Partition System With Removable Cover Panels

The present invention relates to an office partition panel system with removable decorative covers that have movable fingers adjacent their lower edge for retaining the covers to the panel frame.

Modern offices and work environments use partition panels to subdivide work space. The partition panels often include vertically slotted posts and frames configured to support hang-on accessories and furniture, such as work surfaces, shelves, overhead cabinets and the like. Further, they include cover panels shaped to cover the frames but to allow access to the slots in the frames. Sometimes, the cover panels are removable so that utilities carried in the frames can be accessed. A problem with removable covers is that they must be tightly secured so that they do not rattle or exhibit looseness. Also, the show surfaces of the cover panels must be held flush to adjacent cover panels to provide a good appearance, even if the cover panels are slightly warped or bowed. At the same time, the cover panels must be readily removable or they defeat the purpose of being removable.

Another problem is that it is difficult to install cover panels having clips, hooks or projections since these connecting features must be accurately aligned with holes in partition frames for connection. However, since the connecting features are on a back side of the cover panel, the alignment and connection process is a blind connection process. This problem is aggravated by normal dimensional variations in partition frames and cover panels, which dimensional variations cause misalignment and difficult attachment. A cover panel connection system is desired that compensates for these significant dimensional variations in the partition frames and cover panels. Further, a cover panel connection system is desired that is secured, but that permits ready assembly and disassembly of the cover panels from their respective frames, and in particular which captures edges of the cover panels to closely control the flushness relative to adjacent cover panels. This is particularly true of vertically adjacent cover panels, since differences in flushness where a lower panel is outboard of an upper panel creates a ledge that is visually unexceptable to consumers.

Recently, a novel partition system was conceived where the partition frame incorporated a plurality of horizontal frame members with horizontally slotted faces. Advantageously, the slots provide regularly spaced point specific attachment locations, allowing furniture components and accessories to be attached at selected horizontal locations for optimal efficiency. The point specific attachment locations also allow the furniture components and accessories to be installed with great accuracy, but without the need for any measuring by installers. Basically, the installers (or users) count the number of slots to the desired attachment location, and then install their component in an optimal location. A problem can occur if the clips of the cover panel connection system interfere with selecting a particular slot, since this would prevent using the selected slot for the attachment purpose. A cover panel is desired that does not interfere with selection of a particular attachment location. Presently available cover panels are not compatible with partition frames having horizontal rows of slots for supportive hang-on accessory units since the presently available cover panels have fixed clips and connectors that may interfere with the mounting of hang-on accessory units.

Accordingly, a system solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a partition construction including a partition frame, and upper and lower cover panels that cover a side of the partition frame. A connection system on the upper cover panel releasable attaching the upper cover panel to the partition frame, the connection system including a plurality of top clips adjacent an upper edge of the cover panel that positively engage the partition frame, and further including a plurality of bottom fingers extending below a lower edge of the upper cover panel that engage at least a selected one of the lower cover panel and the partition frame at a location below the upper cover panel.

These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a partition system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the partition frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the partition system of FIG. 1 showing the installation of the cover panel;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the installation of the cover panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating a tool that is used to remove the cover panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cover panel of FIG. 1 wherein the cover panel includes a tackable outer surface;

FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the tackable cover panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the tackable cover panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the tackable cover panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover panel of FIG. 1 wherein the cover panel includes a wood sheet;

FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of the cover panel of FIG. 1 wherein the cover panel is a non-tackable sheet metal cover;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the non-tackable cover panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the non-tackable cover panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the pivotable finger taken along the line XIV--XIV of FIG. 15;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the pivotable finger of FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the pivotable finger of FIG. 3;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the finger mounting bracket taken along the line XVII--XVII of FIG. 18;

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the finger mounting bracket of FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the finger mounting bracket taken along the line XIX--XIX of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top elevational view of the horizontal seal clip of FIG. 8;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the horizontal seal clip of FIG. 8;

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the horizontal seal clip of FIG. 8;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the V-shaped cover-retaining clip that is used with the non-tackable cover panel of FIG. 12;

FIG. 24 is a left side elevational view of the V-shaped cover-retaining clip used with the non-tackable cover panel of FIG. 12;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the V-shaped cover-retaining clip used with the non-tackable cover panel of FIG. 12;

FIG. 26 is a right side elevational view of the V-shaped cover-retaining clip used with the non-tackable cover panel of FIG. 12;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the V-shaped cover-retaining clip used with the tackable cover panel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 28 is a left side elevational view of the V-shaped cover-retaining clip used with the tackable cover panel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the V-shaped cover-retaining clip used with the tackable cover panel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 30 is a right side elevational view of the V-shaped cover-retaining clip used with the tackable cover panel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 31 is an end view of the horizontal light seal;

FIG. 32 is an end view of the side edge trim strip;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of a panel clip;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a panel clip;

FIG. 35 is a front elevational view of a panel clip;

FIG. 36 side elevational view of a panel clip;

FIG. 37 is a fragmentary end view of the lower portion of the partition frame showing the panel clip of FIG. 34.

