Wall panel with off-module components

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/201,473, filed May 3, 2000, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a wall panel system, and in particular, to a wall panel comprising an off-module component disposed thereon.

[0004] Panel systems are commonly used to divide large, open office space into separate workspaces. For example, Herman Miller, Inc., the assignee of the present application, manufacturers and sells at least two such work space management systems: the ACTION OFFICE® system and the ETHOSPACE® system. Typically, workspace management systems are comprised of a series of wall panels arranged in various configurations. For example, wall panels can be connected in series in an end-to-end configuration, or they can be arranged around and connected to a corner post in a two-way, three-way or four-way configuration.

[0005] Typically, office system components, such as return panels, overhead cabinets, work surfaces, shelving and the like, are supported at the junction of adjoining wall panels, whether by way of direct connection to the ends of one or more of the adjoining wall panels, or by way of connection to a corner post or other connector positioned therebetween. As such, the position of the components is predetermined, based upon the modular length of the wall panels incorporated into the system.

[0006] However, wall panels also can be configured to support various office system components “off-module,” meaning that the various office system components, e.g., return panels and the like, can be connected to the wall panel at various points along the length of the wall panel between the ends thereof. Typically, however, such wall panels include elaborate, complex infrastructures that can be expensive to manufacture. In addition, such wall panels typically have points of attachment vertically fixed along the height of the panel, thereby limiting vertical reconfigurability of the components. Moreover, such systems typically require at least two points of attachment to prevent the inadvertent dislodgment of the components from the wall panel.

[0007] Briefly stated, one aspect of the invention is directed to an improved wall panel assembly comprising first and second upwardly extending, curvilinear walls, which are spaced apart to form an upwardly opening channel. A support member includes a downwardly extending, curvilinear insert portion, which is dimensioned to be received in the channel. The insert portion is inserted into the channel, and a component is attached to the support member. In a preferred embodiment, a rail member defines the channel and is attached to a wall panel frame. The rail is preferably removably attached to the wall on one or both sides thereof.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the only connection between the component and the wall panel is the interface between the insert portion of the support member and the channel. In one preferred embodiment, the insert portion and the channel include opposing channels that form a passage therebetween. A pin can be inserted in the passageway so as to prevent dislodgment of the insert portion from the channel.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the wall panel comprises a downwardly extending wall having a bottom edge and an upwardly extending wall having a top edge. The downwardly extending wall is disposed above the upwardly extending wall, with the bottom and top edges respectively of the downwardly and upwardly extending walls spaced apart to form an opening therebetween. A second support member includes an insert portion that abuttingly engages at least one of the downwardly and upwardly extending walls. The component is attached to the first support member engaging the channel, and is further attached to the second support member. In a preferred embodiment, a connector tile comprises the downwardly and upwardly extending walls and is attached to a wall panel frame.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the invention, the wall panel assembly comprises an elongated, horizontally oriented channel. A support member engages the channel, and can be moved to any position along the length of the channel.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the support member comprises a rotatable cam member that is rotatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cam member is inserted into an opening in the component when in the disengaged position and is thereafter rotated to the engaged position so as to engage the component.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for reconfiguring a wall panel with an off-module component is provided. The method includes providing a panel having a first and second side and attaching a rail member to the first side of the wall panel. The rail member comprises a curved, upwardly opening channel. The method further includes providing a support member having a downwardly extending, curved insert portion. The insert portion is inserted into the channel and a component is supported on the support member.

[0013] In another aspect, the method further comprises disconnecting the support member by removing the insert portion from the channel and detaching the rail from the wall panel.

[0014] The present invention provides significant advantages over other wall panel assemblies. For example, the interface between the insert portion of the support member and the curved channel of the wall panel can help prevent the support member from being inadvertently dislodged from the wall panel, especially when configured with an antidislodgment pin. As such, various components, such as an overhead cabinet, can be connected to the wall panel at a single location, without the need for additional anti-dislodgment clips and the like.

[0015] At the same time, the component can be further connected to a second support member engaged with a pair of walls forming an opening therebetween. The support members can be easily moved to any position along the length of the wall panel to provide off-module support for various office system or work station components.

