corners of theframe2. Thecorner bracket193 is described in more detail below in connection withFIG. 44.
• With further reference toFIG. 11, a plurality of structuralintermediate beams11B may be mounted in thepartition frame2, thus providing a continuous row ofslots15 extending across the adjacent partition frames2. This arrangement permits continuous horizontal adjustment of a hang-on furniture unit such asstorage unit6. Due to theopenings21 and22 in thevertical frame members8, thestorage unit6 can be positioned at any horizontal location along theadjacent frames2, and may straddle a pair ofadjacent uprights8 if required for a particular application.
• With reference toFIGS. 12-14,light duty beam11A includes a plurality ofopenings23 and24 for mountingcover panels7. However, thebeam11A does not include a horizontal row ofslots15 for supporting hang-on furniture units such asstorage unit6. Thus, thebeam11A is utilized for applications wherein hang-on furniture units are not needed at a specific location, butsegmented cover panels7 are desired.Beam11A includes a pair oftabs36 at each end, each of which includes a taperedslot37 forming ahook38. Eachvertical frame member8A and8B (FIG. 6) includes pairs of openings39 (FIGS. 17A and 17B) located generally at the same heights asopenings21 and22.Beam11A is installed by insertinghooks38 intoopenings39 at the desired height. Eachvertical upright8A and8B includes pairs ofopenings39 adjacent thefirst side face32, and another pair ofopenings39 adjacent thesecond side face33, such that a pair ofbeams11A can be mounted at the same height in a back to back manner. Alternately, asingle beam11A can be mounted on one side of thevertical frame member8 if segmentedcover panels7 are only being mounted on one side of thepartition frame2.Beam11A includes avertical web40 and an upperhorizontal web41 extending from thevertical web40 and terminating in a downwardly extendingflange43. Similarly, lowerhorizontal web42 extends from thevertical web40 and terminates in upwardly extendingflange44.
• A structuralintermediate beam11B (FIGS. 15-17) includestabs36B with taperedslots37B forming hooks38B that are received inopenings39 ofvertical frame member8 in substantially the same manner described above in connection withhooks38 ofintermediate beam11A.Intermediate beam11B includes afirst member45 having avertical web46,upper web47 terminating in upwardly extendingflange49. Similarly,lower web48 offirst member45 terminates in a downwardly extendingflange50. A first inner reinforcingmember51 includes a firstvertical web53, and a secondvertical web54 that are interconnected by ahorizontal web55. Aninner flange56 extends inwardly from the secondvertical web54. A second inner reinforcingmember52 is a mirror image of the first inner reinforcingmember51. Aback plate57 is secured to the first and second inner reinforcingmembers51 and52 by welding or other suitable arrangement, and thefirst member45 is similarly secured to the first and second inner reinforcingmembers51 and52. The combination of thefirst member54, first and second reinforcingmembers51 and52, and backplate57 together provide substantial structural strength, such that furniture units may be supported on theintermediate beam11B by inserting the hooks (not shown) of the hang-on furniture unit into the horizontal row ofslots15. One example of such a hang-on furniture unit that mounts to a horizontal row of slots is the Pathways® Segment® storage bin that is manufactured by Steelcase, Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich. Thestructural beam11B can be selectively positioned on thepartition frame2 at a selected height, and the hang-on furniture unit such asstorage unit6 may be horizontally positioned at a desired location along the horizontal row ofslots15. Thus, the hang-on furniture unit can be positioned at a desired location and adjusted both vertically and horizontally.
• In an alternate embodiment,beam11B includes a single hat-shaped elongated reinforcing member that is welded or otherwise secured to thefirst member45 and/orbacking plate57.
• With further reference toFIGS. 17A and 17B,beam11B may include a springsteel safety catch81 to prevent inadvertent disengagement ofhooks38 fromopenings39. Thesafety catch81 may be spot welded to thestructural beam11B at82, such that theend portion83 is able to flex outwardly in the direction of the arrow “A” (FIG. 17A). During insertion of thehooks38 into theopenings39, the end of thetab84 contacts theouter surface87 of thevertical frame member87, and flexes in the direction of the arrow A. After insertion ofhooks38,beam11B is shifted downwardly to engage thehooks38. Theend portion83 ofcatch81 will then return to a position parallel to thebeam11B, with thetab84 snapping into theopening39, such that thebeam11B cannot be inadvertently shifted upwardly to disengage hooks38. To disengage thehooks38, the small,straight tab88 ofcatch81 is grasped, and theend portion83 is flexed outwardly to disengage thetab84, such that thebeam11B can be shifted upwardly to remove thehooks38 from theopenings39. If required, the light dutyintermediate beams11A may also include asafety catch81.
• FIG. 18A schematically illustrates the dimensions and tolerancing scheme provided by openings25-28. The dimensions and configuration of openings25-28 inframe2 are chosen to permit greater production tolerances while alleviating tolerance stack ups that would otherwise lead to unsightly variations in the gaps betweenadjacent cover panels7. As illustrated schematically inFIG. 18A, upperleft opening25 has a relatively small horizontal dimension W1, and a relatively small vertical dimension H1. Thus, a cover panel mounting clip60 (see alsoFIG. 