US20040211127A1 - Floor-to-ceiling wall panel system - Google Patents
Floor-to-ceiling wall panel system Download PDFInfo
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- US20040211127A1 US20040211127A1 US10/821,030 US82103004A US2004211127A1 US 20040211127 A1 US20040211127 A1 US 20040211127A1 US 82103004 A US82103004 A US 82103004A US 2004211127 A1 US2004211127 A1 US 2004211127A1
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Classifications
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- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/82—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge characterised by the manner in which edges are connected to the building; Means therefor; Special details of easily-removable partitions as far as related to the connection with other parts of the building
- E04B2/821—Connections between two opposed surfaces (i.e. floor and ceiling) by means of a device offering a restraining force acting in the plane of the partition
- E04B2/824—Connections between two opposed surfaces (i.e. floor and ceiling) by means of a device offering a restraining force acting in the plane of the partition restrained elastically at one surface and inelastically at the opposing surface
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- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
- E04B2/7422—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts
- E04B2/7427—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with separate framed panels without intermediary support posts with adjustable angular connection of panels
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- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7448—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with separate framed panels without intermediary posts, extending from floor to ceiling
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- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
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- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/82—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge characterised by the manner in which edges are connected to the building; Means therefor; Special details of easily-removable partitions as far as related to the connection with other parts of the building
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- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
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- E04B1/388—Separate connecting elements
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- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7461—Details of connection of sheet panels to frame or posts
- E04B2002/7462—Details of connection of sheet panels to frame or posts using resilient connectors, e.g. clips
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- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7483—Details of furniture, e.g. tables or shelves, associated with the partitions
- E04B2002/7485—Load supports therefor placed between wall studs
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
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- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7487—Partitions with slotted profiles
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- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/749—Partitions with screw-type jacks
Definitions
- the present invention relates to office partition systems, and more particularly, to a movable office panel system including panels which extend between the floor and the ceiling of an office space.
- Floor-to-ceiling office panel systems typically include individual panel units associated with the existing permanent walls of an office space, the panel units extending between the floor and the ceiling of the office space and dividing same into multiple rooms, such as individual offices, conference rooms, and the like.
- panel systems are custom designed and manufactured for a particular office space according to a predetermined office floor plan, and are installed in a relatively permanent manner within the office space. Therefore, such panel systems tend to be rather costly and difficult to install, and often cannot be relocated if modifications to the office floor plan are desired.
- existing panel systems typically include heavy, rigid frames made from frame members which are cut to a pre-measured length and permanently welded to one another.
- the panel frames typically include a large number of additional components for attaching the panel frames to one another, and also for attaching the panel frames to the floor and to the ceiling of the office space.
- additional components are specifically designed for a particular use, or for a specific type of panel-to-panel connection, such as a T-, L-, or X-type connection, and may only be used for such specific connection or other specialized use.
- the large amount of such parts increases both the cost and the difficulty of manufacturing and installing existing floor-to-ceiling panel systems.
- a floor-to-ceiling wall panel system which is an improvement over the foregoing; specifically, a floor-to-ceiling wall panel system which includes a minimal number of components is easy to install and easy to modify after installation, and which can accommodate existing modular office components.
- the present invention provides a floor-to-ceiling wall panel system in which each panel includes a universal frame adjustably attached to a floor track member which rests on a floor surface, the frame additionally including a jack post assembly for releasable connection to a ceiling track fastened to a ceiling.
- the panel system includes a number of multi-functional components, thereby reducing the total number of components in the panel system and facilitating easier installation of the panel system, as well as easier modification of the panel system once installed.
- a single track member may serve as both the floor track and the ceiling track.
- a single type of spring clip may be used to attach several components to the panel frames, such as opaque panel skins and window panels, for example.
- the spring clips are used to attach trim pieces to the floor and ceiling tracks which mask the adjustable connections of the panel frames to the floor and ceiling. Further uses of the spring clips are described in detail below.
- the frame includes vertical frame members each formed by a pair of C-shaped vertical sub-frame members which are attached to one another in a back-to-back manner to form a vertical frame member having an I-shaped cross section for structural rigidity.
- Corner blocks are captured in the upper and lower ends of the vertical frame members, and serve as attachment points for horizontal frame members to the vertical frame members.
- the corner blocks may be selectively configured in a support block mode for attachment to a lower horizontal frame member to provide a vertically adjustable connection between the frame and the floor track, or the corner blocks may be configured in a jack post block mode for attachment to an upper horizontal frame member to provide an adjustable, releasable connection between the frame and the ceiling track.
- a single panel connecting bracket may be attached to the corner blocks of adjacent panels to connect same in and end-to-end relationship, as well as to connect additional panels thereto to form building module L-type connections, T-type connections, or X-type connections between multiple panels.
- a corner post is provided, which may also be used as desired to provide the foregoing types of connections in a furniture module mode.
- cam locks are provided to attach panels together to form the above connections.
- An intermediate horizontal frame member may be attached to the vertical frame members at horizontal levels with respect thereto which may vary in increments up to one-eighth of an inch.
- Electrical and or data wiring harness assemblies may be attached to the floor track to provide electrical and data service throughout the lower region of panel system, or alternatively, may be attached to an intermediate frame member to provide electrical and data service throughout the panel system at any mid-height level.
- Existing mounting tracks may be secured to the horizontal frame members, or alternatively, to an intermediate frame member, to provide an attachment interface for existing modular furniture components, such as work surfaces, cabinets, shelves, and the like.
- the mounting tracks when attached to the intermediate frame members, may be disposed at virtually any vertical level with respect to the surrounding panel frame.
- the foregoing construction allows the mounting tracks of the panels in the panel system to be aligned with identical mounting tracks which are mounted to permanent walls of an interior office space to provide aesthetic, visual continuity between the panel system and the permanent walls of the office space.
- the present floor-to-ceiling wall panel system includes a universal frame which is easily assembled to any desired dimension, and which is configured to accept opaque panels skins, window panels, or any desired combination thereof.
- the present invention provides a partition system for partitioning a work space, including a frame, the frame including at least one vertical frame member having a series of substantially vertically aligned first holes therein, and at least one horizontal frame member; at least one bracket having a first portion attached to the horizontal frame member and a second portion having at least one second hole therein adapted to align with at least one of the first holes in the vertical frame member; at least one fastening element inserted through the first and second holes to secure the horizontal frame member to the vertical frame member; and a track member supported horizontally on the horizontal frame member, the track member configured for attachment of modular furniture components thereto.
- the present invention provides the combination of a permanent wall having a first track member horizontally supported thereon, the first track member configured for attachment of a modular furniture component thereto; and a partition system frame having at least one horizontal frame member, and a second track member horizontally supported on the at least one horizontal frame member, the second track member configured for attachment of a modular furniture component thereto; wherein the partition system frame is disposed adjacent the permanent wall, and wherein the first track member of the permanent wall is horizontally aligned with the second track member of the partition system frame.
- the present invention provides a partition system for partitioning a work space, including a frame including at least one vertical frame member and at least one horizontal frame member; a least one spring clip removably attached to one of the horizontal and the vertical frame members, the spring clip including a spring body portion with a pair of leg portions extending therefrom, one of the leg portions and the spring body portion engaging the one frame member; and a partition system component including a receiving element to which is attached the other of the leg portions and the spring body portion of the spring clip, the spring clip thereby attaching the partition system component to the frame member.
- the present invention provides a partition system for partitioning a work space, including a floor track; a ceiling track; a frame disposed intermediate the floor track and the ceiling track, including upper and lower horizontal frame members, and at least one vertical frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion; first and second corner blocks, the first, corner block attached to the upper portion of the vertical frame member and connecting the upper horizontal frame member thereto, the second corner block attached to the lower portion of the vertical frame member and connecting the lower horizontal frame member thereto; the first corner block further including a first engagement assembly connecting the frame to the ceiling track; and the second corner block further including a second engagement assembly connecting the frame to the floor track.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary office space including a floor-to-ceiling panel system in accordance with the present invention, the panel system including a variety of differently configured individual partition panels;
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a universal frame including corner blocks according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 2B is a perspective view of upper and lower corner portions of the universal frame of FIG. 2A:
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a universal frame including corner blocks according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view of upper and lower corner portions of the universal frame of FIG. 3A;
- FIG. 3C is an exploded view of the universal frame of FIG. 3A;
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a vertical frame member
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a sub-frame member of the vertical frame member of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 4C is a top view of the vertical frame member of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 4D is a front view of the vertical frame member of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 4E is a side view of the vertical frame member of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 4F is an exploded perspective view of a vertical frame member, a jack post block, and a panel support block;
- FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a jack post block according to a first embodiment, including a jack post assembly for releaseably connecting the panel frame to a ceiling track;
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the jack post block and jack post assembly of FIG. 5A;
- FIG. 5C is an exploded view of a jack post block according to a second embodiment, including a jack post assembly for releasably connecting the panel frame to a ceiling track;
- FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the jack post block and jack post assembly of FIG. 5C, showing the jack post assembly in a retracted position;
- FIG. 5E is a perspective view of the jack post block and jack post assembly of FIG. 5C, showing the jack post assembly in an extended position;
- FIG. 6A is an exploded view of a panel support block according to a first embodiment, including a vertical adjustment assembly for vertically adjustably connecting the panel frame to a floor track;
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the panel support block and vertical adjustment assembly of FIG. 6A;
- FIG. 6C is an exploded view of a panel support block according to a second embodiment, including a vertical adjustment assembly for vertically adjustably connecting the panel frame to a floor track;
- FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the panel support block and vertical adjustment assembly of FIG. 6C, shown in a shipment or pre-installation position;
- FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the panel support block and vertical adjustment assembly of FIG. 6C, shown in an installed position;
- FIG. 7A is an end view of a horizontal frame member/intermediate horizontal frame member
- FIG. 7B is an end view of a floor track/ceiling track
- FIG. 7C is an end view of a ceiling trim member
- FIG. 7D is an end view of a floor trim member
- FIG. 7E is an end view of a first horizontal window casing
- FIG. 7F is an end view of a second horizontal window casing
- FIG. 7G is an end view of an intermediate window casing
- FIG. 7H is an end view of a vertical window casing
- FIG. 7I is an end view of a vertical trim member
- FIG. 7J is an end view of a finished end
- FIG. 7K is an end view of a horizontal window frame member
- FIG. 7L is an end view of an vertical window frame member
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a panel, showing the jack post assemblies thereof engaging a ceiling track;
- FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a portion of a panel frame, showing an intermediate horizontal frame member attached to the frame via L-shaped intermediate brackets according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an L-shaped bracket according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 9C is a perspective, exploded view showing an intermediate horizontal frame member and a pair of the L-shaped brackets of FIG. 9B;
- FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 9C;
- FIG. 9E is a perspective view of a panel frame having an intermediate horizontal frame member attached thereto at a mid-height location;
- FIG. 9F is an end view of a panel frame, showing the connection of an intermediate horizontal frame member thereto, with the intermediate horizontal frame member located 12 inches above the floor surface;
- FIG. 9G is an end view of a panel frame, showing the connection of an intermediate horizontal frame member thereto, with the intermediate horizontal frame member located 12 and one eighth inches above the floor surface;
- FIG. 9H is an end view of a panel frame, showing the connection of an intermediate horizontal frame member thereto, with the intermediate horizontal frame member located 12 and one fourth inches above the floor surface;
- FIG. 9I is an end view of a panel frame, showing the connection of an intermediate horizontal frame member thereto, with the intermediate horizontal frame member disposed 12 and three eighths inches above the floor surface;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the bottom of a panel frame, including a floor track to which is connected an electrical harness assembly according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of FIG. 10, showing the floor track, connecting brackets, and electrical harness assembly;
- FIG. 12A is an exploded view of a portion of the bottom of a panel frame, including a floor track to which is connected an electrical harness assembly according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 12B is a perspective view of FIG. 12A, showing the floor track with the electrical harness assembly connected thereto;
- FIG. 13 is a top view of a connecting bracket for interconnecting panel frames according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 14 is a side view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 13;
- FIG. 15A is a top view showing the upper ends of three panels connected in a building module T-type connection according to a first embodiment
- FIG. 15C is an exploded view showing the connection between two panels in an end-to-end manner using cam locks, according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 15D is a perspective view showing the end-to-end connection between the panels of FIG. 15C;
- FIG. 15E is a perspective view of a building module X-type connection between four panels according to a second embodiment
- FIG. 15F is a perspective view of a building module L-type connection between two panels according to a second embodiment, further including a finished end unit;
- FIG. 15I is an exploded, perspective view of the corner post unit of FIG. 151H;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a spring clip
- FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a portion of the opaque panel skin assembly of FIG. 17A, shown in an assembled condition;
- FIG. 18A is a perspective, exploded view showing an upper portion of a panel frame and the attachment of a panel skin thereto using the spring clips of FIG. 16;
- FIG. 18B is a perspective, exploded view showing a full panel frame and the attachment of a pair of panel skins thereto using the spring clips of FIG. 16;
- FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the full panel frame of FIG. 18B, with a pair of panel skins attached thereto;
- FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line 20 - 20 of FIG. 19;
- FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line 21 - 21 of FIG. 19;
- FIG. 22B is a perspective, partially exploded view of one of the window frames in the panel of FIG. 22A;
- FIG. 22C is a perspective view of a panel frame, including a window frame temporarily held therein by capture plate assemblies;
- FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23 - 23 of FIG. 22A;
- FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24 - 24 of FIG. 19;
- FIG. 25A is a top view of a mounting track/window frame interface bracket
- FIG. 25B is an end view of the mounting track/window frame interface bracket of FIG. 25A;
- FIG. 25C is a side view of the mounting track/window frame interface bracket of FIG. 25A;
- FIG. 26 is a top view showing an end-to-end, panel-to-panel connection, the panels including opaque panel skins with light and sound seals therebetween, wherein on one side of each connection, the opaque panel skins are in abutment with one another, and on an opposite side of each connection, the opaque panel skins are spaced from one another;
- FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a door frame assembly
- FIG. 28B is a sectional view taken along line 28 B- 28 B of FIG. 28A;
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view, looking upwardly, showing a lower portion of the door frame assembly of FIGS. 28A and 28B, including a carpet gripper attached to the panel support block;
- FIG. 30C is a perspective view of various trim end cap and trim splice elements
- FIG. 30D is a perspective view showing the attachment of a trim end cap to one end of a floor trim member
- FIG. 31A is a top view of a wall start condition
- FIG. 31B is an exploded view of a portion of the wall start condition of FIG. 31A, showing a wall start member and a pair of vertical trim members;
- FIG. 32A is a top view of an end filler condition
- FIG. 32B is a perspective view of a portion of the end filler condition of FIG. 32A;
- FIG. 33A is an exploded view of a portion of a 135° panel-to-panel connection
- FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a panel of a panel system adjacent a permanent wall, the permanent wall partially removed to show the studs therein.
- floor-to-ceiling wall panel system 42 includes a plurality of individual partition panels 44 which may attached to one another, for example, by end-to-end connections 46 , T-type connections 48 a , 48 b , L-type connections 50 a , 50 b , and X-type connections (not shown).
- frame 56 includes corner blocks 62 b according to a second embodiment. Additionally, floor track 64 , which is disposed along floor 52 , is attached to frame 56 . As shown in FIG. 8, frame 56 is also detachably connected to ceiling track 66 fastened to ceiling 54 , as described below.
- Horizontal frame member 60 shown in FIGS. 2A through 3C and 7 A, may be formed of an elongated piece of extruded aluminum, for example, and, referring particularly to FIG. 7A, generally includes central web portion 82 and a pair of parallel side portions 84 defining a substantially H-shaped cross section.
- Central web portion 82 includes a pair of fastening embossments 86 formed on one side thereof, and a pair of tongues 88 extending from an opposite side thereof which depend toward each other to define channel 90 .
- central web portion 82 defines a horizontal axis of symmetry through horizontal frame member 60 , allowing horizontal frame member 60 to be selectively rotationally oriented such that fastening embossments 86 are disposed on either an upper or lower side of central web portion 82 , as described further below.
- Side portions 84 are shaped to define first channel 92 and second channels 94 disposed above and below first channel 92 , respectively, wherein each of the foregoing first and second channels 92 , 94 open generally outwardly of horizontal rail member 60 and frame 56 .
- a series of protrusions 96 are defined at the openings of first and second channels 92 , 94 .
- First channel 92 as described further below, is adapted to receive a threaded fastener therein for attaching a mounting track to frame 56 .
- corner blocks 62 b (or 62 a ) are received in each of the upper and lower portions of vertical frame members 58 , and specifically, are captured within the space defined within one of the C-shaped vertical sub-frame members 68 thereof.