[0016] In addition, the rail member, which is preferably removably attached to a frame of the wall panel, can be easily attached to the frame as needed to support various off-module components. At the same time, the rail member can be easily removed if no components are to be attached off-module. As such, the user can use the rail member as needed, thereby reducing the inventory of parts and the overall expense of the system.

[0017] Likewise, the connector tile, which also is preferably removeable, can be easily attached or removed as needed. In addition, both the rail member and connector tile can be attached to the wall panel at any vertical location, thereby providing a variety of vertical support positions for the various office system components.

[0018] The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a wall panel frame with a rail member and tile connected thereto.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rail member.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a return panel positioned adjacent to a wall panel with a rail member and a tile member attached thereto.

[0022] FIG. 4 is rear perspective view of a tile.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view a wall panel with a plurality of support members supported on a rail member, a tile member, and a return panel connected to one of the support members.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a partial end view of the assembly shown in FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support member.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a side view of a channel cover member.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a connector tile attached to a wall panel frame, with a return panel connected to the connector tile.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support block.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a plurality of support brackets supported on a connector tile.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a connector member.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connector member.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of an upper portion of the support member shown in FIG. 7.

[0033] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support member.

[0034] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support member.

[0035] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of a connector tile.

[0036] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a wall panel frame and connector system.

[0037] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a cover tile being installed on a wall panel frame.

[0038] FIG. 20 is a partial side view of the cover tile and wall panel frame shown in FIG. 19.

[0039] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tile.

[0040] FIG. 22 is partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a rail member.

[0041] FIG. 23 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a connector tile.

[0042] FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connector member.

[0043] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support member.

[0044] FIG. 26 is a partial exploded perspective view of a connector member and a support member being secured to the end of a return panel.

[0045] FIG. 27 is a partial exploded perspective view of a return panel being secured to a wall panel with a support member and a connector member.

[0046] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an insert member.

[0047] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lower support member.

[0048] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support bracket supported on a connector tile.

[0049] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connector member.

[0050] FIG. 32 is a front view of the connector member shown in FIG. 31.

[0051] FIG. 33 is a side view of an overhead end panel.

[0052] FIG. 34 is a sectional view of the end panel taken along line 34—34 in FIG. 33.

[0053] FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of a work surface support assembly.

[0054] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an overhead assembly.

[0055] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an insert member.

[0056] FIG. 38 is a perspective of view of a connector member and insert member installed on a rail member with an anti-dislodgment pin.

[0057] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 18 shows a wall panel frame 100. The frame 100 comprises a pair of vertical frame members 102 and an upper and lower horizontal frame member 104. The horizontal frame members 104 abut the vertical frame members 102 and are preferably affixed thereto at the corners of the panel by welding. It should be understood that the frame members could also be affixed by way of fasteners, adhesives and the like. The vertical frame members 102 have a slightly larger width than the horizontal frame members 104, and further include an outwardly facing channel 105 formed along the length thereof on each end of the wall panel. The vertical frame members have a plurality of openings 103, or slots, formed along their respective lengths at the opposite ends of the panel. The openings 103 are shaped and oriented to engage brackets, which support various work station components. As shown in FIGS. 3, 9, 18 and 27, the vertical frame members 102 further include a plurality of vertically disposed alternating rectangular openings 118 and tapered keyhole slots 120, which are positioned on the frame members inboard of the openings 103. The vertical frame members 102 further include a plurality of circular fastener openings 122 vertically disposed therealong.

[0058] As best shown in FIGS. 9, 19, 20 and 27 cover tiles 114 span between and are removeably attached to the vertical frame members 102 with hooks 118 and spring clips 116 that engage the frame members at openings 118, 120. The cover tiles 114 do not span the entire length of the wall panel, but fall short to expose the openings 103 on the vertical frame members such that various components can be engaged thereon. The cover tiles 114 can be covered with a covering such as a fabric, can comprise a tackable surface, or can be made of metal, wood, plastic, glass or any other suitable material. The cover tiles 114 further preferably include a trim portion 115 extending from the bottom of the cover tile, which spans the gap between the bottom of the cover tile and the top of the next lower tile. The trim portion is preferably vinyl.