26) that is received in opening25 will “pin” the upper left corner ofcover panel7, allowing little or no horizontal or vertical float.Opening26 also has a relatively small width W1 preventing horizontal float of the lower left corner ofcover panel7. However, opening26 has a vertical dimension H2 that is somewhat greater than dimension H1, such that the lower left corner ofcover panel7 can float vertically. Upperright opening27 has a relatively small vertical dimension H1 that is the same as that of opening25, substantially preventing vertical float of the upper right corner ofcover panel7.Opening27 has a horizontal dimension W2 that is greater than horizontal dimension W1, such that the upper right corner ofcover panel7 can float horizontally.Opening28 has a vertical dimension H2 and a horizontal dimension W2 such that the lower right corner ofcover panel7 can float both horizontally and vertically. Thus, although clips received inopenings25,26,27 and28 will each retain acover panel7 to theframe2, the right vertical side edge ofcover panel7 will float, and the lower horizontal edge ofcover panel7 will also float. It should be understood that this tolerancing scheme could also be utilized with the openings25-28 in different orientations. For example,openings28 could have a vertical dimension H1 and a horizontal dimension W1. In this example, opening25 would have dimensions H2 and W2, and the dimensions ofopenings26 and27 would be switched from the configuration ofFIG. 18A.
• With further reference toFIG. 18B,cover panel7 includes a plurality of side clips60, and a plurality of upper andlower clips61. The side clips60 are received in theopenings25,26,27, and28 (FIGS. 7-10) ofvertical frame members8A and8B. As described in more detail below, clips60 (FIGS. 24-26) include a pair of outer V-shapedfingers23 that are relatively rigid and prevent horizontal movement ofcover panel7 when the clips engage T-shaped openings25 (FIG. 7) and26 (FIG. 8).Clips60 also include a relatively flexible center “finger”75 that permits some horizontal movement ofclip60 when installed into a U-shaped opening27 (FIG. 9) or28 (FIG. 10). Significantly, T-shapedopenings25 and26 will engagefingers73 but provide clearance forfinger75. Conversely,U-shaped openings27 and28 are configured to only engageflexible center finger75 while providing clearance forfingers73 to thereby permit horizontal float. Thus, asingle clip design60 can be utilized to horizontally lock the position ofcover panel7 when engaging T-shapedopenings25 and26, yet also may be utilized to permit horizontal float when engagingU-shaped openings27 and28. When a fullheight cover panel7 is utilized, the upper andlower clips61 engage theopenings23 inupper frame member9, and theopenings24 in lowerhorizontal frame member10. Alternately, ifsegmented cover panels7 are utilized in conjunction with an intermediatehorizontal beam11A or11B, the upper andlower clips61 engageopenings23 and24 of the intermediatehorizontal beam11A or11B. With further reference toFIGS. 19-22, each upper andlower clip61 includes afirst tab62 that is received in afirst opening64 incover panel7. Similarly, asecond tab63 ofclip61 is received in asecond opening65 incover panel7. Each upper andlower clip61 includes aflexible retainer66 having atab67. During installation of each upper andlower clip61 in theopenings64 and65, thetab67 initially contacts thecover panel7, and flexes to permit insertion oftabs62 and63 inopenings64 and65. After thetabs62 and63 are fully engaged, theflexible retainer66 returns to the position illustrated inFIGS. 19-22, and thetab67 engages the edge of opening64 to prevent inadvertent removal of theclip61. The flexible V-shapedportion68 is received in anopening23 or24 inpartition frame2, and asmall retaining tab69 engages the inner side wall of the frame member to thereby retain thecover panel7. Thebase portion70 of each upper andlower clip61 is stationary relative to thecover panel7, such that the flexible V-shapedportion68 generates a force biasing theclip61 andcover panel7 in the direction of the arrow “A” (FIG. 19) when installed on thepartition frame2. At least onelower clip61 and at least oneupper clip61 are utilized on eachcover panel7, and theclips61 are rotated 180 degrees relative to one another, such that the biasing force of the upper andlower clips61 acts vertically in opposite directions.
• With further reference toFIGS. 24-26, eachside clip60 includes first andsecond base portions71 and72 that are interconnected by a pair of outer V-shapedfingers73. Each V-shapedportion73 includes anangled portion74 that bears laterally against the inner side edge of the opening in thepartition frame2 when installed to thereby retain theclip60 andcover panel7 to thepartition frame2. A largercentral finger75 similarly includes anangled portion76 to retain theclip60 andcover panel7 to partitionframe2.Clip60 includes first andsecond tabs77 and78 that are received inopenings80 ofcover panel7. Aflexible retainer79 contacts thesurface86 ofcover panel7, and biases theupper surfaces85 oftabs77 and78 into engagement with the inner side of the coverpanel frame member58.
• With reference toFIG. 7, each upperleft opening25 has a “T” shape including avertical portion89 having a width W1 and height H1. The dimension H1 is only slightly greater than the width D (FIG. 25) ofclip60 such thatclip60 cannot shift vertically when positioned inopening25.Opening25 also includes ahorizontal cutout portion90. Whenside clip60 engagesopening25, thecenter finger75 extends into thecutout portion90 to horizontally locatecover panel7, and does not provide a retaining function.
• Outer fingers73 are generally V-shaped and securely hold thecover panel7 to prevent side-to-side movement.Center finger75 is also V-shaped. However,end75A offinger75 is cantilevered, permittingclip60 to shift in the direction of arrow “B” (FIG. 26) whenclip60 is received in aU-shaped opening27 or28. Such shifting may be required due to dimensional variations in thecover panel7 and/or the sizes/locations of openings25-28.
• The shape of the mounting openings25-28 inframe2 determines which fingers ofclip60 engage the opening. T-shapedopenings25 and26 engagefingers73, thereby “locking” the horizontal position of left vertical edge ofcover panel7. In contrast,U-shaped openings27 and28 only engagecenter finger75. Because thecenter finger75 is much more flexible thanouter fingers73, the right vertical edge ofcover panel7 will “float” if the dimensions ofcover panel7 vary due to production tolerances and the like.