- corner blocks 62 a . 62 b include two horizontal pairs of holes 98 a , 98 b therein. Threaded fasteners 99 extend through holes 76 in vertical frame members 58 , holes 98 a , 98 b in corner blocks 62 a , 62 b and into fastening embossments 86 of horizontal frame members 60 to secure horizontal frame members 60 to vertical frame members 58 to define frame 56 .
- An upper horizontal frame member 60 may be aligned with fastening embossments 86 disposed above central web portion 82 thereof, with the fasteners extending through upper horizontal pair of holes 98 a in corner blocks 62 a , 62 b , and a lower horizontal frame member 60 may be aligned with fastening embossments 86 disposed below central web portion 82 thereof, with fasteners extending through lower horizontal pair of holes 98 b in corner blocks 62 a , 62 b .
- the foregoing orientation of horizontal frame member 60 may be reversed. Additionally, the ends of side portions 84 of horizontal frame members 60 abut plates 100 a , 100 b of corner blocks 62 a . 62 b to align horizontal frame members 60 in a square orientation with respect to vertical frame members 58 , thereby providing an installation guide for connecting horizontal and vertical frame members 60 , 58 in a square orientation with respect to one another.
- corner blocks 62 a and 62 b of first and second embodiments, respectively, are shown, which may be configured as lower, panel support blocks 102 a , 102 b or upper, jack post blocks 104 a , 104 b as described further below.
- Corner blocks 62 b are formed of a single, integral piece of a hard plastic material, and include block portion 106 and plate portion 100 b .
- Each plate portion 100 b includes cam slot 101 , and a pair of half cam slots 103 with cam slot 101 including wide portion 105 tapering to narrow portion 107 .
- One of the half cam slots 103 in plate portion 100 b includes a wide portion 105 and the other of the half cam slots 103 in plate portion 100 b includes a narrow portion 107 .
- the function of cam slots 101 and half cam slots 103 will be explained below.
- Floor track 64 is thus captured at each end thereof between second nut 116 b and head 118 of bolt 114 to connect floor track 64 to frame 56 .
- the vertical height of frame 56 from floor track 64 may be adjusted by rotating second nut 116 b , which in turn rotates bolt 114 within panel support blocks 102 a , 102 b to thereby adjust the vertical position of frame 56 of panel 44 relative to floor 52 .
- Panel support block 102 b further includes carpet gripper 109 which, during shipment of panel system 42 , is captured between first nut 116 a and plate portion 100 b of panel support block 102 b for storage.
- Jack post block 104 a according to a first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and includes jack post assembly 122 a for detachably connecting frame 56 to ceiling track 66 .
- a pair of bolts 124 are respectively slidably disposed through second bores 110 of jack post block 104 a .
- Ends 126 of bolts 124 each threadably engage jack plate 128 a , and nuts 130 are threaded onto bolts 124 .
- Springs 132 are respectively disposed around bolts 124 , and the ends of same are trapped between block portion 106 of jack post block 104 a and nuts 130 on bolts 124 to thereby bias bolts 124 outwardly of jack post block 104 a .
- Jack plate 128 a includes tongue 134 depending therefrom which engages lip 136 of plate 100 a to lock jack post assembly 122 a in a retracted position, with jack plate 128 a disposed adjacent jack post block 106 .
- springs 132 bias bolts 124 and jack plate 128 a of jack post assembly 122 a upwardly to engage jack plate 128 a with ceiling track 66 to secure frame 56 of panel 44 thereto.
- protruding portions 138 of jack plate 128 a seat within recesses 140 (FIGS.
- nuts 130 may be threaded downwardly around bolts 124 and into abutment with the upper surface of plate 100 a to prevent retraction of jack post assembly 122 a and to thereby releaseably lock jack post assembly 122 a and frame 56 of panel 44 into engagement with ceiling track 66 .
- Jack post block 104 a includes jack post assembly 122 b . Similar to jack post assembly 122 a , jack post assembly 122 b includes a pair of bolts 124 respectively slidably disposed through second bores 110 of jack post block 104 b , wherein ends 126 of bolts 124 each threadably engage jack plate 128 b . Springs 132 are respectively disposed around bolts 124 , and the ends of same are trapped between block portion 100 b of jack post block 104 b jack plate 128 b to thereby bias jack plate 128 b and bolts 124 outwardly of jack post block 104 b .
- Jack plate 128 b includes apertures 119 , 121 therein for receiving jack post retainer spring 113 , wherein arms 115 of jack post retainer spring 113 are received within aperture 119 , and spring leg 117 of jack post retainer spring 113 is disposed within aperture 121 .
- jack post assembly 122 b includes jack post lock plate 123 , having slots 125 therein.
- Jack post assembly 122 b is shown in a retracted position in FIG. 5D, such as when same is in a shipment or pre-installation position. In this position, engagement of spring leg 117 of jack post retainer spring 113 with the edge of plate 100 b of jack post block 104 b retains jack plate 128 b in a retracted position, with springs 132 under compression between jack plate 128 b and plate 100 b . Additionally, jack post lock plate 123 is disposed between jack plate 128 b and the upper ends of springs 132 , wherein bolts 124 are received within slots 125 of jack post lock plate 123 .
- a downward force upon jack plate 128 b releases spring leg 117 of jack post retainer spring 113 from the edge of plate 100 b , allowing springs 132 to bias bolts 124 and jack plate 128 b upwardly to engage jack plate 128 b with ceiling track 66 in the same manner as described above with respect to jack post block 104 a and jack post assembly 122 a (FIG. 8).
- the downward force upon jack plate 128 b for releasing same may be exerted by an installer using a pole (not shown), for example, such that the installer may conveniently release jack plate 128 b from a standing position therebelow to set the initial engagement between jack plate 128 b and ceiling track 66 .
- jack post lock plate 123 is removed from bolts 124 , and relocated to the position showing FIG. 5E, wherein the threads of bolt 124 and portions of springs 132 are captured by slots 125 of jack post lock plate 123 to secure jack plate 128 b and bolts 124 in the extended position shown in FIG. 5E.
- Floor and ceiling tracks 64 , 66 may be formed of identical pieces of extruded aluminum, for example, thereby reducing the number of components associated with floor-to-ceiling panel system 42 .
- floor track 64 includes curved edge 142 , which allows panel frame 56 to slide or skid across a floor surface when pushed by an installer to any desired location before engaging jack post assemblies 122 a or 122 b are engaged with ceiling track 66 to secure panel frame 56 thereto, as described above.
- screws may be threaded through floor track 64 to grip carpet on floor 52 , or alternatively, such screws may be directly threaded into a permanent floor surface to attach floor track 64 thereto for securing panel frame 56 to a floor surface.
- panel frame 56 may include one or more intermediate horizontal frame members 144 , which may be formed of pieces of extruded aluminum identical to horizontal frame members 60 .
- L-shaped brackets 146 connect intermediate horizontal frame members 144 to vertical frame members 58 , and include first flange 148 slidably disposed within the channel 90 of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 which is defined by tongues 88 , and shown in FIG. 7A.
- Second flange 150 of intermediate brackets 146 connect to vertical frame members 58 via fasteners (not shown) disposed through holes 152 in intermediate bracket 146 and through holes 76 in vertical frame members 58 .
- Slots 154 in second flange 150 accommodate the ends of tongues 88 of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 .
- Holes 76 in vertical frame members 58 may be disposed therealong at one-half inch center-to-center intervals, thereby allowing intermediate horizontal frame members 144 to be located at any horizontal level corresponding to one-half inch vertical intervals with respect to frame 56 . Additionally, intermediate horizontal frame member 144 may be selectively mounted to vertical frame members 58 in one of two rotational orientations, with fastening embossments 86 disposed on either the upper or lower side of central web portion 82 , which orientations vary the vertical position of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 by one-fourth of an inch relative to vertical frame members 58 .
- intermediate bracket 146 may be provided with multiple sets of holes 152 for selective alignment with holes 76 of vertical frame members 58 and which, when combined with the foregoing further adjustment provided by the selective rotational orientation of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 , allows intermediate horizontal frame member 144 to be located at any desired one-eighth inch vertical interval along vertical frame members 58 of frame 56 .
- FIGS. 9B-91 A method of connecting intermediate horizontal frame members 144 to vertical frame members 58 according to a second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9B-91.
- L-shaped brackets 147 include first flange 149 and second flange 151 extending at right angles from one another.
- First flange 149 includes a first set of four holes 153 and center holes 155 .
- Second flange 151 includes a second set of four holes 157 , center holes 159 , and 1350 connection holes 161 .
- the function of 135° connection holes 161 will be explained below.
- Either first or second flanges 149 , 151 of L-shaped brackets 147 may be inserted into the channel 90 of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 which is defined by tongues 88 , and shown in FIG. 7A.
- the orientation of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 need not change to effect connection of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 at one-eighth inch intervals along vertical frame members 58 intermediate horizontal frame member 144 may be oriented such that channel 90 thereof is disposed below fastening embossments 86 for all such connections.
- FIGS. 9F-91 the manner in which intermediate horizontal frame members 144 may be attached to vertical frame members 58 of panel frame 56 is shown.
- second flange 151 of L-shaped bracket 147 is attached to intermediate horizontal frame member 144 as described above, exposing first flange 149 thereof for mounting to vertical frame member 58 .
- a pair of fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the hole marked “0.000” and the corresponding horizontal hole (marked “0.500”) of the lower pair of holes in first set 153 of holes in first flange 149 , and engage a corresponding pair of holes 76 in vertical frame member 58 to secure intermediate horizontal frame member 144 to panel frame 56 , with intermediate horizontal frame member 144 located at a desired one inch interval with respect to the surface of floor 52 , for example, 12 inches as shown in FIG. 9F.
- intermediate horizontal frame member 144 and first flange 149 of L-shaped bracket 147 are moved upwardly one eighth of an inch from the position shown in FIG. 9F, and a pair of fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the hole marked “0.125” and the corresponding horizontal hole (marked “0.625”) of the upper pair of holes in first set 153 of holes in first flange 149 , engaging a corresponding pair of holes 76 in vertical frame member 58 to secure intermediate horizontal frame member 144 to panel frame 56 , with intermediate horizontal frame member 144 located at a desired one eighth inch interval with respect to the surface of floor 52 , for example, 12.125 inches as shown in FIG. 9G.
- first flange 149 of L-shaped bracket 147 is attached to intermediate horizontal frame member 144 as described above, exposing second flange 151 thereof for mounting to vertical frame member 58 .
- a pair of fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the hole marked “0.250” and the corresponding horizontal hole (marked “0.750”) of the lower pair of holes in second set 157 of holes in second flange 151 , engaging a corresponding pair of holes 76 in vertical frame member 58 to secure intermediate horizontal frame member 144 to panel frame 56 , with intermediate horizontal frame member 144 located at a desired one quarter inch interval with respect to the surface of floor 52 , for example, 12.250 inches as shown in FIG. 9H.
- intermediate horizontal frame member 144 and second flange 151 of L-shaped bracket 147 are moved upwardly another one eighth inch from the position shown in FIG. 9H, and a pair of fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the hole marked “0.375” and the corresponding horizontal hole (marked “0.875”) of the upper pair of holes in second set 157 of holes in second flange 151 , engaging a corresponding pair of holes 76 in vertical frame member 58 to secure intermediate horizontal frame member 144 to panel frame 56 , with intermediate horizontal frame member 144 located at a desired three eighths inch interval with respect to the surface of floor 52 , for example, 12.375 inches as shown in FIG. 9I.
- the other holes labeled “0.500” and “0.625” in first set of holes 153 in first flange 149 and the other holes labeled “0.750” and “0.875” in second set of holes 157 in second flange 151 may be used to attach intermediate horizontal frame member 144 to panel frame 56 with intermediate horizontal frame member 144 located at any one eighth inch interval with respect to the surface of floor 52 .
- intermediate horizontal frame member 144 with respect to the surface of floor 52 may be varied up to one eighth of an inch, based upon the orientation of L-shaped brackets 147 and upon which holes in sets 153 and 157 of first and second flanges 149 and 151 , respectively, of L-shaped-brackets 147 are used. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9F-91, mounting tracks 156 are attached to intermediate horizontal frame members 144 as described below, such that mounting tracks 156 may in turn be located at any desired one eighth inch interval with respect to the surface of floor 52 .
- mounting tracks 156 may be connected to horizontal frame members 60 adjacent the upper or lower ends of frame 56 , as well as to intermediate horizontal frame members 144 , which may be located at any desired vertical height with respect to frame 56 , as described above.
- Mounting tracks 156 are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,686, assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- mounting tracks 156 generally include an extruded metal rectangular channel 158 defined by back wall 160 and upper and lower edges 162 , 164 , which terminate in upper and lower face surfaces 166 and 168 , respectively.
- Back wall 160 includes V-shaped groove 170 , permitting fastener 172 to be centered therein.
- fastener 172 is threaded through back wall 160 and into first channel 92 of horizontal or intermediate frame members 60 , 144 , with the threads of fastener 172 engaging protrusions 96 at the opening of first channel 92 to secure mounting track 156 to horizontal or intermediate frame members 60 , 144 .
- V-shaped groove 170 of mounting track 156 and first channel 92 of horizontal or intermediate frame members 60 , 144 each extend continuously along the long dimensions of same, fasteners may be used to attach mounting track 156 to horizontal or intermediate frame members 60 , 144 at any desired horizontal location thereon.
- modular office furniture components such as work surfaces, cabinets, or shelves, for example, may be attached to mounting tracks 156 at any horizontal location therealong, and, due the variable vertical location of intermediate frame member 144 to which mounting track 156 may be attached, such modular components may therefore be located at virtually any vertical location with respect to frame 56 of panel 44 .
- cabinet 174 is mounted to mounting track 156 of a panel 44 at an intermediate level between floor 52 and ceiling 54 .
- mounting tracks 156 of panels 44 of wall panel system 42 may be aligned with similar mounting tracks 156 which are mounted to an existing permanent wall 43 to provide aesthetic continuity between panels 44 of wall panel system 42 and existing permanent walls 43 .
- Mounting tracks 156 may be mounted to permanent walls 43 in the manner described in the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,686.
- mounting tracks 156 may be mounted to studs 47 of permanent wall 43 using bolts (not shown), or may be mounted to the drywall or other wall material of permanent wall 43 intermediate studs 47 using a bolt and molly anchor assembly (not shown), for example.
- intermediate frame member 144 of a panel frame, with mounting track 156 attached thereto is mounted to the panel frame at a height such that mounting track 156 of the panel frame horizontally aligns with mounting track 156 on permanent wall 43 as shown in FIG. 34, such that mounting track 156 of panel 44 and mounting track 156 of permanent wall 43 are disposed at the same vertical level throughout the office space.
- mounting tracks 156 of panels 44 of wall panel system 42 with mounting tracks 156 on existing permanent wall 43 provides aesthetic and functional continuity throughout the office space, for example, by allowing modular office furniture components to be attached at the same vertical height to one or both of mounting tracks 156 of panels 44 of wall panel system 42 and mounting tracks 156 of permanent wall 43 .
- floor track 64 additionally includes slots 176 in central portion 178 thereof intermediate recesses 140 for receipt of U-shaped connecting brackets 180 , which are used to connect electrical or data harness assemblies 186 to floor track 64 of frame 56 .
- Tabs 183 of connecting brackets 180 are inserted within slots 176 , and connecting brackets 180 are then moved along the longitudinal axis of floor track 64 to capture connecting brackets 180 within narrow portions 182 of slots 176 to secure connecting brackets 180 to floor track 64 .
- Connecting brackets 180 include apertures 184 therein into which fasteners 185 (FIG. 10) may be received to mount harness assembly 186 to floor track 64 .
- fasteners 185 are disposed both through electrical outlet modules 188 and through connecting brackets 180 to connect outlet modules 188 to harness assembly 186 and also to connect harness assembly 186 to connecting brackets 180 of floor track 64 .
- Harness assemblies 186 may be, for example, 240 Series, 8 wire UL #183 assemblies, available from Group Dekko Engineering, Pent Div., of Kendalville, Ind., and generally include harness portions 190 which contain electrical wiring and to which electrical outlet modules 188 are attached, and electrical connection ports 192 for connecting wire jumpers (not shown) thereto. Such wire jumpers are used to connect electrical harness assemblies 186 of adjacent panels 44 together to thereby provide electrical service throughout panel system 42 .
- Each panel frame 56 may include one or more harness assemblies 186 centrally mounted to floor track 64 of frame 56 about a vertical axis of symmetry of frame 56 , with jumpers of various lengths used to connect the harness assemblies 186 of adjacent panels 44 , wherein the length of the jumpers is selected to correspond to the width of the respective panels 44 .
- harness assemblies 186 may additionally include telephone and data wiring and outlets to provide telephone and data service throughout panel system 42 .