[0059] Alternatively, a rail tile can be removeably attached to the frame in place of the cover tile. The rail tile includes a plurality of horizontally oriented channels disposed one above the other. Various office system components, such as paper trays and the like, include a hook member that is engaged with at least one of the channels on the rail tile. The back of the member abuttingly engages the outermost face of the rail tile for stability.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 18, the wall panel further includes a top cap 124 that is snap fitted to the upper horizontal frame member with a pair of clips. A pair of base covers 126 are connected to opposite sides of a lower portion of the frame. A pair of support feet 128 engage the floor and support the frame thereabove.

[0061] Serially-adjacent wall panels are connected one to the other with a draw tube assembly 106 shown in FIG. 18. In particular, the draw tube 106 is disposed in the space formed by the channels 105 of abutting, adjacent vertical frame members 102. A draw block 108 extends into one of a series of openings 130 formed in the base of channel 105 and engage draw surfaces formed on a plate installed on top of the vertical frame members. A draw bolt 110 engages the draw block and draws the adjacent panels together. Wall panels connected at 90 degrees in two-way, three-way and four-way configurations further incorporate a corner post disposed between the various wall panel configurations. The wall panel frame, connector system and tiles are further shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,571,907, 4,876,835 and 4,618,192, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] Now referring to FIGS. 1-3, a rail member 2 includes an upper portion 3 and a lower portion 5. The upper portion 3 includes an upwardly opening channel 8 formed by a first and second upwardly extending walls 6, 7. The upstanding walls 6, 7 of the rail member are curvilinear, and preferably arcuate, such that the channel 8 has a curved interior space formed between an inner concave surface 9 of the first wail and the inner convex surface 11 of the second wall. In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 22, the first wall 6 has a return portion 300 of flange that extends laterally inward to close the gap between the wall and the top cap of the wall panel. The lower portion 5 of the rail member includes a vertically extending wall 50, with a plurality of horizontally extending recesses 52, one being formed as a groove, that are recessed laterally inward from the outermost surface of the vertical wall. A plurality of ribs 54 extend laterally from the wall opposite the recesses 52 so as to provide the rail member with increased strength. At the same time, a plurality of laterally extending openings 302 are centered in the recesses and communicate with a channel 304 formed by the ribs.

[0063] The ends of the rail 2 are attached to one side of the vertical frame members 102 making up the inner panel frame 100 with a plurality of fasteners, such that the channel 8 runs horizontally along a top edge of the wall panel. In this way, the rail member 2 can be removeably attached to the frame and can be removed or installed as needed. As shown in FIG. 3, The fastener heads 56 are received in the recessed grooves such that they do not interfere with any support components or the like which abut the outermost surface of the vertical wall. It should be understood that the rail member could also be attached to the horizontal frame member with fasteners, and that the rail member could be attached to any of the frame members with clips and the like. Alternatively, the rail member could be fixedly attached to the frame by welding and the like.

[0064] The upwardly opening channel 8 of the rail member runs substantially along the entire length of the wall panel, but terminates short of the ends of the frame so as to leave exposed the slots 103 formed in the vertical frame member 102. The inner, first wall 6 of the channel is longer than and has a greater upward extent than the outer, second wall 7. The channel 8 curves away from the frame as it extends upwardly. The concave interior surface 9 of the inner wall, faces outwardly from the panel frame, while the convex interior surface 11 of the outer wall faces inwardly toward the panel frame. The rail member is preferably metal and is preferably formed as an extrusion, although it should be understood that other materials and methods of forming would also work.

