MXPA01002549A

MXPA01002549A - Knock-down panel partition system

Info

Publication number: MXPA01002549A
Application number: MXPA/A/2001/002549A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Timothy G Hornberger; J W Gayhart; Andrew Mansfield; Yung Tse
Original assignee: Krueger International Inc
Priority date: 1998-09-11
Filing date: 2001-03-09
Publication date: 2002-05-09

Abstract

A space dividing or partitioning system (60) includes a series of panels (64) adapted to be knocked down and reconfigured. Each panel (64) includes a panel frame (66) constructed from a pair of vertical posts (70) interconnected by one or more horizontal support members (72). Each vertical post (70) includes a series of receptacles (108) aligned vertically along each face surface (106) of the vertical post (70). The receptacles (108) on the vertical post (70) receive attachment members(172) contained on each end of the horizontal support member (72). The horizontal support member (72) can be attached between a pair of the vertical posts (70) without requiring the vertical posts (70) to be separated. A tile retaining hook (228) is received within a hook opening (116) formed in the vertical post (70). The tile retaining hook (228) includes a hook portion (232) that is received in a hook channel (234) of a decorative tile (68), such that the decorative tile (68) can be hung on the panel frame (66) through the use of the tile retaining hooks (228). A base cover (318) is attached to the bottom horizontal support member (72) to create a wireway passing beneath the interconnected panel frames (66). Electrical hanging brackets (472) connect a rigid wireway (452) to the lower horizontal support member (72).

Description

SYSTEM. DE-DIVISION- OF DISARMABLE PANEL BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system of division or distribution of space, such as for use in an office environment. More specifically, the invention relates to a system such that it can be easily assembled and disassembled providing numerous space division configurations. A wide variety of systems of distribution or division of office space is known. Many such systems include individual pre-assembled wall panels, which are rigidly interconnected to each other to form a sectioned wall assembly. A pre-assembled panel typically includes a structure or panel frame assembled at the factory, which receives a decorative slab or tile. The decorative slab typically includes a hook member extending from its surface of the back face that is received in an aperture notched in the panel structure. The hook members on each of the slabs allow the slab to be hung from the panel frame. In such a system, it is common to provide a power distribution system towards the lower end of each wall panel, incorporating Ref: 128013 energy receptacles in spaced sites. It is also known to provide power and / or communication distribution in each panel substantially at desk height. While this type of wall construction works perfectly and has worked successfully, it involves certain drawbacks. For example, since each of the decorative slabs includes a hook member extending from its back face, care is required in the storage and transportation of the individual slabs so as not to flex the hook members on the decorative slab. In addition, the space occupied by the hook members prevents the slabs from being efficiently stacked for boarding or storage, and the slabs must be protected to prevent damage that may be caused by the hook members when the slabs are stacked. In addition, since panel structures or frameworks are typically pre-built, if the office owner wishes to reconfigure the panel system, the additional panels that have the desired configuration must be either retrieved from storage or ordered from the manufacturer of the panels. Panel systems installed in the field have been developed to overcome certain limitations of wall systems, "with has_e in prefabricated panel structures. These systems generally include posts and horizontal support members that are selectively engageable with the posts. The posts and horizontal support members are assembled together to build the skeleton of a wall, and the slabs are coupled with the posts to form a wall system. In known systems of this type, however, a module defined by a pair of posts and the horizontal support members interconnected between them can not be reconfigured, - i ~ to the co or by changing the location of the members , horizontal support, without disassembling the complete module. In these systems, if the office owner wishes to add additional horizontal support members to the panel frame or alter the location of the existing horizontal support members, the frame of the panels must be disassembled and the vertical posts separated to allow placement of the horizontal support member between them. An object of the present invention is to provide a system of division or distribution of space that incorporates panel assemblies assembled in the field. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a system that includes horizontal support members coupled between the spaced vertical posts, where the horizontal support members can be coupled to the vertical posts without separation of the vertical posts. A further object of the invention is to provide such a system that can be easily and quickly reconfigured with a minimum amount of labor. Still another object of the invention is to provide such a system that can be constructed from a minimum number of core components, such that the storage space for the components when they are not in use, is minimized. A further object of the invention is to provide a system such that decorative slabs thereon are hung to each panel frame by hooks retaining the independent slabs not permanently attached to either the slab or the panel frame. Still another object of the invention is to provide a slab frame for each of the decorative slabs that can be assembled from individual slab frame members welded in overlapping positions. A further object of the invention is to provide such a system that includes horizontal support members that can be coupled between the vertical posts either in an upright or an inverted manner. Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel method of mounting the power and data communication cables below the individual panels. Still another object of the invention is to provide a partition or partition system that can be assembled and disassembled into numerous configurations, including half-wall, full-wall, and "off-module" mounted walls. A further object of the invention is to provide an air storage member that can be slidably mounted within a channel formed in each of the horizontal support members, such that the air storage member can be mounted "out of module" and slide it. between the adjacent panel frames. In general, the invention contemplates a system of division or distribution of space for use in a building that has a floor and a roof. The space division system of the invention includes a series of interconnected modules or wall panels, each formed from a panel frame assembled in the field, and one or more decorative slabs hung on the panel frame. Each panel frame is formed from a pair of vertical posts and at least one horizontal support member positioned between the vertical posts. The vertical posts are configured such that each post is common to adjacent modules or wall panels. Each vertical post can be formed from one or more pole sections in.Tracked by a splice section. The pole sections can be either a half-pole section or a full pole section. Each of the half-pole sections and the full-pole sections includes a series of vertically aligned receptacles extending from their front and rear face surfaces. The receptacles are spaced apart and sized to receive the engaging members contained on each end of the horizontal support member. Each horizontal support member defines first and second opposite ends, and is formed from a lower wall and a pair of opposite side walls. The bottom or bottom wall of each horizontal support member includes a pair of cuts extending from the first end and the second end of the horizontal support member. The cuts allow the horizontal support member to be mounted between a pair of vertical posts that are spaced a distance less than the length of the horizontal support member without first separating the vertical posts. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a slab retaining hook is inserted into a hook opening formed in the panel frame. The retaining hook of the slab extends from the panel frame and is received within a hook channel formed in the decorative slab to be hung on the panel frame. The slab includes a. pair of hook channels formed on each corner extending at an angle of 90 ° with respect to the other. The slab can thus be mounted to the panel frame vertically or horizontally, depending on the user's requirements. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a horizontal support member is inverted and mounted near the bottom end of the panel frame. The inverted horizontal support member provides the support required for a conduit of electrical cables extending between adjacent joined panels. According to yet another aspect of the invention, each horizontal support member is configured to provide access to the openings contained in the vertical post when the horizontal support member is mounted between a pair of vertical posts. An opening formed in the horizontal support member is aligned with an opening formed on the vertical post, when the horizontal support member is mounted to the vertical post. A slab retaining hook extends through the aligned openings and functions to interlock one end of the horizontal support member with the vertical post. In addition, the proper alignment of the opening in the horizontal support member and the opening in the vertical post ensures the opening. Proper construction of the panel frame. According to another aspect of the invention, a base cover is mounted below the lower horizontal support member, inverted to provide a cover for the cable conduits mounted to the series of interconnected panels. Each base cover includes a bottom wall and a pair of base sides that engage the lower horizontal support member. The base cover can be opened to provide access to the cable duct. In accordance with. Yet another aspect of the invention, the electrical cable conduit includes a series of rigid cable conduits joined by electrical cable connectors. The rigid cable ducts are each supported by the lower horizontal support member, inverted by electrical hanging brackets which are attached to the rigid cable duct and the inverted lower support member. According to a further aspect of the invention, the slabs are constructed from a series of frame members each joined by a corner connector. The corner connector is received within a channel formed in each frame member. Each frame member includes a coupling flange extending from the channel. When the slab frame is assembled, a raised portion of each mating flange overlaps a portion of the adjacent mating flange, such that adjacent mating flanges can be spot welded to securely form the slab frame. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the space division or distribution system of the invention can be assembled in the field from a minimum number of separate components. In particular, each of the vertical posts is constructed from vertical, joined pole sections. The height of each vertical post is determined by the number of vertical post sections selected. Each of the vertical post sections are joined by a splice section received within the hollow interior of each post section. Once the vertical posts have been assembled, the horizontal support members are coupled at the desired sites along each of the vertical posts, to form a panel frame. Since each vertical post includes a series of regularly spaced receptacles extending along its length, the horizontal support members can be coupled between a pair of vertical posts at the sites selected by the user. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an overhead or roof storage member that can be mounted between a pair of adjacent panels. The air storage member includes a mounting arrangement that it is slidably received in a channel formed in a side wall of the horizontal support member. The mounting arrangement includes a support flange extending from a rear wall of the air storage or roof member and received in the channel. The support tab can slide between the horizontal support members contained on the adjacent panel frames such that the ceiling storage member can be mounted at any location relative to the panels, including assembly "out of module". According to a further aspect of the invention, an intermediate horizontal support member can be inserted into an assembled panel frame, without disassembling the panel frame. Specifically, the horizontal support member can be inserted into the panel frame without first separating the vertical posts.

