CA1294108C - Work space management system - Google Patents

Abstract

WORK SPACE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising a wall system having a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area, wire management elements secured to the frames for communication and power wiring and a plurality of selectively relocatable modular tiles removably hanging on the frames. Some of the wire management elements are secured to the bottom or baseline of the frames and some of the wire management elements are removably secured to a waistline or midportion of at least some of the frames. The frames can extend to a waist height, a seated height, to a standing or full floor to ceiling height in a modular stepped fashion.
Decorative and functional modular tiles are sized to fit on the frames to substantially cover the frames, and are independently and removably mounted thereto. The tiles are of equal height and of variable modular width to cover the frames. Further, the tiles are easily mounted to and removed from the frames so that the tiles are relocatable and interchangeable with one another within the same frame and along the different frames for ease of customizing work stations within the system. The work space management system provides an architectural wall partition system with flexibility for interchangeable tile panels for different decorative effects and various functional features. The tiles can be painted, fabric, or vinyl covered, or can comprise acoustical tiles, window tiles, work-in-process rail tiles, lighting tiles, tackable tiles, marker tiles, data display tiles, display tiles, shelf tiles, open pass-through tiles, wire management tiles, mail tiles, storage tiles, heater tiles, and cooling and air circulation tiles.

Description

_RK SPACE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
~echnical Fie].d This invention relates to work space management systems. In one of it5 aspects, the invention relates to a work space management system wherein walls are easily constructed, configured and changed, and wherein modular functional wall tiles and work tools are easily configured, changeable and relocatable within the system without interfering with the underlying rigid frame structure.
Background Art Open-plan office systems, pioneered by Herman Miller, Inc., more than fifteen years ago, provide a series of rigid panels which in turn are rigidly con-nected together at facing edges to divide work spaces into work or task areas. The panels are quickly and easily coupled together at facing edges for straight line, angled coupling or multiple wall coupling. Vert-ical slots are provided at the facing edges to support brackets for hanging functional components such as ca~-inets, shelves and work surfaces exterior to the panel to efficiently use the space. Examples of such wall panel systems are disclosed in the following U.S.
patents:
Propst et al, 3,418,765, lssued December 31, 1968;
Propst et al, 3,430,997, issued March 4, 1969;
Beckman, 3,44g,887, issued June 17, 1969;
Propst et al, 3,517,469, issued June 30, 1970.
In these and other currently popular panel systems, the panels are preassembled and covered at the factory with a fabric or a vinyl covering. Accoustical panels are also preassembled at the factory. These panels must be professionally installed and arranged.
Although the panels are easily changed to change con-figuration, such changing must be done professionally.
Once the color scheme is set, it cannot be changed with-out returning the panels to the factory or otherwise sending the panels out for recovering. Thus, the panel colors are ordinarily not changec~.
Electrical systems were later provided as an addition to the panels. Typically, the electrical systems are provided underneath the panels and are not integrated with the panels. In some cases, the elec-trical system is removably secured through the slotted hanging intelligence in the panel frames. Examples of electrical systems used with panels are disclosed in the following U.S. patents:
Propst et al, 4,382,648, issued May 10, 1983;
Propst et al, 4,257,203, issued March 24, 1981;
Propst et al, 4,255,611, issued March 10, 1981;
Propst et al, 4,235,495, issued November 25, 1980;
Propst et al, 4,231,630, issued November 4, 1980;
Propst et al, 4,043,626, issued August 23, 1977;
Textoris, 4,255,610, issued March 10, 1981;
Gartung, 4,056,297, issued November 1, 1977;
Haworth et al, 4,277,123, issued March 7, 1981;
VandenHoek et al, 4,203,639, issued May 20, 1980.
Anderson et al, 2,75g,297, issued September 28, 1973.
Because of the preassembled factory corlstruc-tlon, the elect~ical outlets are provided at the base~
line of the panels. Electrical wiring must be run up from the base line to the service area on the outside of the panels. Ordinarily, internal wiring on a selective basis is not possible without custom manufacturing.
Even with custom manufacturing, changes cannot be imple-mented. Utility channels for wiring have, in some cases, been hung onto panels, for example, as shown in Anderson et al.
Attempts have been made to treat these problems in the past. Palhamus in U.SO patent 3,377,756, issued .3_ April 16, 1968, discloses a demountable partition construction in which aluminum channels are joined together to provide a framework. The channels have hollow interiors with snap-fit covers and a removable flange to retain the panels within the flanges. Con-venience outlets can be provided in the wall panels in conventional fashion.
A similar partition structure is disclosed by Codrea in U.S. patent 3,195,698/ issued July 20, 1965.
The Codrea partition structure is formed by a rigid metal f ramework in which opaque and clear panels are captured between retaining flanges in the frame. The panels are said to be removable from the frame by removing certain of the retaining flanges. Electrical wiring channels are formed in the framework and are covered by removable closure strips.
Dorr et al in U.S. patent 4,375,829, issued March 8, 1983, discloses a framing system for displays, but otherwise is similar to Palhamus. H-shaped channels are joined together at the ends thereof through L-shaped fasteners like a picture frame. The frames can be arranged vertically, one above the other, with a hori-~ontally oriented tubular joiner there between. Panels can be attached to the framework through ~elcro fasteners. Electrical power is supplied to the frame through a power plug at the top of the frame.
More recently, it has been proposed to provide a replaceable acoustical panel for a rigid metal ~rame. An example o~ one such system is shown in U.S.
patent Nos. 4,~23,573, issued January 3, 1984, and 4,123,879, issued November 7, 1978.
A modular panel arrangement for factories is disclosed in the U.S~ patent to Goddard, 3,839,834, issued October 8, 1~74. In Goddard, standard-sized wire mesh panels are bolted to sleeve-like posts which are joinable end-to-end through a resilient connecting insert. The posts can mount windows and doors as well as the wire mesh panels~