• Theside clip60 is oriented such that theangled portion76 ofclip60 extends into thecutout portion90 ofopening25, and theangled portions74 ofouter fingers73 engage thevertical edges91 and92 ofopening25. Each lower left opening26 (FIG. 8) also has a T-shape, and includes avertical portion93 having a width W1 and height H2. Lowerleft opening26 includes a cutouthorizontal portion94 that is substantially similar to thecutout portion90 of upperleft opening25. Although thevertical portion89 of upperleft opening25 has the same width W1 as thevertical portion93 of lowerleft opening26, the heights H1 and H2 of thevertical portions89 and93, respectively, are different. The dimensions W1 and H1 are chosen such that the upper leftside spring clip60 engages the upper left opening25 with close tolerances, such that the upper leftside spring clip60 cannot shift horizontally or vertically within the upperleft opening25. However, the height H2 is greater than the height H1, such that the lowerleft side clip60 can shift vertically within the lowerleft opening26 to accommodate variations in the vertical distance between a pair of side clips60 that due to production tolerances and the like will cause the position of thelower clip60 to “shift” vertically withinopening26. However, the width W1 of lowerleft opening26 prevents horizontal shifting of the lowerleft clip60.
• With further reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, the upperright opening27 has a height H1 that is the same as height H1 of upperleft opening25, and lowerright opening28 has a height H2 that is the same as the height H2 of lowerleft opening26. As discussed above, because the dimension H1 is only slightly greater than the width D (FIG. 25) ofside clip60, theside clip60 in the upperright opening27 will be closely located vertically. However, the height H2 of the lowerright opening28 is substantially greater than the width D ofside clip60, such that aside clip60 located in the lowerright opening28 can shift vertically to accommodate dimensional variations.
• Openings27 and28 each include atab95 with anedge96.Openings27 and28 also includecutouts97adjacent tabs95. When aside clip60 is inserted into theopenings27 and28, thecenter finger75 ofclip60 engages theedge96 oftab95, and theouter fingers73 are positioned within thecutouts97, but do not contact the side edges98 ofcutouts97. Theouter fingers73 ofclip60 are substantially less flexible than thecenter finger75, such that thecover panel7 is horizontally fixed due to the contact of theouter finger73 with theopenings25 and26. If the horizontal dimension between the left pair of side clips60 oncover panel7 and the right pair of side clips60 oncover panel7 varies, such variation will cause the position of the right edge of thecover panel7 to vary because the side clips60 located in theright openings27 and28 will “shift” horizontally due to the flexibility ofcenter finger75. Similarly, the uppermost pair of side clips60 that are positioned inupper openings25 and27 is relatively fixed. If the vertical dimension between the upper pair of side clips60 and the lower pair of side clips60 varies, the lower pair of side clips60 will “float” vertically within thelower openings26 and28 because the vertical dimension H2 of the lower openings is greater than the vertical dimension H1 of the upper pair ofopenings25 and27.
• FIG. 26A further illustrates the engagement ofclip60 in a T-shapedopening25. As discussed above,outer legs73 contactvertical edge portion91 and92 ofopening25, and thereby prevent horizontal movement ofcover panel7.Center fingers75 extends intocutout90.Cutout90 is larger thanfinger75, such thatfinger75 does not contact the edges of opening25 and thus does not provide any retaining action when received inopening25.Clip60 engages opening26 in substantially the same manner as just described in connection with opening25 except thatopening26 has a vertical dimension H2 that is greater than H1 to permit vertical shifting ofclip60 withinopening26.
• With further reference toFIG. 26B, whenclip60 is received within aU-shaped opening27,flexible center finger75 will contact edge96 oftab95.Outer legs73 are received incutout areas97 ofopening27.Cutout areas97 are larger thanlegs73, such thatlegs73 do not contact the vertical side edges98 ofopening27, such thatlegs73 do not horizontally positioncover panel7 when received inopening27. Becauseleg75 is flexible,clip60 can move horizontally withinopening27.Lower edge73A oflower leg73 contactslower edge27A of opening27 to vertically supportcover panel7.Clip60 engages lowerU-shaped opening28 in substantially the same manner as opening27, except thatlower opening28 has a vertical dimension H2 that is greater than vertical dimension H1 to thereby permit vertical movement (float) ofclip60 within opening28 due to dimensional variations and the like.
• In summary, the upperleft openings25 in eachpanel frame2 “fixes” the upper left corner of the associatedcover panel7 both horizontally and vertically, such that variations in horizontal dimensions will cause the right edge of thecover panel7 and/or right side clips60 to shift horizontally, and variations in the vertical dimensions of thecover panel7 due to production tolerances, etc. will cause the lower edge of thecover panel7 and/orlower clips60 to shift vertically. Precisely locating or fixing the left edge of thecover panel7 in this manner permits greater production tolerances while maintaining a specified variation in the horizontal gap between horizontallyadjacent cover panels7. Similarly, fixing the upper edge ofcover panel7 permits larger vertical tolerances while maintaining the required vertical gap between verticallyadjacent cover panels7 when segmented cover panels are utilized. Furthermore, this arrangement permits greater tolerancing of the dimensions between side clips60, while providing proper positioning ofpanel7 based on the upperleft clip60.
• With reference toFIG. 7A, analternate embodiment25A of theopening25 is generally T-shaped and provides substantially the same cover panel mounting characteristics as described above in connection withopening25. However, theopening25A is oriented with thecutout90A extending inwardly. Thealternate opening25A is utilized in conjunction with analternate clip60A described in more detail below, and illustrated inFIGS. 23A-23D.Clip60A includes acenter finger75A andouter fingers73A that operate in substantially the same manner as thefingers73 and75 ofclip60 described in detail above. Theouter finger73A tightly engages the side edges91A and91B of opening25A to locate thecover panel7. However, unlike opening25, opening25A has an overall horizontal dimension “D” that is relatively small such that thecenter finger75A ofclip60A engages theside edge90B ofcutout90A. Thus, theflexible center finger75A will bias the cover panel outwardly in the direction of the arrow “B”, ensuring thatcover panel7 is in tension to prevent bowing, bulging or other distortion of thecover panel7.