- Harness assemblies 186 may also be mounted to intermediate horizontal frame members 144 if desired, to provide electrical or data service accessible at any mid-height, vertical location on panel 44 at which intermediate horizontal frame members 144 are disposed.
- intermediate horizontal frame members 144 may be mounted to vertical frame members 58 with harness assemblies 186 aligned with windows 78 in vertical frame members 58 , such that jumpers may extend through windows 78 to connect with harness assemblies 186 of adjacent panels 44 .
- FIGS. 12A and 12B A second embodiment, illustrating an alternative manner of mounting electrical harness assemblies 186 to floor tracks 0 . 64 , is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
- Floor track 64 may be provided with slots 177 for receipt of spring legs 224 of spring clips 220 to thereby attach spring clips 220 to floor track 64 .
- Connecting brackets 189 each include aperture 191 for receipt of spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 therein to removably attach connecting brackets 189 to floor track 64 .
- Connecting brackets 189 are may be formed from pieces of metal bent into a generally U-shape, and additionally include several holes 193 for receipt of fasteners 185 for securing electrical outlet modules 188 and harness portions 190 of harness assemblies 186 thereto in order to attach harness assemblies 186 to floor track 64 , similar to the manner described above with regard to FIGS. 10 and 11.
- Adjacent panels 44 a , 44 b may be connected in an end-to-end manner according to a first embodiment, with panel connecting brackets 194 , shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, which may comprise a piece of stamped and bent steel, for example.
- Panel connecting brackets 194 include slot 196 defining first connecting fingers 198 and, on an opposite end thereof, U-shaped slot 200 defining second connecting fingers 202 .
- a building module end-to-end connection 46 between adjacent panels 44 a and 44 b is shown in FIG. 15A, in which a corner post is not used. As shown in FIG.
- connecting brackets 194 connect the upper ends of adjacent panels 44 a , 44 b in an end-to-end manner by inserting first connecting fingers 198 within first apertures 204 in jack post plate 100 a of a first panel 44 a , and inserting second connecting fingers 202 within second apertures 206 of jack post plate 100 a of an adjacent panel 44 b , with bolt 210 disposed within U-shaped slot 200 .
- bolt 210 is tightened within first bore 108 of block portion 106 to secure connecting bracket 194 in position by capturing same between the head of bolt 210 and jack post plate 100 a , wherein the engagement of first and second connecting fingers 198 , 202 of connecting bracket 194 within first and second apertures 204 , 206 of plate 100 a , respectively, prevent separation of the connected panels 44 a , 44 b.
- Panel connecting brackets 194 also connect to plates 100 a of panel support blocks 102 A of adjacent panels 44 to secure the lower ends of panels 44 together in the same manner as that described above with respect to the upper ends of panels 44 . However, rather than using bolt 210 to lock connecting brackets 194 in position, first nut 116 a of bolt 114 is tightened to secure connecting brackets 194 in position adjacent the lower ends of panels 44 .
- a further panel 44 c may be connected to panels 44 a , 44 b to form a building module T-type connection 48 a using another panel connecting bracket 194 in a similar manner as that described above, in which first connecting fingers 198 of panel connecting bracket 194 are inserted within adjacent third apertures 208 of jack post plates 100 a of panels 44 a , 44 b .
- first connecting fingers 198 of panel connecting bracket 194 are inserted within adjacent third apertures 208 of jack post plates 100 a of panels 44 a , 44 b .
- bolt 21 . 0 is tightened to secure connecting bracket 194 in position as described above.
- a further connecting bracket 194 may be used to connect a fourth panel (not shown) to the above-described building module T-type connection 48 a opposite panel 44 c in the same manner as that described above to form a building module X-type connection between four adjacent panels.
- Connecting brackets 194 may also be attached in the same manner as that described above to connect the lower ends of panels 44 a - c together.
- corner post 212 may be used to connect adjacent panels 44 a , 44 b together in a furniture module L-type connection 50 b in a similar manner as described above, in which the connecting fingers of connecting brackets 194 engage apertures 216 in cover plate 214 of corner post 212 .
- additional panels may be connected to corner post 212 using additional connecting brackets 194 to form a furniture module T-type connection 48 b or a furniture module X-type connection therebetween.
- adjacent panels 44 may be connected to one another in and end-to-end manner, or to form building and furniture module L-type connections 50 a , 50 b , building and furniture module T-type connections 48 a , 48 b , or furniture and building module X-type connections using the same panel connecting brackets 194 , which greatly reduces the total number of components of floor-to-ceiling wall panel system 42 .
- FIG. 15C an end-to-end panel connection according to a second embodiment is shown, in which adjacent panels 44 a , 44 b are connected using cam locks 181 .
- Cam locks 181 include circular plate 183 having hexagonal nut head 185 on one side thereof and a pair of cam lugs 187 protruding from an opposite side thereof.
- plates 100 b of adjacent panels 44 a , 44 b are abutted against one another, and cam lugs 187 of cam locks 181 are inserted into wide portions 105 of adjacent cam slots 101 , as shown in FIG. 15C.
- Cam locks 181 are then turned by engaging a tool (not shown) with nut head 185 of cam lock 181 and rotating same approximately one quarter of a full turn, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 15D, such that cam lugs 187 engage narrow portions 107 of cam slots 101 .
- the engagement of cam lugs 187 into narrow portions 107 of cam slots 101 is a close-fitting engagement which produces a tactile feel to the installer, thereby indicating to the installer that cam lugs 187 have been properly engaged with narrow portions 107 of cam slots 101 to lock adjacent panels 44 a , 44 b together, as shown in FIG. 15D.
- the bottom ends of adjacent panels 44 a , 44 b are connected to one another in the same manner as described above.
- FIG. 15E A building module X-type connection is shown in FIG. 15E, which is formed by connecting two additional panels 44 c , 44 d to the end-to-end building module connection shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D and described above. As shown in FIG. 15E, when panels 44 a , 44 b are connected together in an end-to-end connection, half cam slots 103 of adjacent plates 100 b thereof combine to form full cam slots 101 .
- adjacent panels 44 c , 44 d may be connected by abutting plates 100 b of same in a perpendicular relationship to the plates 100 b of panels 44 a , 44 b , and connecting the foregoing together using cam locks 181 as described above, wherein cam lugs 187 of cam locks 181 engage full cam slots 101 of plates 100 b of panels 44 c , 44 d , and also engage the combined half cam slots 103 of plates 100 b of panels 44 a , 44 b . From FIG. 15E, one may see that by connecting only one panel 44 c to the building module end-to-end connection of panels 44 a , 44 b , a building module T-type connection 48 a may be formed.
- finished end unit 195 is shown in FIG. 15G, and generally includes finish end member 197 , jack post block 104 b , and panel support block 102 b .
- finished end member 197 may be formed as a metal extrusion, and includes base wall 199 and a pair of side walls 201 joined to base wall 199 to form a generally C-shaped cross section.
- Base wall 199 includes a pair of extensions 203
- side walls 201 include a pair of corresponding extensions 205 , which together define recessed area 207 for receipt of jack post block 104 b or panel support block 102 b .
- fasteners 99 are inserted through holes 98 a or 98 b in jack post blocks 104 b and panel support blocks 102 b , and into extensions 203 of base wall 199 of finished end member 197 , wherein extensions 203 include tap grooves 209 (FIG. 7J) for fasteners 99 to engage.
- a first panel 44 a is connected to plate 100 b of finished end unit 195 using cam lock 181 as described above, and a second panel 44 c is connected to the foregoing connection between panel 44 a and finished end unit 195 using a second cam lock 181 , as also described above.
- finished end member 197 of finished end unit 195 provides an aesthetic, finished end to an L-type building module connection 50 a between adjacent panels 44 a , 44 c.
- corner post unit 213 is shown, which includes corner post member 215 having corner post plates 217 attached at either end thereof using fasteners 219 .
- Corner post plates 217 include cam slots 101 adjacent each of the four sides thereof.
- Corner posts 215 additionally includes hooks 221 attached to slots 223 thereof, the function of which will be explained below.
- corner post unit 213 is initially attached to a first panel 44 a by engaging hooks 221 of corner post 215 within windows 78 of vertical frame member 58 of panel 44 a , thereby hanging corner post unit 213 from panel 44 a to support the weight of corner post unit 213 while additional connections thereto are made.
- cam locks 181 are used to connect the upper and lower ends of panel 44 a to corner post unit 213 in the manner described above.
- additional panels 44 c - d may be connected to corner post unit 213 using additional cam locks 181 . From FIG.
- an L-type furniture module connection 50 b may be made by connecting two panels 44 a , 44 b to corner post unit 213
- a T-type furniture module connection 48 b may be made by connecting three panels 44 a - c to corner post unit 213 .
- Spring clips 220 are used to attach various components of floor-to-ceiling panel system 42 to frames 56 of panels 44 , as described below.
- Spring clips 220 may be formed from stamped and bent pieces of spring steel, for example.
- Spring clips 220 are somewhat horseshoe-shaped in overall appearance, and include central, arched spring body portion 222 from which extend a pair of spring legs 224 .
- spring clips 220 may be connected to vertical frame members 58 by engaging spring legs 224 thereof within horizontally adjacent pairs of slots 80 in sub-frame members 68 of vertical frame members 58 .
- spring clips 220 may be attached at any horizontal location along horizontal or intermediate frame members 60 , 144 in any of the three vertically spaced positions aligned with first and second channels 92 , 94 thereof (FIG. 7A), wherein spring legs 224 of spring clips 220 engage spaced pairs of protrusions 96 at the openings of first and second channels 92 , 94 of horizontal or intermediate frame members 60 .
- Opaque panel skins 226 may generally include a piece of sheet metal or plastic with panel face 228 having the edge regions thereof bent or formed to define frame portion 230 .
- Core 231 is received within frame portion 230 , and is attached thereto in a suitable manner such as by adhesive, for example.
- Core 230 may be formed from a lightweight material such as honeycomb cardboard.
- opaque panel skins 226 are covered with a surface finish, such as paint, wood veneer, or an upholstery material such as fabric or vinyl.
- opaque panel skins 226 may include only a plastic or metal frame portion 230 which encloses a panel portion made from solid wood, a veneered manufactured wood material, molded plastic, upholstery, fabric, or any other suitable material.
- Frame portion 230 includes apertures 232 which are adapted to receive spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 therein, as discussed below.
- Light and sound seals 234 are attached along the rear sides of the vertical edges of frame portions 230 by adhesive, for example.
- spring clips 220 may be first attached to vertical and/or horizontal frame members 58 , 60 , followed by pressing spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 within apertures 232 in frame portion 230 of opaque panel skins 226 .
- spring body portions 222 deform when pressed through the edges of apertures 232 and then spring back to their original shape with an audible clicking sound after passing therethrough to secure opaque panel skins 226 to frame 56 .
- Opaque panel skins 226 may be removed from panel frame 56 by pulling same away from panel flame 56 , such that spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 disengage from apertures 232 in frame portion 230 of opaque panel skin 226 .
- An exemplary panel 42 having an opaque panel skin 226 attached thereto is shown in FIG. 18C.
- Opaque panel skins 226 may be sized as shown in FIG. 26 such that, when adjacent panels are attached to one another in a side-to-side relationship, the ends of opaque panel skins 226 may directly abut one another to provide a continuous vertical wall surface.
- opaque panel skins 226 may be sized such that a vertical gap is left therebewteen when adjacent panels are attached to one another in a side-to-side relationship.
- flexible light and sound seals 234 of panel skins 226 deform upon engagement with one another, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 26, or upon engagement with adjacent structures such as corner post 212 , as shown in FIG. 15B, to provide a seal which blocks the transmission of light and sound through the connective interface of panels 44 .
- Light and sound seals 234 may also be deformed inwardly to allow access to slots 80 of vertical frame members 58 for attachment of modular furniture components thereto.
- panels 44 may include window panels 236 (FIGS. 19, 22A), which generally include window frame 238 attached to panel frame 56 by first or second horizontal window casings 240 a (FIG. 7E), 240 b (FIG. 7F) and vertical window casings 242 (FIG. 7H), as described below.
- Window frame 238 shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, includes horizontal and vertical window frame members 244 (FIG. 7K), 246 (FIG. 7L), respectively, which may comprise pieces of extruded aluminum, for example.
- Horizontal window frame members 244 include fastening embossments 248 therein into which fasteners 243 may be threaded which also pass through holes (not shown) in vertical window frame members 246 to secure horizontal and vertical window frame members 244 , 246 together about window pane 250 , as shown in FIG. 22B.
- vertical window frame members 246 may include fastening embossments 248 .
- horizontal and vertical window frame members 244 , 246 additionally include recesses 252 into which window glazing elements 254 are disposed.
- Window glazing elements 254 may be formed of a dual durometer extrusion of plastic material, including relatively stiff base portion 256 and relatively flexible side wall portions 258 (FIG. 23) which flexibly capture window pane 250 therebetween for securing and stabilizing window pane 250 within window frame 238 .
- capture plates 300 are attached to vertical frame members 58 to space the distance between vertical frame members 58 and vertical window frame members 246 and, as shown in FIG. 22C, screws 245 and washers 247 may be inserted within capture plates 300 to temporarily stabilize window frame 238 within panel frame 56 until horizontal and vertical window casings 240 a , 240 b and 242 are attached to window frame 238 and panel frame 56 to connect widow frame 238 to panel frame 56 , as described below.
- horizontal and vertical window casings 240 a , 240 b , and 242 are respectively attached to horizontal and vertical frame members 244 , 246 using spring clips 220 for securing window frame 238 to panel frame 56 .
- Spring legs 224 of spring clips 220 are attached to horizontal and vertical frame members 60 , 58 as described above, and spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 are detachably received within spring clip receptor channels 260 formed longitudinally along horizontal and vertical window casings 240 a , 240 b , and 242 .
- Horizontal and vertical window casings 240 a , 240 b , and 242 additionally include longitudinal tongues 262 extending therefrom, which are received within longitudinal grooves 264 in horizontal and vertical window frame members 244 , 246 to secure window frame 238 to horizontal and vertical window casings 240 a , 240 b , and 242 .
- frame 56 includes intermediate frame member 144 with window panel 236 attached thereabove and opaque panel skins 226 attached therebelow.
- Opaque panel skins 226 are attached via spring clips 220 as described above, wherein spring clips 220 are attached to intermediate horizontal frame member 144 about a lower second channel 94 thereof. Additional spring clips 220 , attached about an upper second channel 94 of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 , secure second horizontal window casings 240 b to intermediate horizontal frame member 144 .
- Tongues 262 of second horizontal window casings 240 b are engaged within grooves 264 of horizontal window frame member 244 to secure horizontal window frame member 144 to frame 56 intermediate second horizontal window casings 240 b , and window glazing element 254 secures window pane 250 within recess 252 of horizontal window frame member 244 .
- frame 56 includes intermediate frame member 144 with window panel 236 attached thereabove and opaque panel skins 226 attached therebelow, and further includes mounting tracks 156 attached to intermediate horizontal frame member 144 .
- Mounting tracks 156 are attached to first channel 92 of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 as described above, and opaque panel skin 226 is captured intermediate side wall portion 84 of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 and lower face surface 168 of mounting track 156 .
- spring clips 220 include one leg 224 thereof attached to an upper second channel 94 of intermediate horizontal frame member 144 and a second leg 224 thereof attached within slot 272 of mounting track/window panel interface bracket 270 (FIGS.
- Second horizontal window casings 240 b are secured to intermediate horizontal frame member 144 .
- Mounting track/window panel interface bracket 270 spaces the distance between intermediate horizontal frame member 144 and lower horizontal window frame member 244 and provides stability to the connection therebetween.
- Tongues 262 of second horizontal window casings 240 b are engaged within grooves 264 of horizontal window frame member 244 to secure horizontal window frame member 144 to frame 56 intermediate second horizontal window casings 240 b
- window glazing element 254 secures window pane 250 within recess 252 of horizontal window frame member 244 .
- frame 56 may include two window panels 236 disposed vertically adjacent one another within upper and horizontal frame members 60 of frame 56 , as shown in FIGS. 22A-23.
- spring clips 220 may be used as shown in FIG. 23 to connect adjacent horizontal window frame members 244 to one another in a back-to-back relationship, with intermediate casing members 268 (FIG. 7G) attached to spring clips 220 to mask the connection between the adjacent horizontal window frame members 244 and to provide a smooth trim appearance therebetween.
- spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 are attached to intermediate casing members 268 via engagement of spring body portions 222 thereof within spring clip receptor channels 260 of intermediate casing members 268 .
- first horizontal window casings 240 a are used to connect horizontal window frame members 244 of the upper and lower horizontal frame members 60 of panel frame 56 via additional spring clips 220 , which engage the upper and lower horizontal frame members 60 about first channels 92 thereof.