Although the current open-plan systems remain a viable solution for many office environments, some bus-iness organizations have functional and esthetic requirements which cannot be practically or commercially met by these open-plan systems. These new requirements are driven in large measure by the increasing use of computer equipment in the office, by the increasing frequency with which work teams and processes change, by ergonomics of the new computer-driven work place and by new standards regarding personal and human-sensitive work places throughout all levels of the business environment.
Due to rapidly changing business conditions, work teams and work processes change much more rapidly than in the past. The physical environment must be capable of supporting these changes quickly and easily. The office space-management systém must be easy to manage in terms specification, design and instal-lation. The current open-plan systems do not meet these needs.
The inflexibility of computer terminals and peripheral equipment puts a greater demand on the physical environment to meet the postural, visual and social needs of the ofEice workers. Many offlce tasks which were once accomplished by moviny or walkincJ about, and throuyh face-to~face meetings with other workers, are now handled by the video display terminal (VDT).
Individual control over lighting, operator positioning and balance between privacy and communication is impor-tant to psychological comfort and productivity. Thus, a modern VDT-containing work station must adjust to the physical as well as psychological needs of the in-dividual worker and serve as a buffer between him or her and the inflexible computer hardware. The current open-plan system does not adequately meet these needsO
While fine finishes and rnaterials have long been associated with the senior management level, there is a trend away from bland institutional environments and toward more personal and human-sensitive work places throughout diEferent levels of the business organiza-tion. Changing corporate values of a more partlcipative management style, as well as the growing importance and power of the white-collar worker also contribute to the increasing demand for customized or user-influenced and more functional work environments. Customization has heretofore required special processi~g which is costly and lengthy for both customers and manufacturers. Thus, current open-plan systems do not respond to these needs.
It has recently been recognized that there should be a certain openness or porosity in the work area. In other words, there must be a certain amount o~
openness in the walls of work spaces for light, air movement, communication and work-in-process flow without losing integrity of the enclosures. In addition, there is an increasing recognition~ and in some cases a requirernent, that workers have visual access to exterior light and to exterior and interior views.
The current open-plan system contemplates the use of dedicated glazed panels in a wall of panels which are joined together at edge portions thereof. These glazed panels are dedicated panels like the fabric-covered panels and do not lend themselves to a rapidly chanying environment or customized work ~tati.ons. Current operl plan system~ do not respond to the need for porosit:y and flexability in the worlcplace.
SUM~ARY OE' TEIE INVENTION
According to the invention, a work space management system divides a space into separate work areas and comprises a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area. Each of the frames has faces and receiving means. Each of a plurality of interchangeable tiles of relatively equal modular size and a common height has an independent attaching means cooperating with the receiving means on the frames for removably mounting the tiles to the -6~ '3~

frames for ease of placement on and removal frorn the frames, preferably without the use oE any tools. The tiles are mounted to the frames to substantially cover the frames from top to bottom, the tiles have a width substantially equal to the width oE the frames to which they are mounted and to have a height such that at least two of the modular tiles are mounted in vertical juxta-position on each of the f rames. One set of the tiles has a decorative surface and another set of the tiles have a structure to serve a function other than decor-ative in the work area defined by the framework and tile. Thus, the decorative and functional tiles can be interchanged easily and quickly on the same or different frames. Further, the independent attaching means allows each tile to be placed and replaced randomly and independently of adjacent tiles.
Preferably, the rigid framework has an open central portion thereof. The frames are of the type which have a vertical row of slots in the face thereof and near the edges thereof for receiving bracket hooks to suspend functional components and functional tiles from the frames. At least some of the tiles have a width slightly le~s than the width of the one set of frames so that the tiles, when mounted on the frames, extend to a point short o~ the vertical row o~ 310t~ allC
leave the slots exposed to allow suspension of Eunctional components therefrom~
Preferably, the tlle~receiving means comprise openings in the face of the Erames and the attaching means on the tiles comprise hooks which fit within the openings. Further, the attaching means on the tiles comprise spring clips to releaseably fit within the frame openings. Thus, the tiles can be removed from the frames by pulling outwardly on the tiles. Typically, the hooks are first placed within openings in the frame at an acute angle to vertical for accurate registration on the frame and the tile is thereafter rotated into place on the frame. This placement system permits inde--7- ~ ~"~

pendent mounting of the tiles on the frame 50 that each tile can be mounted on the frame independent oE any adjacent tile.
The functional tiles can take many different forms. For example, a light-transmitting window can be formed by two of the functional tiles which are mounted on opposite sides of the frame in juxtaposition to each other and have means to form a wir-dow in the wall formed by the frames and the tiles. Typically, the window-forming means comprises at least one light-transmitting pane, and preferably two light-transmitting panes, each of which is mounted to an outer casement which covers portions of the frames.
The light-transmitting pane can be transparent, translucent, partially mirrored or one which selectively controls the passage of light through the tile. The light-transmitting window tiles provide light and visual porosity to the work area without affecting the structural or acoustical integrity of the walls.
Other functional tiles include a marker tile comprising a hard outer surface for an erasable medium, a tackable ti].e, an illumination tile in which illumin-ation means are mounted behind a translucent panel or on an outer surface of the tile to preform indirect lightlng, a work-in-process tile comprising a plurality of rails on which ~ork tools can be mounte-l. Another ~unctlona:L tile comprises a she:lf tile in whlch a shel~
panel is pivotably mounted in a housing for movement between a vertical position flu~h with the adjacent tiles and a horizontal position when the shelE panel is perpendicular to the plane of the frame.
The functional tile can also comprise simply an opening wherein tiles have open rectangular rims mounted to opposite sides of the frame in juxtaposed position and having openings therethrough in registry with each other A shelf can extend through the opening in the two juxtaposted tiles.
Another functional tile is a heater tile where-in a heatiny element is embedded in a heater tile. Qirflow and cooling can be incorporated into the tiles as well.
A functional tlle can also comprise a cabinet which extends into the open space between the frames~
Cabinets can comprise a back wall, side walls, top and bottom walls defining an open front and a door mounted in the open front. The door in the open front can be pivotably mounted to the top wall of the cabinet for vertical swinging motion with respect to the top wall.
The side walls at the front edges thereof can slant downwardly and outwardly so that the front door is mounted at an angle to the vertical. A ledge is positioned on the bottom of the front door so that the front door can serve as a display shelf.
Still another functional tile can comprise a data display tile in which information is projected or otherwise presented on a screen from behind. Thus, a video display screen can be built into a functional tile.
Finally, some of the functional tiles can com-prise wire management modules by which electrical and/or communication wiring can be mounted to the frames and accessible to the users within the work space defined by the work space management system. In the case Oe wire management module~, there are two separate tile-s whlch together make a wire management tile module.
The invention p~ovides a space divlder system in which functional tools and components can be inte-grated into a panel system along with visual com-ponents. The functional tools and components can be easily mounted, rearranged and interchanged with each other and with the decorative components~ The changes can be made quickly and easily without the use of work tools and without specialized high cost labor. The removable tile modules make the work space easy to manage in terms o~ specification, design and instal-lation. The system allows for elevational as well as plan layout in designing the work space. The functional components permit the application of acoustics, light transmissionl visual cor~munication and material process flow not heretofore possible with prior open plan systems. Yet the inteyrity of the open plan is main-tained.
The modularity of the tiles and the integration of the tiles with the electrical and communication cable requirements responds to the postural, visual and social needs of the office worker in a computer driven and other work environment. The functional tile modules give the worker individual control over lighting, oper-ator positioning and balance between privacy and com-munication to provide a buffer between him or her and the work environmentO The tile modules and sizing allow for seated, open communication and material work flow;
seated privacy; standing privacy and full height privacy. Further, the interchangeable tile modules permit a worker to customize his or her work station with fabric and finishes reasonably inexpensively and easily without special and lengthy order procedures. In addition, the window tiles and open tiles give the system the selective porosity required to enhance the workspace without losing the acou~tic integrity of the walls.
BRIE,F DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention wlll now he described with refer-ence to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an office environment showing a wall panel system according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a wall panel assembly;
Figure 3 is an elevation view of a frame with electrical and communication service wiring;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 - :1 U