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the partition system or construction 1 includes a partition frame 2, includes horizontal frame members 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and vertical frame members 8, 9 and 10. The partition system also includes a cover panel 11 covering a side of the partition frame 2. The partition 1 further includes a connection system on the cover panel 11 that releasable attaches the cover panel 11 to the partition frame 2. The connection system includes a plurality of top clips 12 on the cover panel 11 adjacent an upper edge 13 of the cover panel 11. The clips 12 positively engage the partition frame 2. The connection system further includes a plurality of bottom fingers 14 (FIG. 3) that extend below a lower edge 15 of the cover panel 11 and engage at least a selected one of a lower cover panel 16 and a frame member such as horizontal member 5 located below the upper cover panel 11 in a juxtaposed relationship thereto.

The horizontal frame members each include horizontal rows of evenly-spaced discrete attachment locations such as slots 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 which provide attachment locations for hang-on accessory units such as storage shelves and bins 24, work surfaces 25 and the like. The bottom fingers 14 of the cover panel 11 are pivotably mounted to the cover panel 11 to allow access to the horizontal slots if required for mounting of a hang-on accessory unit.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the cover panel 11 comprises a tackable cover panel 47. The tackable cover panel 47 includes a perimeter frame 48 having upper and lower horizontal members 49, 50, respectively, and a pair of vertical side members 51 which form a rigid perimeter frame. A sheet of acoustic insulation 52 extends across the frame 48, and is covered by fabric 53 on the outer side of the cover panel 47. The bottom finger 14 is pivotally mounted to the frame 48 at pivot 54 for rotation in the direction of the arrow "A" about an axis that is orthogonal to the plane of the cover panel 11. A flexible tab 55 on the finger 14 extends towards the frame 48, and frictionally engages an inner surface 56 thereof, thereby maintaining the finger 14 at a selected position. As described in more detail below, the top clips 12 used with the tackable cover panel 47 comprise clips 110 that include a base portion 59 with a retainer clip 57 that retains the clip 12 to the tackable cover panel 47 along the edge 58 of the upper horizontal frame member 49. In FIG. 8, the upper left clip 110 has been removed to show the rectangular aperture 115 that retains the clip 110, also described in more detail below. Metal braces 60 are TOG-L-LOC'D to the upper and lower frame members 49 and 50 to provide additional strength.

With reference to FIG. 10, the cover panel 11 may comprise a wood cover panel 35. The wood cover panel 35 includes a body portion 36 having a laminated sheet construction with a pair of vertical edge trim strips 37 fastened thereto. The fingers 14 on the wood cover panel 35 are fastened into slots 39 by screws 38. The fingers 14 may include a flange or protrusion that extends into the slot 39 to locate the finger 14. If access to the horizontal row of slots in the horizontal frame member is required, the fingers 14 may be moved to an adjacent slot 39, thereby providing clearance for mounting hang-on accessory units such as work surfaces or storage bins. The top clips 12 are secured to the body portion 36 by screws 40. The top clips 12 are located in the correct position by slots 41. Top clips 12 may include a flange or protrusion extending into a slot 41 to locate the clip in the correct position. A pair of U-shaped stiffener brackets 42 extend along the side edges of the cover panel 35 and include upper and lower cut-out portions 43, 44, respectively.

With reference to FIGS. 11-13, a non-tackable panel 65 has a flat sheet metal skin 66 with an inwardly-extending flange 67 extending along the top and bottom edges 68 and 69 and the side edges 70. Each finger 14 is pivotally mounted to a bracket 75 at a first pivot 76, or a second pivot 77. A flexible seal 78 extends along the bottom edge 69 of the panel 65 to block light and sound from passing through the assembled partition panel. The seal 78 is retained to the lower flange 73 by a pair of clips 90. As described in more detail below, the non-tackable top clips 12 comprise clips 100, each of which includes clip portions 107 and 108 that retain the clip 12 on the upper flange 72.

With reference to FIGS. 14-16, each of the pivoting fingers 14 include a flexible tab 55, a raised portion 79 with a clearance hole 80 for pivotally mounting the finger 14 to a cover panel. The finger 14 includes a body portion 82 with a pair of orthogonal reinforcement flanges 81 extending along the sides of the body portion 82 adjacent the base end 83. The opposite end 84 curves slightly, and defines a semi-circular edge 85.

With reference to FIGS. 17-19, each bracket 75 is formed from sheet metal, and includes first and second clearance holes forming pivots 76 and 77, respectively, for mounting the finger 14. The flexible tab 55 of the finger 14 contacts the raised portion 86 of the mounting bracket 75 to frictionally retain the finger 14 in the desired angular position. The flexible tab 55 also biases the finger outwardly, away from the panel to assist in keeping the cover panels in a plane with each other across vertical joints.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20-22, the clip 90 that retains the seal 78 has a generally U-shaped cross section with a web 91 and first and second legs 92 and 93 that extend inwardly towards one another at a slight angle. Clip 90 is preferably made from spring steel to permit the legs 92 and 93 to flex outwardly upon installation of the clip 90 over the seal 78 to thereby retain the seal 78 on the cover panel.