The various aspects of the invention can be employed separately or in subcombinations as desired. In a particularly preferred form, however, all the various aspects of the invention are incorporated in a system of division or distribution of space to provide such a system that has significant advantages in terms of. Manufacturing, installation and reconfiguration. Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best modality currently contemplated for carrying out the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is an isometric view illustrating a removable, partitionable or partitioned system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view illustrating the construction of a panel frame for use in the partition or partition system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an isometric view in exploded, partial elongated, that. shows the connection between a vertical post and the horizontal support member of the panel frame of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an enlarged, partial sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4; Figure 6 is an elevation view of a pair of vertical posts and showing in broken lines the steps performed in the coupling of a horizontal support member between the pair of vertical posts; Figure 7 is a partial isometric view illustrating the upper end of a vertical half-pole section of the panel frame of Figure 2; Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 2; Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 2; Figure 10 is a partial sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 2; Figure 12 is a partial sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a partial, exploded, top sectional view illustrating the interconnection between a pair of vertical half pole sections and a corner post for use in the system of Figure 1; Figure 14 is a partial, front elevational view showing the assembly of a slab to the panel frame of Figure 2; Figure 15 is a side elevational view, in exploded view, showing the assembly of the slab to the panel frame; Figure 16 is a partial, isometric, elongated view showing the slab mounting arrangement of Figure 15; Figure 17a is an enlarged, partial, front elevational view showing the insertion of a slab retaining hook into the aligned openings in the vertical posts and the horizontal support member; Figure 17b is a front elevational, partial, elongated view similar to Figure 17a showing the rotation of the slab retaining hook in an operative securing position; Figure 18 is a front elevational view, exploded, showing the construction of the frame of a slab member for use in the system of Figure 1; Figure 19 is a partial sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 18; Figure 20 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing the construction of the slab framework of Figure 18; Figure 21 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along line 21-21 of Figure 14 illustrating the function of the slab retaining hook; Figure 22 is an enlarged partial sectional view, taken along line 22-22 of Figure 14, illustrating the function of the slab retaining hook; Figure 23 is a partial isometric view illustrating the system of division or division of space of Figure 1; Figure 24 is an enlarged isometric view showing an alternative configuration for the partition or partition system of the present invention; Figure 25 is a partial, front plan view illustrating a pair of panels and various trim components for the system of division or distribution of space; Figure 26 is a partial top plan view taken with reference to line 26-26 of Figure 25; Figure 27 is a partial sectional view taken along line 27-27 of Figure 26; Figure 28 is a partial sectional view taken along line 28-28 of Figure 25, illustrating the top cover and the cover base of the panel; Figure 28a is an enlarged partial sectional view showing the interaction between the top cover of the panel and one of the horizontal support members; Figure 28b is an enlarged partial sectional view illustrating the interaction between the base cover and one of the horizontal support members; Figure 28c is an enlarged partial sectional view illustrating the construction of the base cover; Figure 29 is a partial sectional view taken along line 29-29 of Figure 24; Figure 30 is a partial sectional view taken along line 30-30 of Figure 24; Figure 31 is a partial sectional view taken along line 31-31 of Figure 23; Figure 32 is an enlarged partial section view showing the interaction between the corner post and the counter frame; Figure 33 is a partial sectional view taken along line 33-33 of Figure 23; Figure 34 is a partial sectional view taken along line 34-34 of Figure 33; Figure 35 is a partial sectional view taken along line 35-35 of Figure 23; Figure 36 is an enlarged sectional view showing the interaction between the corner post and the cover of the counter frame of Figure 35; Figure 37 is a partial sectional view taken along line 37-37 of Figure 23; Figure 38 is a partial sectional view taken along line 38-38 of Figure 37; Figure 39 is a partial side elevation view, illustrating the stabilization connection between a vertical half-pole section and a stationary wall member; Figure 40 is a partial sectional view taken along line 40-40 of Figure 39, illustrating a clamp mechanism used to stabilize the half-pole section; Figure 41 is a partial sectional view taken along line 41-41 of Figure 40; Figure 42 is a partial sectional view taken along line 42-42 of Figure 40; Figure 43 is a partial front elevational view illustrating a pair of mounted aerial or roof storage members, to the partition or partition system of the present invention; Figure 44 is an exploded isometric view showing the mounting arrangement for one of the overhead or roof storage members of Figure 43; Figure 45 is an exploded isometric view, similar to Figure 44; illustrating a second mounting arrangement for one of the air storage members; Figure 46 is a partial sectional view taken along line 46-46 of Figure 43; Figure 47 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 47-47 of Figure 46; Figure 48 is a partial sectional view taken along line 48-48 of Figure 43; Figure 49 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the area identified by line 49-49 of Figure 48; Figure 50a is a partial, front elevational view illustrating the lower portion of the space division or partition system of the present invention; Figure 50b is a front elevational view similar to Figure 50a, which further illustrates the electrical cable conduit; Figure 51 is a partial sectional view taken along line 51-51 of Figure 50a; Figure 52 is a partial sectional view taken along line 52-52 of Figure 50a; Figure 53 is an exploded elevation view showing the interconnection between an electrical hanging bracket and the rigid cable conduit; Figure 54 is a partial sectional view taken along line 54-54 of Figure 50a; Figure 55 is a partial sectional view taken along line 55-55 of Figure 50a; Figure 56 is a partial sectional view that shares a cable support fastener for use in the division or partition system of the present invention; and Figure 57 is a partial sectional view illustrating a pair of cable fasteners coupled to one of the horizontal support members of the system of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a system 60 of division or partition of space constructed in accordance with the present invention. The space division system 60 is adapted for use in a building, which has an open space between a floor 62 and a roof, and is operable to divide the open space into smaller areas. In particular, the space division system 60 is adapted for use in a work environment to divide the open space into individual work areas, meeting areas, reception areas or the like. In general, the space division system 60 includes a series of interconnected panels 64, which can be joined in numerous configurations to define the individual areas. Each of the panels 64 generally includes a panel frame 66, assembled in the field, and one or more decorative slabs 68 that are supported on the frame 66 of the panel. The slabs 68 define the walls of the individual area and often include a decorative pattern. Figures 2-13 illustrate the construction of the panel frames 66. Referring first to Figure 2, each panel frame 66 generally includes a pair of vertical posts 70 joined by at least one horizontal support member 72. In the embodiment shown, the panel frame 66 includes a support member 72, horizontal upper and lower one. The vertical posts 70 are spaced apart by the length of each horizontal support member 72, and the connection between the posts 70 and the horizontal support members 72 provide the rigidity required for the frame 66 of the panel.