of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a bottom oE a panel showiny the electrical service to the panel through a monument;
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the introduction of electrical service through the ceiling and power pole;
Figure 8 is a schematic view of a horizontal section through a wall panel at the beltline showing the manner in which electrical and cabling pass from panel to panel;
Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of Figure 2;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a wall panel system according to the invention showing an open tile with pass-through surfaces;
Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along lines 11-11 of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a wall panel according to the invention showing a display tile according to the invention;
Figure 13 is a partial sectional view talcen along lines 13-13 of Figure 12;
~ igure 14 is a perspective view o~ a wall parlel system according to the inventiorl showing a rnail t:ile;
Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along lines 15-15 of ~lgure 14;
Figure 16 i5 a view taken along lines 16~16 o~
Figure 14;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a wall panel system according to the invention showing a shared storage tile according to the invention;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of a wall panel system according to the invention showing a shelf tile with the shelf in a raised position;
Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18 but showing the shelf in a perpendicular position;
Figure 20 is a perspective view oE a ~7all ~2~3~

system according to the invention showing a trophy tile according to the invention;
Figure 21 is a perspective view of a wall system according to the invention showing a storage display tile according to the invention;
Figure 22 is an exploded view of a window tile accordingly to the invention;
Figure 23 is a schematic view of a frame and window tile showing the ease of mounting and removing of the window tile from a frame number;
Figures 24-26 are plan views of wall systems according to the invention illustrating the interchange-ability of the functional and decorative tiles according to the invention;
Figure 27 is an elevational view a wall system according to the invention showing different height walls and their relationships to various ~unctions performed by workers in the space defined by the walls;
and Figure 28 is another elevational view of wall system according to the invention illustrating the visual relief and light porosity achieved by the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DR~WXNGS
~ eferring now to the drawinys and to ~igure 1 in particular, there is shown an o~Eice environment haviny a ~ingle work C.station 12 and a multiple worlc station 14. Standing height walls 16, lntermediate walls 17 and short walls 18 define the single work station, The standing height walls 16 are typically about 70 inches hight the intermediate walls are about 54 inches high and the short walls 18 are typically just above work surface height or about 38 inches tall. Work surfaces 20 are mounted on the walls 16 in cantilevered fashion. Hanging cabinets 22 and shelves 24 are also supported by the walls 16. The walls are defined by straight tiles 30 and curved tiles 32. A baseboard wire management assembly 26 is provided at the base of each of the walls and a waistline wire management assembly 2 is provided at a midpoirlt in the walls in selected locations. A slanted panel 29 having an acoustical material is provided as an extension to one portion of the walls 16. A tile 30a can have a hard surface for a marker or chalk board. A tile 30b comprises a translucent panel with a source of illumination (not shown) behind it to provide illumination to the tile. A
tile 30c can have a wood veneer surface thereon. A tile 30g can have a heating element (not shown) embedded therein to provide heat to a local space.
The multiple work station 14 is of similar nature and is formed by standing height walls 16, intermediate height walls 17 and short walls 18 which are interconnected. Work surEaces 20, hanging cabinets 22 and shelves 24 are also provided on these walls. In addition, both baseboard wire management assemblies 26 and waistline wire management assemblies 28 are provided in selected locations. A table 34 can be partially supported by the walls and have an outboard support beneath the outer end thereof. Ninety-degree joints 35, 120 joints 36 and T~wall connections 37 are formed between various panels as desired. Further, straight-wall connections 3g are Eormed between both straight-wall and curved-wall sections.
Reeerring now to Fiyures 2 and 3, there is shown a frame 40 compri~sing a pair of identical vertical members 42 welded to horizontal memhers 44 and 46. The underlying frame need not have a Eurniture grade finish and can be formed by roll-forming or other suitable metal-forming techniques. Equal-size tiles 30 are removably secured to the frame 40. The term "tile" is used to designate removable panel modules which hang on the outside surface of the frame 40, thereby leaving the interior of the frame open. Each of the tiles 30 is of identical hei~ht and shape but may have a different width to match the width of the frame on which it hangs. Also, the tiles can have different outer 13~ 3~

surfaces or may have acoustical treatment in an interior thereof. For example, the outer surEace of the tiles 30 may be covered with a fabric 30e or vinyl material or wood veneer (30c), or can be painted. The tiles 30 can be formed from a metal pan, turned inwardly at the edges and covered or painted as desired. Insulation 30f can be provided within the metal pan as shown in Figure 4, if desired. Typically, the tiles 30 have a height of about 16" and a width substantially the width of the frame 40 which can vary between standard widths. The frames 40 have a height which is an integer of the height of the tiles plus the height of the baseboard wire management assembly 26 so that the tiles form a reyular, even pattern on the frames. Thus two tiles and a baseboard wire management assembly 26 have a height of 38 inches for seated open visual communication and work-in-process flow. The next size would be 54 inches, formed of three tiles and assembly 26, which allow seated privacy and/or visual communication and/or environmental porosity. The next size would be 70 inches, formed of four tiles and assembly 26, which allow for standing privacy, visual communication and/or environmental porosity, depending on the tiles selected. Final]y, the size can be extended in modular units up to the ceiling as full height walls.
The tlles 30 can also provide functionaL ~upport for the work area. E;'or example, window tile 30d as shown in Figure 2 can provide visual and light porosity to the space. The window tile 30d can thus function as a window between worlc stations on opposite sides of the frame 40. As shown, window tile 30d has an outer casement 38 which supports light-transmitting pane 38a of glass or plastic and which covers the sides of the frame members 42. Alterna-tively, a trim segment can be attached to an interior steel frame to enable pass-through access from one side of the pane to another. If desirable, a clear panel of glass or plastic can be placed between the trim segments to make a window.