Top clip 12 may comprise a non-tackable panel clip 100 illustrated in FIGS. 23-26 or may comprise a tackable clip 110 illustrated in FIGS. 27-30. The non-tackable panel clip 100 includes a V-shaped portion 101 that is transversely oriented when the clip 100 is installed to a non-tackable panel 65. The V-shaped portion 101 includes first and second legs 102, 103 with an extension 104 extending from the second leg 103. Leg 102 flexes toward leg 103 upon insertion into an aperture 22 (FIG. 3) in the partition frame 2. When the V-shaped portion 101 is fully inserted into the aperture 22 in the frame 2, leg 103 flexes outwardly somewhat such that the retainer tab 105 abuts the inner surface of the horizontal frame member, thereby retaining the tab to the frame member. As described in more detail below, a tool 23 (FIG. 5) may be used to push the extension tab 104 in the direction of the arrow "B" (FIG. 25) to thereby flex leg 103 toward leg 102 and moving retainer tab 105 out of contact with the inner surface of the horizontal frame member such that the clip 100 may be removed from the partition frame 2. A pair of clips 107 and 108 retain the non-tackable panel clip 100 on the upper flange 72 of the panel 65. The flange 72 is snugly received between the clips 107, 108 and the lower wall 109 of the non-tackable panel clip 100. The lower leg 106 of the clip 100 abuts the inner side of sheet metal skin 66 of the panel 65, and provides further support for the non-tackable panel clip 100. The V-shaped portion 101 of the non-tackable panel clip 100 is cut-out at 99 to lower the effort required to flex leg 103 towards leg 102 during installation or removal of the cover panel.

The clip 110 illustrated in FIGS. 27-30 is used for the tackable panel 47. The V-shaped portion 101 is substantially the same as described above with respect to the nontackable panel clip 100. The base portion 111 of the tackable panel clip 110 includes a clip 112 that is received over the edge 58 of the upper horizontal cover panel frame member 49 (FIG. 6). A pair of small tabs 113 extend from the flexible arm 114 on the base 111 of the tackable panel clip 110. The small tabs 113 are received in a rectangular aperture 115 in the frame 48 of the cover panel 47 (FIG. 8). The clip 112 and tabs 113 cooperate to retain the tackable panel clip 110 to the cover panel 47.

With reference to FIG. 31, the horizontal seal 78 includes a clip portion 120 that retains the seal 78 on the edge 121 of the lower flange of the cover panel. The flexible lower portion 122 abuts the upper edge of the cover panel immediately below, thereby preventing the transmission of light and sound between adjacent office spaces.

With reference to FIG. 32, the edge trim strip 37 acts as a light and sound block along the vertical side edges of the cover panels. A clip portion 34 retains the trim strip 37 on the flange along the side edge of the cover panel. Flexible end 33 abuts a vertical frame member to further ensure that light and sound is not transmitted between adjacent office spaces.

With reference to FIGS. 33-36, clip 125 is used to support a cover panel at the floor. As best seen in FIG. 35, the clip 125 includes center webs 126 and a pair of upwardly and inwardly-extending first and second legs 127 and 128 that terminate at first and second flanges 129 and 130, respectively. First and second tabs 131 and 132 extend downwardly from webs 126 and abut the floor surface along edges 135, 136. Clip 125 is clipped to the lower edge 15 of a lower cover panel 16 and supports the cover panel 16 directly on the inner surface 137 of floor channel 138 (FIG. 37). The edge 141 of flange 129 abuts the inner surface 139 of downwardly-extending flange 140 of horizontal frame rail or member 7, thereby retaining the lower edge 142 of panel 16 to the partition frame 2. Trim strip 143 clips to floor channel 138 to cover the clips 125. Clip 125 is attached to the lower edge of cover panel 16 by manually grasping the tabs 131 and 132 and flexing the tabs 131 and 132 inwardly, thereby flexing legs 127 and 128 outwardly such that the clip can be attached to the lower edge of the cover panel 16.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a cover panel 11 is installed to the partition frame 2 by inserting the bottom fingers 14 between the lower cover panel 16 and the horizontal frame members 5. The upper edge 13 of the cover panel 11 is then rotated inwardly until the transversely-oriented V-shaped portion of clips 12 engage the apertures 22 in the horizontal frame member 3. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cover panel is removed by using the tool 23 to depress the extension 104 of the V-shaped portion 101 of the clip. Depressing the extension 104 causes the retainer tab 105 to move out of abutting engagement with the inner surface of the horizontal frame member 5 such that the upper edge 13 of cover panel 11 may be removed from the partition frame 2. The cover panel 11 is then lifted upwardly to disengage the fingers 14 from between the horizontal frame member and the lower cover panel 16.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.