• With further reference toFIG. 9A, analternate embodiment27A of opening27 provides substantially the same cover panel mounting characteristics as described above with respect toopening27. The width W2 ofopening27A is relatively large, such that only theflexible center finger75A ofclip60A engages theside edge27B ofopening27A. Thebase portion60B (FIG. 23B) ofclip60A contacts theside edge27C ofopening27A. The engagement offlexible center finger75A alongside edge27B of opening27A biases thecover panel7 in the direction of the arrow “C” (FIG. 9A), thereby creating horizontal tension incover panel7 to prevent bowing, bulging or other deformation of thecover panel7.
• A lower opening (not shown) having substantially the same shape as opening25A, only having a height H2 may be utilized to provide substantially the same cover panel mounting characteristics as opening26 described in detail above. Similarly, a lower right opening (not shown) having substantially the same shape as opening27A may be provided, with the lower opening having a height H2, such that the lower right opening would provide substantially the same mounting characteristics as opening28 described in detail above. Thus, the shape of theopenings25A and27A provide a horizontal tension oncover panel7, but otherwise provide the same tolerancing characteristics as described in detail above in connection with openings25-28, and illustrated schematically inFIG. 18A.
• With reference toFIG. 23D,clip60A includes a pair offlexible extensions236 and237, which are received withinopenings80A and80B in therear surface86 ofcover panel7. When installed in the position illustrated inFIG. 23D,retainers238 and239 offlexible extensions236 and237 engage theinner surface240 ofmetal sheet241 ofcover panel7, thereby retaining theclip60A on thecover panel7.
• With reference toFIG. 1,partition system1 may include an off-module panel100 that includes apartition frame2 having exactly the same construction as the other partition panels in the system (see, e.g.FIGS. 2-5). Anupper bracket101 andlower bracket102 are connected to thepanel100 and interconnect thepanel100 to the upper horizontal row of slots12 and lower horizontal row ofslots13 of thepartition frame2 to which the off-module panel100 is being connected. The in-line row of partitions that the off-module panel is connected to is commonly known as a “spine wall”. With further reference toFIG. 27,upper connector bracket101 includesopenings103 that receive conventional fasteners or the like to secure thebracket101 to the openings104 (see alsoFIG. 6) of aframe upright8.Bracket101 includes ahorizontal extension106 with a pair of horizontally orientedhooks106 that are received in selected ones of the upper horizontal row of slots12. If the off-module panel100 is of a lesser height than theadjacent panel frame2 to which it is being connected, thehooks105 may be received in the horizontal row ofslots15 of a structuralintermediate beam11B. Aflexible catch107 is made of a spring steel, and extends downwardly slightly. During installation, thehooks105 are first inserted into the slots12 and then shifted horizontally to engage thehooks105. During insertion ofhooks105, catch107 flexes downwardly upon contacting theframe member9, and then springs back into the slot12 as thebracket101 is shifted to fully engage thehooks105. Thecatch107 thus prevents inadvertent disengagement ofhooks105. To disengage thebracket101, thecatch107 is flexed out of engagement with the slot12, and thebracket101 is shifted horizontally to disengagehooks101.
• With reference toFIG. 28,lower bracket102 includes a pair offlanges110, each of which has a pair ofopenings111. When installed, theflanges110 ofbracket102 extend around the leg108 (see alsoFIG. 3) offrame2, and conventional fasteners or the like (not shown) are received in theopenings111 and109 to secure thebracket102 to theleg108.Bracket102 includes a pair of horizontally orientedhooks112 and aflexible catch113. Thehooks112 and catch113 operate in substantially the same manner as thehooks105 and catch107 ofupper bracket101, as described above. The upper andlower brackets101 and102 permit the off-module panel100 to be connected to aframe2 at substantially any horizontal location.
• With further reference toFIG. 29, an in-line connector bracket114 is provided to interconnect a pair of adjacent panel frames2 to form an in-line junction115.Bracket114 has abase web116 and a pair ofupstanding flanges117, such that thebracket114 has a shell U-shaped cross section. With further reference toFIG. 30, a pair of threaded openings118 in theframe2 threadably receivefasteners120A and120B, each of which has a conventional conically shapedhead121. Thefasteners120A and120B extend through theclearance openings119A and119B ofbracket114. During assembly, thefastener120A is first tightened, drawing the in-line bracket114 into tight contact with theupper surface122 offrame2. Thefastener120B is then threadably engaged in the threadedopening118B. The distance between theopenings119A and119B is somewhat smaller than the spacing between theopenings118A and118B when the pair ofadjacent frames2 are abutting one another. Thus, the outerconical surface123 ofhead121 ofthread fastener120B will contact theedge124 ofclearance hole119B. As the threadedfastener120B is further tightened, theadjacent frames20 will thus be drawn or forced together into tight contact with one another. Furthermore, theupstanding flanges117 ofbracket114 have a width that is the same or less than the width ofchannels29 along the upper edge of theadjacent frames2, such that thebracket114 also serves to align theadjacent frames2 into the same plane.