~f~S~f~

The light-transmitting pane 3Ba can be transparent, translucent or can be partially mirrored to allow one way viewing and to ref].ect borrowed light from adjacent areas on one side of the panel. The pane 38a could be completely rnirrored for complete reflection of light from both sides or either side of the wall.
Alternatively, the pane 38a can be configured to be light adjustable to control the amount of liyht to pass through the pane.
Vertical rows of slots 50 are provided on the outside corners of each of the vertical members 42 to receive standard brackets 48 with hooks for supporting the work surfaces 20, the hanging cabinets 22 and the shelves 24. Pairs of screw holes 54 and 56 are provided in spaced relationship along the height of the vertical members 42. Keyhole slots 58 are provided on one side of the vertical members 42 and square openings 60 are provided above the keyhole slots 58 in spaced relation-ship thereto. Rectangular openings 62 are provided the other side of the vertical members 42 in juxtaposi tion to the keyhole slots 58. Square openings 60 are also provided above the rectangular openings 62. A weld nut (not ~hown) is secured underneath the frame on the horizontal member 44 and an adjustable foot 66 i5 threaded into the weld nut to adjust the height of the panel sides.
~ eerring to Figures 3 and ~, an I-shaped bracket 70 i5 secured to the top of the horizontal mem-ber 44 through rivets or bolts 80. An elongated chase 72 is captured between the I-shaped bracket 70 and the horizontal member 44~ The elongated chase 72 extends across the top and down along each side of the hori-zontal member 44, extending outwardly thereof and defining a hinge-forming tube 74 at the outer end there~
of. The hinge-forming tube 74 extends laterally in overlapping relationship to the vertical members 4~ and has attaching flange 76 with holes in registry with the frame screw holes (not shown). Screws 78 extend through the flange 76 and are tapped into the frame screw holes to secure the ends of the hinge-forminy tube 74 to the frame 40.
A hinged cover 82 has socket-forming flanyes 84 at the bottom portion thereof which receive the hinge-forming tube 74 to pivotably mount the hinged cover ~Z
to the elongated chase 72. An inwardly directed flange 86 at the top of the hinged cover 82 fits beneath the tile 30 and extends to the vertical frame member 42. A
cover retainer 88 extends laterally from the elongated chase 72 and has an upwardly-extending end flange 90 with a spring retainer 92 at the top portion thereof. A
screw 94 extends through a hole in the end flange 90 and into a screw hole 54 to secure each end flange 90 to a vertical member 42. The inwardly directed flange 86 has a downwardly-extending projection 86a which is snap-fit with the retainer 92 to hold the hinged cover 82 in place in front of the elongated chase 72. Alternately, the cover B2 can have a projecting prong (not shown) with an upwardly-extending lip at the sides of the cover. The frame 40 can have horizontal slots ~not shown) on the vertical members 42 in registry with the prongs to releaseably retain the cover in closed posi-tion. The hinged cover 82 also has a hinged access cover 95 (Fig 6) at spaced locations there along to provide an opening for cornrnunication cabling to pas3 therethrough.
Communication wiring 96, including telephone and computer wiring, is laid in the elongated chase 72 behind the hinged cover 82. A flat electrical cable or festoon 98 extends through the upper portion of the elongated chase 72 and is connected to an energy distri-bution block 100 through a connector 104. A convenience outlet 102 can be plugged into the energy distribution block 100. As seen in Figure 4, the convenience outlet 102 extends out through an opening in the hinged cover 82 for direct access of electricity.
Referring now to Figures 3 and S, waistline -16~ "~

service chase 1~6 has a lower section 107 and an upper section 112. A bracket 108 is secured to the ends of the lower section 107 and is secured to the midpoint of the frame through screws 110. A cover-retaining flange 119 extends upwardly from the bracket 108 and forms an outwardly-extending spring retainer 119a at an upper end thereof. The upper section 112 is secured to the lower section 107 through crimped flanges 114. A U-shaped mounting bracket 116 is secured to the lower section 107 through screws 117 and mounts a double-sided energy distribution block 100 through screws (not shown). The upper and lower sections of the beltline service chase 10~ form open-sided U-shaped channels to provide a chan-nel for communication wiring above a work surface. A
flat electrical cable or festoon 98 is positioned beneath the waistline chase 106 and connects to the energy distribution block 100 through a connector 104.
As in the baseline energy distribution system~ a con-venience outlet 102 can be plugged into each side of the energy distribution block 100. As seen in Figure 5, the waistline service chase lOG is sufficiently narrow to allow two of such chases in back~to-back relationship.
However, a waistline service chase need not be secured in back-to-back relationship and typically will not be. In the typLcal case where only one waistline ser-vice chase is provided on a frame, the energy block 100 can be somewhat narrower and a tile is provided on the opposite side of the Erame in lieu of the waistline wire management assernbly 26.
A cover 118 has a flat outer face with openings aligned with convenience outlets 102. The cover extends inwardly at top and bottom portions. A U-shaped retain-ing clip 118a is mounted to the upper~ outer portion of cover 118 in registry with the spring retainer ll9a. A
hook clip 118b is rnounted to the lower, outer portions of cover 118 in registry with a keyhole slot 58 on one frame vertical member 42 and with a square openiny 60 on an opposite frame vertical member 42. The hinge cover 118 is mounted to the frame vertical members through th2 hook clips 118b at the bottom and through the U-shaped retaining clips 118a at the top thereof.
A half-tile 128 is mounted to the frame 40 beneath the waistline wire management assembly 28 and above a full sized tile 30. The half-tile 128 is typi-cally of the same finish as the cover 118 and can be mounted to the frame in the same manner as the tiles 30. The half-tile 128 and the cover 118 together have a height equal to a full-size tile 30.
The manner of removably securing the tiles 30 to the frame 40 is shown in Figure 4 in which a portion of the vertical frame member 42 and the tile 30 is removed. Each tile 30 has a pair of hook-shaped clips 68 secured to a bottom portion thereo in spaced rela-tionship at opposite sides of the tile. The clips 68 project rearwardly from the tile 30 and are located to register with a keyhole slot 58 and a rectangular opening 62. The tile 30 further has mounted the~eto a pair of rearwardly-projecting spring clips 69 whlch are spaced apart on opposite sides of the tile 30 to register with a set of square holes 60 in the frame vertical members 42. The spring clips 69 are Elexible in a vertical direction to s~ueeze through the square holes 60 and lod~e behind the edges oE the opening 60 a~
illustrated in Figure 4. I'hus, the tiles 30 are easily mounted on the frame ~0 by placing the hook-shaped clLps 68 in the keyhole 910t 58 and rectangular opening 62 while tilting the tile 30 outwardly at an acute angle to vertical so that the slot 58 and opening 62 are v:isible during this operation. The tile is then rotated toward the frame 40 about a horizontal axis until the spring clips 59 pass through and are lodged behind the openings 6Z. The tiles 30 are easily removed by following the reverse procedure. The novel system of mounting the tiles 30 to the frame 40 permits the tiles to be removed independently without removal of adjacent or higher or lower tiles and withou~ the use of any tools. Yet, -18~
~3~
precise spacing is maintained between all panels due to the clips 68 and the keyhole slot 58.
The structure for mounting the tiles 30 to the frame 40 can also be used for mounting the marker or chalkboard tile 30a, the light tile 30b, the wood veneer tile 30c, the clear tile 30d and -the curved tiles 32 to the frames 40. All of these tiles have rearwardly-projecting hook-shaped clips 68 and spring clips 59 for ease of mounting and dismounting these tiles in a desir-able array at will. With the ease of mounting of the functional and decorative tiles to the frame and removing these files from the frame 40, construction, rearranging and redesigning the work space is greatly facilitated. These tile placement and rearrangement operations can be carried out without specialized expen-sive labor and perhaps even by the occupant of the work space.
Each o the walls are constructed by first selecting frames 40 of the height and width desired in the final walls. The frames 40 are then rigidly secured together. Wire management functions are determined and appropriate wire management modules are then secured to the frames. The particular func-tional and decorative tiles are then selected to sult the workspace and exterior wall requirements. The tile~ are then pLaced in the de~lred locations on the frame~. The rame heigtlts diEer from one another only in module.s o~ the height of the tiles. Thus, above the bottom wire management cover 82, the height of the frame is an integer, ie, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the height of the tiles 30.
Referring now to E'igure 6, a monument 120 has an outlet opening 121. A flexible cable 122 having wires 123 extends into the opening 121 for connection to an electrical power source at one end thereof and is connected at the other end thereof to a power block 124. rrhe power block 124 is positioned behind an opening in the access cover 95 of the hinged cover B2 ~lJ