- vertical window casings 242 are attached to vertical frame members 58 via spring clips 220 , and vertical window frame members 246 are secured to vertical window casings 242 in a similar manner as that described above regarding the horizontal components of window frame 238 .
- vertical window casings 242 may include light and sound seals 274 disposed within light and sound seal channels 276 (FIG. 7H) of vertical window casings 242 to block the transmission of light and/or sound between the connective interface of such adjacent panels 44 .
- ceiling trim members 276 (FIG. 7C) are attached to ceiling track 66 with spring clips 220 , wherein spring legs 224 of spring clips 220 engage protruding tongues 278 projecting interiorly from ceiling trim members 276 , and spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 engage within spring clip receptor channels 280 defined along the length of each side of ceiling tracks 66 .
- the lower edges of ceiling trim members 276 additionally include protrusions 282 which overlap either horizontal window casings 240 a (as shown in FIG. 23) or opaque panel skins 226 (as shown in FIG.
- ceiling trim members 276 therebelow to blunt the lower edges of ceiling trim members 276 and also to minimize scuffing of horizontal window casings 240 a or opaque panel skins 226 .
- the overlap between ceiling trim members 276 and horizontal window casings 240 a or opaque panel skins 226 therebelow allows vertical adjustment of panel frame 56 with respect to ceiling track 66 using jack post assembly 122 as described above, with ceiling trim members 276 masking jack post assemblies 122 and providing a continuous and smooth visual transition between ceiling 54 and horizontal casings 240 a or opaque panel skins 226 of panel 44 .
- floor trim members 284 (FIG. 7D) are attached to floor track 64 using spring clips 220 in the same manner as described above with respect to ceiling trim members 276 .
- the upper edges of floor trim members 284 include protrusions 282 similar to those of ceiling trim members 276 .
- floor trim members 284 may include apertures therein, through which outlet modules 188 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 22 A) of harness assemblies 186 are disposed to provide access to outlet modules 188 .
- panel frame 56 may be vertically adjusted with respect to floor track 64 without vertical movement of harness assemblies 186 .
- Base right end cap 285 includes slot 293 on one side thereof for receipt of the right end of floor trim member 284 , as shown in FIG. 30D, for providing an aesthetic, finished end to floor trim member 284 where needed, such as at the end of a panel run, at a door frame (FIG. 28A), or at an L-type panel-to-panel connection, for example.
- Base left end cap 287 shown in FIG. 30C, functions in the same manner as base right end cap 285 . Referring still to FIG.
- base splice 289 includes a pair of slots 293 for receipt of the ends of adjacent floor trim members 284 to provide a finished splice connection between abutting floor trim members 284 .
- ceiling splice 291 includes a pair of slots 293 for receipt of the ends of abutting ceiling trim members 276 to provide a finished connection therebetween.
- right and left end caps (not shown) for ceiling trim members 276 may also be provided, which are similar to right and left base end caps 285 , 287 of floor trim members 284 .
- caddy clips 251 are readily available, and each generally include a pair of sub-clips which engage apertures 67 in ceiling track 66 to connect caddy clips 251 thereto. Hooks 253 of caddy clips 251 are engaged with the ceiling frame members within an interior building space to attach panels 44 to the ceiling structure.
- Each of the above-discussed panel components which includes an exterior facing, such as vertical window casings 242 , horizontal window casings 240 a , 240 b , intermediate window casings 268 , as well as ceiling and floor trim members 276 , 284 , respectively, for example, may include a veneer sheet secured thereon in a suitable manner to provide a desired finish.
- a portion of a veneer sheet 311 is shown in FIG. 7H laminated to vertical window casing 242 .
- FIG. 19 a portion of veneer sheet 311 is shown laminated to the exposed surface of floor trim member 284 to provide an attractive simulated wood grain finish to the foregoing
- door frame assembly 288 is shown. As shown in FIG. 28A, door frame assembly 288 includes a pair of vertical frame members 58 connected at the upper ends thereof with a single upper horizontal frame member 60 via jack post blocks 104 b , as described above. Further, vertical trim members 318 are attached to vertical frame members 58 , and floor trim members 284 with end caps 285 , 287 , overlap vertical trim members 318 . Referring to FIG. 28B, door frame assembly additionally includes door frame members 290 , which may be fitted with suitable door latch hardware.
- Door frame members 290 include sub-frame members 292 , 294 , which may be formed from bent steel, for example, and which are attached to one another by a suitable method such as welding. Door frame members 290 are secured to vertical window frame members 246 in a suitable manner, such as by welding or with fasteners. Vertical window frame members 246 are connected to vertical window casings 242 , which are in turn connected to vertical frame members 58 of frame 56 , as described above. Hinge member 296 is mounted to one door frame members 290 and to door 298 to hingedly connect door 298 to panel frame 56 , and the opposite door frame member 290 serves as a jamb for door 298 .
- door frame assembly 288 may include carpet gripper elements 302 connected to bolt 114 of panel support blocks 102 a (or 102 b ).
- Carpet grippers 109 may include a steel plate with a U-shaped slot 303 and a plurality of bent gripper teeth 304 depending therefrom to engage a floor surface.
- Carpet gripper elements 302 replace floor track 64 in the particular panels 44 which define door frame assembly 288 , and are attached to panel support blocks 102 of frame 56 by inserting U-shaped slot 303 of carpet gripper elements 302 between head 118 and nut 116 b of bolt 114 of vertical adjustment assembly 112 to capture carpet gripper element 302 between nut 116 b and head 118 of bolt 114 .
- FIG. 31A A wall start configuration is shown in FIG. 31A, such as when a run of panels 44 extend from a permanent wall 43 .
- the wall start configuration includes wall start member 310 , shown in FIGS. 31B and 31C.
- Wall start member 310 includes base wall 312 which is attached to existing, permanent wall 43 by any suitable fasteners (not shown). Additionally, wall start member 310 includes side walls 314 extending from base wall 312 , which, as shown in FIG. 31B, include vertical slots 316 therein. Spring legs 224 of spring clips 220 engage slots 316 and the edges of side walls 314 to attach spring clips 220 to wall start member 310 .
- Vertical trim members 318 (FIG.
- vertical trim members 318 include grooves 322 for receipt of light and sound seals 274 , which engage the surface of permanent wall 43 to block transmission of light and sound through the wall start configuration. Additionally, the opposite ends of vertical trim members 318 overlap opaque panel skins 226 of a panel 44 which is located adjacent permanent wall 43 .
- an end filler condition is shown, such as when the end of a run of panels approaches a permanent wall 43 .
- the end filler condition is substantially identical to the wall start configuration shown in FIGS. 31 A-C, in that the end filler condition includes wall start member 310 secured to permanent wall 43 , and vertical trim members 318 attached to wall start member 310 as described above.
- Opaque panel skins 226 of panel 44 adjacent permanent wall 43 may be cut to any desired width during installation of panel 44 to fill the gap between panel 44 and permanent wall 43 in the end filler configuration.
- Opaque panel skins 226 are attached to frame 56 of panel 44 using spring slips 220 as discussed above, and are cantilevered outwardly of panel frame 56 of panel 44 toward wall start member 310 .
- the ends of vertical trim members 318 overlap opaque panel skins 226 to provide a continuous, finished appearance.
- wall start member 310 additionally includes a C-shaped brace member 324 attached thereto to maintain the spacing between opaque panel skins 226 on either side of the end filler configuration.
- bottom flange 326 of wall start member 310 rests against the top of floor track 64 .
- FIG. 9B A 135° panel-to-panel connection 51 , shown in FIG. 1, is shown in more detail in FIGS. 33A and 33B, wherein L-shaped brackets 147 (FIG. 9B) are used to connect vertical frame members of the frames of adjacent panels which are aligned 135° with respect to one another.
- Fasteners 99 connect jack post blocks 104 b and panel support blocks 102 b to second flanges 151 of L-shaped brackets 147 .
- Additional fasteners 331 are received within 135° connection holes 161 and center holes 159 (FIG.
- panel frame 56 is assembled as described above, which includes vertical and horizontal frame members 58 , 60 , one or more intermediate horizontal frame members 144 if desired, jack post blocks 104 a or 104 b , panel support blocks 102 a or 102 b , and floor track 64 secured to panel support blocks 102 a or 102 b via vertical adjustment assembly 112 .
- floor track 64 may also include harness assemblies 186 attached thereto.
- Ceiling track 66 is secured to a ceiling grid in a conventional manner using caddy clips 251 or other types of fasteners, for example. Ceiling track 66 may be secured directly to the ceiling grid members along the longitudinal axes of same, or alternatively, ceiling tracks 66 may be secured in an oblique manner with respect to the ceiling track gridwork within an interior building space.
- Panel frame 56 is then slid or “skidded” across the floor surface by an installer on curved edges 142 of floor track 64 to locate panel frame 56 beneath a corresponding ceiling track 66 , after which panel frame 56 is tilted to a vertical position therebeneath. Then, jack post assemblies 122 a or 122 b are extended into engagement with ceiling track 66 as described above to releasably attach panel frame 56 to ceiling track 66 . Thereafter, carpet grippers 109 are installed as described above to anchor the panel frame to a carpeted floor surface. Optionally, screws may be threaded through floor track 64 and into gripping engagement with carpet on a floor surface, or threaded directly into a floor surface, if desired, to further secure panel frame 56 in position.
- jumpers and outlet modules 188 may be attached to harness assemblies 186 to provide electrical and/or data service throughout panel system 42 .
- mounting tracks 156 may be attached to frame 56 as described above and shown in FIGS. 21 and 34.
- Opaque panel skins 226 , window panels 236 , or any combination of the foregoing may be attached to frame 56 as described above in any desired configuration.
- ceiling and floor trim members 276 , 284 are attached to ceiling and floor tracks 66 , 64 , respectively, to mask the attachment between frame 56 and each of the floor 52 and ceiling 54 .
- additional panels 44 may be attached to one another using, panel connecting brackets 194 and/or corner posts 212 according, to a first embodiment, or by using cam locks 181 and/or corner post units 213 and/or finished end units 195 according to a second embodiment, to provide end-to-end panel connections, or to form building or furniture module T-type connections 48 a , 48 b , building or furniture module L-type connections 50 a , 50 b , or building or furniture module X-type connections, as described above.
Abstract
A floor-to-ceiling wall panel system, in which each panel includes a universal frame adjustably attached to a floor track member which rests on a floor surface, the frame additionally including a jack post assembly for releasable connection to a ceiling track fastened to a ceiling. The panel system includes a number of multi-functional components, thereby reducing the number of components in the panel system and facilitating easier installation of the panel system as well as easier modification of the panel system once installed. For example, a single track member may serve as both the floor track and the ceiling track. Also, a single type of spring clip may be used to attach several components to the frame, such as opaque panel skins and window panels, as well as to attach trim pieces to the floor and ceiling tracks, which mask the adjustable connections of the panel frame thereto.
Description
- This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/298,756, entitled FLOOR-TO-CEILING WALL PANEL SYSTEM, filed on Jun. 15, 2001.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to office partition systems, and more particularly, to a movable office panel system including panels which extend between the floor and the ceiling of an office space.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Floor-to-ceiling office panel systems typically include individual panel units associated with the existing permanent walls of an office space, the panel units extending between the floor and the ceiling of the office space and dividing same into multiple rooms, such as individual offices, conference rooms, and the like. Typically, such panel systems are custom designed and manufactured for a particular office space according to a predetermined office floor plan, and are installed in a relatively permanent manner within the office space. Therefore, such panel systems tend to be rather costly and difficult to install, and often cannot be relocated if modifications to the office floor plan are desired.
- For example, existing panel systems typically include heavy, rigid frames made from frame members which are cut to a pre-measured length and permanently welded to one another. Additionally, the panel frames typically include a large number of additional components for attaching the panel frames to one another, and also for attaching the panel frames to the floor and to the ceiling of the office space. Typically, such components are specifically designed for a particular use, or for a specific type of panel-to-panel connection, such as a T-, L-, or X-type connection, and may only be used for such specific connection or other specialized use. The large amount of such parts increases both the cost and the difficulty of manufacturing and installing existing floor-to-ceiling panel systems.
- As a result of the complexity of the design of existing floor-to-ceiling wall panel systems, the installation, modification, and removal of same typically require trained and experienced work crews, such that modifications to the configuration of the panel system, to the extent that any such modifications are allowed by the design of the system, cannot easily be made.
- What is needed is a floor-to-ceiling wall panel system which is an improvement over the foregoing; specifically, a floor-to-ceiling wall panel system which includes a minimal number of components is easy to install and easy to modify after installation, and which can accommodate existing modular office components.
- The present invention provides a floor-to-ceiling wall panel system in which each panel includes a universal frame adjustably attached to a floor track member which rests on a floor surface, the frame additionally including a jack post assembly for releasable connection to a ceiling track fastened to a ceiling. The panel system includes a number of multi-functional components, thereby reducing the total number of components in the panel system and facilitating easier installation of the panel system, as well as easier modification of the panel system once installed.
- For example, a single track member may serve as both the floor track and the ceiling track. Also, a single type of spring clip may be used to attach several components to the panel frames, such as opaque panel skins and window panels, for example. Also, the spring clips are used to attach trim pieces to the floor and ceiling tracks which mask the adjustable connections of the panel frames to the floor and ceiling. Further uses of the spring clips are described in detail below.
- The frame includes vertical frame members each formed by a pair of C-shaped vertical sub-frame members which are attached to one another in a back-to-back manner to form a vertical frame member having an I-shaped cross section for structural rigidity. Corner blocks are captured in the upper and lower ends of the vertical frame members, and serve as attachment points for horizontal frame members to the vertical frame members. The corner blocks may be selectively configured in a support block mode for attachment to a lower horizontal frame member to provide a vertically adjustable connection between the frame and the floor track, or the corner blocks may be configured in a jack post block mode for attachment to an upper horizontal frame member to provide an adjustable, releasable connection between the frame and the ceiling track.
- A single panel connecting bracket may be attached to the corner blocks of adjacent panels to connect same in and end-to-end relationship, as well as to connect additional panels thereto to form building module L-type connections, T-type connections, or X-type connections between multiple panels. Further, a corner post is provided, which may also be used as desired to provide the foregoing types of connections in a furniture module mode. In an alternative embodiment, cam locks are provided to attach panels together to form the above connections.
- An intermediate horizontal frame member may be attached to the vertical frame members at horizontal levels with respect thereto which may vary in increments up to one-eighth of an inch. Electrical and or data wiring harness assemblies may be attached to the floor track to provide electrical and data service throughout the lower region of panel system, or alternatively, may be attached to an intermediate frame member to provide electrical and data service throughout the panel system at any mid-height level. Existing mounting tracks may be secured to the horizontal frame members, or alternatively, to an intermediate frame member, to provide an attachment interface for existing modular furniture components, such as work surfaces, cabinets, shelves, and the like.
- In this manner, the mounting tracks, when attached to the intermediate frame members, may be disposed at virtually any vertical level with respect to the surrounding panel frame. The foregoing construction allows the mounting tracks of the panels in the panel system to be aligned with identical mounting tracks which are mounted to permanent walls of an interior office space to provide aesthetic, visual continuity between the panel system and the permanent walls of the office space.
- Advantageously, the present floor-to-ceiling wall panel system includes a universal frame which is easily assembled to any desired dimension, and which is configured to accept opaque panels skins, window panels, or any desired combination thereof.
- In one form thereof, the present invention provides a partition system for partitioning a work space, including a frame, the frame including at least one vertical frame member having a series of substantially vertically aligned first holes therein, and at least one horizontal frame member; at least one bracket having a first portion attached to the horizontal frame member and a second portion having at least one second hole therein adapted to align with at least one of the first holes in the vertical frame member; at least one fastening element inserted through the first and second holes to secure the horizontal frame member to the vertical frame member; and a track member supported horizontally on the horizontal frame member, the track member configured for attachment of modular furniture components thereto.
- In another form thereof, the present invention provides the combination of a permanent wall having a first track member horizontally supported thereon, the first track member configured for attachment of a modular furniture component thereto; and a partition system frame having at least one horizontal frame member, and a second track member horizontally supported on the at least one horizontal frame member, the second track member configured for attachment of a modular furniture component thereto; wherein the partition system frame is disposed adjacent the permanent wall, and wherein the first track member of the permanent wall is horizontally aligned with the second track member of the partition system frame.
- In a further form thereof, the present invention provides a partition system for partitioning a work space, including a frame including at least one vertical frame member and at least one horizontal frame member; a least one spring clip removably attached to one of the horizontal and the vertical frame members, the spring clip including a spring body portion with a pair of leg portions extending therefrom, one of the leg portions and the spring body portion engaging the one frame member; and a partition system component including a receiving element to which is attached the other of the leg portions and the spring body portion of the spring clip, the spring clip thereby attaching the partition system component to the frame member.