• With further reference toFIG. 31, a lower in-line connector bracket125 is utilized to interconnect theadjacent panels2 adjacent the lower corners thereof.Bracket125 includes asmall tab126 that is received in an opening127 (see alsoFIG. 32) in aside wall128 ofvertical frame member2. Opening129 inbracket125 receives a threadedfastener130 that engages threadedopening131 inside wall128 ofvertical frame member8 to thereby secure thebracket125 to theframe2A.Bracket125 also includes atongue132 that extends fromflange133.Tongue131 includes taperededges134 and anenlarged end portion135 withextensions136. Aflap137 is folded over to provide additional strength for theend portion135.Vertical frame member8 includes anopening138 with alower edge139 having taperedportions140.Lower edge139 also defines acutout141 havingside edges142 and alower edge143.
• With further reference toFIG. 33,bracket125 is first secured to theside edge144 of afirst partition frame2A. Theside edge144 offrame2A is then lifted slightly, and thetongue132 ofbracket125 is inserted into the large upper portion145 (see alsoFIG. 31) ofopening138 of theadjacent partition frame2B.Edge144 ofpartition frame2A is then lowered, such that theroot portions146 ofedges134 ofbracket125 fit closely against theedges142 ofcutout141. As theedge144 ofpartition frame2A is lowered, thetongue132 will engage thelower edge143 ofcutout141, such that theglide16A ofpartition frame2A is elevated or held slightly off thefloor surface18. Theupper bracket114 is then installed by tightening the threadedfasteners120A and120B. As thefasteners120A and120B are tightened, theside edge144 ofpartition frame2A is forced downwardly. Theedges147 ofbracket125 are brought into contact with the inner side surface148 (FIG. 32) ofpartition frame2B. As thefasteners120A and120B are further tightened, thetongue132 will bend upwardly about thebend149 defined between thetongue132 and theweb133. The distance between theedges147 and theweb133 is selected to ensure that theadjacent frames2A and2B will not vertically align without deformation of thebracket125. As thetongue132 flexes upwardly, thetongue132 is placed in tension such that theupper portion150 ofweb133 bends outwardly slightly from theouter surface151 ofvertical frame member8. The tension ontongue132 and deformation ofweb133 thereby tightly pulled theadjacent frames2A and2B into abutting engagement with one another. Furthermore, theroot portions146 oftongue132 closely engage theedges142 ofcutout141, such that theadjacent frames2A and2B are also aligned in the same vertical plane.
• Analternate embodiment114A of the in-line connector bracket may also be utilized to interconnect a pair of adjacent panel frames2. Thebracket114A is substantially the same asbracket114 described in detail above, except thatbracket114A includes a pair of downwardly extendingtabs114B that are received withinopenings114C ofbracket193.Tabs114B are closely received within theopenings114C to thereby maintain the alignment of thebracket114A and the adjacent partition frames2.
• With further reference toFIGS. 29B-29E, analternate embodiment125A of the lower in-line connector bracket includes atongue132A with anenlarged end portion135A that interconnects a pair of adjacent panel frames2 in substantially the same manner as described in detail above in connection with in-line connector bracket125. However, unlikebracket125 described above, theroot portions146A ofbracket125A fit loosely within thecutout141 of opening145 (see alsoFIG. 31), such that thetongue132A ofbracket125A does not substantially align the adjacent panel frames2.Bracket125A includes alower extension245 having opposite side edges246 that fit closely against theside walls29B ofvertical channels29A (FIG. 29E) of the adjacent partition frames2. Thelower extension245 is also illustrated in dashed lines inFIG. 32 to further illustrate the positioning and alignment features of thelower extension245.Tongue132A includes a downwardly extendingflap137A that provides stiffness to theenlarged end portion135A ofbracket125A.
• With further reference toFIG. 34, a pair of adjacent partition panel frames2 may also be interconnected to form anL junction155 when seen in plan view. The adjacent panel frames may also be joined to form a T junction156 (FIG. 35), an X junction157 (FIG. 36), a V junction158 (FIG. 37), or a Y junction159 (FIG. 38).
• With further reference toFIG. 39, abracket160 is one of the components utilized to form the junctions illustrated inFIGS. 34-38.Bracket160 is secured within thechannel29 of avertical frame member8 via conventional threadedfasteners161 that are received in threadedopenings162 ofvertical frame member8.
• With further reference toFIGS. 40-40B, upper andlower bracket assemblies180,165, respectively include anextrusion166 that may be utilized to form either an L junction155 (FIG. 34), a T junction156 (FIG. 35), or an X junction157 (FIG. 36).Extrusion166 includes fourchannels167, each of which includes a pair ofopposed slots168. During assembly, abracket160 is first secured to thevertical frame member8 adjacent the lower end thereof invertical channel29A.Extrusion166 oflower bracket assembly165 is then placed on thebracket160 by sliding theextrusion166 downwardly with theedges163 ofbracket160 being received in theopposed slots168 ofchannel167. Aretainer bracket169 is then secured to theextrusion166 viaconventional fasteners171 that are received inscrew bosses170 ofextrusion166. A threadedfastener174 is then used to connect theretainer bracket169 to thebracket160.Flange175 ofretainer bracket169 is offset lower than theupper flange176, such thatextrusion166 is offset vertically relative tobracket160, with thelower edge172 ofextrusion166 forming a gap relative to thesurface173 ofbracket160. Theextrusion166 is thus retained on afirst partition frame2A. To assemble the plan configurations illustrated inFIGS. 34, 35 and36brackets160 are next secured to the required number of partition panel frames2. The required number of partition panel frames2 can then be secured to theextrusion166 that is attached to thefirst partition frame2A by lifting the panel edge, and sliding theedges163 of thebracket160 downwardly into theopposed slots168 ofchannel167 ofextrusion166. If required for a particular application, a singleadjacent panel frame2A can be assembled to form theL junction155 ofFIG. 34. Alternately, two additional panel frames may be connected to thefirst panel frame2A to form theT junction156 ofFIG. 35. Finally, three additional panel frames2 can be interconnected with thefirst panel frame2A to form theX junction157 illustrated inFIG. 36.
• Extrusion166 is also utilized in conjunction with anupper bracket assembly180. After thelower bracket assembly165 is assembled, and the adjacent frames are positioned in the desired configuration,brackets160 are secured to thefirst panel frame2A, and the adjacent panel frames. Theextrusion166 is then slid downwardly into engagement with thebrackets160, andplates181 are then utilized to interconnect thebrackets160 to theextrusion166 via conventional threadedfasteners182 that are received inscrew bosses170, andfasteners183 that are received in threadedopenings164 ofbrackets160.
• With further reference toFIG. 41, anextrusion185 may be utilized to form the V junction ofFIG. 37, and may also be utilized to form theY junction159 ofFIG. 38.Extrusion185 includes a plurality ofchannels167 that are substantially the same as those ofextrusion166, and theextrusion185 is utilized to interconnect the adjacent panels in the desired plan configuration in substantially the same manner as described in detail above in connection withextrusion166.
• With further reference toFIG. 42, astacker frame190 may be secured to thepartition frame2 to increase the height of the partition panel.Stacker frame190 includesvertical frame members8 and a horizontalupper frame member9 that are substantially identical to theframe members8 and9 of thebase frame2. However, as described in more detail below, the lowerhorizontal cross member191 ofstacker frame190 is somewhat different than the lowerhorizontal cross member10 of thebase frame2. A pair of connectors orbayonets192 extend into the verticalside frame members8 of thebase frame2 andstacker frame190 when assembled to rigidly interconnect thestacker frame190 andbase frame2. With further reference toFIG. 46,cross member9 includes a lowerhorizontal web215 andvertical side webs216 forming a generally U-shaped cross section. Ahorizontal portion217 extends inwardly from thevertical side webs216, and an inwardlyangled portion218 extends downwardly from thehorizontal portion217. Anedge portion219 extends horizontally from theangled portion218.Cross member191 of thestacker frame190 includes an upperhorizontal web portion220, verticalinner webs221, and upwardly extending outervertical webs222 that connect to theinner web221 viahorizontal web portions223. Folded overflange portions224 project downwardly below thehorizontal web portions223. When assembled as shown inFIG. 46, thehorizontal web portions223 ofstacker cross member191 abut or rest on thehorizontal portions217 of thehorizontal cross member9. The folded overflange portions224 fit closely against theangled portions218 ofcross member9 to facilitate side-to-side alignment of thehorizontal frame member191 with thecross member9.
• With further reference toFIG. 44, acorner bracket193 includes avertical portion194 that is received in the openupper end195 of the verticalside frame member8 ofbase frame2.Bracket193 also includes a plate likehorizontal portion196 that fits into thechannel29 when assembled. A threadedfastener198 is received in anoval opening197 to secure thebracket193 to thebase frame2. Alternately,corner bracket193 could be welded to thebase frame2, or otherwise suitably secured thereto.Bracket193 includes arectangular opening199 through thehorizontal portion196 that receives the elongated lower end200 (see alsoFIG. 43) ofbayonet bracket192. With further reference toFIG. 45, thevertical portion194 ofcorner bracket193 fits closely between theinner side walls201 and208 ofvertical frame member8 ofbase frame2. The elongatedlower end200 ofbayonet bracket192 fits closely within the elongated slot203 (FIG. 44) in thevertical portion194 of thecorner bracket193. Theslot203 ensures that thebayonet bracket192 is maintained in a vertical position. An opening204 (FIG. 45) in thelower side wall205 ofcorner bracket193 maintains thebayonet bracket192 in a vertical orientation relative to rotation in the plane of theframes2 and190.
• With reference toFIG. 43,bayonet bracket192 includes a pair ofupper extensions206, and a plurality of threadedopenings207. Theextensions206 form a U-shapedopen area208 that aligns with the opening209 (FIG. 44) instacker frame190 to permit pass through of utility lines. A plurality of threadedfasteners210 extend through theclearance openings211 in the vertical side frame member ofstacker frame190 and are threadably received in the threadedopenings207 ofbayonet bracket192 when assembled.Bayonet bracket192 includes anelongated slot212 that extends a substantial distance into the elongatedlower end200. The distance D1 between the threadedopenings207 inbayonet bracket192 is somewhat less than the distance D2 (FIG. 44) between theclearance openings211 in thevertical frame member8 ofstacker frame190. Threadedfasteners210 have a conventional conical head, such that as the threadedfasteners210 are tightened, the conical head contacts the edges of theopenings211. As the threadedfasteners210 are further tightened, theupper extensions206 are forced apart slightly, thereby forcing the side edges213 of elongatedlower end200 ofbayonet bracket192 into tight engagement with the side edges of therectangular opening199 incorner bracket193. Thus, thebayonet bracket192 rigidly secures thestacker frame190 to thebase frame2, and also aligns thestacker frame190 relative to thebase frame2.
• Stacker190 includes anupper channel29 for horizontal routing of utility lines such as data or communications lines or the like. Thelower frame member191 ofstacker frame190 includes a plurality ofopenings214 that align with the openings58 (see alsoFIG. 4) in upperhorizontal frame member9 of thebase frame2 to permit vertical routing of wiring between thestacker frame190 and thebase frame2.Stacker frame190 also includes a plurality ofopenings23,24,25,26,27 and28 for mounting ofcover panels7 in substantially the same manner as described above.
• In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims (41)

1-36. (canceled)

37. In a panel system having a plurality of panels detachably interconnected to partition open floor space into individual workstations, the improvement comprising:

at least one rigid panel frame having opposed vertical side faces, and a generally rectangular shape defined by first and second horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members and first and second vertically spaced apart horizontal frame members extending between and rigidly interconnecting said first and second vertical frame members; said panel frame having a plurality of first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon, and a plurality of second apertures for supporting accessories thereon;

at least one cover panel shaped to enclose at least a portion of one of said side faces of said panel frame, and operatively engaging at least one of said first apertures for mounting said cover panel on said panel frame;

at least one accessory operatively engaging at least one of said second apertures for mounting said accessory on said panel frame; and

at least one intermediate beam extending between and having opposite ends thereof detachably connected with either said first and second vertical frame members or said first and second horizontal frame members at a selected location; said intermediate beam having a plurality of third apertures shaped similar to said first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon, and a plurality of fourth apertures shaped similar to said second apertures for supporting accessories thereon.

38. A panel system as set forth inclaim 37, including:

means for rigidly, yet detachably, connecting said opposite ends of said intermediate beam with said panel frame.

39. A panel system as set forth inclaim 38, wherein:

said connecting means is configured to mount said intermediate beam at multiple positions on said panel frame to accommodate different applications.

40. A panel system as set forth inclaim 39, wherein:

said connecting means includes a plurality of fifth apertures extending along at least one of said first and second vertical frame members and said first and second horizontal frame members.

41. A panel system as set forth inclaim 40, wherein:

said connecting means further includes hooks disposed at said opposite ends of said intermediate beam and shaped for close reception in said fifth apertures on said panel frame.

42. A panel system as set forth inclaim 41, wherein:

said intermediate beam extends generally horizontally between said first and second vertical frame members and is operably mounted thereon.

43. A panel system as set forth inclaim 42, wherein:

said first apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said first horizontal frame member and a central portion of said second horizontal frame member.

44. A panel system as set forth inclaim 43, wherein:

said third apertures in said intermediate beam comprise two series of mutually parallel, similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along said intermediate beam in vertical registry with said slots of said first apertures in said first and second horizontal frame members.

45. A panel system as set forth inclaim 44, wherein:

said second apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along an upper edge of said first horizontal frame member and a lower edge of said second horizontal frame member.

46. A panel system as set forth inclaim 45, wherein:

said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam comprise a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said intermediate beam in vertical registry with said slots of said second apertures in said first and second horizontal frame members.

47. A panel system as set forth inclaim 46, wherein:

said cover panel includes rearwardly projecting connectors releasably received in aligned ones of said first apertures to detachably support said cover panel on said panel frame.

48. A panel system as set forth inclaim 47, wherein:

said intermediate beam defines a structural beam; and including

at least one nonstructural beam extending between and having opposite ends thereof detachably connected with said first and second vertical frame members; said nonstructural beam having a plurality of sixth apertures shaped similar to said first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon.

49. A panel system as set forth inclaim 48, wherein:

said nonstructural beam includes hooks disposed at said opposite ends thereof shaped for close reception in said fifth apertures on said panel frame.

50. A panel system as set forth inclaim 49, wherein:

said cover panel defines an upper cover panel having a horizontally extending lower edge; and including

a lower cover panel having a horizontally extending upper edge spaced apart from said lower edge of said upper cover panel to define a horizontally elongated gap providing access to said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam.