and a filler plate 126 covers the opening in the access cover 95.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a ceiling grid work 130 which supports ceiliny panels 132.
An opening 134 is provided in a ceiling panel 132 and a power-pole conduit 142 extends through the opening 134 and down through the corner of walls 16. An electri~al conduit 135 supplies electricity to a junction box 138.
A flexible conduit 140 carries electrical wire down through the power-pole conduit 142 and beneath the waistline chase 106. The electrical wire is connected to the energy distribution block 100 beneath the chase 106.
Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a schematic view of a cross-section through a U-shaped wall section at a baseline ~hereof. The cross-section through a waistline would be si~ilar. The electrical cabling 98 is shown passing around the vertical frame members 42 at the edges of the panel but behind the covers 82. The electrical cabling al50 passes around the corners at the inside corners khereo~ and i~ covered by a corner cover member 146~ Flexlble covers 148 Qxtend b~twee~ the chases to cover the wirinq there between. The covers 148 are U-shaped and are removably secured ~o the aover~ 82 (and to waistline covers 118) through a ~nap-~lt connection to be Plu~h therewlth. I'hese covers 14~ are also illu~trated in Fiquro 20 ~he frame~ are rlgidly connected toyether to form either straight lines or curved configurations. Any suitable frame-joining technique can be used. Examples of suitable techniques for joining the frames together are disclosed in the Propst et al U.S. patents 3,430,997 ~issued March 4, 1969), 3,425,171 (issued Februa~y 4t 1969, and in the DeFouw et al U.S. patent 4t571,907 (issued February 25, lg86).
Referring now to Figures 2 and 9, there is shown a work-in-process rail tile 150. ~he rail tile ~,~

3. ~d ~ ,J ~

-20~

150 ha~ a plurality o~ vertically ~paced horizontal rails 154 ~or mounting work-in-process items such as trays 160 through depending hooks 168. As seen in Figure 9, the work-in-process rail tile 150 has a back wall 152, a front wall spaced from the back wall 152 and ~ormed by a plurality o~ horizontal rails 15~. Side walls 156 cormect the back wall 152 through the horizontal rails 154. The tray 160 is of con~entional shape and has a bottom wall 162, side walls 164, a back wall 166 and a depending hook 168 integrally formed with the back wall 166. The tray 160 is easily positioned on the rails by inserting the hook 168 through an opening between adjacent rails 154 and dropping the tray downwardly so that the hook 168 engages the rail 154. The hack wall 166 abuts several rails 154 for skability.
The rails on the tile 150 can take various configurations. ~ preferred form of a rail tile i5 disclosed in U.S. patent 4,618,192, issued October 2~, 1986.
~he removable tiles can per~orm many di~ferent ~unctions. For example, the tiles can have translucent panels in lieu of clear panels and have lighting behind the panels to provide a lighted tile. Alternately, the tile can able a source o~ llluminatLon. Alternat:Lvely, the tiles can b~ formed as a screen .eor int,ernal in~ormation display with approE~riate technology. A k.ile can be an electronic blackboard. The tiles can be pa.inted ox coverad with a wood veneer as well as fabric or vinyl. A tilP can be formed of a marker board or a chalk. board material~ The tiles can be adapt~d to sup-port paper pads. All of these different surfaces are easily constructed and relatively inexpensive to build.
They provide the individual u~er with complete ~lexibility in design o~ h.is or her own work station to fit the tasks as well as to ~it the personality of the worker. These options can be selected without special ordering problems. Further, when people are shifted ~rom one location to another, the tiles can be moved i,, ~ ~!,r~

ea~ily to a new location and the old location can be easily changed to accommodate the personality and tasks of the new occupant. The walls can also be easily shifted but ln any case the tiles can be chanyed by personnel themselves or with relatively unskilled labor. Since all of the tiles are of a modular size, they are interchangeable and special sizing is not required. Further, the basic underlying frame need not be disturbed during changing of the tiles.
The wire management and tiles 30 are flush with one another to give a clean surface appearance. ~et the flexibility of the wire management allows the wire management to be added at waistline or taken away with great ease and simplicity.
Referring to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown a wall 16 with an open tile 170 positioned therein adja-cent to the tiles 30. The open tile 170 comprises a pair of vertical side posts 172 and a pair of horizontal pieces 174 secured together in spaced-apart relationship by the side posts. The horizontal pieces 174 fit above and below the side posts 172 which are positioned against the vertical members 42 of the frames 40. As shown in Figure 11, the side posts 172 are hollow and substantially U--shaped, in cross-section. In addition, the side posts 176 are somewhat Elexible so that, the spacing between legs 176 of the U-shaped .side post~ Cclll be varied by forcing the legs 176 tolard or away ~rom each other. A pair of bump~rs 178 are raounted within a pair of substantially C-shaped flanges 180 of the side posts 172. The bumpers snuggly engage the sides of the vertical members 42 of the frame 40 to hold the open tile 170 in position with respect to frames 40. The lower horizontal piece 174 is not shown in the drawings but would be positioned beneath a surface insert 178 in the same fashion as illustrated or the horizontal piece 174 positioned above the side posts 172 as shown in the drawings. A work surface 20 can be mounted to the frames 40 through brackets 48 in the manner described -Z2- ~r~r~