- In a further form thereof, the present invention provides a partition system for partitioning a work space, including a floor track; a ceiling track; a frame disposed intermediate the floor track and the ceiling track, including upper and lower horizontal frame members, and at least one vertical frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion; first and second corner blocks, the first, corner block attached to the upper portion of the vertical frame member and connecting the upper horizontal frame member thereto, the second corner block attached to the lower portion of the vertical frame member and connecting the lower horizontal frame member thereto; the first corner block further including a first engagement assembly connecting the frame to the ceiling track; and the second corner block further including a second engagement assembly connecting the frame to the floor track.
- The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary office space including a floor-to-ceiling panel system in accordance with the present invention, the panel system including a variety of differently configured individual partition panels;
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a universal frame including corner blocks according to a first embodiment;
- FIG. 2B is a perspective view of upper and lower corner portions of the universal frame of FIG. 2A:
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a universal frame including corner blocks according to a second embodiment;
- FIG. 3B is a perspective view of upper and lower corner portions of the universal frame of FIG. 3A;
- FIG. 3C is an exploded view of the universal frame of FIG. 3A;
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a vertical frame member;
- FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a sub-frame member of the vertical frame member of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 4C is a top view of the vertical frame member of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 4D is a front view of the vertical frame member of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 4E is a side view of the vertical frame member of FIG. 4A;
- FIG. 4F is an exploded perspective view of a vertical frame member, a jack post block, and a panel support block;
- FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a jack post block according to a first embodiment, including a jack post assembly for releaseably connecting the panel frame to a ceiling track;
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the jack post block and jack post assembly of FIG. 5A;
- FIG. 5C is an exploded view of a jack post block according to a second embodiment, including a jack post assembly for releasably connecting the panel frame to a ceiling track;
- FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the jack post block and jack post assembly of FIG. 5C, showing the jack post assembly in a retracted position;
- FIG. 5E is a perspective view of the jack post block and jack post assembly of FIG. 5C, showing the jack post assembly in an extended position;
- FIG. 6A is an exploded view of a panel support block according to a first embodiment, including a vertical adjustment assembly for vertically adjustably connecting the panel frame to a floor track;
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the panel support block and vertical adjustment assembly of FIG. 6A;
- FIG. 6C is an exploded view of a panel support block according to a second embodiment, including a vertical adjustment assembly for vertically adjustably connecting the panel frame to a floor track;
- FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the panel support block and vertical adjustment assembly of FIG. 6C, shown in a shipment or pre-installation position;
- FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the panel support block and vertical adjustment assembly of FIG. 6C, shown in an installed position;
- FIG. 7A is an end view of a horizontal frame member/intermediate horizontal frame member;
- FIG. 7B is an end view of a floor track/ceiling track;
- FIG. 7C is an end view of a ceiling trim member;
- FIG. 7D is an end view of a floor trim member;
- FIG. 7E is an end view of a first horizontal window casing;
- FIG. 7F is an end view of a second horizontal window casing;
- FIG. 7G is an end view of an intermediate window casing;
- FIG. 7H is an end view of a vertical window casing;
- FIG. 7I is an end view of a vertical trim member;
- FIG. 7J is an end view of a finished end;
- FIG. 7K is an end view of a horizontal window frame member;
- FIG. 7L is an end view of an vertical window frame member;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a panel, showing the jack post assemblies thereof engaging a ceiling track;
- FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a portion of a panel frame, showing an intermediate horizontal frame member attached to the frame via L-shaped intermediate brackets according to a first embodiment;
- FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an L-shaped bracket according to a second embodiment;
- FIG. 9C is a perspective, exploded view showing an intermediate horizontal frame member and a pair of the L-shaped brackets of FIG. 9B;
- FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 9C;
- FIG. 9E is a perspective view of a panel frame having an intermediate horizontal frame member attached thereto at a mid-height location;
- FIG. 9F is an end view of a panel frame, showing the connection of an intermediate horizontal frame member thereto, with the intermediate horizontal frame member located 12 inches above the floor surface;
- FIG. 9G is an end view of a panel frame, showing the connection of an intermediate horizontal frame member thereto, with the intermediate horizontal frame member located 12 and one eighth inches above the floor surface;
- FIG. 9H is an end view of a panel frame, showing the connection of an intermediate horizontal frame member thereto, with the intermediate horizontal frame member located 12 and one fourth inches above the floor surface;
- FIG. 9I is an end view of a panel frame, showing the connection of an intermediate horizontal frame member thereto, with the intermediate horizontal frame member disposed 12 and three eighths inches above the floor surface;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the bottom of a panel frame, including a floor track to which is connected an electrical harness assembly according to a first embodiment;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of FIG. 10, showing the floor track, connecting brackets, and electrical harness assembly;
- FIG. 12A is an exploded view of a portion of the bottom of a panel frame, including a floor track to which is connected an electrical harness assembly according to a second embodiment;
- FIG. 12B is a perspective view of FIG. 12A, showing the floor track with the electrical harness assembly connected thereto;
- FIG. 13 is a top view of a connecting bracket for interconnecting panel frames according to a first embodiment;
- FIG. 14 is a side view of the connecting bracket of FIG. 13;
- FIG. 15A is a top view showing the upper ends of three panels connected in a building module T-type connection according to a first embodiment;
- FIG. 15B is a top view showing the upper ends of two panels connected in a furniture module L-type connection with a corner post according to a first embodiment;
- FIG. 15C is an exploded view showing the connection between two panels in an end-to-end manner using cam locks, according to a second embodiment;
- FIG. 15D is a perspective view showing the end-to-end connection between the panels of FIG. 15C;
- FIG. 15E is a perspective view of a building module X-type connection between four panels according to a second embodiment;
- FIG. 15F is a perspective view of a building module L-type connection between two panels according to a second embodiment, further including a finished end unit;
- FIG. 15G is a perspective view of the finished end unit of FIG. 15F;
- FIG. 15H is a perspective view of a furniture module X-type connection between four panels, using a corner post unit, according to a second embodiment;
- FIG. 15I is an exploded, perspective view of the corner post unit of FIG. 151H;
- FIG. 15J is a perspective view of the corner post unit of FIG. 15H;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a spring clip;
- FIG. 17A is an exploded view of an opaque panel skin assembly;
- FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a portion of the opaque panel skin assembly of FIG. 17A, shown in an assembled condition;
- FIG. 18A is a perspective, exploded view showing an upper portion of a panel frame and the attachment of a panel skin thereto using the spring clips of FIG. 16;
- FIG. 18B is a perspective, exploded view showing a full panel frame and the attachment of a pair of panel skins thereto using the spring clips of FIG. 16;
- FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the full panel frame of FIG. 18B, with a pair of panel skins attached thereto;
- FIG. 19 is a front view of a panel including a window panel disposed above an opaque panel skin, a portion of the panel further including a mounting track disposed intermediate the opaque panel skin and window panel;
- FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line20-20 of FIG. 19;
- FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line21-21 of FIG. 19;
- FIG. 22A is a front view of a panel including three vertically adjacent window panels;
- FIG. 22B is a perspective, partially exploded view of one of the window frames in the panel of FIG. 22A;
- FIG. 22C is a perspective view of a panel frame, including a window frame temporarily held therein by capture plate assemblies;
- FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line23-23 of FIG. 22A;
- FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along line24-24 of FIG. 19;
- FIG. 25A is a top view of a mounting track/window frame interface bracket;
- FIG. 25B is an end view of the mounting track/window frame interface bracket of FIG. 25A;
- FIG. 25C is a side view of the mounting track/window frame interface bracket of FIG. 25A;
- FIG. 26 is a top view showing an end-to-end, panel-to-panel connection, the panels including opaque panel skins with light and sound seals therebetween, wherein on one side of each connection, the opaque panel skins are in abutment with one another, and on an opposite side of each connection, the opaque panel skins are spaced from one another;
- FIG. 27 is a top view showing an end-to-end, panel-to-panel connection between a pair of panels which include window panels, the vertical window casings including contacting vertical light and sound seals;
- FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a door frame assembly;
- FIG. 28B is a sectional view taken along
line 28B-28B of FIG. 28A; - FIG. 29 is a perspective view, looking upwardly, showing a lower portion of the door frame assembly of FIGS. 28A and 28B, including a carpet gripper attached to the panel support block;
- FIG. 30A is an exploded view of an opaque panel, showing the attachment of trim elements to the floor and ceiling tracks thereof;
- FIG. 30B is a perspective view of the assembled opaque panel of FIG. 30A;
- FIG. 30C is a perspective view of various trim end cap and trim splice elements;
- FIG. 30D is a perspective view showing the attachment of a trim end cap to one end of a floor trim member;
- FIG. 31A is a top view of a wall start condition;
- FIG. 31B is an exploded view of a portion of the wall start condition of FIG. 31A, showing a wall start member and a pair of vertical trim members;
- FIG. 31C is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 31B;
- FIG. 32A is a top view of an end filler condition;
- FIG. 32B is a perspective view of a portion of the end filler condition of FIG. 32A;
- FIG. 33A is an exploded view of a portion of a 135° panel-to-panel connection;
- FIG. 33B is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 33A; and
- FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a panel of a panel system adjacent a permanent wall, the permanent wall partially removed to show the studs therein.
- Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, in several forms, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
- Referring to FIG. 1,
office space 40 is shown, including floor-to-ceilingwall panel system 42. Floor-to-ceilingwall panel system 42 includes a plurality ofindividual partition panels 44 which may attached to one another, for example, by end-to-end connections 46, T-type connections type connections Panels 44 may also be attached topermanent walls 43 orpermanent columns 45 of the building within whichoffice space 40 is disposed, wherein panels extend fromfloor 52 toceiling 54 ofoffice space 40 to define individual partitionedoffice spaces panels 44 may include opaque panel skins 226,window panels 236, or any desired combination of the foregoing, as described further below. - More particularly, the
individual partition panels 44 are attached to one another, for example, by end-to-end connections 46, building module T-type connections 48 a, furniture module T-type connections 48 b, building module L-type connections 50 a, furniture module L-type connections 50 b, and furniture and module or building module X-type connections (not shown), each of which is described further below. Generally, building module connections betweenpanels 44 allowpanels 44 to follow the existing ceiling grid structure within a building, and do not employ corner posts at the L-, T-, or X-type connections betweenpanels 44, while furniture module connections may or may not follow the existing ceiling grid structure within a building, and employ corner posts at the L-, T-, or X-type connections betweenpanels 44. Office space 41 c additionally includes a pair of 135 degree panel-to-panel connections 51, as also described further below. - Each
panel 44 includesuniversal frame 56, shown in FIGS. 2A through 3C, which generally includesvertical frame members 58 attached tohorizontal frame members 60, as well as one or more intermediatehorizontal frame members 144 if desired, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9E, and described below. Vertical andhorizontal frame members frame 56, and are attached to one another at corner blocks 62 a or 62 b, as described below. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,frame 56 includes corner blocks 62 a according to a first embodiment and, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C,frame 56 includes corner blocks 62 b according to a second embodiment. Additionally,floor track 64, which is disposed alongfloor 52, is attached to frame 56. As shown in FIG. 8,frame 56 is also detachably connected toceiling track 66 fastened toceiling 54, as described below. - Referring to FIGS. 4A-4E,
vertical frame members 58 have a substantially I-shaped cross section, defined by a pair of substantially C-shaped sub-frame members 68 (one of which is shown individually in FIG. 4B) which may be formed from bent, roll-formed steel, for example.Sub-frame members 68 each includebase wall 70 with a pair ofparallel side walls 72 extending therefrom, and which are bent inwardly at 74 adjacent the ends thereof. A vertical series ofslots 80 are formed inside walls 72 ofsub-frame members 68 alongbend 74, into which may be inserted suitable hanging hardware for hanging modular furniture components, such as a work surface, cabinet, or shelf, for example, fromframe 56 ofpanel 44.Base walls 70 ofsub-frame members 68 additionally include two vertical series ofholes 76 andwindows 78 therein.Sub-frame members 68 are attached to one another in a suitable manner, such as by welding or by fasteners, for example, or by die-punching a tox 71 (FIGS. 4A and 4D) in at least two locations along abuttingbase walls 70 ofsub-frame members 68 to bind same together. Regardless of howsub-frame members 68 are attached to one another,respective base walls 70 ofsub-frame members 68 abut one another withrespective side walls 72 thereof extending away from one another to definevertical frame member 58, wherein correspondingholes 76 andwindows 78 ofsub-frame members 68 are aligned. The I-shaped cross section ofvertical frame members 58, defined bysub-frame members 68, provides structural rigidity tovertical frame members 58. -
Horizontal frame member 60, shown in FIGS. 2A through 3C and 7A, may be formed of an elongated piece of extruded aluminum, for example, and, referring particularly to FIG. 7A, generally includescentral web portion 82 and a pair ofparallel side portions 84 defining a substantially H-shaped cross section.Central web portion 82 includes a pair offastening embossments 86 formed on one side thereof, and a pair oftongues 88 extending from an opposite side thereof which depend toward each other to definechannel 90. Other than fasteningembossments 86 andtongues 88,central web portion 82 defines a horizontal axis of symmetry throughhorizontal frame member 60, allowinghorizontal frame member 60 to be selectively rotationally oriented such thatfastening embossments 86 are disposed on either an upper or lower side ofcentral web portion 82, as described further below.Side portions 84 are shaped to definefirst channel 92 andsecond channels 94 disposed above and belowfirst channel 92, respectively, wherein each of the foregoing first andsecond channels horizontal rail member 60 andframe 56. A series ofprotrusions 96 are defined at the openings of first andsecond channels First channel 92, as described further below, is adapted to receive a threaded fastener therein for attaching a mounting track to frame 56. - As shown in FIG. 4F, corner blocks62 b (or 62 a) are received in each of the upper and lower portions of
vertical frame members 58, and specifically, are captured within the space defined within one of the C-shapedvertical sub-frame members 68 thereof. Referring additionally to FIG. 3C, corner blocks 62 a. 62 b include two horizontal pairs ofholes fasteners 99 extend throughholes 76 invertical frame members 58, holes 98 a, 98 b in corner blocks 62 a, 62 b and intofastening embossments 86 ofhorizontal frame members 60 to securehorizontal frame members 60 tovertical frame members 58 to defineframe 56. An upperhorizontal frame member 60 may be aligned withfastening embossments 86 disposed abovecentral web portion 82 thereof, with the fasteners extending through upper horizontal pair ofholes 98 a in corner blocks 62 a, 62 b, and a lowerhorizontal frame member 60 may be aligned withfastening embossments 86 disposed belowcentral web portion 82 thereof, with fasteners extending through lower horizontal pair ofholes 98 b in corner blocks 62 a, 62 b. Alternatively, the foregoing orientation ofhorizontal frame member 60 may be reversed. Additionally, the ends ofside portions 84 ofhorizontal frame members 60abut plates horizontal frame members 60 in a square orientation with respect tovertical frame members 58, thereby providing an installation guide for connecting horizontal andvertical frame members - Referring to FIGS. 5A-6E, corner blocks62 a and 62 b of first and second embodiments, respectively, are shown, which may be configured as lower, panel support blocks 102 a, 102 b or upper, jack post blocks 104 a, 104 b as described further below.
- Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B,6A, and 6B, corner blocks 62 a according to a first embodiment are shown. Corner blocks 62 a generally include
block portion 106 withplate 100 a attached thereto.Block portion 106 andplate 100 a may be an integral zinc, die-cast part. Corner blocks 62 a includefirst bore 108 therein, which is threaded along at least a portion thereof, and a pair ofsecond bores 110 disposed on each side offirst bore 108, wherein each of the foregoing are aligned with corresponding apertures inplate 100 a. Alternatively,block portion 106 andplate 100 a of corner blocks 62 a may be unitarily formed of a high strength, injection-molded plastic in which first andsecond bores - Referring to FIGS. 5C through 5E and6C through 6E, corner blocks 62 b according to a second embodiment are shown, which are similar to corner blocks 62 a, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to refer to common parts between corner blocks 62 a and 62 b. Corner blocks 62 b are formed of a single, integral piece of a hard plastic material, and include
block portion 106 andplate portion 100 b. Eachplate portion 100 b includescam slot 101, and a pair ofhalf cam slots 103 withcam slot 101 includingwide portion 105 tapering tonarrow portion 107. One of thehalf cam slots 103 inplate portion 100 b includes awide portion 105 and the other of thehalf cam slots 103 inplate portion 100 b includes anarrow portion 107. The function ofcam slots 101 andhalf cam slots 103 will be explained below. - Panel support blocks102 a, 102 b according to first and second embodiments are shown in FIGS. 6A through 6E, and each include
vertical adjustment assembly 112 for vertically adjustably connectingpanel frame 56 tofloor track 64. Panel support blocks 102 a, 102 b include threadedbolt 114 disposed through threadedfirst bore 108 thereof, and first andsecond nuts bolt 114, whereinsecond nut 116 b is fixed relative to bolt 114. Referring additionally to FIG. 2B, a portion ofbolt 114adjacent head 118 thereof is slidably received withinslot 120 at each end offloor track 64.Floor track 64 is thus captured at each end thereof betweensecond nut 116 b andhead 118 ofbolt 114 to connectfloor track 64 to frame 56. The vertical height offrame 56 fromfloor track 64 may be adjusted by rotatingsecond nut 116 b, which in turn rotatesbolt 114 within panel support blocks 102 a, 102 b to thereby adjust the vertical position offrame 56 ofpanel 44 relative tofloor 52. Panel support block 102 b further includescarpet gripper 109 which, during shipment ofpanel system 42, is captured betweenfirst nut 116 a andplate portion 100 b of panel support block 102 b for storage. Upon assembly ofvertical adjustment assembly 112 whenpanel system 42 is installed,first nut 116 a is loosened to releasecarpet gripper 109, andcarpet gripper 109 is inverted and reinstalled betweensecond nut 116 b andfirst nut 116 a by threadingfirst nut 116 a downwardly onbolt 114.Carpet gripper 109 includesteeth 111 for gripping carpet disposed on a floor surface on whichpanel system 42 is supported. - Jack post block104 a according to a first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and includes
jack post assembly 122 a for detachably connectingframe 56 toceiling track 66. A pair ofbolts 124 are respectively slidably disposed throughsecond bores 110 of jack post block 104 a.Ends 126 ofbolts 124 each threadably engagejack plate 128 a, andnuts 130 are threaded ontobolts 124.Springs 132 are respectively disposed aroundbolts 124, and the ends of same are trapped betweenblock portion 106 of jack post block 104 a and nuts 130 onbolts 124 to thereby biasbolts 124 outwardly of jack post block 104 a.Jack plate 128 a includestongue 134 depending therefrom which engageslip 136 ofplate 100 a to lockjack post assembly 122 a in a retracted position, withjack plate 128 a disposed adjacentjack post block 106. Referring also to FIG. 8 upon release oftongue 134 ofjack plate 128 a fromlip 136 ofplate 100 a, springs 132bias bolts 124 andjack plate 128 a ofjack post assembly 122 a upwardly to engagejack plate 128 a withceiling track 66 to secureframe 56 ofpanel 44 thereto. Specifically, protrudingportions 138 ofjack plate 128 a seat within recesses 140 (FIGS. 7B, 8) ofceiling track 66 to prevent tilting movement offrame 56 out of a vertical plane. Thereafter,nuts 130 may be threaded downwardly aroundbolts 124 and into abutment with the upper surface ofplate 100 a to prevent retraction ofjack post assembly 122 a and to thereby releaseably lockjack post assembly 122 a andframe 56 ofpanel 44 into engagement withceiling track 66. - A second embodiment of a jack post block is shown in FIGS. 5C-5E. Jack post block104 a includes
jack post assembly 122 b. Similar to jackpost assembly 122 a,jack post assembly 122 b includes a pair ofbolts 124 respectively slidably disposed throughsecond bores 110 ofjack post block 104 b, wherein ends 126 ofbolts 124 each threadably engagejack plate 128 b.Springs 132 are respectively disposed aroundbolts 124, and the ends of same are trapped betweenblock portion 100 b ofjack post block 104b jack plate 128 b to thereby biasjack plate 128 b andbolts 124 outwardly ofjack post block 104 b.Jack plate 128 b includesapertures post retainer spring 113, whereinarms 115 of jackpost retainer spring 113 are received withinaperture 119, andspring leg 117 of jackpost retainer spring 113 is disposed withinaperture 121. Additionally,jack post assembly 122 b includes jackpost lock plate 123, havingslots 125 therein. -
Jack post assembly 122 b is shown in a retracted position in FIG. 5D, such as when same is in a shipment or pre-installation position. In this position, engagement ofspring leg 117 of jackpost retainer spring 113 with the edge ofplate 100 b ofjack post block 104 b retainsjack plate 128 b in a retracted position, withsprings 132 under compression betweenjack plate 128 b andplate 100 b. Additionally, jack postlock plate 123 is disposed betweenjack plate 128 b and the upper ends ofsprings 132, whereinbolts 124 are received withinslots 125 of jackpost lock plate 123. A downward force uponjack plate 128 b releasesspring leg 117 of jackpost retainer spring 113 from the edge ofplate 100 b, allowingsprings 132 to biasbolts 124 andjack plate 128 b upwardly to engagejack plate 128 b withceiling track 66 in the same manner as described above with respect to jack post block 104 a andjack post assembly 122 a (FIG. 8). The downward force uponjack plate 128 b for releasing same may be exerted by an installer using a pole (not shown), for example, such that the installer may conveniently releasejack plate 128 b from a standing position therebelow to set the initial engagement betweenjack plate 128 b andceiling track 66. Afterjack plate 128 b is engaged withceiling track 66, jack postlock plate 123 is removed frombolts 124, and relocated to the position showing FIG. 5E, wherein the threads ofbolt 124 and portions ofsprings 132 are captured byslots 125 of jackpost lock plate 123 to securejack plate 128 b andbolts 124 in the extended position shown in FIG. 5E. - Floor and ceiling tracks64, 66, shown in FIG. 7B, may be formed of identical pieces of extruded aluminum, for example, thereby reducing the number of components associated with floor-to-
ceiling panel system 42. Additionally, referring to FIGS. 2A through 3C and 7B,floor track 64 includescurved edge 142, which allowspanel frame 56 to slide or skid across a floor surface when pushed by an installer to any desired location before engagingjack post assemblies ceiling track 66 to securepanel frame 56 thereto, as described above. Additionally, screws (not shown) may be threaded throughfloor track 64 to grip carpet onfloor 52, or alternatively, such screws may be directly threaded into a permanent floor surface to attachfloor track 64 thereto for securingpanel frame 56 to a floor surface. - Additionally, referring to FIG. 9A,
panel frame 56 may include one or more intermediatehorizontal frame members 144, which may be formed of pieces of extruded aluminum identical tohorizontal frame members 60. L-shapedbrackets 146, according to a first embodiment, connect intermediatehorizontal frame members 144 tovertical frame members 58, and includefirst flange 148 slidably disposed within thechannel 90 of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 which is defined bytongues 88, and shown in FIG. 7A.Second flange 150 ofintermediate brackets 146 connect tovertical frame members 58 via fasteners (not shown) disposed throughholes 152 inintermediate bracket 146 and throughholes 76 invertical frame members 58.Slots 154 insecond flange 150 accommodate the ends oftongues 88 of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144. - Holes76 in
vertical frame members 58 may be disposed therealong at one-half inch center-to-center intervals, thereby allowing intermediatehorizontal frame members 144 to be located at any horizontal level corresponding to one-half inch vertical intervals with respect to frame 56. Additionally, intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 may be selectively mounted tovertical frame members 58 in one of two rotational orientations, withfastening embossments 86 disposed on either the upper or lower side ofcentral web portion 82, which orientations vary the vertical position of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 by one-fourth of an inch relative tovertical frame members 58. Therefore, the one-half inch spacing betweenholes 76 invertical frame members 58, as well as the selective rotational orientation of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144, allow intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 to be located at any horizontal level corresponding to one-fourth inch vertical intervals with respect to frame 56. Additionally,intermediate bracket 146 may be provided with multiple sets ofholes 152 for selective alignment withholes 76 ofvertical frame members 58 and which, when combined with the foregoing further adjustment provided by the selective rotational orientation of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144, allows intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 to be located at any desired one-eighth inch vertical interval alongvertical frame members 58 offrame 56. - A method of connecting intermediate
horizontal frame members 144 tovertical frame members 58 according to a second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9B-91. Referring first to FIG. 9B, L-shapedbrackets 147, according to a second embodiment, includefirst flange 149 andsecond flange 151 extending at right angles from one another.First flange 149 includes a first set of fourholes 153 and center holes 155.Second flange 151 includes a second set of fourholes 157, center holes 159, and 1350 connection holes 161. The function of 135° connection holes 161 will be explained below. Either first orsecond flanges brackets 147 may be inserted into thechannel 90 of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 which is defined bytongues 88, and shown in FIG. 7A. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9B-9I, the orientation of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 need not change to effect connection of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 at one-eighth inch intervals alongvertical frame members 58 intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 may be oriented such thatchannel 90 thereof is disposed belowfastening embossments 86 for all such connections. - As shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D,
fasteners 99A are inserted throughcentral web portion 82 of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 and into either center holes 155 or 159 offirst flange 149 orsecond flange 151, respectively, of L-shapedbrackets 147 to secure L-shapedbrackets 147 to intermediatehorizontal frame member 144. Thereafter, referring to FIG. 9D,further fasteners 99 are inserted through a pair of first orsecond sets second flanges brackets 147 to secure same tovertical frame members 58, as described below. For example, in FIG. 9E, an intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 is shown attached tovertical frame members 58 ofpanel frame 56 at a mid-height location. - Referring to FIGS. 9F-91, the manner in which intermediate
horizontal frame members 144 may be attached tovertical frame members 58 ofpanel frame 56 is shown. In FIG. 9F,second flange 151 of L-shapedbracket 147 is attached to intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 as described above, exposingfirst flange 149 thereof for mounting tovertical frame member 58. A pair of fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the hole marked “0.000” and the corresponding horizontal hole (marked “0.500”) of the lower pair of holes infirst set 153 of holes infirst flange 149, and engage a corresponding pair ofholes 76 invertical frame member 58 to secure intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 topanel frame 56, with intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 located at a desired one inch interval with respect to the surface offloor 52, for example, 12 inches as shown in FIG. 9F. - In FIG. 9G, intermediate
horizontal frame member 144 andfirst flange 149 of L-shapedbracket 147 are moved upwardly one eighth of an inch from the position shown in FIG. 9F, and a pair of fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the hole marked “0.125” and the corresponding horizontal hole (marked “0.625”) of the upper pair of holes infirst set 153 of holes infirst flange 149, engaging a corresponding pair ofholes 76 invertical frame member 58 to secure intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 topanel frame 56, with intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 located at a desired one eighth inch interval with respect to the surface offloor 52, for example, 12.125 inches as shown in FIG. 9G. - In FIG. 9H,
first flange 149 of L-shapedbracket 147 is attached to intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 as described above, exposingsecond flange 151 thereof for mounting tovertical frame member 58. A pair of fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the hole marked “0.250” and the corresponding horizontal hole (marked “0.750”) of the lower pair of holes insecond set 157 of holes insecond flange 151, engaging a corresponding pair ofholes 76 invertical frame member 58 to secure intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 topanel frame 56, with intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 located at a desired one quarter inch interval with respect to the surface offloor 52, for example, 12.250 inches as shown in FIG. 9H. - In FIG. 91, intermediate
horizontal frame member 144 andsecond flange 151 of L-shapedbracket 147 are moved upwardly another one eighth inch from the position shown in FIG. 9H, and a pair of fasteners (not shown) are inserted through the hole marked “0.375” and the corresponding horizontal hole (marked “0.875”) of the upper pair of holes insecond set 157 of holes insecond flange 151, engaging a corresponding pair ofholes 76 invertical frame member 58 to secure intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 topanel frame 56, with intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 located at a desired three eighths inch interval with respect to the surface offloor 52, for example, 12.375 inches as shown in FIG. 9I. - Continuing with the foregoing progression, and as may be seen in FIGS. 9F-9I, the other holes labeled “0.500” and “0.625” in first set of
holes 153 infirst flange 149 and the other holes labeled “0.750” and “0.875” in second set ofholes 157 insecond flange 151 may be used to attach intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 topanel frame 56 with intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 located at any one eighth inch interval with respect to the surface offloor 52. In this manner, the location of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 with respect to the surface offloor 52 may be varied up to one eighth of an inch, based upon the orientation of L-shapedbrackets 147 and upon which holes insets second flanges brackets 147 are used. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9F-91, mountingtracks 156 are attached to intermediatehorizontal frame members 144 as described below, such that mountingtracks 156 may in turn be located at any desired one eighth inch interval with respect to the surface offloor 52. - Referring to FIGS. 7A and 21, mounting
tracks 156 may be connected tohorizontal frame members 60 adjacent the upper or lower ends offrame 56, as well as to intermediatehorizontal frame members 144, which may be located at any desired vertical height with respect to frame 56, as described above. Mountingtracks 156 are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,686, assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Referring to FIG. 21, mountingtracks 156 generally include an extruded metalrectangular channel 158 defined byback wall 160 and upper andlower edges wall 160 includes V-shapedgroove 170, permittingfastener 172 to be centered therein. Referring also to FIG. 7A,fastener 172 is threaded throughback wall 160 and intofirst channel 92 of horizontal orintermediate frame members fastener 172 engagingprotrusions 96 at the opening offirst channel 92 to secure mountingtrack 156 to horizontal orintermediate frame members groove 170 of mountingtrack 156 andfirst channel 92 of horizontal orintermediate frame members track 156 to horizontal orintermediate frame members - As described in the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,686, modular office furniture components, such as work surfaces, cabinets, or shelves, for example, may be attached to mounting
tracks 156 at any horizontal location therealong, and, due the variable vertical location ofintermediate frame member 144 to which mountingtrack 156 may be attached, such modular components may therefore be located at virtually any vertical location with respect to frame 56 ofpanel 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,cabinet 174 is mounted to mountingtrack 156 of apanel 44 at an intermediate level betweenfloor 52 andceiling 54. - Additionally, as shown in FIG. 34, mounting
tracks 156 ofpanels 44 ofwall panel system 42 may be aligned with similar mountingtracks 156 which are mounted to an existingpermanent wall 43 to provide aesthetic continuity betweenpanels 44 ofwall panel system 42 and existingpermanent walls 43. Mountingtracks 156 may be mounted topermanent walls 43 in the manner described in the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,686. Specifically, mountingtracks 156 may be mounted tostuds 47 ofpermanent wall 43 using bolts (not shown), or may be mounted to the drywall or other wall material ofpermanent wall 43intermediate studs 47 using a bolt and molly anchor assembly (not shown), for example. With further reference to FIGS. 9F-91,intermediate frame member 144 of a panel frame, with mountingtrack 156 attached thereto, is mounted to the panel frame at a height such that mountingtrack 156 of the panel frame horizontally aligns with mountingtrack 156 onpermanent wall 43 as shown in FIG. 34, such that mountingtrack 156 ofpanel 44 and mountingtrack 156 ofpermanent wall 43 are disposed at the same vertical level throughout the office space. The manner in whichintermediate frame member 144 and mountingtrack 156 of a panel frame may be mounted thereto at any selected vertical height, up to an ⅛″ interval, is described above. Advantageously, the alignment of mountingtracks 156 ofpanels 44 ofwall panel system 42 with mountingtracks 156 on existingpermanent wall 43 provides aesthetic and functional continuity throughout the office space, for example, by allowing modular office furniture components to be attached at the same vertical height to one or both of mountingtracks 156 ofpanels 44 ofwall panel system 42 and mountingtracks 156 ofpermanent wall 43. - Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11,