[0065] A cover tile 4, shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, is positioned over the rail member 2 and is removeably attached to the vertical frame members with hooks and clips which are inserted in a pair of mounting flanges 60, as explained above. The cover tile has side portions 58 or webs that extend between the mounting flanges 60 and a flat outer face 62 of the cover tiles. Each side portion 58 has a cut-out 12 along a top portion thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cut-out 12 is dimensioned to allow access to the ends of the channel 8 once the cover tile 4 is mounted to the frame such that various support members can be slid from one panel to the next, when serially aligned. The cut-out can be formed in a variety of different shapes. For example, the cut-out 12 is shown in FIG. 3 as being substantially rectangular, with the corners thereof being curved. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21, the corners of the side portions 58 can simply be cut at a diagonal to form a triangular shaped cut-out 312. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 21, a pair of hat-sections 314 are attached, preferably by welding, to the backside of the cover tile 4 to provide it with additional strength and rigidity.

[0066] When mounted to the frame, the cover tile 4 covers the lower portion 5 of the rail member, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, and further covers substantially the entirety of the outer wall 7 such that only a lip 62 thereof is visible to the user. If the rail member is not needed for off-module support, it can be removed after the cover tile 4 is removed. A cover tile 114, with its closed upper end and sides, can then be removably attached in place of the cover tile 4.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 5-7 and 14, a vertically extending, upper support member 14 includes an insert portion 18, preferably configured as a curved hook shaped to be received in the channel, and a vertical extending connector portion 64. The insert portion 18 is formed by folding a metal flange back on itself to increase the rigidity and strength thereof. The insert portion 18 preferably has a radius of curvature of about 1.25 inches. The insert portion 18 is inserted into the channel 8, such that the base portion 66 of the connector portion abuts the surface of the outer tile face. The interface between the curved insert portion 18 and the curved channel 8 prevents unintended dislodgment of the support member and of any components supported thereon.

[0068] The connector portion 64 of the support member includes a web 68 extending laterally from the base portion 66 and a plurality of flanges 70 extending from the web to form a series of channels along the length of the connector portion. The connector portion channel is attached to an end of a work station component, such as an overhead storage cabinet. For example, as shown in the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 31-33, an end wall 316 of an overhead end panel 318 is received in the channel and is secured to the flange with a snap-fit configuration. Alternatively, fasteners and the like can be used to secure the connector portion to the end panel. A pair of openings 328 are formed in the base portion 66 and are positioned to secure a pair of cross-braces 320 that extend from one connector member to another, as shown in FIG. 36. The end panels 318 further support a shelf 322. If desired, a flipper door assembly (not shown) can be installed so as to form an overhead cabinet with the end panels and shelf. In an alternative embodiment, the end panels can be configured with a standard bracket that engages the slots in the vertical frame member.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 16, an upper support member 80 is configured to engage a return panel 20. In this embodiment, the support member includes an insert member 82, best shown in FIG. 28, having a curved flange 84 dimensioned to be received in the channel 8 and a horizontally extending mounting flange 86 having a pair of holes. An L-shaped connector member 88 includes a horizontal mounting flange 90 that is attached to the mounting flange 86 of the insert member with fasteners, or by welding and the like. A vertically extending connector flange 92 includes an alignment block 94 mounted thereon. The block 94 is dimensioned to be received in the channel 116 formed in the vertical frame member along the end of the return panel, and further to extend into an opening formed in the end of the vertical frame member in the base of the channel.

[0070] A cam member 96 is rotatably mounted to the block 94 about a horizontal axis of rotation, and includes a pair of shoulders 97 at opposite corners of the cam member. A pair of stop members 98 extends laterally from the block 94 and is positioned to engage the shoulders 97 of the cam member 96 when it is rotated to a disengaged position. The support member, with the cam member, is attached to work station component to the wall panel. For example the cam member 96 can be positioned to be aligned with and extend into the opening 130 formed in the end of a vertical frame member of a return panel as shown in FIG. 5. The return panel has the same construction as the wall panel.

[0071] Once the cam member 96 is disposed through the opening, the installer rotates the cam member 96 from a vertically oriented disengaged position to a horizontally oriented engaged position, as explained in more detail below. A backside of the cam member 96 engages the inner surface of the vertical frame when the cam member is in the engaged position so as to releasably secure the return panel, or other work station component, to the support member.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 33, the insert member 82 is attached beneath a flange 324 extending laterally from the top of the base portion 66 of the connector 326. The flange 324 is formed by folding the flange back on itself. The flange 324 of the connector member is attached to the flange 86 with a pair of fasteners. Preferably, the connector is first attached to the end panel 318, or other component, and is thereafter moved into position over the insert member 82 and attached thereto with the fasteners.

[0073] In yet another alternative embodiment, best shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the insert member 82 further includes a groove or channel 500 formed along its length at the corner at the junction between the flanges 84 and the flange 86. The rail member includes a groove or channel 502 formed along the length of the wall 6. As shown in FIG. 37, the groove on the insert member mates with the opposite facing groove on the wall so as to form a cylindrical passageway 506. An anti-dislodgement pin 504 is inserted into the passageway 506 so as to prevent the insert member 82 from being vertically displaced, or removed from the rail member channel 8. It should be understood that the pin 504 does not prevent the support member, and the insert member in particular, from being moved horizontally along the length of the channel 8, if desired. It also should be understood that any of the above-described insert members and insert portions, along with the rail members, can be configured with grooves to form a passageway shaped to receive a pin when mated. Although the passageway has been shown as cylindrical, it should be understood that other shapes, including a rectangular cross-sectional opening, would also work.

[0074] In yet another embodiment of the support member, shown in FIGS. 5 and 15, the connector member and block member are elongated to form a change-of-height (COH) connector 16, which extends down to and accommodates a shorter return wall panel being attached to a taller base wall panel. Other than their length or size, the components for the COH support member are of the same type of construction as the support member 80, and the same reference numbers are therefore used to identify like components.

[0075] In yet another embodiment of the support member, shown in FIG. 25, the connector member 350 is elongated and includes three support platforms 352 spaced longitudinally along the length of the connector member and attached thereto with fasteners, such as rivets, or by welding and the like. Each support platform 352 includes a support surface 354 having an opening 356 formed therein that is aligned with an opening formed in the connector member. Each support platform further includes a pair of stop members 358 extending laterally from opposite diagonal corners thereof. The connector member further includes raised portions 360, or stiffening ribs formed therein for added rigidity and strength. Each raised portion has an opening 362 formed therein. The opening 362 is shaped to receive a tab member that extends from the vertical frame member along the end of the wall panel. In this way, the tab member does not interfere with the installation of the connector member on the return panel as the rib portion is received in the outwardly facing channel 105 formed along the length of the vertical frame member 102. Although the connector member is shown in FIG. 25 with three support platforms, it should be understood that it could also be configured with any other number of such platforms as desired.

[0076] In one preferred embodiment, a cam member 96 is rotatably mounted to each support platform as needed to secure the connector member to a return panel or other component. For example, the cam member can be secured to one of the three support platforms as needed to accommodate return panels of various heights. Or, a plurality of cam members can be used to secure a single component. Preferably, the cam member 96 is mounted with a fastener, such as a screw, that extends from the back side of the connector member through web 92, through the opening 356 and threadably engages the cam member 96.

[0077] During installation, the installer can slide the support member 14, 80, 16 to any position along the length of the rail member 2, thereby providing the user with infinite off-module adjustment capability for the various office system, or work station components. It should be understood that the term “component” means any office system item that is attached to or supported on a wall panel, including for example, but not limited to, return panels, overhead storage units, shelving, worksurface members, various support brackets and various tools, including for example paper trays and the like.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5, the portions of the channel 8 remaining open between the various support members 14, 16, 80 that are inserted therein can be covered with a channel cover member 22, best shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. The cover member includes a curved insert portion 24 that is shaped to be received in the channel, and a horizontal and vertical flange 26, 28. The vertical flange 28 forms a channel 29 with the insert portion 24 that is shaped to receive the upper edge 62 of the outer wall 7. The bottom edge 27 of the vertical flange is disposed adjacent the top edge of the cover tile 4 so as to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The horizontal flange 26 extends inwardly to abut an upper portion of the inner wall. The cover member 22 can be made of plastic, wood or metal, and is preferably formed as an extrusion.