above with respect to Figure 2 adjacent to the surface insert 176 to provide a pass-through surface from one side to the other. Another work surface 16 (not shown) can be mounted to the open tile 170 on -the opposite side of the wall 16. Because the tile 170 is open, it allows workers on opposite sides of the wall 16 to communicate and conduct transactions without having to walk around the wall. Thus, the open tile 170 allows visual com-munication, as well as air and light through the wall.
The open tile also allows for shared use of machinery and work-in-process flow.
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, a display tile 184 is shown. The display tile 184 is solid and tri-angularl in cross section, and comprises a back wall 186, a pair of side walls 188, a slanted front wall 190 and a bottom wall 192. The walls are integrally formed to~ether. A horizontal support ledge 194 is mounted to and extends across a bottom portion of the front wall 190 .
As shown in Figure 13 the display tile 184 is supported on the frame 40 through clips 196 which extend into slots 50 in the vertical members 42 of the frame 40. To this end, the clips 196 have hooks identical to the hooks shown on bracket 48 in Figure 2 and which engage the slots 50 to mount the tile 184 to the erarne members 42. One leg of the ~-shaped clip 196 extends along the back wall 186 of the tile and is secured thereto through screws 198, only one of which is shown ln Figure 13.
The display tile la4 can be easily mounted on the frame 40 and removed from the frame members 42 through the clips 196. The display tile 184 need only be raised and pulled outwardly to remove the display tile from the wall 16. Antidislodgement devices (not shown) can be used on the clips to prevent inadvertent removal of the display tile 184 and other similar tiles from the wall 16~
Referring now to Figures 14-16, there is shown a mail tile 200. The mail til~ 200 i~ a rec~anyular box-like structure having a top wall 202, a bottom w~ll 204, sicle walls 206 and a rectangular passway 208 exten-ding through front 210 and ~ack 212 sides of the tile.
A relatively thin-walled rectangular frame 214 is posi-tioned in the rectangular passway 208 of the mail tile 200. The passway 208 is divided into compartments by a central horizontal shelf 216 extending between vertical side members 218 of the rectangular Erame 214 and a plurality of spaced apart wire divider~ 220 mounted to the horizontal shelf 216 and a horizontal bottom member 222 of the rectangular frame 214.
The mail tile 200 has a depth greater than that of the wall 16 and is mounted to the wall such that part of the tile extends into a work area on one side of the wall and another part of the tile is positioned in, for example, a hallway formed by a number of walls 16. A
person in the hallway can fill the compartments of the passway 208 with sorted mail (not shown) which can be retrieved on the other side of the wall 16 in the work area by workers~
Referring to Figure 16, the mail tile 200 is supported on the frame 40 in the same manner as the display tile is supported on the frame as shown in Figure 13. That is, the clips 196 are mounted to the tile 200 and are set in registry with the slots 50 in the vertical members 42 of the frame 40.
Referring now to Figure 17, there is shown a shared storage tile 224. I,ike the mail tile 200~ when the shared storacJe tile 224 is mounted to the wall 16, one-half o~ the tile 224 is positioned on one side of the wall 16 and the other halÇ of the tile is positioned on the other side of the wall. The tile 224 comprises a top side 226, a bottom side 228, a lateral side 230 and a pair of open, longitudinal sides 232. The sides de-fine an interior 234 of the tile 224. Each longitudinal side 232 is closed off by a pair of doors 236 pivotally mounted to the lateral sides 230 of the tile 224 and -2~

movable with respect thereto on slic~es (not shown) slid-ably received within channels (not shown) on the lateral sides 230. In an open position, the doors 236 can be slidably moved within the tile 224 so that they do not protrude into the work areas on opposite sides of the wall 16. Because access to the interior 234 of the tile 224 can be obtained from both longitudinal sides 232 thereof, workers have access to the interior of the tile from work areas on both sides of the wall. The shared storage tile 224 can be mounted to the frame 40 in the same manner as the display tile lB4.
Referring now to Figures 18 and 19, there is shown a wall 16 having mounted thereto a pull down shelf tile 238. This tile comprises a solid rectangular mem-ber 240 having a rectangular recess 242 formed in a front 244 of the tile. A rectangular shelf 246 having substantially the same dimensions as the rectangular recess 242 is pivotally mounted within the recess at a bottom 248 of the solid rectangular member Z40. The shelf 246 is adapted to pivot bet"een an open position shown in Figure 19, where the shelf is horizontally disposed and adapted to support a variety o work acces-sories (not shown) or function as a work surface, and a closed position shown in Fiyure lB, where the shelf rests within the recess and is flush with the front 24 of the tile 238. The shelf 246 includes a horlzont~l, elongated, rectangular bar 250 extending across an upper part 252 of the shelf and which fullctions as a handle to facilitate pivotal movement o the shelf between the open and closed positions. The tile 238 further includes a pair of relatively short, horizontal, rec~
tangular bars 254, identical to the elongated bar 250 on the shelf 246 except as to length, positioned on oppo-site sides of the recess 242 and coextensive with the bar 250 of the shelf 246 when the same is in the closed position. In this manner, when the shelf 246 is in the closed position, the bars ZS0, 254 form a horizontal, decorative lip extending along the full length of the front 244 of the tlle ~38. The shelf tile 238 can be mounted to the frame 40 in tne same manner as the display tile 184.
Referring to Figure 20, tllere i5 shown a wall 16 incorporating a trophy tile 256. The trophy -tile 256 comprises a rectangular frame 258 having pairs of hori-zontal and vertical frame members 260, 262. A pair of rectangular mounting brackets 264 are mounted to central portions 266 of the vertical frame members 262. The brackets 264 include series of vertically spaced hori-zontal channels 268. One or more shelves 270 are adapted to slidably and adjustably engage the channels 268. In addition, the shelves 270 are adapted to sup-port trophies (not shown) and the like for display. The tile 256 is partially enclosed by a rectangular sheet of glass 271 mounted to the front 272 of the tile. The glass 271 allows workers in front of the tile to view the display and functions as a sound barrier between areas on opposite sides of the wall 16. The back 274 of the tile is open to permit access to the shelves 268 and trophies supported thereon.
~ eferring to Figure 21, there is shown a stor-age display tile 276. The storage display tile is sub-stantially similar to the above-described display tile 184, except that in the former tile 276, a back wall 278, a front wa].l 280, a bottom wall 282 and side waLls 284 of the tile 276 are not integrally eorrned toget:her as they are in the display tile~ Rather, they are separate walls mounted together. Also, the front wall 280 is hingeably mounted at an upper portion 286 thereof to the back wall 278. In this manner, access may be gained to the interior of the tile 275 which can func-tion as a storage area for work accessories (not shown). The storage display tile 276 is mounted to the frame 40 in the same manner as the display tile 184.
The back wall of the storage display tile 276 can extend into the open area of the frame 40 or extend along the face of the frame 40 as does the display tile 184~