In order to provide a space division system 60 that can be assembled and disassembled to create individual areas having a variety of configurations, each of the vertical posts 70 shown in Figure 2 can be constructed from a pair of individual pole sections joined together by a splice section. In the panel frame 66 shown in Figure 2, the rigid vertical post 70 is constructed from two sections of full post 74 which are joined together by a splice section 76, while the left vertical post 70 is formed by from a pair of half-post sections 78 joined by a splice section 80. Alternatively, each vertical post 70 may be continuous and formed without splices. As shown in Figure 9, the splice section 76 is received within an open interior space 82 defined by the exterior walls of the full post section 74. The complete post section 74 is formed from two identical outer wall sections 84 which define the interior 82 open, generally rectangular. The pair of identical, exterior wall sections 84 are joined along a pair of longitudinal joints 86 by a series of spaced welds 88. In the preferred embodiment of the invention ,. each of the outer wall sections 84 forming the complete post section 74 is formed from 16-gauge cold rolled sidewalk to provide the strength and stiffness required for the panel frame 66. As can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, the splice section 76 includes a series of network sections 90 that extend outwardly and create an interference fit with the internal surfaces 92 of the full post section 74. Each network section 90 includes a tapered portion 94 that allows the splice section 76 to be inserted into the open interior space 82 of the full post section 74. As shown in Figures 2 and 10, the splice section 76 is positioned between the full, upper and lower post sections 74, such that the splice section 76 securely connects the full, upper and lower post sections 74. , to define in general the full vertical post 70 to be used in the panel frame 66. The construction of each vertical post 70 from two separate complete post sections 74, allows the panel frame 66 to be constructed having either the full height as shown, or a reduced height if only a post section 74 is used. full.

Referring now to Figure 8, the half-pole section 78 is constructed in a manner similar to the full-pole section 74, discussed previously. However, the width of the half-post section 78 is approximately half the width of the entire post section 74. In the construction of the panel frame 66, the complete post sections 74 are used to form the vertical post 70 between the adjacent panels extending in the same direction, while the half post sections 78 are used to form a vertical post. 70 at the end of the running sites, such as where the adjacent panel frames 66 extend at an angle of 90 ° to one another, as shown in Figure 2. The half-pole section 78 is constructed from a pair of outer wall sections 96 that are joined along a longitudinal joint or weld 98 by a series of welds 100. The splice section 80 includes a series of network or mesh sections 102 extending outwardly. and create an interference fit with the internal surfaces 104 of the half-pole section 78. The tapered portions 106 of each network section 102 allow the splice section 80 to be inserted between the upper and lower half post sections 78, such that the full vertical post 70, left, can be constructed as shown in Figure 2. With reference now to Figures 3 and 7, the full post section 74 and the half post section 78 will now be described, with the understanding that similar characteristics about each will be identified by corresponding reference numbers to facilitate understanding. However, as the figures clearly illustrate, the half-pole section 78 is approximately half the width of the full-pole section 74. The full post section 74 and the middle post section 78 include a pair of front surfaces 106. Since the full post section 74 and the half post section 78 are constructed from identical exterior wall sections 84 and 96, respectively, both front surfaces 106 are identical. Each front surface 106 includes a series of receptacles 108 formed outside. The receptacles 108 each include a curved retaining flange 110, which extends outwardly from the otherwise flat front surface 106, as best seen in Figure 4. The retaining flange 110 includes a curved edge. 112 spaced a predetermined distance from the front surface 106, for reasons that will be discussed in detail later. The receptacles 108 each extend outwardly from an opening 114 that communicates with the open interior 82 of the full post section 74. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 7, the receptacles 108 are spaced vertically along the entire length of either the full post section 74 or the half post section 78. Representatively, the vertical spacing between the receptacles 108 may be approximately 7.6 cm (3 inches). In the full post section 74 shown in Figure 3, a second series of receptacles 108 are positioned directly adjacent to the first series of receptacles 108. The two series of receptacles 108 allow the full post section 74 to receive two support members horizontal 72, separated, in a manner that will be discussed in detail later in the present. Positioned directly above each of the receptacles 108 is an opening 116 for hook. The hook openings 116 are formed in each of the front surfaces 106 and provide access to the interior of the entire post section 74 or to the middle post section 78. Each hook opening 116 includes a substantially circular main opening 118, and a pair of opposing notches 120 each extending horizontally from the main opening 118. Like the receptacles 108, the hook openings 116 may be spaced approximately 7.6 cm (3 inches) along the length of the section 74 of full post and section 78 of half a post. The full post section 74 includes two groups of hook openings 116 that extend along the entire length of the full post section 74, as with the receptacles 108. A series of aligned support slots 122 are positioned. between the two vertical rows of receptacles 108 over the full post section 74 of Figure 3. The support slots 122 extend at regular intervals along the entire length of the full post section 74 and provide a point of attachment for the various components of the space division system 60, as will be discussed in detail hereinafter. The half-pole section 78 shown in Figure 7 includes a vertical row of support grooves 122, positioned adjacent to the vertical row of receptacles 108. As the support grooves 122 formed on the full-pole section 74, the support grooves 122 on the section 78 of half-pole also provide a coupling point for the other components, as will be discussed in detail hereinafter. Representatively, the center-to-center spacing of the support grooves 122 may be approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch). In addition, of the pair of front surfaces 106, the full-pole section 74 and the half-pole section 78 include a pair of opposite side edge surfaces 124. Each of the edge surfaces 124 includes the joint or weld 86 or 98 that joins the outer wall sections 84 or 96 to form the complete post section 74 and the middle post section 78. A pair of access slots 126, aligned, are formed on each edge surface 124 of the full post section 74 and the half post section 78. Each access slot 126 is opened from an upper end 128 either of the full-pole section 74 or the half-pole section 78. The access slots 126 provide an access passageway through the entire pole section 74 or the half pole section 78. In this way, the access slots 126 allow items such as electrical or communication cables to pass through the entire pole section 74 or the half pole section 78, in a manner that will be discussed in more detail below. . Referring again to Figure 2, the full-pole section 74, of the lower part receives a sliding housing 130 inserted in its lower or bottom end 132, while the middle-section section 78 of the lower part receives a sliding housing 134, similarly also inserted into its lower end 136.. Each of the sliding housings 130 and 134 receives a sliding member 138 which engages the floor 62, which can be adjusted to provide balanced support for the panel frame 76. As can be seen in Figures 11 and 12, the sliding housing 134 includes a series of networks or meshes 140 defining a series of flat contact surfaces 142. The contact surfaces 142 contact and engage the internal surfaces 104. of section 78 of half post, and create a friction fit to retain the slide housing 1324 in place. A central network or mesh 144 surrounds and retains an internally threaded sleeve 146 as shown in Figure 12. The internally threaded sleeve 146 receives a threaded shank 148 of the sliding member 138. The threaded pin 148 is connected to a wheel 150. , to provide support for the vertical post 70 on the floor 62. As can be understood in Figure 12, the wheel 150 can be adjusted vertically by screwing the threaded pin 148 in and out of the sleeve 146 in a conventional manner, as is known. The sliding housing 134 includes a first shoulder 152 that contacts the lower end 136 of the half-post section 78 to fix the position of the sliding housing 134 within the hollow half post section 78. In addition to the first shoulder 152, the sliding housing 134 includes a second shoulder 154 that extends outwardly beyond the middle pole section 78. In addition, a bottom or bottom edge 156 of the sliding housing 134 includes an outer recess 158 and an internal recess 160. Recess 158 and notch 160, as well as the shoulder 154, provide the coupling points for the various counterframe components. or panel chamfer, as will be discussed in detail later herein. Although a description has been provided solely of the sliding housing 134, the sliding housing 130 positioned in the complete post section 74 has in general the same construction. Referring now to Figures 2-6, each horizontal support member 72 has a generally U-shaped cross section defined by a lower wall 162 and a pair of opposite side walls 164 and 166, as best shown in the Figure 4. The horizontal support member 72 extends generally longitudinally between a first end 168 and a second end 170, as shown in Figure 6. As can be seen in Figure 6, the first end 168 and the second end 170 they are identical, such that the horizontal support member 72 can be coupled between the pair of vertical posts 70 with either the side wall 164 or the side wall 166 facing outwards. As noted in Figures 3 and 4, the side walls 164 and 166 are spaced apart from each other by a distance sufficient to receive the entire post section 74 or the middle post section 78 therebetween. As illustrated in Figure 3, the first end 168 of the side wall 164 and the side wall 166 includes a pair of coupling members 172. Representatively, the coupling members 172 are each an assurance rivet having a portion of expanded head 174 extending from side wall 164 or 166 to an open interior part 176 defined by side walls 164, 166 and bottom wall 172. As can be seen in Figure 5, expanded head portion 174 extends from an inner face 178 of the side wall 164. A shaft or column 180 extends through an opening in the side wall 164 and is attached to an expanded end 182 that interacts with an outer face 184 of the side wall 162 to retain the coupling member 172 in its place. In addition to the column 180, the coupling member 172 includes a spacer 186 which provides the desired spacing of the head portion 174 from the inner face 178. As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the four coupling members 172 contained on the first end 168 of the horizontal support member 172 are spaced such that the four coupling members 172 are received within four corresponding receptacles 108 in the full post section 74. As can be better understood in Figures 4 and 5, the head portion 174 of each coupling member 172 is received behind the retaining flange 110, and the spacer 186 contacts the curved edge 112 of the retaining flange 110. The horizontal support member 72 is held in place along the entire post section 74 by a mechanical fastener by interference between the four receptacles 108 on the entire post section 74 and the four coupling members 172 contained thereon. first end 168 of the horizontal support member 72. Referring now to Figure 6, the preferred method of installing the horizontal support member 72 between a pair of vertical posts 70 will now be described.