[0079] In a preferred sequence of installation, best illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the connector member 350, 80 is first attached to the return panel, or other component. In particular, the cam members 96 are first loosened so as to be spaced from the connector member or support platform by unscrewing the fastener threadably engaged with the cam member as it engages the stop members. The connector member is then positioned at the end of the return panel such that the cam member extends through the opening 130. The fastener is then tightened so as to both rotate the cam member 96 and also to draw it towards the connector member wherein the frame member 102 is clamped between the cam member 96 and the connector member. The cam member 96 engages the inner walls of the frame member to prevent the cam member from spinning inside the frame member and thereby allow it to be drawn towards the connector member. This operation is repeated for each cam member along the length of the connector member. It should be understood that only one cam member is required to secure the connector to the component.

[0080] Once the connector member is securely attached to the return panel, or other component, the return panel is positioned adjacent the wall panel such that flange 90 is disposed above the flange 86 of the insert member 82, which is positioned at a desired position along the length of the rail member and engaged therewith as described above, and preferably with an anti-dislodgment pin. The connector member is then secured to the insert member to complete the installation.

[0081] In another aspect of the off-module components, best shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 17, a connector tile 30 is attached to the panel frame. The connector tile 30 is preferably the same size as the cover tile 114. In this way, the wall panel can be reconfigured for off-module support by removing one or more cover tiles 114, and removably attaching in their place one or more connector tiles 30. Preferably, the connector tile 30 is removeably attached to the vertical frame members 102 with a plurality of fasteners, such as screws. Alternatively, the connector tile can be fixedly attached to the frame with clips and hooks, or by welding or the like. It should be understood that the rail member and one or more connector tiles can be attached to one or both sides of the frame as needed for off-module attachment.

[0082] The connector tile 30 includes a plurality of horizontal T-shaped members 32 extending laterally from an outer side wall 38. The connector tile further includes an inner side wall 39 laterally spaced from said outer wall and connected thereto with spaced webs 37 to form a plurality of box-beams. The T-shaped members 32 each include a base wall 140, a wall 142 extending upwardly from the base wall and terminating in a top edge 146 and a wall 144 extending downwardly from the base wall and terminating in a bottom edge 148. The top edge 146 of the upwardly extending wall 142 of a lower T-shaped member and the bottom edge 148 of the downwardly extending wall 144 of an upper T-shaped member are spaced apart to form an opening 150 therebetween. The walls 140, 142, 144, 38 form T-shaped channels 34 therebetween. An upper and lower L-shaped member 152, 154 run along the top and bottom of the tile and include a downwardly and upwardly extending wall 156, 158 respectively. In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 23, the end portions of the downwardly extending walls are cut away so as to provide additional access to the channels.

[0083] The connector tile 30 is preferably made of metal and is formed by extrusion. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, two pairs of horizontally elongated flanges 160 extend from the inner wall 39 of the connector tile. Each pair includes an upper and lower flange angled toward each other. The flanges are configured to capture a piece of angle iron that provides increased strength and rigidity to the connector tile.

[0084] A lower support member 162 includes a T-shaped support block 36, or insert member, best shown in FIG. 10, and a connector bracket 40, best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The support block 36 has a middle portion 164 and a pair of wing portions 166 or insert portions, extending therefrom to form a cross-section shaped to mate with the channel 34 formed on the connector tile. Preferably, the wing portions 166 have an outermost surface 168 that is curved or angled to engage the correspondingly shaped walls 142, 144 on the connector tile 30. The support block 36 is slid into the T-shaped channel, with an upper wing portion 166 of the support block engaging the downwardly extending wall 144 of an upper T-shaped member 32 and with a lower wing portion 166 of the block engaging an upwardly extending wall 142 of a lower T-shaped member 32. The middle portion 164 of the support block extends through the opening 150 formed between the two walls 142, 144 and has a plurality of threaded holes 176.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment of the support block, shown in FIG. 29, the corners 163 of the support block are curved so as to facilitate the insertion of the block in to the channel 34.