floor track 64 additionally includesslots 176 incentral portion 178 thereofintermediate recesses 140 for receipt of U-shaped connectingbrackets 180, which are used to connect electrical ordata harness assemblies 186 tofloor track 64 offrame 56.Tabs 183 of connectingbrackets 180 are inserted withinslots 176, and connectingbrackets 180 are then moved along the longitudinal axis offloor track 64 to capture connectingbrackets 180 withinnarrow portions 182 ofslots 176 to secure connectingbrackets 180 tofloor track 64. Connectingbrackets 180 includeapertures 184 therein into which fasteners 185 (FIG. 10) may be received to mountharness assembly 186 tofloor track 64. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,fasteners 185 are disposed both throughelectrical outlet modules 188 and through connectingbrackets 180 to connectoutlet modules 188 to harnessassembly 186 and also to connectharness assembly 186 to connectingbrackets 180 offloor track 64. -
Harness assemblies 186 may be, for example, 240 Series, 8wire UL # 183 assemblies, available from Group Dekko Engineering, Pent Div., of Kendalville, Ind., and generally includeharness portions 190 which contain electrical wiring and to whichelectrical outlet modules 188 are attached, andelectrical connection ports 192 for connecting wire jumpers (not shown) thereto. Such wire jumpers are used to connectelectrical harness assemblies 186 ofadjacent panels 44 together to thereby provide electrical service throughoutpanel system 42. Eachpanel frame 56 may include one ormore harness assemblies 186 centrally mounted tofloor track 64 offrame 56 about a vertical axis of symmetry offrame 56, with jumpers of various lengths used to connect theharness assemblies 186 ofadjacent panels 44, wherein the length of the jumpers is selected to correspond to the width of therespective panels 44. In addition to electrical wiring and outlets,harness assemblies 186 may additionally include telephone and data wiring and outlets to provide telephone and data service throughoutpanel system 42. -
Harness assemblies 186 may also be mounted to intermediatehorizontal frame members 144 if desired, to provide electrical or data service accessible at any mid-height, vertical location onpanel 44 at which intermediatehorizontal frame members 144 are disposed. In such an embodiment, intermediatehorizontal frame members 144 may be mounted tovertical frame members 58 withharness assemblies 186 aligned withwindows 78 invertical frame members 58, such that jumpers may extend throughwindows 78 to connect withharness assemblies 186 ofadjacent panels 44. - A second embodiment, illustrating an alternative manner of mounting
electrical harness assemblies 186 to floor tracks 0.64, is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.Floor track 64 may be provided withslots 177 for receipt ofspring legs 224 of spring clips 220 to thereby attachspring clips 220 tofloor track 64. Connectingbrackets 189 each includeaperture 191 for receipt ofspring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 therein to removably attach connectingbrackets 189 tofloor track 64. Connectingbrackets 189 are may be formed from pieces of metal bent into a generally U-shape, and additionally includeseveral holes 193 for receipt offasteners 185 for securingelectrical outlet modules 188 and harnessportions 190 ofharness assemblies 186 thereto in order to attachharness assemblies 186 tofloor track 64, similar to the manner described above with regard to FIGS. 10 and 11. -
Adjacent panels panel connecting brackets 194, shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, which may comprise a piece of stamped and bent steel, for example.Panel connecting brackets 194 includeslot 196 defining first connectingfingers 198 and, on an opposite end thereof,U-shaped slot 200 defining second connectingfingers 202. A building module end-to-end connection 46 betweenadjacent panels brackets 194 connect the upper ends ofadjacent panels fingers 198 withinfirst apertures 204 injack post plate 100 a of afirst panel 44 a, and inserting second connectingfingers 202 withinsecond apertures 206 ofjack post plate 100 a of anadjacent panel 44 b, withbolt 210 disposed withinU-shaped slot 200. Thereafter,bolt 210 is tightened withinfirst bore 108 ofblock portion 106 to secure connectingbracket 194 in position by capturing same between the head ofbolt 210 andjack post plate 100 a, wherein the engagement of first and second connectingfingers bracket 194 within first andsecond apertures plate 100 a, respectively, prevent separation of theconnected panels -
Panel connecting brackets 194 also connect toplates 100 a of panel support blocks 102A ofadjacent panels 44 to secure the lower ends ofpanels 44 together in the same manner as that described above with respect to the upper ends ofpanels 44. However, rather than usingbolt 210 to lock connectingbrackets 194 in position,first nut 116 a ofbolt 114 is tightened to secure connectingbrackets 194 in position adjacent the lower ends ofpanels 44. - Referring still to FIG. 15A, a further panel44 c may be connected to
panels type connection 48 a using anotherpanel connecting bracket 194 in a similar manner as that described above, in which first connectingfingers 198 ofpanel connecting bracket 194 are inserted within adjacentthird apertures 208 ofjack post plates 100 a ofpanels fingers 202 of connectingbracket 194 are inserted withinsecond apertures 206 ofjack post plate 100 a of panel 44 c, bolt 21.0 is tightened to secure connectingbracket 194 in position as described above. A further connectingbracket 194 may be used to connect a fourth panel (not shown) to the above-described building module T-type connection 48 a opposite panel 44 c in the same manner as that described above to form a building module X-type connection between four adjacent panels. Connectingbrackets 194 may also be attached in the same manner as that described above to connect the lower ends ofpanels 44 a-c together. - As shown in FIG. 15B,
corner post 212 may be used to connectadjacent panels type connection 50 b in a similar manner as described above, in which the connecting fingers of connectingbrackets 194 engageapertures 216 incover plate 214 ofcorner post 212. Similarly, additional panels may be connected to cornerpost 212 using additional connectingbrackets 194 to form a furniture module T-type connection 48 b or a furniture module X-type connection therebetween. Advantageously,adjacent panels 44 may be connected to one another in and end-to-end manner, or to form building and furniture module L-type connections type connections panel connecting brackets 194, which greatly reduces the total number of components of floor-to-ceilingwall panel system 42. - Referring to FIG. 15C, an end-to-end panel connection according to a second embodiment is shown, in which
adjacent panels circular plate 183 havinghexagonal nut head 185 on one side thereof and a pair of cam lugs 187 protruding from an opposite side thereof. Referring to FIGS. 15C and 15D,plates 100 b ofadjacent panels cam locks 181 are inserted intowide portions 105 ofadjacent cam slots 101, as shown in FIG. 15C. Cam locks 181 are then turned by engaging a tool (not shown) withnut head 185 ofcam lock 181 and rotating same approximately one quarter of a full turn, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 15D, such that cam lugs 187 engagenarrow portions 107 ofcam slots 101. The engagement of cam lugs 187 intonarrow portions 107 ofcam slots 101 is a close-fitting engagement which produces a tactile feel to the installer, thereby indicating to the installer that cam lugs 187 have been properly engaged withnarrow portions 107 ofcam slots 101 to lockadjacent panels adjacent panels - A building module X-type connection is shown in FIG. 15E, which is formed by connecting two
additional panels 44 c, 44 d to the end-to-end building module connection shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D and described above. As shown in FIG. 15E, whenpanels half cam slots 103 ofadjacent plates 100 b thereof combine to formfull cam slots 101. Subsequently,adjacent panels 44 c, 44 d may be connected by abuttingplates 100 b of same in a perpendicular relationship to theplates 100 b ofpanels cam locks 181 as described above, wherein cam lugs 187 ofcam locks 181 engagefull cam slots 101 ofplates 100 b ofpanels 44 c, 44 d, and also engage the combinedhalf cam slots 103 ofplates 100 b ofpanels panels type connection 48 a may be formed. - Referring to FIG. 15F, an L-type
building module connection 50 a is shown, whereinadjacent panels 44 a, 44 c are each connected tofinished end unit 195.Finished end unit 195 is shown in FIG. 15G, and generally includesfinish end member 197,jack post block 104 b, and panel support block 102 b. Referring to FIG. 7J, finishedend member 197 may be formed as a metal extrusion, and includesbase wall 199 and a pair ofside walls 201 joined tobase wall 199 to form a generally C-shaped cross section.Base wall 199 includes a pair ofextensions 203, andside walls 201 include a pair ofcorresponding extensions 205, which together define recessedarea 207 for receipt ofjack post block 104 b or panel support block 102 b. To attachjack post block 104 b and panel support block 102 b tofinished end member 197,fasteners 99 are inserted throughholes extensions 203 ofbase wall 199 offinished end member 197, whereinextensions 203 include tap grooves 209 (FIG. 7J) forfasteners 99 to engage. - Referring again to FIG. 15F, a
first panel 44 a is connected to plate 100 b offinished end unit 195 usingcam lock 181 as described above, and a second panel 44 c is connected to the foregoing connection betweenpanel 44 a andfinished end unit 195 using asecond cam lock 181, as also described above. As shown in FIG. 15F, finishedend member 197 offinished end unit 195 provides an aesthetic, finished end to an L-typebuilding module connection 50 a betweenadjacent panels 44 a, 44 c. - In FIG. 151H, an X-type furniture module connection is shown between
corner post unit 213 and fourpanels 44 a-d. Referring to FIGS. 151 and 15J,corner post unit 213 is shown, which includescorner post member 215 having corner postplates 217 attached at either end thereof usingfasteners 219.Corner post plates 217 includecam slots 101 adjacent each of the four sides thereof. Corner posts 215 additionally includeshooks 221 attached toslots 223 thereof, the function of which will be explained below. - Referring back to FIG. 15H,
corner post unit 213 is initially attached to afirst panel 44 a by engaginghooks 221 ofcorner post 215 withinwindows 78 ofvertical frame member 58 ofpanel 44 a, thereby hangingcorner post unit 213 frompanel 44 a to support the weight ofcorner post unit 213 while additional connections thereto are made. Thereafter, cam locks 181 are used to connect the upper and lower ends ofpanel 44 a to cornerpost unit 213 in the manner described above. Thereafter, additional panels 44 c-d may be connected to cornerpost unit 213 using additional cam locks 181. From FIG. 15H, one may see that an L-typefurniture module connection 50 b may be made by connecting twopanels post unit 213, and a T-typefurniture module connection 48 b may be made by connecting threepanels 44 a-c to cornerpost unit 213. - Spring clips220, shown in FIG. 16, are used to attach various components of floor-to-
ceiling panel system 42 toframes 56 ofpanels 44, as described below. Spring clips 220 may be formed from stamped and bent pieces of spring steel, for example. Spring clips 220 are somewhat horseshoe-shaped in overall appearance, and include central, archedspring body portion 222 from which extend a pair ofspring legs 224. As shown in FIGS. 9, 15A-15B, 18, 20-21, and 23-24, spring clips 220 may be connected tovertical frame members 58 by engagingspring legs 224 thereof within horizontally adjacent pairs ofslots 80 insub-frame members 68 ofvertical frame members 58. Additionally, spring clips 220 may be attached at any horizontal location along horizontal orintermediate frame members second channels spring legs 224 of spring clips 220 engage spaced pairs ofprotrusions 96 at the openings of first andsecond channels intermediate frame members 60. - Opaque panel skins226, shown in FIGS. 17A and B, may generally include a piece of sheet metal or plastic with
panel face 228 having the edge regions thereof bent or formed to defineframe portion 230.Core 231 is received withinframe portion 230, and is attached thereto in a suitable manner such as by adhesive, for example.Core 230 may be formed from a lightweight material such as honeycomb cardboard. Typically, opaque panel skins 226 are covered with a surface finish, such as paint, wood veneer, or an upholstery material such as fabric or vinyl. Alternatively, opaque panel skins 226 may include only a plastic ormetal frame portion 230 which encloses a panel portion made from solid wood, a veneered manufactured wood material, molded plastic, upholstery, fabric, or any other suitable material.Frame portion 230 includesapertures 232 which are adapted to receivespring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 therein, as discussed below. Light andsound seals 234, further described below, are attached along the rear sides of the vertical edges offrame portions 230 by adhesive, for example. - Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, to detachably mount opaque panel skins226 to
panel frame 56, spring clips 220 may be first attached to vertical and/orhorizontal frame members spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 withinapertures 232 inframe portion 230 of opaque panel skins 226. Specifically,spring body portions 222 deform when pressed through the edges ofapertures 232 and then spring back to their original shape with an audible clicking sound after passing therethrough to secure opaque panel skins 226 to frame 56. Opaque panel skins 226 may be removed frompanel frame 56 by pulling same away frompanel flame 56, such thatspring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 disengage fromapertures 232 inframe portion 230 ofopaque panel skin 226. Anexemplary panel 42 having anopaque panel skin 226 attached thereto is shown in FIG. 18C. - Opaque panel skins226 may be sized as shown in FIG. 26 such that, when adjacent panels are attached to one another in a side-to-side relationship, the ends of opaque panel skins 226 may directly abut one another to provide a continuous vertical wall surface. Alternatively, as also shown in FIG. 26, opaque panel skins 226 may be sized such that a vertical gap is left therebewteen when adjacent panels are attached to one another in a side-to-side relationship. In either of the foregoing arrangements, flexible light and
sound seals 234 of panel skins 226 deform upon engagement with one another, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 26, or upon engagement with adjacent structures such ascorner post 212, as shown in FIG. 15B, to provide a seal which blocks the transmission of light and sound through the connective interface ofpanels 44. Light andsound seals 234 may also be deformed inwardly to allow access toslots 80 ofvertical frame members 58 for attachment of modular furniture components thereto. - In addition to opaque panel skins226,
panels 44 may include window panels 236 (FIGS. 19, 22A), which generally includewindow frame 238 attached topanel frame 56 by first or secondhorizontal window casings 240 a (FIG. 7E), 240 b (FIG. 7F) and vertical window casings 242 (FIG. 7H), as described below.Window frame 238, shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, includes horizontal and vertical window frame members 244 (FIG. 7K), 246 (FIG. 7L), respectively, which may comprise pieces of extruded aluminum, for example. Horizontalwindow frame members 244 includefastening embossments 248 therein into whichfasteners 243 may be threaded which also pass through holes (not shown) in verticalwindow frame members 246 to secure horizontal and verticalwindow frame members window pane 250, as shown in FIG. 22B. Alternatively, verticalwindow frame members 246 may includefastening embossments 248. Referring to FIGS. 7K, 7L, and 22B, horizontal and verticalwindow frame members recesses 252 into whichwindow glazing elements 254 are disposed.Window glazing elements 254 may be formed of a dual durometer extrusion of plastic material, including relativelystiff base portion 256 and relatively flexible side wall portions 258 (FIG. 23) which flexibly capturewindow pane 250 therebetween for securing and stabilizingwindow pane 250 withinwindow frame 238. - As shown in FIGS. 9A and 22C,
capture plates 300 are attached tovertical frame members 58 to space the distance betweenvertical frame members 58 and verticalwindow frame members 246 and, as shown in FIG. 22C, screws 245 andwashers 247 may be inserted withincapture plates 300 to temporarily stabilizewindow frame 238 withinpanel frame 56 until horizontal andvertical window casings window frame 238 andpanel frame 56 to connectwidow frame 238 topanel frame 56, as described below. - Referring generally to FIGS. 20, 21,23, and 24, horizontal and
vertical window casings vertical frame members spring clips 220 for securingwindow frame 238 topanel frame 56. Springlegs 224 of spring clips 220 are attached to horizontal andvertical frame members spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 are detachably received within springclip receptor channels 260 formed longitudinally along horizontal andvertical window casings Spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 produce an audible clicking sound when received into springclip receptor channels 260 to indicate to an installer thatwindow casings panel frame 56. Horizontal andvertical window casings longitudinal tongues 262 extending therefrom, which are received withinlongitudinal grooves 264 in horizontal and verticalwindow frame members window frame 238 to horizontal andvertical window casings - In the configuration shown in FIGS. 19 and 20,
frame 56 includesintermediate frame member 144 withwindow panel 236 attached thereabove and opaque panel skins 226 attached therebelow. Opaque panel skins 226 are attached via spring clips 220 as described above, wherein spring clips 220 are attached to intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 about a lowersecond channel 94 thereof. Additional spring clips 220, attached about an uppersecond channel 94 of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144, secure secondhorizontal window casings 240 b to intermediatehorizontal frame member 144.Tongues 262 of secondhorizontal window casings 240 b are engaged withingrooves 264 of horizontalwindow frame member 244 to secure horizontalwindow frame member 144 to frame 56 intermediate secondhorizontal window casings 240 b, andwindow glazing element 254 secureswindow pane 250 withinrecess 252 of horizontalwindow frame member 244. - In the configuration shown in FIGS. 19 and 21,
frame 56 includesintermediate frame member 144 withwindow panel 236 attached thereabove and opaque panel skins 226 attached therebelow, and further includes mountingtracks 156 attached to intermediatehorizontal frame member 144. Mountingtracks 156 are attached tofirst channel 92 of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 as described above, andopaque panel skin 226 is captured intermediateside wall portion 84 of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 andlower face surface 168 of mountingtrack 156. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 21, spring clips 220 include oneleg 224 thereof attached to an uppersecond channel 94 of intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 and asecond leg 224 thereof attached withinslot 272 of mounting track/window panel interface bracket 270 (FIGS. 25A-C), to secure secondhorizontal window casings 240 b to intermediatehorizontal frame member 144. Mounting track/windowpanel interface bracket 270 spaces the distance between intermediatehorizontal frame member 144 and lower horizontalwindow frame member 244 and provides stability to the connection therebetween.Tongues 262 of secondhorizontal window casings 240 b are engaged withingrooves 264 of horizontalwindow frame member 244 to secure horizontalwindow frame member 144 to frame 56 intermediate secondhorizontal window casings 240 b, andwindow glazing element 254 secureswindow pane 250 withinrecess 252 of horizontalwindow frame member 244. - Additionally,