Specifically, the method for installing the horizontal support member 72 between a pair of full post sections 74 will be described, although the same method could apply to the placement of a horizontal support member 72 between a pair of half-post sections 78 or a combination of a full-length section 74 and a half-section 78 section. Initially, as shown in position A, the horizontal support member 72 is positioned at an angle and moved between the post sections 74 such that each post section 74 is located between the side walls 164, 166 of the support member. horizontal 72 The coupling members 172 at the lower end (first end 168 in Figure 6) are positioned above the group of receptacles 108 intended to receive the coupling members 172. Once the lower end (first end 168 in Figure 6) of the horizontal support member 72 is in the position of the desired position, the upper end (second end 170 in Figure 6) is lowered as shown by arrow 188, to move horizontal support member 72 to the position shown by reference character B. In position B , the coupling members 172 are positioned out of vertical alignment with the receptacles 108 within which they are to be inserted.

After what. the horizontal support member 72 is in the position B, the horizontal support member 72 is moved laterally as indicated by the arrow 190, until the coupling members 172 are vertically aligned slightly above the innermost receptacles 108, as is shown by the reference character C. Once the coupling members 172 have been properly aligned above the receptacles 108, the horizontal support member 72 is moved in the downward direction as indicated by the arrow 192 until each coupling member 172 is initially received in a receptacle 108, as indicated by the reference character D. The ends of the horizontal support member 72 are then struck downwards * such as by the use of an elastic mallet, to firmly seat each engaging member 172 in one of the receptacles 108. As the horizontal support member 72 is struck downward, each m Coupling member 172 is moved along curved retaining flange 110, and interference fit between them works to pull coupling members 172 on side walls 164 and 166 in an inward direction towards each other. This inward movement of the coupling members 172 functions to pinch or embrace the post section 74 between the side walls 164, 166 to provide a secure, mechanical frictional engagement of the horizontal support member 72 with the post section 74. It is important to note that the horizontal support member 72 can be placed in numerous places along the total height of the pair of vertical posts 70. Since the receptacles 108 are spaced at intervals of 7.6 cm (3 inches), the horizontal support member 72 can be placed at any height in increments of 7.6 cm (3 inches) along the length of the vertical posts 70. Furthermore, it is also important to note that the horizontal support member 72 can be placed between the pair of vertical posts 70 without requiring the vertical posts 70 to be separated or any other movement of the vertical posts 70. In this way, members The horizontal frames 72 can be added or removed from the panel frame 66 after the panel frame 66 has been formed without first disassembling the panel frame 66, or the placement of the existing horizontal support members 72, can also be changed. This feature is extremely important, since the panel frame 66 can be modified without first being disassembled.

In addition, as can be seen in Figure 2, the horizontal support member 72 placed on the bottom of the panel frame 66 can be inverted relative to the horizontal support member 72 placed on the upper end of the panel frame 66. The horizontal support member 72, lower, is inverted such that it can support a conduit of electrical cables, in a way that will be discussed later in greater detail. However, it should be noted that the spacing between the receptacles 108 of the lower part is increased relative to the spacing between the remaining receptacles 108, in order to accommodate the inversion of the horizontal support member 72 near the bottom of the frame 66 of panel. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, each of the side walls 164 and 166 of the horizontal support member 72 includes a channel 194 that extends along the entire length of the horizontal support member 72. Channel 194 includes an edge or edge 196 extending in an upward direction beyond the bottom 198 of the channel 194. The edge 196 defines a lower U-shaped area of the channel 194, which allows various components to be mounted to the horizontal support member 72, as will be discussed later in more detail.

Each of the side walls 164 and 166 includes an access opening 198 extending inward from the first end 168 and the second end 170, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 6. As can be seen better in Figure 6, when the horizontal support member 72 is suitably positioned along the pair of vertical posts 70 and mounted thereto as described above, the access opening 198 formed at each end of the horizontal support member 72 is aligned with one of the hook openings 116 formed in the vertical post 70. Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the lower wall 162 of each horizontal support member 72 includes a U-shaped cutout 200 extending inwardly from the first end 168 and second end 170. Each cutout 200 terminates along a curved edge 202. As can be understood in Figures 2 and 29, the curved edge 202 is sufficiently spaced inwardly as it is. a from the first end 168 or the second end 170 such that when the horizontal support member 72 is connected between the pair of vertical posts 70, there is a clearance between the edge surface 124 of the vertical post 70 and the curved edge 202. This free space allows wires or other components to be threaded between the horizontal support members 72, spaced apart.