51. A panel system as set forth inclaim 50, wherein:

said structural beam includes a flexible tab disposed adjacent said hooks which engage said fifth apertures on said panel frame to prevent inadvertent disengagement of said hooks.

52. A panel system as set forth inclaim 51, wherein:

said first and second vertical frame members have a substantially identical size and shape.

53. A panel system as set forth inclaim 52, wherein:

said first and second horizontal frame members have a substantially identical size and shape.

54. A panel system as set forth inclaim 37, wherein:

said intermediate beam extends generally horizontally between said first and second vertical frame members and is operably mounted thereon.

55. A panel system as set forth inclaim 37, wherein:

said first apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said first horizontal frame member and a central portion of said second horizontal frame member.

56. A panel system as set forth inclaim 37, wherein:

said third apertures in said intermediate beam comprise two mutually parallel, similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along said intermediate beam.

57. A panel system as set forth inclaim 37, wherein:

said second apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along an upper edge of said first horizontal frame member and a lower edge of said second horizontal frame member.

58. A panel system as set forth inclaim 37, wherein:

said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam comprise a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said intermediate beam.

59. A panel system as set forth inclaim 37, wherein:

said cover panel defines an upper cover panel having a horizontally extending lower edge; and including

a lower cover panel having a horizontally extending upper edge spaced apart from said lower edge of said upper cover panel to define a horizontally elongated gap providing access to said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam.

60. A partition panel for dividing floor space, comprising:

at least one rigid panel frame having opposed vertical side faces, and a generally rectangular shape defined by first and second horizontally spaced apart vertical frame members and first and second vertically spaced apart horizontal frame members extending between and rigidly interconnecting said first and second vertical frame members; said panel frame having a plurality of first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon, and a plurality of second apertures for supporting accessories thereon;

at least one cover panel shaped to enclose at least a portion of one of said side faces of said panel frame, and operatively engaging at least one of said first apertures for mounting said cover panel on said panel frame;

at least one accessory operatively engaging at least one of said second apertures for mounting said accessory on said panel frame; and

at least one intermediate beam extending between and having opposite ends thereof detachably connected with either said first and second vertical frame members or said first and second horizontal frame members at a selected location; said intermediate beam having a plurality of third apertures shaped similar to said first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon, and a plurality of fourth apertures shaped similar to said second apertures for supporting accessories thereon.

61. A panel as set forth inclaim 60, including:

means for rigidly, yet detachably, connecting said opposite ends of said intermediate beam with said panel frame.

62. A panel as set forth inclaim 61, wherein:

said connecting means is configured to mount said intermediate beam at multiple positions on said panel frame to accommodate different applications.

63. A panel as set forth inclaim 62, wherein:

said connecting means includes a plurality of fifth apertures extending along at least one of said first and second vertical frame members and said first and second horizontal frame members.

64. A panel as set forth inclaim 63, wherein:

said connecting means further includes hooks disposed at said opposite ends of said intermediate beam and shaped for close reception in said fifth apertures on said panel frame.

65. A panel as set forth inclaim 64, wherein:

said intermediate beam extends generally horizontally between said first and second vertical frame members and is operably mounted thereon.

66. A panel as set forth inclaim 65, wherein:

said first apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said first horizontal frame member and a central portion of said second horizontal frame member.

67. A panel as set forth inclaim 66, wherein:

said third apertures in said intermediate beam comprise two series of mutually parallel, similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along said intermediate beam in vertical registry with said slots of said first apertures in said first and second horizontal frame members.

68. A panel as set forth inclaim 67, wherein:

said second apertures in said panel frame include a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along an upper edge of said first horizontal frame member and a lower edge of said second horizontal frame member.

69. A panel as set forth inclaim 68, wherein:

said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam comprise a series of similarly shaped, horizontally elongated slots extending along a central portion of said intermediate beam in vertical registry with said slots of said second apertures in said first and second horizontal frame members.

70. A panel as set forth inclaim 69, wherein:

said cover panel includes rearwardly projecting connectors releasably received in aligned ones of said first apertures to detachably support said cover panel on said panel frame.

71. A panel as set forth inclaim 70, wherein:

said intermediate beam defines a structural beam; and including

at least one nonstructural beam extending between and having opposite ends thereof detachably connected with said first and second vertical frame members; said nonstructural beam having a plurality of sixth apertures shaped similar to said first apertures for supporting cover panels thereon.

72. A panel as set forth inclaim 71, wherein:

said nonstructural beam includes hooks disposed at said opposite ends thereof shaped for close reception in said fifth apertures on said panel frame.

73. A panel as set forth inclaim 72, wherein:

said cover panel defines an upper cover panel having a horizontally extending lower edge; and including

a lower cover panel having a horizontally extending upper edge spaced apart from said lower edge of said upper cover panel to define a horizontally elongated gap providing access to said fourth apertures in said intermediate beam.

74. A panel as set forth inclaim 73, wherein:

said structural beam includes a flexible tab disposed adjacent said hooks which engage said fifth apertures on said panel frame to prevent inadvertent disengagement of said hooks.

75. A panel as set forth inclaim 74, wherein:

said first and second vertical frame members have a substantially identical size and shape.

76. A panel system as set forth inclaim 75, wherein:

said first and second horizontal frame members have a substantially identical size and shape.

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