~ r, d~3 f.~ ~v r~
Figure 22 illustrates, in detail, the con-struction of the window tile 30d previously described with reference to E'igure 2. The casement 38 comprises a pair of vertical side stiles 288 and a pair of upper and lower rails 290, 292~ Each stile 288 is somewhat L-shaped, in cross section, and has an inwardly-extending leg 294, a forwardly-extending leg 296 and an elongated channel 29B formed at the juncture between the legs 294, 296 and extending along the full length of the stile.
Transverse side edges 300 of the pane 38a are positioned in registry with the channels 298 to provide a secure mounting of the pane 38a to the stiles. The stiles 288 further include pairs of slots 302 extending through upper and lower axial ends 304, 306 of the stiles and which function to secure the rails 290, 292 to the stiles as will be discussed below.
It should be noted that the stiles 288 can be equipped with a means for preventing lateral movement of the pane 38a within the channels 298 and thus rattling of the pane with respect to the stiles. For example, a foam strip (not shown) can be positioned in the channels 298 so that the side edges 300 of the pane 38a rest against the foam to prevent such movement and rattling.
The pane 38a is positioned in front of the inwardly-extending legs 294 of the stiles. By thls design, when the window tile 30d is mounted to the ~rarne 40, the legs 294 are disposed in overlapping relation-ship to the vertical members 42 of the frame SG that the same is not visible through the clear or translucent pane 3Sa. In this manner, functional~ relatively unat-tractive features of the vertical members 42, such as the keyhole slots 58, are not seen from a position in front of the tile.
The upper and lower rails 290, 292, include, on opposing faces 308 thereof, grooves 310 extending along substantially the full length of the rails. Longi-tudinal side edges 312 of the pane 38a are positioned within the grooves 310 to provide a mounting of the pane -27~

to the ralls 290, 292. Like the stiles 288, the upper and lower rails 290, 292 can be provided with a means to restrict lateral movement of the longitudinal side edges 312 of the pane 38a with respect to the grooves 310 and thus prevent rattling of the pane with respect to the rails. Thus, the rails can be equipped with the foam strips (not shown) positioned within the ~rooves, as stated above with respect to the channels 298 of the stiles 288. Alternatively, a pressure-sensitive adhe-sive (not shown) can be molded within the grooves to prevent lateral movement and thus rattling of the pane 38a.
The rails 290~ 292 further include pairs of openings 314 extending through opposite transverse ends 316 of the rails and positioned in registry with the slots 302 in the stiles 288. Bolts 318 extend through aligned pairs of openings 314 and slots 302 in the rails and stiles to securely mount the same together to form a rigid framework or border 38 for the pane 38a.
As shown in Figure 22, the upper horizontal rail 290 can include an apron 320 formed inkegral with or rigidly secured to the rail 390, positioned rear-wardly of the groove and extending downwardly from the face 308 of the rail. In this manner, the pane 38a is positioned in front of the apron 320. An upper hori zontal rail 290 haviny an apron 320 is util:i~ed i.n corl-nection with the window tile when it is de~ired to mount the tile 30d to the rame 40 a~ the uppermost tile mounted to the frame. When the tile 30d is so mounted, the apron 320 extends downwardly in front of the upper horizontal frame member 44 of the frame 40 so as to cover the same from view from a position in front of the tile 30d. When it is desired to mount the window tile 30d to a central or lower portion of the frame 40, an upper horizontal rail 390 without an apron 320 is used because such portions of the frame 4C) are not associated with horizontal frame members 44l 46.
The window tile 30d is adapted to be easily and -2~- ~7~ 3~

removably mounted to the frame 40 and to thls end, as stated above, the window tile has a pair of the rear-wardly-projecting, hook-shaped clips 68 and a pair of the spring clips 69. The hook-shaped clips 68 are adapted to be set in registry with a keyhole slot 58 and a rectangular opening 62 in the frame members 42, and the clips 69 are adapted to be set in registry with a pair of square holes 60 in the frame members 42. Speci-fically, the hook-shaped clips 68 are securely attached to the bottom transverse ends 322 of the stiles, on the rear surfaces 324 thereof. Preferably, the hook-shaped clips 68 are formed integral with lower wedges 326 adhesively attached to the bottom ends 322 of the stiles 288. Alternatively, the hook-shaped clips 68 can be formed integral with the stiles 28J3. The spring clips 69 are preferably mounted, as by screws 328, to a pair of upper wedges 330 adhesively attached to upper trans-verse ends 332 of the stiles 288. In an alternative embodiment of the window tile 30d, the clips 69 can be mounted by screws 328 to bosses (not shown) integrally formed with the stiles 288.
The manner of removably mounting the window tile 30d to the frame 40 is illustrated in Figure 23.
As stated above generally with respect to the mounting of the tiles 30 to the frame 40, the lower hook-shaped clips 68 of the tile 30d are first set in recJistry with a keyhole 510t 58 and a rectangular openiny 62 while tilting the tile 30d outwardly so that the slot 58 and opening 62 are visible during this operation.
Subsequently, the tile 30d is rotated toward the frame 40 until the spring clips are passed through and lodged behind the square holes 60. The tile 30d is easily removed by following the foregoing steps, but in the reverse order.
Due to the fact that all of the decorative and functional tiles are easily xemovably mounted to the frames 40 by following the above-described installation and removal procedures, the tiles mounted to the frames -29~ 3~

can be rearranged to accommodate workers oE varyiny physical stature and to create a variety oE work area organizational schemes. This rearrangement feature of the tiles is shown in Fiyures Z4-26, where a frame 40 is illustrated as having six decorative and functional tiles mounted thereto, with the six tiles varying in type in the different figures~ For exampler Figure 24 illustrates a frame 40 having mounted thereto a series of three window tiles 30d stacked one on top of the other on one side of the frame 40. In addition, a pull-down shelf tile 238 is mounted to a central portion oE
the frame on the other side of the -tile, with two decor-ative, solid, opaque tiles 30 positioned above and below the shelf tile~ Figure 25 illustrates a frame 40 having mounted thereto a pair of window tiles 30d at an upper portion of the frame, a pair of solid, decorative, opaque tiles 30 positioned at the bottom of the rame and a pull-down shel~ tile 238 and a mail tile 200 at the central portion of the frame. In Figure 26 the frame 40 has mounted thereto a pair of solid, opaque tiles 30 at opposite upper and lower corners o the frame, a pair of window tiles 30d mounted to upper and lower corners of the frame opposite the solid tiles and display and trophy tiles l84, 256 mounted to the central portion of the frame 40.
Figure 27 shows how the wall heights dlctat:ed by the tile modules relate to various functions performed within the work space. The short wall 26, Eormed by a baseboard wire management assembly 26 and two tiles 30 in vertical juxtaposition, provides a partial enclosure but allows the functions of seated communication with persons outside the wall 26 and material work flow. Intermediate wall 17 formed of a baseboard wire management assembly 26 and three tiles 30 in vertical juxtaposition, provides a partial enclosure for seated privacy. A standing height wall 16, formed of a baseline wire management assembly 26 and four tiles 30 in vertical juxtapoistionr provide for standing 30~