In addition, the cutouts 200 allow each horizontal support member 72 to be coupled between the pair of vertical posts 70 without first separating the vertical posts 70. As seen in the position A of Figure 6, the full post section 74 is received in the cutout 200 along the first end 168 to allow the horizontal support member 72 to be angled, as shown. Once placed between the vertical posts 72, the horizontal support member 72 can be properly aligned as discussed above. Referring again to Figure 2, a pair of corner posts 204 are used to create a 90 ° connection between adjacent panel frames 66. Specifically, the pair of corner posts 204 are used to connect the half-post sections 78 contained in each of the panel frames 66 placed at the 90 ° corner. With reference to Figure 13, each corner post 204 includes an outer net or mesh 206 attached to a central portion 208 by a plurality of radial networks or meshes 210. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the corner post 204 is formed from extruded aluminum. The corner post 204 defines four individual receptacles 212 that are each sized to receive the edge surface 124 of the half-post section 78. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the half-post sections 78 is attached to the corner post 204 by a connector 214 having a threaded column 216 and an expanded head portion 218. The threaded column 216 passes through the aligned holes 220, contained therein. each of the edge surfaces 124. The threaded column 216 passes through an opening 222 contained in the receptacle 212 formed by the outer net 206 of the corner post 204. A nut 224 receives the threaded column 216, such that the nut 224 and connector 214 secure section 78 of half post to corner post 204. As can be understood in Figure 2, pair of corner posts 204 are spaced vertically along the full height of vertical posts 70, to provide the required connection points between the two panel frames 66. The slabs 68 are mounted to each panel frame 66 in the manner illustrated in Figures 14-22. Each slab 68 is mounted between the horizontal support members 72, upper and lower, to provide a solid wall construction for each of the panel frames 66, as is conventional in partition or partition systems. In addition, as can be seen in Figure 15, each slab 68 includes a flat rear surface 226 that is placed in close contact with the panel frames 66. Each slab 68 is hung on the panel frame 66 by a plurality of slab retaining hooks 228. Each of the slab retaining hooks 228 is a separate component of slab 68 and panel frame 66. Therefore, contrary to the slabs used in the previous panel systems, the back surface 226 of the slab 68 is generally planar, such that when the slabs 68 are stacked and shipped, there is no danger that the hooks contained on the slabs they can damage the adjacent slabs or they can be flexed or loosened, as is the case with the slabs used in the systems of division or distribution of space of the prior art. In addition, the removal of the permanently mounted hooks allows the slabs 68 to be closely stacked, since the front surfaces of the adjacent slabs are in direct contact with each other. In the case of slabs having permanently mounted hooks, the hooks extend from a back surface of the slab and prevent the front surfaces of the adjacent slabs from contacting each other. This provision of the retaining hooks 228, separated, thus works to significantly compress the space required to stack the slabs, for boarding or storage.

Each slab retaining hook 228 generally includes a portion of the main body 230 having a support hook 232 extending therefrom. The portion 230 of the main body is inserted into the vertical post 70 such that the slab retaining hook 228 is retained within the vertical post 70. The support hook 232 is received within a recessed hook channel 234 formed in the slab 68 As best seen in Figure 16, the slab 68 includes a pair of hook channels 234, normally positioned towards each other. Since each slab 68 includes channels 234 for hook extending horizontally and vertically, the orientation of the slab 68 can be rotated through 90 °, while still being able to be supported by slab retaining hooks 228, placed on the frame. 66 of panel. Each slab retaining hook 228 is inserted into either the entire post section 74 or the half post section 78 as follows. Initially, the slab retaining hook 228 is oriented in the direction shown in Figure 17a. When positioned as shown, the main body portion 230 can be inserted through the access opening 198 formed in the horizontal support member 72 and the hook opening 116 formed in the full post section 74. Specifically, the main body portion 230 passes through the pair of notches 120 contained in the hook opening 116. Once the slab retaining hook 228 is positioned within the access opening 198 and the hook opening 116, the slab retaining hook 228 is rotated 90 ° toward the secured position shown in Figure 17b. When rotated to the position shown in Figure 17b, the slab retaining hook 228 is secured in position, as shown in Figures 21 and 22. As can be seen in these figures, the slab retaining hook 228 includes a first internal pair of securing tabs 236 extending outwardly from the main body 230. The first pair of securing tabs 236 extends through the access opening 198 and the hook opening 116, and engages the internal surface 92 of the section 74 of the complete post. A second outer pair of securing tabs 240 extends from the main body 230 between the first securing tabs 236 and supports the hook 232 and is spaced from the first pair of securing tabs 236 by a distance slightly greater than the wall thickness of the complete post section 74, as can be seen in Figure 21. The second pair of securing tabs 240 has a thickness corresponding to the space between the front surfaces of the full post section 74 and the horizontal support member 72. this mode, when the slab retaining hook 228 is inserted into the assembled panel frame 66, if the panel frame 66 has been improperly constructed, the slab retaining hook 228 will not rotate towards the position shown in Figure 17b. , since the access opening 198 and the hook opening 116 will be improperly aligned. In addition, if the panel frame 66 has been improperly constructed, the spacing between the entire post section 74 and the horizontal support member 72 may be inadequate, such that the second pair of securing tabs 240 will not fit in the space between the full post section 74 and the horizontal support member 72. When the slab retaining hook 228 is properly inserted as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the slab retaining hook 228 is rotated toward its secured position of the slab. Figure 17b, in which the edges of the post section 74, adjacent the hook opening 166 are received in the space between the first securing tabs 236 and the second securing tabs 240. In addition, the second securing tabs 240 are ced with the rear surface of the wall of the horizontal support member 72, which is received within a notch 241 formed between the upper one of the second securing tabs 240 and the support hook 232. Thus, when the slab retaining hooks 228 are in the secured position of Figure 21, the slab retaining hooks 228 function to interlock the horizontal support member 72 with the post 70, to prevent relative movement between the horizontal support member 72 and the post 70. The slab retaining hooks 228 thereby perform the double function of providing an interlocking between the post 70 and the horizontal support member 72, as well as the provision of a hook structure for the mounting of the slabs 68. When the slab retaining hook 228 is in its secured position the Figure 17b, the support hook 232 is oriented in the upward direction and can be received within the hook channel 234 formed in the slab 68. As seen in Figure 21, the support hook 232 is substantially smaller than the channel opening 242, such that when the slab 68 is installed, the slab 68 slides in a downward direction until the support hook 232 engages an upper wall 244 of the channel 234 from the hook. The upper wall 244 includes an outer edge or edge 246 which prevents the support hook 232 from being pulled out of the hook channel 234 after the slab 68 has been installed.

The channel 234 of the hook is formed in a corner connector 248 of the slab that is used in the construction of each individual slab 68, in a manner that will be discussed in more detail below. The slab corner connector 248 is formed from a plastic material and includes the pair of hook channels 234 normally positioned to each other. With reference to Figure 22, the slab retaining hook 228 positioned near the bottom edge of the slab 68, does not support the weight of the slab 68 when the slab 68 is hung over the panel frame 66. As can be seen in Figure 22, the support hook 232 does not interact with any portion of the slab corner connector 248, to support the weight of the slab 68. Rather, the support hook 232 is received within the channel 234 of hook and works to prevent lateral movement of the slab 68, since the support hook 232 can not move laterally within the hook channel 234. In addition, an edge or edge 247 formed at the end of the hook channel 234 opposite the edge or edge 246 overlaps the upper end of the lower support hook 232, to prevent outward movement of the lower end of the slab 68. Since the slab retaining hook 228 located near the lower portion of the slab 68 is inserted within the panel frame 66 in a manner identical to the slab retaining hook 228 that supports the upper portion of the slab 68, the retaining hook 228 The lower slab also ensures that the horizontal support member 72 is correctly aligned with the complete post section 74 and provides an interlocking therebetween. Each slab 68 is first installed by placing the slab 68 such that the slab retaining hooks 228 are first inserted into the hook channels 234 and the edges or edges 246, 247 are located above the upper support hooks. and lower 232, respectively. The slab 68 is then moved vertically in a downward direction such that the upper and lower slab retaining hooks 228 are engaged within the hook channels 234 as shown in Figures 21 and 22, respectively, for coupling the slab 68 with the panel frame 66. The slabs 68 are removed by reversing these steps. As discussed at the beginning, the full post section 74, as well as the middle post section 78 includes a series of hook openings 116 spaced along the entire length of the post. Thus, it can be understood that a horizontal support member 72 and the slab retaining hooks 228 could be aligned with any of the hook openings 116, such that the slabs 68 having different lengths and widths can be supported as length of the panel frame 66 simply by installing a horizontal support member 72 and moving the slab retaining hooks 228 toward the desired position. In this way, the partition or partition system 60 of the present invention can be configured to support many types of slab configurations, based on the user's requirements. Each slab 68 is constructed in the manner shown in Figures 18-20. Each slab 68 generally includes a rectangular slab frame 250 constructed from four frame members 252 each connected by one of the corner connectors 248 of the slab. Each frame member 252 generally includes a channel 254 and an inwardly extending coupling flange 256 formed from a single piece of material. Representatively, each frame member 252 can be formed from 20 gauge cold rolled steel. As can be seen in Figure 20, channel 254 defines a passage 258. Coupling flange 256 extends from channel 254. The slab corner connector 248 includes a pair of shank portions 260 each extending from the main body portion 262 to form a 90 ° angle. The portion of rod 260 is received within passage 258 defined by channel 254, and creates a friction fit between these, as best seen in Figure 19. Each engagement flange 256 includes a raised portion 262 along its first end 263 that overlaps a second end 265 of the coupling flange 256 of the adjacent frame member 252, as best seen in Figure 19. The raised portion 262 is highlighted from the remaining portion of the coupling flange 256 by a flex 266. Thus, once the components of a frame 250 of The entire slab is assembled as shown in Figure 18, the raised portion 262 on the first end 263 of each engagement flange 256 can be welded in stitches to the second end 265 of the engagement flange 256 of the adjacent frame member 252 to form securely the slab frame 250. The corner connectors 248 are thus caught in position due to the engagement of the rod portions 260 within the channels 254 of the adjacent frame members 252. The corner connectors 248 have a cross section corresponding generally to that of the channel 254, such that the exposed area of each corner connector 248 functions to provide a corner completed 90 ° between the adjacent ends of the channels 254.

A slot 261 is formed in the rear wall of each panel 254 adjacent to each end thereof. The slot 261 functions to expose the hook channels 234, which are formed in each shank 260 of each corner connector 248. After the slab frame 250 has been constructed in the manner identified above, a slab core 264 and a member 267 of acoustically absorbent sponge, are inserted into the frame 250 of the assembled slab. A cloth cover member 268 is stretched across the front of the sponge member 267 and coupled to the frame member 262 in a conventional manner, as shown in Figure 20. Representatively, the cloth cover member 268 can to be coupled to the frame member 252 by a conventional adhesive. Two types of possible configurations for the partition or partition system 60 of the present invention are shown in Figures 23 and 24. In Figure 23, a configuration having a continuous main wall 270 formed from a series of panels 64 each including slabs 68, is connected to at least one pair of transverse walls 272, each of which is also formed from one or more interconnected panels 64, each including a slab 68. In the Figure 24, a wall having a panel 274 of reduced height is constructed. The reduced height panel 274 is formed from a vertical post 70 having only a full post section 74 or the middle post section 78, instead of the two joined post sections, as previously described. Since each vertical post 70 is formed on the site by joining two individual post sections with a splice section, as shown and described in Figure 2, the reduced height wall section 274 can be easily constructed on the site simply by using only one of the two vertical pole sections. Attached to the top of each panel 64 is a top panel cover 276, as best seen in Figures 23 and 28. The top cover 276 of the panel provides a decorative cap for the top edge of each panel 64, and also functions to enclose the channel face up, defined by the horizontal support member 72 of the highest part. As seen in Figure 28, the top cover 276 of the panel includes a curved top wall 278 which contacts and is supported by an upper end 280 of the horizontal support member 72. The top panel cover 276 includes a pair of reeds of coupling 282 that flex outwards and extend along the entire length of the top cover 276 of the panel. As can be seen in Figures 28 and 28a, the coupling tabs 282 engage the side walls 164, 166 of the horizontal support member 72 between the upper end 280 and a bulge 284 formed in each side wall 164 and 166. When the top panel cover 276 is engaged as shown in Figures 28 and 28a, the engagement tabs 282 flex outwards and exert a deflection force against the side walls 164 and 166 to retain the top cover 276 of the panel in its site along the horizontal support member 72. Referring again to Figure 23, a three-way intersecting post cover 294 is placed over a three-way interconnect of the panels 64. The post cover 294, three ways, also includes a plurality of pins or tabs 288 that interact with the adjacent upper panel covers 276, to secure the upper panel covers 276 in the co-position. mo is displayed. Referring now to Figures 24 and 29, an end-runner section 296 extends vertically between the top panel top cover 276 and the bottom panel cover 276. End run section 296 is joined extending between a section section 298 of the outer corner and an inner section section 300. The top cover 276 of the bottom panel terminates in a cover 302 of the post. With reference now to Figure 29, end run section 296 extends vertically and includes a pair of tabs 304 that extend along the length of end run section 296 and engage the front surfaces 106 of the section. 74 of full post. When end run section 296 is installed, the tabs 304 flex outwards and engage the receptacles 108, to retain the run end section section 296 in place along the section 74 of FIG. full post. In addition to the sections of the chamfer placed on the upper edge of each panel 64, a series of vertical chamfer sections are used to cover each vertical corner post 204, at each corner in the system 60 of division or division of space, of the present invention. As shown in Figures 24 and 30, a three-sided corner post cover 306 engages the pair of corner posts 204 at the end of a single wall. The corner post cover 306 extends from the post cover 302 to the floor, to provide a finished appearance for the corner of the reduced height panel 274. The corner post cover 306 includes a pair of tabs 308 that snap into a pair of cavities 310 formed in the net or outer mesh 206 of the corner post 204 as shown in Figure 32. As the cover 306 of three-sided post, a two-sided post cover 312 is used to create a finished appearance between a pair of orthogonally joined panels 64, as shown in Figures 23 and 31. As best seen in Figure 31, the two-sided corner post cover 312 also includes a pair of tabs 208 which engage the cavities 310 formed in the outer net 206 of the corner post 204. Finally, a corner post cover 314, on one side, it is used to provide a finished appearance at the intersection of the three joined panels 64, as shown in Figures 23 and 35. The one-sided pole cover 314 includes a pair of tabs 316 that engage two of the cavities 310 formed in the outer net 206 of the corner post 204. The tabs 316 are biased to snap into the cavity 310 to retain the key cover 314 from one side in place along the pair of corner posts 204. Figures 25 and 28 illustrate a base cover 318 that is coupled to the horizontal support member 72, inverted, of the lower part of the panel frame 66. The base cover 318 is positioned below the slab 68 and is slightly spaced above the floor 62. As will be discussed in more detail below, the base cover 318 not only provides the decorative grommet below the horizontal support member 72, It also works to enclose a conduit for electrical and communication cables. As best seen in Figure 28, the base cover 318 is formed from a pair of base sides 320 and a base bottom 322. The base sides 320 and bottom base 322 are separately formed from extruded PVC and are subsequently joined to form the structure shown. Specifically, each of the base sides 320 includes a tab 324 that is received in a corresponding notch 326 formed in the base bottom 322, as shown in Figure 28c. The tongue 324 includes an expanded end 328 which prevents the base side 320 from becoming detached laterally from the base bottom 322. During the mounting of the base cover 318, the tongue 324, including the expanded end 328, is slid longitudinally into the base. notch 326 in the base bottom 322 and subsequently bonded to the base bottom 322 by a hot melt or adhesive process. The base cover 318 is supported between the adjacent vertical posts 70, by the interaction between the base bottom 322 and the slide housing 130 or 134 contained on each vertical post 70. Specifically, the base bottom 322 includes a pair of upwardly extending tabs 330 which engage the second shoulder 154 of the sliding housing 134 as shown in Figure 28c. Further, the base bottom 322 includes the alignment tabs 332 which are received in the grooves 160 of the sliding housing 134. Referring again to Figure 28, the area of each base side 320 adjacent the outer edge of the base bottom 322, defines an active hinge which allows the base sides 320 to flex outwards, as shown in dashed lines. In this way, when the base sides 320 flex outwards, the open area below the horizontal support member 72, inverted, lower, is accessible, as will be discussed in more detail below. Each of these base sides 320 includes a side wall 334 that extends in an upward direction and terminates in an upper wall 336 as shown in Figure 28b. The top wall 336 is attached to an inner wall 338 that includes a latch portion 340. The latch portion 340 includes a tongue 342 extending from a receiving cavity 344. When the base side 320 is pushed inward, the tongue 340 makes contact with the end 280 of the lower, inverted horizontal support member 72, such that the end 280 is received and retained within the receiving cavity 344. As previously discussed, the lower horizontal support member 72 is inverted, such that the opening towards the horizontal support member 72 is facing downwards. To open any of the base sides 320, the top wall 336 may be held and pulled outward to cause the latch portion 340 to flex downwards, thereby allowing the tongue 342 to pass below the upper end 280 of the latch. horizontal support member 72. Referring now to Figures 23 and 33, a base corner cover 346 is positioned between the pair of base covers 318 at the corner between adjacent panels 64. As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the base corner cover 346 includes a pair of upper engaging tabs 348 that pass through the support grooves 122 contained in each of the middle pole sections 74. A second pair of coupling tabs 352 is received in a passageway 354 in the sliding housing 134 as shown in Figure 34, and a retainer arrangement of the snap-fit type is provided between the end of each tab. coupling 352 and a wall of the passageway 354. The outer wall 356 of the base-corner cover 346 is spaced apart from the section 74 of half-pole by a distance sufficient to allow passage of one or more cables 358, between them. In addition to the base corner cover 346, a cover base cover 360 is positioned between the adjacent sections of the base cover 318, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 38. The cover base cover 360 includes a pair of base tabs. upper couplings 362 which each engage the support slots 122 in one of the half-pole sections 74. A lower pair of coupling tabs 364 are received in the passageways 354 formed in the sliding housing 134, and a retainer arrangement of the snap-fit type is provided between the end of each coupling tab 352 and the wall of the coupling. each passageway 354, to further retain the cover 360 of base segment. As seen in Figure 38, the outer wall 366 of the base gusset cover 360 is spaced from the half-pole section 74 by a distance sufficient to allow the passage of one or more cables 358. FIGS. 39-42 illustrate a clamping or clamping mechanism 368 used to secure one of the sections 78 of half pole to another wall panel 64. The clamp mechanism 368 includes a clamp member 376 positioned to extend through the access groove 126 formed near the upper end 128 of the middle pole section 78. The clamp member 376 extends generally horizontally and terminates with a dependent edge 278. The edge 378 engages the edge of the recess 196 of a horizontal support member 72., forming a part of the wall panel 64. A sleeve 380 extends through the clamp member 376 and receives a portion of a shoulder bolt 382. The shoulder bolt 382 includes an internal helix 384. A spring washer 386 is positioned between the head of the shoulder bolt 382 and the sleeve 380. The shoulder bolt 382 includes a threaded body 388 that is threadedly received in a nut T 390, which is secured to a clamp guide weld 392. The clamp guide weld 392 includes a pair of upwardly extending tabs 392 each receiving a threaded connector 396. The threaded connectors 396 pass through the openings in the edge surface 124 of the middle post section 78 to secure the welded junction 392 of clamp guide, in position. Thus, as can be understood in the figures, as the shoulder bolt 382 is rotated, the threaded interaction between the threaded body 382 and the nut T 390 causes the clamp member 376 to move in a downward direction in contact with the cutting edge 196. By further tightening the shoulder bolt 382, the clamping member 376 is securely moved in engagement with the cutting edge 196 to securely secure the upper end of the half-post section 78 to the wall panel 6. A lower clamp member 398, fixed, having a cutting edge 399 is mounted within the middle post section 78 and engages the edge 196 of a lower horizontal support member forming a part of the wall panel 64. lower clamp 398 is not vertically adjustable, but is positioned to engage the lower edge 196 to attach the lower end of the half-post section 78 to the wall panel 64 when the pin 382 is tightened downward. With this arrangement, the half-post section 78 is used in combination with the upper clamp mechanism 368 