frame 56 may include twowindow panels 236 disposed vertically adjacent one another within upper andhorizontal frame members 60 offrame 56, as shown in FIGS. 22A-23. In this configuration, spring clips 220 may be used as shown in FIG. 23 to connect adjacent horizontalwindow frame members 244 to one another in a back-to-back relationship, with intermediate casing members 268 (FIG. 7G) attached to springclips 220 to mask the connection between the adjacent horizontalwindow frame members 244 and to provide a smooth trim appearance therebetween. Specifically, as described above with regard to other elements ofpanel system 42,spring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 are attached tointermediate casing members 268 via engagement ofspring body portions 222 thereof within springclip receptor channels 260 ofintermediate casing members 268. Additionally, firsthorizontal window casings 240 a are used to connect horizontalwindow frame members 244 of the upper and lowerhorizontal frame members 60 ofpanel frame 56 via additional spring clips 220, which engage the upper and lowerhorizontal frame members 60 aboutfirst channels 92 thereof. - As shown in FIG. 24,
vertical window casings 242 are attached tovertical frame members 58 via spring clips 220, and verticalwindow frame members 246 are secured tovertical window casings 242 in a similar manner as that described above regarding the horizontal components ofwindow frame 238. Whensuch panels 44, havingwindow panels 236 therein, are connected to one another in a side-to-side manner as shown in FIG. 27,vertical window casings 242 may include light andsound seals 274 disposed within light and sound seal channels 276 (FIG. 7H) ofvertical window casings 242 to block the transmission of light and/or sound between the connective interface of suchadjacent panels 44. - Referring to FIGS. 23, 30a, and 30 b, ceiling trim members 276 (FIG. 7C) are attached to
ceiling track 66 withspring clips 220, whereinspring legs 224 of spring clips 220 engage protrudingtongues 278 projecting interiorly fromceiling trim members 276, andspring body portions 222 of spring clips 220 engage within springclip receptor channels 280 defined along the length of each side of ceiling tracks 66. The lower edges of ceilingtrim members 276 additionally includeprotrusions 282 which overlap eitherhorizontal window casings 240 a (as shown in FIG. 23) or opaque panel skins 226 (as shown in FIG. 30b) therebelow to blunt the lower edges of ceilingtrim members 276 and also to minimize scuffing ofhorizontal window casings 240 a or opaque panel skins 226. Additionally, the overlap between ceilingtrim members 276 andhorizontal window casings 240 a oropaque panel skins 226 therebelow allows vertical adjustment ofpanel frame 56 with respect toceiling track 66 usingjack post assembly 122 as described above, withceiling trim members 276 maskingjack post assemblies 122 and providing a continuous and smooth visual transition betweenceiling 54 andhorizontal casings 240 a or opaque panel skins 226 ofpanel 44. - Similarly, floor trim members284 (FIG. 7D) are attached to
floor track 64 usingspring clips 220 in the same manner as described above with respect to ceiling trimmembers 276. The upper edges of floortrim members 284 includeprotrusions 282 similar to those of ceilingtrim members 276. Additionally, the overlap between the upper edges of floortrim members 284 and eitherhorizontal window casings 240 a (as shown in FIG. 23) or opaque panel skins 226 (as shown in FIG. 30b) thereabove allows vertical adjustment ofpanel frame 56 with respect tofloor track 64 as described above, withfloor trim members 284 masking the components ofvertical adjustment assembly 112,harness assemblies 186, and electrical jumpers, as well as providing a smooth visual transition betweenfloor 52 andhorizontal window casings 240 a or opaque panel skins 226. - Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 22A,
floor trim members 284 may include apertures therein, through which outlet modules 188 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 22A) ofharness assemblies 186 are disposed to provide access tooutlet modules 188. Notably, becauseharness assemblies 186 are attached tofloor track 64,panel frame 56 may be vertically adjusted with respect tofloor track 64 without vertical movement ofharness assemblies 186. - As shown in FIG. 30C, various end caps and splice members are provided for attachment to the ends of floor
trim members 284 andceiling trim members 276. Baseright end cap 285 includesslot 293 on one side thereof for receipt of the right end of floortrim member 284, as shown in FIG. 30D, for providing an aesthetic, finished end tofloor trim member 284 where needed, such as at the end of a panel run, at a door frame (FIG. 28A), or at an L-type panel-to-panel connection, for example. Baseleft end cap 287, shown in FIG. 30C, functions in the same manner as baseright end cap 285. Referring still to FIG. 30C,base splice 289 includes a pair ofslots 293 for receipt of the ends of adjacentfloor trim members 284 to provide a finished splice connection between abuttingfloor trim members 284. Similarly,ceiling splice 291 includes a pair ofslots 293 for receipt of the ends of abuttingceiling trim members 276 to provide a finished connection therebetween. Further, right and left end caps (not shown) for ceilingtrim members 276 may also be provided, which are similar to right and left base end caps 285, 287 of floortrim members 284. - Referring back to FIG. 30A, one exemplary method of attaching
panels 44 to ceiling frame members (not shown) within an interior building space is shown, using caddy clips 251. Caddy clips 251 are readily available, and each generally include a pair of sub-clips which engageapertures 67 inceiling track 66 to connectcaddy clips 251 thereto.Hooks 253 of caddy clips 251 are engaged with the ceiling frame members within an interior building space to attachpanels 44 to the ceiling structure. - Each of the above-discussed panel components which includes an exterior facing, such as
vertical window casings 242,horizontal window casings intermediate window casings 268, as well as ceiling and floor trimmembers veneer sheet 311 is shown in FIG. 7H laminated tovertical window casing 242. Referring to FIG. 19, a portion ofveneer sheet 311 is shown laminated to the exposed surface of floortrim member 284 to provide an attractive simulated wood grain finish to the foregoing - Referring to FIGS. 28A and B,
door frame assembly 288 is shown. As shown in FIG. 28A,door frame assembly 288 includes a pair ofvertical frame members 58 connected at the upper ends thereof with a single upperhorizontal frame member 60 via jack post blocks 104 b, as described above. Further,vertical trim members 318 are attached tovertical frame members 58, and floor trimmembers 284 withend caps vertical trim members 318. Referring to FIG. 28B, door frame assembly additionally includesdoor frame members 290, which may be fitted with suitable door latch hardware.Door frame members 290 includesub-frame members Door frame members 290 are secured to verticalwindow frame members 246 in a suitable manner, such as by welding or with fasteners. Verticalwindow frame members 246 are connected tovertical window casings 242, which are in turn connected tovertical frame members 58 offrame 56, as described above.Hinge member 296 is mounted to onedoor frame members 290 and to door 298 to hingedly connectdoor 298 topanel frame 56, and the oppositedoor frame member 290 serves as a jamb fordoor 298. - Further, referring to FIG. 29, which depicts a lower portion of
door frame assembly 288, looking upwardly,door frame assembly 288 may includecarpet gripper elements 302 connected to bolt 114 of panel support blocks 102 a (or 102 b).Carpet grippers 109 may include a steel plate with aU-shaped slot 303 and a plurality ofbent gripper teeth 304 depending therefrom to engage a floor surface.Carpet gripper elements 302 replacefloor track 64 in theparticular panels 44 which definedoor frame assembly 288, and are attached to panel support blocks 102 offrame 56 by insertingU-shaped slot 303 ofcarpet gripper elements 302 betweenhead 118 andnut 116 b ofbolt 114 ofvertical adjustment assembly 112 to capturecarpet gripper element 302 betweennut 116 b andhead 118 ofbolt 114. - A wall start configuration is shown in FIG. 31A, such as when a run of
panels 44 extend from apermanent wall 43. The wall start configuration includeswall start member 310, shown in FIGS. 31B and 31C.Wall start member 310 includesbase wall 312 which is attached to existing,permanent wall 43 by any suitable fasteners (not shown). Additionally,wall start member 310 includesside walls 314 extending frombase wall 312, which, as shown in FIG. 31B, includevertical slots 316 therein. Springlegs 224 of spring clips 220 engageslots 316 and the edges ofside walls 314 to attachspring clips 220 to wall startmember 310. Vertical trim members 318 (FIG. 71) are attached to wallstart member 310 by engagingspring clips 220 within springclip receptor channels 320 of verticaltrim members 318. As shown in FIG. 31A,vertical trim members 318 includegrooves 322 for receipt of light andsound seals 274, which engage the surface ofpermanent wall 43 to block transmission of light and sound through the wall start configuration. Additionally, the opposite ends of verticaltrim members 318 overlap opaque panel skins 226 of apanel 44 which is located adjacentpermanent wall 43. - Referring to FIGS. 32A and 32B, an end filler condition is shown, such as when the end of a run of panels approaches a
permanent wall 43. The end filler condition is substantially identical to the wall start configuration shown in FIGS. 31A-C, in that the end filler condition includeswall start member 310 secured topermanent wall 43, andvertical trim members 318 attached to wall startmember 310 as described above. Opaque panel skins 226 ofpanel 44 adjacentpermanent wall 43 may be cut to any desired width during installation ofpanel 44 to fill the gap betweenpanel 44 andpermanent wall 43 in the end filler configuration. Opaque panel skins 226 are attached to frame 56 ofpanel 44 using spring slips 220 as discussed above, and are cantilevered outwardly ofpanel frame 56 ofpanel 44 towardwall start member 310. The ends of verticaltrim members 318 overlap opaque panel skins 226 to provide a continuous, finished appearance. As shown in FIG. 32A,wall start member 310 additionally includes a C-shapedbrace member 324 attached thereto to maintain the spacing between opaque panel skins 226 on either side of the end filler configuration. As shown in FIG. 32B,bottom flange 326 ofwall start member 310 rests against the top offloor track 64. - A 135° panel-to-
panel connection 51, shown in FIG. 1, is shown in more detail in FIGS. 33A and 33B, wherein L-shaped brackets 147 (FIG. 9B) are used to connect vertical frame members of the frames of adjacent panels which are aligned 135° with respect to one another.Fasteners 99 connect jack post blocks 104 b and panel support blocks 102 b tosecond flanges 151 of L-shapedbrackets 147.Additional fasteners 331 are received within 135° connection holes 161 and center holes 159 (FIG. 9B) ofsecond flanges 151 of L-shaped-brackets 147 to secure L-shapedbrackets 147 of adjacent panels to one another in a 135° angle with respect to one another. In 135°corner connection 330, floor tracks 64 of adjacent panels have ends which are cut in a mitered arrangement as shown. Additionally, 135°exterior panel 332 and 135°interior panel 334 are attached to adjacentvertical frame members 58 of adjacent panels usingspring clips 220 in the manner described above with respect to opaque panel skins 226. Referring to FIGS. 33A and 33B, it may be seen that by varying the location of 135° connection holes 161 and center holes 159 of L-shapedbrackets 147, and also by varying the angle of the miter cuts at the ends of floor tracks 64, adjacent panels may be connected to one another at various angles other than 135°. - The installation of a representative panel in
panel system 42 will now be generally described as follows. First,panel frame 56 is assembled as described above, which includes vertical andhorizontal frame members horizontal frame members 144 if desired, jack post blocks 104 a or 104 b, panel support blocks 102 a or 102 b, andfloor track 64 secured to panel support blocks 102 a or 102 b viavertical adjustment assembly 112. Additionally,floor track 64 may also includeharness assemblies 186 attached thereto.Ceiling track 66 is secured to a ceiling grid in a conventional manner using caddy clips 251 or other types of fasteners, for example.Ceiling track 66 may be secured directly to the ceiling grid members along the longitudinal axes of same, or alternatively, ceiling tracks 66 may be secured in an oblique manner with respect to the ceiling track gridwork within an interior building space. -
Panel frame 56 is then slid or “skidded” across the floor surface by an installer oncurved edges 142 offloor track 64 to locatepanel frame 56 beneath acorresponding ceiling track 66, after whichpanel frame 56 is tilted to a vertical position therebeneath. Then,jack post assemblies ceiling track 66 as described above to releasably attachpanel frame 56 toceiling track 66. Thereafter,carpet grippers 109 are installed as described above to anchor the panel frame to a carpeted floor surface. Optionally, screws may be threaded throughfloor track 64 and into gripping engagement with carpet on a floor surface, or threaded directly into a floor surface, if desired, to further securepanel frame 56 in position. - After
panel frame 56 is secured in position as described above, jumpers andoutlet modules 188 may be attached to harnessassemblies 186 to provide electrical and/or data service throughoutpanel system 42. Additionally, mountingtracks 156 may be attached to frame 56 as described above and shown in FIGS. 21 and 34. Opaque panel skins 226,window panels 236, or any combination of the foregoing may be attached to frame 56 as described above in any desired configuration. Finally, ceiling and floor trimmembers frame 56 and each of thefloor 52 andceiling 54. Additionally, during the installation ofpanel system 42,additional panels 44 may be attached to one another using,panel connecting brackets 194 and/orcorner posts 212 according, to a first embodiment, or by usingcam locks 181 and/orcorner post units 213 and/orfinished end units 195 according to a second embodiment, to provide end-to-end panel connections, or to form building or furniture module T-type connections type connections - While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1.-12. (canceled)
13. A partition system for partitioning a work space, comprising:
a frame including at least one vertical frame member and at least one horizontal frame member;
a least one spring clip removably attached to one of said horizontal and said vertical frame members, said spring clip including a spring body portion with a pair of leg portions extending therefrom, one of said leg portions and said spring body portion engaging said one frame member; and
a partition system component including a receiving element to which is attached the other of said leg portions and said spring body portion of said spring clip, said spring clip thereby attaching said partition system component to said frame member.
14. The partition system of claim 13 , wherein said partition system component is a tile member, said tile member covering at least a portion of said frame.
15. The partition system of claim 13 , wherein said partition system component is a window casing member.
16. The partition system of claim 13 , wherein said frame includes a floor track and a ceiling track attached thereto, said floor track supporting said frame on a floor surface and said ceiling track mounted to a ceiling surface.
17. The partition system of claim 16 , further comprising a ceiling trim element removably attached to said ceiling tack by at least one said spring clip.
18. The partition system of claim 16 , further comprising a floor trim element removably attached to said floor track by at least one said spring clip.
19. A partition system for partitioning a work space, comprising:
a floor track;
a ceiling track;
a frame disposed intermediate said floor track and said ceiling track, including upper and lower horizontal frame members, and at least one vertical frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion;
first and second corner blocks, said first corner block attached to said upper portion of said vertical frame member and connecting said upper horizontal frame member thereto, said second corner block attached to said lower portion of said vertical frame member and connecting said lower horizontal frame member thereto;
said first corner block further including a first engagement assembly connecting said frame to said ceiling track; and
said second corner block further including a second engagement assembly connecting said frame to said floor track.
20. The partition system of claim 19 , wherein said corner blocks each include cam slots therein, and wherein vertical frame members of adjacent frames in said partition system are connected to one another by a cam element engaged within the cam slots of adjacent said corner blocks of said adjacent vertical frame members.
21. The partition system of claim 19 , wherein said cam slots are arcuate in shape, and include a relatively wider portion tapering to a relatively narrower portion.
22. The partition system of claim 21 , wherein said cam element includes a bolt head on a first side thereof, and a pair of cam lugs one a second side thereof.
23. The partition system of claim 22 , wherein said cam lugs of said cam element are initially received within said relatively wider portions of said cam slots, followed by turning said bolt head to rotate said cam element to engage said cam lugs within said relatively narrower portions of said cam slots.
24. The partition system of claim 19 , wherein said first engagement assembly comprises:
a rod vertically slidably disposed through a bore in said first corner block, said rod attached to a plate at an upper end thereof; and
a spring disposed between said corner block and said plate, said spring biasing said rod and said plate outwardly of said corner block to engage said plate with said ceiling track.
25. The partition system of claim 24 , wherein said first engagement assembly further comprises a lock plate attached to said rod to lock said rod in said outward position.
26. The partition system of claim 19 , wherein said second engagement assembly comprises:
a bolt threaded within a bore in said second corner block, said bolt having an end portion connected to said floor track, wherein said panel frame may be vertically adjusted relative to said floor track by rotation of said bolt.
Priority Applications (1)
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US10/821,030 US20040211127A1 (en) | 2001-06-15 | 2004-04-08 | Floor-to-ceiling wall panel system |
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US10/821,030 US20040211127A1 (en) | 2001-06-15 | 2004-04-08 | Floor-to-ceiling wall panel system |
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US10/162,293 Division US6883277B2 (en) | 2001-06-15 | 2002-06-04 | Floor-to-ceiling wall panel system |
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US10/821,030 Abandoned US20040211127A1 (en) | 2001-06-15 | 2004-04-08 | Floor-to-ceiling wall panel system |
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US10/162,293 Expired - Fee Related US6883277B2 (en) | 2001-06-15 | 2002-06-04 | Floor-to-ceiling wall panel system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6883277B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 |
CA2389508A1 (en) | 2002-12-15 |
CA2389508C (en) | 2006-08-15 |
WO2002103129A1 (en) | 2002-12-27 |
US20030089057A1 (en) | 2003-05-15 |
EP1395717A1 (en) | 2004-03-10 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TRANSWALL OFFICE SYSTEMS, INC,., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KIMBALL INTERNATIONAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:016851/0621 Effective date: 20051014 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |