BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an office partition panel system with removable decorative covers having slidable fingers adjacent peripheral edges thereof for retaining the covers to the panel frame.
Modern offices and work environments use partition panels to subdivide open work spaces. 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 open spans within the frames as defined by the vertical frame members and cooperating horizontal frame members. In certain instances, these cover panels are configured so as to be removable, thereby allowing access to utilities carried within the frames. One problem associated with removable covers is that they must be tightly secured so that they will not rattle or exhibit looseness. Also, the outer aesthetic 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.
Yet another problem occurs when the panels themselves are constructed of a material that expands and/or contracts under particular climate conditions, such as relatively high or low humidity. In such instances, the panels may expand and/or contract to a point that binds the coupling mechanism between the panels and the partition frames to a point that removal of the panel assemblies from the partition frames is hampered or impossible. In extreme conditions, the material of which the panels are comprised may expand or contract to a point that causes damage to the panels themselves, such as warping, splitting, cracking, etc.
A partition system is desired that provides relatively easy coupling and removal of a panel assembly to and from an associated partition frame, while simultaneously preventing damage to a panel member of the panel assembly by allowing for expansion and contraction of the panel member subsequent to the assembly of the panel assembly with the partition frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a partition panel system that comprises a frame assembly including a plurality of spaced and vertical frame members, and a plurality of horizontal frame members extending between and operably coupled with the vertical frame members, wherein at least a select one of the group consisting of the plurality of vertical frame members and the plurality of horizontal frame members includes a plurality of spaced panel hanging apertures. The partition system also includes a panel assembly operably coupled with the frame assembly and including a panel member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a peripheral edge, and at least one panel frame member coupled to the inner surface of the panel member proximate the peripheral edge of the panel member. The panel assembly further includes at least one clip member including an alignment portion that engages at least one of the hanger apertures of the frame assembly, and that is operably coupled with the at least one panel frame member such that the at least one clip member is slidable with respect to the panel member when the panel assembly is operably coupled with the frame assembly, thereby allowing for expansion and contraction of the panel member.
Another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel assembly for covering open spans within a partition system that includes a frame assembly including a plurality of spaced structural frame members each including a plurality of forwardly-exposed spaced apertures, the panel assembly comprising a panel member having an outer exposed surface, an inner surface and a peripheral edge, and at least one panel frame member coupled to the inner surface of the panel member proximate the peripheral edge of the panel member. The partition panel assembly further comprises at least one clip member slidably received between the panel member and the at least one panel frame member and including an engagement portion adapted to engage at least one aperture of a structural frame member of a partition frame assembly, and that is operably coupled with the at least one panel frame member such that the at least one clip member is adapted to slide with respect to the panel member when the partition panel assembly is operably coupled with a partition frame assembly, thereby allowing for expansion and contraction of the panel member.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a partition panel assembly for covering open spans within a partition system that includes a frame assembly including a plurality of spaced structural frame members each including a plurality of forwardly-exposed spaced apertures, the partition panel assembly comprising a panel member having an outer exposed surface, an inner surface and a peripheral edge, and at least one panel frame member coupled to the inner surface of the panel member proximate the peripheral edge of the panel member. The partition panel assembly further comprises at least one clip member including an engagement portion adapted to engage at least one aperture of a structural frame member of a partition frame assembly, and that is operably coupled with the at least one panel frame member such that a majority of the at least one clip member is position between the panel member and the at least one panel frame member, thereby securely coupling the at least one clip member with the panel member and the at least one panel frame member.
The present inventive partition panel assembly and associated overall partition panel system provides relatively easy coupling of the partition panel assemblies to and from the associated partition frame, while simultaneously preventing damage to panel members of the panel assemblies by allowing for expansion and contraction of the same under changing ambient conditions and subsequent to assembly. Moreover, the panel assembly and associated panel system have an uncomplicated design, can be quickly and easily assembled, are efficient in use, are capable of a long operating life, and are particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view a partition panel system including a plurality of panel assemblies embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a partition frame assembly and a panel assembly;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a vertical frame member;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a vertical panel frame member of the first embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a clip member of the first embodiment of the panel assembly, wherein alternative tabs are shown in dashed lines;
FIG. 7 is a side view of two vertically-aligned panel assemblies, wherein light seals of each assembly are illustrated as overlapping;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a clip member of the second embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the clip of the second embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 11 is an end view of the clip member of the second embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 13 is an end view of a vertical panel frame member of the third embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a clip member of the third embodiment of the panel assembly;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the clip member of the third embodiment of the panel assembly; and
FIG. 16 is an end view of the clip member of the third embodiment of the panel assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
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 exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a partition panel system, while reference numeral 12 generally designates a panel assembly embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the knock-down portable partition system 10 is configured to subdivide an open floor plan and define work spaces therein. The partition panel system 10 includes a plurality of work-environment accessories within each work space, such as work surfaces 14, storage drawers 16, overhead storage bins 18, and the like. The panel assemblies 12 are provided in a plurality of sizes, including full-height panels 20 and partition-height panels 22.
As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the partition panel system 10 also comprises a partition frame assembly 24 that includes a plurality of spaced vertical partition frame members 26 coupled to one another by a plurality of horizontal partition frame members 28 extending therebetween. The horizontal partition frame members 28 are coupled with the vertical partition frame members 26 in a manner as is set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,035, issued May 4, 1999, entitled KNOCK-DOWN PORTABLE PARTITION SYSTEM, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Each vertical partition frame member 26 (FIG. 3) includes a plurality of rectangularly-shaped apertures 30 spaced along a forwardly-facing surface 32 thereof that are adapted to receive fasteners therein for supporting the work surfaces 14, the storage drawers 16, and the overhead storage bin 18 therefrom. The surface 32 of each of the vertical partition frame members 26 also includes a plurality of T-shaped apertures 34 innerspaced with the apertures 30. In the illustrated example, the T-shaped apertures 34 are provided in pairings inverted with respect to one another. Each aperture 34 defines a narrowed-portion 36 and a widened portion 38. Each widened portion 38 is partially defined by a vertical edge 40.
Each panel assembly 12 (FIG. 4) includes a panel member 42 that is surrounded by a plurality of panel frame members 44. The panel member 42 includes an inner surface 46, an outer surface 48 and a peripheral edge 50 extending thereabout. In the illustrated example, the panel member 42 is provided a square or rectangular shape, however, other plan forms suitable for certain applications may be utilized. The panel member 42 comprises a material that expands or contracts under certain climate conditions, such as high and/or low humidity, and is preferably constructed of wood or a wood composite. The panel frame members 44 include horizontal panel frame members 52 and vertical panel frame members 54. Each of the horizontal panel frame members 52 and the vertical panel frame members 54 include a planar body portion 56 and a lip or guide portion 58 extending orthogonally from the body portion 56 that abuts the peripheral edge 50 of the panel member 42, thereby aligning the panel frame member 52, 54 with the panel member 42. Each of the panel frame members 44 also includes ends 59 beveled at 45°, so as to cooperate and align with the associated panel frame members 44 when surrounding the panel member 42. Each horizontal panel frame member 52 further includes a plurality of apertures 60 spaced along the length thereof for receiving mechanical fasteners such as screws 61 therein, thereby securing the horizontal panel frame member 52 to the panel member 42.
Each of the vertical panel frame members 54 (FIG. 5) further includes a longitudinally and inwardly-extending channel 62 located opposite from the lip portion 58, and defining an interior space 64 therein. The body portion 56 of each vertical frame member 54 includes apertures 66 spaced therealong that receive mechanical fasteners such as screws 67 therein that secure the vertical panel frame member 54 to the panel member 42. The body portion 66 further includes a pair of longitudinally and outwardly extending U-shaped channels 68 spaced from one another so as to provide a clearance 70 in between the body portion 56 of the vertical panel frame member 54 and the inner surface 46 of the panel member 42 subsequent to assembly. A clip aperture 72 extends through the body portion 56 of the vertical panel frame member 54 proximate the lip portion 58 thereof.
At least one clip assembly 74 is assembled within each of the vertical panel frame members 54. Each clip assembly 74 includes a clip member 76 and a spring member 78. Each clip member 76 (FIG. 6) includes a body portion 80, a spring coupling portion 82 and an engagement end 84. The body portion 80 includes a mounting aperture 86 that may be aligned with one of the apertures 66 of the vertical panel frame member 54, thereby preventing misalignment between the clip member 74 and the vertical panel frame member 54. Alternatively, the body portion 80 further includes an alignment tab 87 received within a notch (not shown) extending into an inner surface 46 of the panel member 42, thereby assisting in alignment of the clip assembly 74 and the vertical panel frame member 54 with the panel member 42. It is noted that the alignment tab 87 may be used in conjunction with one of the vertical partition frame members 26 and not both, thereby allowing one of the clip assemblies 74 to slide subsequent to assembly. The spring coupling portion 82 includes an outwardly-extending spring abutment tab 88 flanked by a pair of spring engagement tabs 90. The engagement end 84 includes a pair of S-shaped, spring-biasing engagement tabs 92 each defining an engagement portion therealong that are adapted to engage an edge 40 of an aperture 34 of a vertical partition frame member 26 when the panel assembly 12 is assembled within the partition panel system 10. In the illustrated example, the spring member 78 comprises an elongate flexibly-resilient rod having a circularly-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Each end 96 of the spring member 78 is bent so as to provide an abutment surface as described below.
In assembly, the spring member 78 is assembled with an associated clip member 76 such that the spring member 78 abuts the spring abutment tab 88 and is held in close proximity therewith by the spring engagement tabs 90. The clip assembly 74 is assembled with an associated vertical panel frame member 54 by extending the engagement tabs 92 of the clip member 76 through the clip aperture 72, aligning the body portion 80 of the clip member 76 with the gap 71, and facing the spring member 78 within the interior space 64 of the channel 62. It is noted that punch-out tabs 98 located within the channel 62 assist with alignment and assembly of the spring member 78 within the channel 62. In operation, the clip member 76 is able to float or slide with respect to the vertical panel frame member 54 and particularly with the panel member 42 subsequent to assembly of the panel assembly 12 within the partition panel system 10 by inserting the engagement tabs 92 into the apertures 34 of the vertical partition frame members 26 such that the engagement portion 94 of each engagement tab 92 abuts an edge 40 of an associated aperture 34. This sliding arrangement assists in assembly of the panel assemblies 12 within the partition panel system 10 even if slight discrepancies within the overall partition frame assembly 24 should occur. Further, this sliding relationship allows for expansion and contraction of the panel member 42 due to changing ambient conditions and prevents damage to the associated panel member 42 while simultaneously providing a secure engagement between the panel assembly 12 and the partition frame assembly 24.
Alternatively, the body portion 80 may be provided with a pair of engagement tabs 100 that abut an aperture 102 and a sidewall 104 of the channel 62, thereby temporarily securing the clip assembly 74 with the associated vertical panel frame member 54 during assembly of the vertical panel frame member 54 with the panel member 42.
As best illustrated in FIG. 4, each panel assembly 12 further includes an upper and lower light seal extending longitudinally along and partially co-aligned with the horizontal panel frame members 52. Each light seal 106 is provided with a planar body portion 108, a longitudinally-extending curved upper lip 110 and a downwardly-opening lower channel 112. Each body portion 108 is provided with a plurality of apertures 114 that receive the screws 61 therein, thereby securing the light seals 106 and the associated horizontal panel frame member 52 to the panel member 42. In assembly, the light seals 106 (FIG. 8) of proximate panel members 42 cooperate with one another so as to prevent light from passing through the partition panel system 10 between panel assemblies 12. Specifically, each light seal 106 is configured such that the upper lip 110 of an upwardly-located light seal 106 is received within the lower channel 112 of an associated light seal 106.