privacy. A full height, floor to ceiling wall 336, formed of a baseline wire marlagemerlt assembly 26 and six or more tiles 30, provides a full enclosure and complete privacy. This figure illustrates the functional modularity of the stepped walls of work space management system according to the invention.
Figure 28 illustrates how window tiles 30d in various wall sizes give visual and light porosity to walls and give workers eye relief without interfering with the structural or functional integrity of the walls. A worker 338 is seated at a work surface 20 in front of an intermediate size wall 17 having a window tile 30d. The worker can look directly through the window tile 30d in the wall 17 for visual conta.ct with the space outside the wall 17. Yet the window tile 30d does not interfere with the functional or structural integrity of the wall 17.
In like manner, a worker 340 stands before a higher wall 16 which has a window tile 30d at an upper level thereof. The worker 340 can look through the window tile 30d in the wall 16 and has a clear view outside the wall 16. Further, the worker 340 can look over the top of this intermediate wall 17 as well as through the window 30d in the wall 17. The window tiles 30d thus give a visual and borrowed liyht porosity to the wall structure without intereering wlth the structural or acoustical integrity of the wa:L:Ls.
The concept of hanging decorative and func-tional tiles onto the frame~, provides a system in which a wall system can be inexpensively manuEactured, yet the wall system has the appearance i.e. thickness, oE an architectural wall, that is, a wall which has been constructed in the conventional fashion with studs.
Further, the thickness of the wall and the tiles allows wiring to be passed through from wall section to wall section around the frames without the necessity oE
feedlng the wires through the frames. This lay-in capability is important in installing and changing -31 ~ ~ R, 7~

the ~ommunications and electrical wiring quickly and easily with relatively unskilled labor.
Ttlus, the work space management system accord-ing to the invention provides an easy means for linking a diverse range of office workers with electronic equip-ment and databases. The flexibility of the wire manage-ment, both at the baseline and selectively at the waist-line with lay-in capabilities and wiring around the frames, provides this ability. As indicated, the lay-in capabilities provide for an ease of installation, adapt-ability of change with a minimum of effort and the com-munication wiring is delivered to a convenient location, i.e. at work height.
The ease of removability of the tiles as well as the modularity of the tiles and the functional variety of the same provides a way to manage the office space system in terms of specification, design and installation. The variety and modularity of the tiles as well as the ease with which these tiles are installed and removed from the rigid frames provide a solution to meeting individual needs in work areas and a balance between privacy and communication. The invention pro-vides a way in which a modern VDT-containing work sta-tion can easily adjust to the physical as well as psy-chological needs of the indivldual worker and serve as a bu~Eer between him or her anc~ in~lex:ible computer hard~
ware.
The invention provides a way in which each work station can be customized to individual needs 071 a con-venient and economical basis. The tiles provide the functional as well as decorative support, are relatively inexpensive to construct and to order and can be easily changed to suit changing functions or changing tastes.
In addition, the invention provides a system for attaining a desired degree of porosity in an open plan wall system. The window tiles and the open tiles provide the porosity to the walls for the degree of openness desired, without interfering with other -32~

functional necessities of the workplace.
Reasonable variation an-l modification are pos-sible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departiny from the spirit of the inven-tion which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles of relatively equal modular size and substantially common height, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to said faces of said frames to cover at least portions of said frames;
said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted;
some of said tiles having a decorative surface and other of said tiles having a window forming means comprising at least one light transmitting pane with a mirrored surface to provide one way viewing therethrough and to reflect light from said mirrored surface;
whereby said tiles, whether decorative or window forming, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles, mounted on different frames within the system.

2. A work space management system according to claim 1 wherein said pane has means to selectively adjust the amount of light transmission through said pane.

3. A work space management system according to claim 1 wherein said frames have a vertical row of slots in said faces thereof and near said frame edges for receiving bracket hooks to suspend functional components from said frames; and said tiles have a width slightly less than that of said frames so that said tiles, when mounted on said frames, extend to a point short of said vertical row of slots to leave the same exposed.

4. A work space management system according to claim 3 wherein said tile-receiving means comprise openings in said faces of said frames and said attaching means on said tiles comprises hooks which fit within said openings

5. A work space management system according to claim 4 wherein said attaching means on said tiles further comprises spring clips to releasably fit within said frame openings.

6. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles of relatively equal modular size and substantially common height, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to said faces of said frames to cover at least portions of said frames;
said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted;
some of said tiles having a decorative surface and at least one of said tiles comprises a housing, a shelf forming means and means for pivotably mounting said shelf forming means to said tile housing for movement between a vertical stored position and a horizontal position where said shelf forming means functions as a support surface;
whereby said tiles, whether decorative or functional, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.

7. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means;
a plurality of interchangeable tiles of relatively equal modular size and substantially common height, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to said faces of said frames to cover at least a portion of said frames;
said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted;
some of said tiles having a decorative surface;
at least one of said rigid frames has a substantially open central portion thereof and at least one of said tiles is mounted to said at least one rigid frame and comprises a cabinet which extends into said open space in said at least one frame;
whereby said tiles, whether decorative or functional, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.

8. A work space management system according to claim 7 wherein said cabinet has a back wall and side walls, a top and a bottom wall defining an open front, and a door mounted in the open front.

9. A work space management system according to claim 8 wherein said door is pivotably mounted to said cabinet top wall for vertical swinging motion with respect to said top wall, said side walls, at front edges thereof, being slanted downwardly and outwardly so that said door is mounted at an acute angle to the vertical, said cabinet further having a ledge on a bottom of said door whereby said door can function as a display shelf.

10. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:
a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames joined together at edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means:
a plurality of interchangeable tiles of relatively equal modular size and substantially common height, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to said faces of said frames to cover at least a portion of said frames;
said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted;
some of said tiles having a decorative surface and other of said tiles comprising a display shelf which extends downwardly and outwardly and has a lip at a bottom portion thereof for supporting articles to be displayed;
whereby said tiles, whether decorative or functional, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.

11. A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at edges thereof to form at least one work area;
each of said frames having faces and receiving means;
some of said frames having a height to provide open visual communication and work in process flow, other of said frames have greater height wherein the height of the frames differ in modules equal to the height of said tiles, said other frame providing, respectively, seated privacy and standing privacy, some of the greater height frames being of floor to ceiling height a plurality of interchangeable tiles of relatively equal modular size and substantially common height, with each of said tiles having an attaching means cooperating with said receiving means on said frames for removably mounting said tiles to said frames for ease of placement on and removal from said frames;
said tiles being mounted to said faces of said frames to cover at least a portion of said frames;
said tiles having a width substantially equal to the width of the frames to which they are mounted; and some of said tiles having a decorative surface and other of said tiles having a structure to serve a function other than decorative in the work area defined by said framework and tiles;
whereby said tiles, weather decorative or functional, can be selectively interchanged easily and quickly with tiles mounted within the same frame or with tiles mounted on different frames within the system.