[0086] If the support block 36 is inserted into the uppermost or lowermost T-shaped channel 34, the upper or lower wing portion, respectively, of the support block will engage one of the walls 156, 158 of the upper or lower L-shaped member 152, 154. The support block is preferably made of metal. The support blocks, which must be slid into the channels 34 from the end of the connector tile, cannot be laterally removed from the connector tile and act as an anti-dislodgment member once they are connected to a work station component.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12, the connector bracket 40 includes a T-shaped plate member 170 having an alignment block 94 attached thereto, or formed therein by stamping or the like. A cam member 96 is rotatably attached to the alignment block 94 and a pair of stop members 98 extend laterally from the block 94 to stop the rotation of the cam member 96 at a disengaged position. An upper portion 172 of the plate member includes a plurality of horizontally spaced fastener holes 174 spaced to mate with the holes 176 disposed in the support block. A plurality of fasteners is installed to attach the connector member to the support block.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of the plate member 178 includes a plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically spaced openings 182 formed in an upper portion 180 that are positioned to be aligned with the openings 176 in a pair of support blocks inserted in a connector tile and positioned one over the other. This double attachment provides additional strength and security.

[0089] In yet another alternative embodiment of the connector bracket, best shown in FIGS. 24, 26 and 27, the connector bracket 600 is preferably T-shaped, and has a longitudinally extending hat section 602 that is shaped to be received in the end of the return panel. A pair of wing portions 604 each have a curved portion 606, which form recesses that are shaped to mate with the outermost surface of the T-shaped members 32 of the connector tile. The curved portions also provide additional strength for the bracket. The wing portions 604 each include a pair of holes 608 for receiving a fastener or the like.

[0090] The bracket 600 is preferably made as a stamping. A pair of stop members 610 extend laterally from a lower portion of the hat section. A cam member 96 is rotatably mounted to the connector bracket with a fastener that extends through the hat section and threadably engages the cam member. The stop members 610 engage the cam member when it is in the disengaged position so as to allow it to be loosened.

[0091] Once installed, the lower support member 162 can be positioned to engage an office system component, such as the return panel shown in FIG. 9. The return panel can be attached to both the rail member and the connector tile using the cam members 96 of the upper and lower support members respectively, as shown for example in FIGS. 26 and 27. Again, the lower support member 162, and the support block in particular, along with any components attached thereto, can be slid in the channels 34 of the connector tile along the length thereof to provide infinite off-module support locations for the components. Preferably, the connector bracket 600 is first attached to the return panel, or other component, as explained above. The return panel is then placed adjacent the wall panel. The wing portions 604 extend laterally from each side of the return panel frame such that the holes 608 therein can be accessed by the installer. Fasteners are then installed to secure the connector bracket 600 to the support block 36 to complete the installation.

[0092] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 30, the support member can be comprised solely of the support block 36, one or more of which can be positioned in the channels 34 and of the connector tile and can be fastened to a work station component such as the work-surface support bracket 38 shown in FIGS. 11 and 30. In particular, one support bracket 188 is engaged in the slots of the vertical frame member, while the other support bracket 38 are bolted directly to one or more vertically disposed support blocks 36 inserted into the channels 34 of the connector tile 30, without the need for the connector bracket. Alternatively, the support brackets can be configured with hook members that engage one or more of the walls of the connector tile, or they may be provided with integrally formed blocks that can be inserted into the channels.

[0093] Finally, as best shown in FIG. 35, a work surface support 620 also can be connected off-module. In the assembly, a connector bracket 622 is configured as a channel 624 having a base web 626 and opposite mounting flanges 628, 630. A first flange 628 is connected to one or more support blocks 36 engaged with a connector tile 30, and preferably two support blocks positioned adjacent the top of the connector bracket 622, as explained above. The opposite second flange 630 is connected to the end of the work surface support panel 632, preferably with a plurality of fasteners 634. It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the connector bracket could be formed integrally as part of the support panel, or that the support panel could comprise a mounting flange having openings aligned with various support blocks. The support panel further comprises a bottom portion 640 and a leg 642 that supports the outboard end of the panel.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.