The reference numeral 12a (FIG. 8) generally designates another embodiment of the panel assembly. Since panel assembly 12a is similar to the previously described panel assembly 12, similar parts appearing in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 8-11, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. The panel assembly 12a is similar to the panel assembly 12 with the most notable exceptions being the configuration of the vertical panel frame members 54a and the clip members 76a. Each vertical panel frame member 54a includes an alignment notch 116 extending into an inner edge 118 of the vertical panel frame member 54 and an engagement aperture 117 each aligned with an associated clip aperture 72a. Each clip member 76a (FIGS. 9-11) includes a body portion 120, a coupling end portion 122 and an engagement end portion 124. The body portion 120 is longitudinally divided by a channel 126 which thereby allows the body portion 120 to be elastically-resilient in a direction as indicated by directional arrow 128. The body portion 120 also includes a pair of mounting apertures 130 that are co-aligned with the mounting apertures 66a of the vertical panel frame members 54a when the clip member 76a is assembled thereto. The coupling end portion includes an outwardly-sweeping arm 132 having an upwardly-turned end 134 located on a proximal end thereof, and an engagement tab 136 extending downwardly towards a circularly-shaped aperture 138. The engagement end portion 124 extends orthogonally from the body portion 120 and includes a pair of engagement jaws 140 each having an engagement notch 142 exposed on an inward edge thereof.
In assembly, each clip member 76a is slidably engaged with an associated vertical panel frame member 54a such that the engagement jaws 140 extend through an associated clip aperture 119, the coupling end portion 122 is aligned with an associated alignment notch 116, and the engagement tab 136 engages an associated engagement aperture 117, thereby preventing accidental disengagement of the clip member 119 from the vertical panel frame member 54a.
The horizontal panel frame members 52a and the vertical panel frame members 54a are secured to the associated panel member 42a in a similar manner to that discussed above with respect to the panel assembly 12. Likewise, the panel assembly 12a is assembled within the partition panel system 10 in a similar manner, and specifically by aligning and inserting the engagement jaws 140 with the apertures 134 of the vertical partition frame members 26.
The reference numeral 12b (FIG. 12) generally designates another embodiment of the panel assembly. Since the panel assembly 12b is similar to the previously described panel assembly 12, similar parts appearing in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 12-16 are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter. The panel assembly 12b is similar in construction to the panel assembly 12 with the most notable exceptions being the configuration of the vertical panel frame members 54b and the clip members 76b. Each vertical panel frame member 54b (FIG. 14) includes a body portion 56b, an outwardly-disposed lip portion 58b and an inwardly-extending U-shaped channel 144. The body portion 56b includes a plurality of pairings of clip apertures 72b spaced along the length thereof, a plurality of alignment apertures 66b, and a plurality of mounting apertures 146. Each clip member 148 (FIGS. 14-16) includes a body portion 150, a coupling end portion 152 and an engagement end portion 154. The coupling end portion 152 includes a pair of resilient engagement tabs 155 and a pair of outwardly-extending spring legs 158 extending substantially orthogonal to the body portion 150, and an alignment tab 160 located between the spring legs 158 and extending away therefrom.
In assembly, each clip member 76b is positioned with an associated vertical panel frame member 54b such that the engagement tabs 155 extend through the clip apertures 72a, the spring legs 158 are located within the channel 144 and abut a sidewall thereof, the alignment tab 160 engages the alignment aperture 147, and the mounting apertures 156 are co-aligned with the mounting apertures 146. The horizontal panel frame members 52b, the vertical panel frame members 54b and the light seals 106b are assembled with the panel member 42b in a manner as previously described. The overall panel assembly 12b is coupled within the partition panel system 10 by inserting the engagement tabs 155 into the apertures 34 of an associated vertical partition frame member 26, such that the engagement tabs 155 abut the edges 40 of the apertures 34.
The body portion 80 further includes an alignment tab 87 that may be received within a notch (not shown) extending into an inner surface 46 of the panel member 42, thereby assisting in alignment of the clip assembly 76 and the vertical panel frame member 54 with the panel member 42.
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Patent Application
20070163190