and the lower clamp member 398 to position a panel at any position between a pair of vertical posts 70, including at the "outside" sites. of module ". Figure 43 illustrates two types of overhead or roof storage members, designated with the reference numbers 400 and 402, which may be used in combination with the partition or partition system 60 of the present invention. The air storage member 400 is shown mounted between a pair of vertical posts 70. This type of mounting arrangement is commonly referred to as an "in-module" assembly, since the air storage member 400 is mounted directly between the pair of vertical posts 70. The air storage member 402 is shown as mounted "out of module", since the air storage member 402 is not directly connected to a pair of vertical posts 70. The "out-of-module" mounting arrangement of the air storage member air storage 402 allows the air storage medium 402 to be placed anywhere, based on the user's requirements. Figure 44 shows the mounting array for the air storage member 400. The air storage member 400 includes a pair of hanging brackets 404 that are connected to a rear wall 406 of the air storage member 400. As can best be seen from Figure 46, each of the hanging brackets 404 includes a plurality of tabs 408 extending in an upward direction, extending into the openings 410 formed in the back wall 406. Each of the tabs 408 includes an upper end 412 holding the hanging bracket 404 in engagement with the rear wall 406. A plurality of connectors 414 are used to secure the hanging brackets 404 to the rear wall 406 once the hanging brackets 404 have been inserted into the rear wall 406, as shown. The hanging brackets 404 include a second group of dependent tabs 416 that extend opposite the first group of tabs 408. The second group of tabs 416 are each received in one of the support grooves 122 formed in the full-pole section 74 by section 78 of half a post. In the modality shown in Figure 46, the tabs 416 of the air storage member 4Q0, are received within the support slots 122 of the full post section 74. Each of the tabs 416 includes a lower end 418 that contacts the inner surface 92 of the entire post section 74, to secure the air storage member 400, as shown. As can be understood in Figure 46, the hanging brackets 404 provide the required spacing between the air storage member 404 and the slab 68. Figure 45 illustrates the mounting arrangement for the air storage member 402. The mounting arrangement for the air storage member 402 includes a pair of hook brackets 408 secured to a rear wall 420 of the air storage member 402. Each of the hook brackets 418 includes a generally vertical support plate 422, which has a plurality of tabs 424 extending forward from it. The tabs 424 pass through the openings 426 contained in the rear wall 420. As was the case with the hanging brackets 404 described in Figure 46, the tabs 424 each include an upper end 428 that hold the tabs 424 in engagement with the tabs 424. the rear wall 420. A plurality of connectors 430 secure each of the hook brackets 418 to the rear wall 420. As shown in Figures 45 and 48, each hook bracket 418 includes an upper support flange 432 and a flange bottom support 434 extending from the support plate 422. The upper support flange 432 and the lower support flange 434 include a dependent cutting edge 436. As can be seen in Figure 48, the upper support flange 432 and the lower support tab 434 extend from the support plate 422 a distance greater than the thickness of the slab 68. As illustrated in Figure 48, the edge 436 of the supporting flange and upper 432 is received in channel 194 of horizontal support member 72. As discussed previously, channel 194 extends along the entire longitudinal length of horizontal support member 72. Extended edge 196 of channel 194 prevents the edge 436 of the upper support flange 432 leaves the channel 194. An intermediate horizontal support member 72 is placed below the upper horizontal support member 72, as shown in Figure 48. The edge 436 of the flange of lower support 434 is received in channel 194 of intermediate horizontal support member 72, in a manner similar to that described above. In this way, the upper support flange 432 and the lower support flange 434 provide the support for the air storage member 402. As can be seen in Figures 43 and 48, an upper slab 438 having a smaller width than the width of the air storage member 402, is coupled to the upper portion of the panel frame. A lower slab 440 extends down towards the bottom edge of the panel frame. The spacing between the upper slab 438 and the lower slab 440 allows the lower support flange 434 to pass between them. Since each of the horizontal support members 72 includes a channel 194, the air storage member 402 can slide between the horizontal support members 72, aligned, contained on the adjacent panels 64, since the air storage member 402 is supported solely by the interaction between the hook brackets 418 and the channels 194. In this manner, the air storage member 402 can be moved between the separate panels 64, as shown in Figure 43, and does not have to be mounted " in the module ", as is the case with the air storage member 400. As can be seen in Figure 49, a threaded securing member 440 passes through the rear wall 420 of the air storage member 402 and through of the support plate 422 for the coupling within the channel 194. The securing member 440 is used to secure the air storage member 402 once the member Air storage 402 is in the desired position. Specifically, the securing member 440 is tightened in a threaded protrusion 441, which may be a nut welded to the support plate 422, until an end portion 442 makes contact with the channel 194. This works to extract the air storage member 402 outwardly, resulting in the engagement of the cutting edge 436 with the cutting edge 196 of the channel, to frictionally secure the cutting edges 196, 436 together to prevent upward movement of the air storage member 402 relative to the channel 194. The securing 440 and protrusion 441 extend through an opening 444 in rear wall 420, such that securing member 440 can be tightened from the open interior of air storage member 402. The drawings illustrate assembly of the storage member aerial 402 on channels 194. It should be understood, however, that any component or accessory can be mounted on channels 194 at any height Examples include shelving, cabinets, paper handling devices, computer or computer monitor stands, etc. To mount any component or accessory of this type, the system 60 only needs to be configured to provide a horizontal support member 72 at each desired elevation, and the slab 68 must be configured to expose the channels 194 to enable such components to be assembled . The base covers 318 coupled near the bottom end of each panel 64 define a conduit 446 through which electrical and communication lines can pass, as can be seen in Figures 50a and 50b. Each of these base covers 318 includes a pair of receptacle openings 448 and corresponding receptacle covers 450 that can be removed to provide access to conduit 446. If receptacle opening 448 is not needed, cover 450 of the receptacle may remain inside the opening 448 of the receptacle, as best seen in Figures 50a and 51. The cover 450 of the receptacle is designed to match the complete appearance of the base side 320, such that the cover 450 of the receptacle provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. As can be seen in Figure 51, the base cover 318 is constructed such that one or both of the side walls 320 can include the openings 448 of the receptacle and covers 450 of the receptacle, or the base cover 318 can be formed without any opening of the receptacle. When the partition or partition system 60 of the invention is constructed, the base cover 318 is positioned such that the openings 448 of the receptacle face the desired direction to provide access to the conduit 446. As discussed previously, the Lower horizontal channel 72 of each panel frame 66 is inverted such that the U-shaped cross section of the horizontal support member 72 faces downward. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each horizontal support member 72 is connected to the two lower receptacles 108 of either the full-pole section 74 or the half-pole section 78, as shown in Figures 50b and 14. Although in the preferred embodiment, the lower horizontal channel member 72 is coupled to the two lowermost receptacles_108, each of the complete post sections 74 and the half post sections 78 are constructed such that the inverted horizontal support members 72 they may be moved up and connected to the second and third lower receptacles 108, while leaving the lower receptacle 108 open. If the member of. Inverted horizontal support 72 is moved upwardly as described, the size of conduit 446 could be expanded by the use of a base cover 318 having longer base 320 sides. As shown in Figure 50b, the connection for electrical power for the partition or partition system 60 includes a series of rigid conduits 452 joined by a series of bridges, as shown in the cable 358. As shown in Figure 51, the rigid conduit 452 includes an electrically energized strip 454 supported between a pair of rails 456. A cover member 458 is supported between the rails 456 on each side from the energy strip 454, electrified. A receptacle module 460 can be placed in contact with the electrically energized strip 454, as shown in Figures 50b and 54. The receptacle module 460 includes a conventional electrical receptacle 462 that can receive conventional electric plugs. The receptacle 462 extends beyond the base side 320 through a specially designed cover member 464 that fits into the receptacle opening 448 formed in the base cover 318. In addition to supporting the receptacle module 460 and receptacle 462, the cover member 464 defines an opening 466 that receives and secures a communication output 468. The communication output 468 is connected to a voice or data cable 470 that provides the connections to the telephones a. Modem lines or other types of devices. communications, such as computer terminals. The data cable 470 runs inside the conduit 446 together with the power supply. A pair of electrical hanging brackets 472 support each of the rigid conduits 452 within the conduit 446. As shown in Figures 52 and 53, each electrical hanging bracket 472 includes a pair of coupling hooks 474 that engage the openings 476 formed near the end 280 of each side wall 164 and 166 of the horizontal support member 72. Specifically, each coupling hook 474 includes a projecting relief 478 that fits snugly in and is retained within the aperture 476. The canai 480 receives the end 280 of the horizontal support member 72, as shown in Figure 52. In this way, the electric hanging bracket 472 is releasably coupled with the horizontal support member 72 using a vertical thrust movement, which results in the deviation of the fingers from the hooks 474 until the shoulders or reliefs 478 fit snugly in and through the openings 476. The electric hanging brackets 472 can be removed by pushing the fingers of the hook inward to disengage the reliefs 478 of the openings 476. The electric hanging brackets 472 include a pair of dependent arms 482 that receive and engage a molded end cap 484 coupled to each end of the rigid conduit 452. Each of the arms 482 includes an alignment finger 486 and an extension shoulder 488. When the electric suspension bracket 472 is pushed down in engagement with the end cap molded 484, the alignment fingers 486 are placed on opposite sides of a central rail 490 of the end cap 484.

The shoulders 488 are each coupled to a projection 492 on the end cap 484 to prevent downward movement of the rigid conduit 452 with respect to the electrical suspension bracket 452. Thus, a pair of electrical hanging brackets 472 can support the conduit. rigid 452 within conduit 446 below inverted horizontal support member 72. Cables such as 499, which may be voice or data communication cables or wires, may pass behind slabs 68 at elevations typically above the area enclosed by the base cover 318, as shown in Figure 55. After reaching a 90 ° corner, the cable 358 passes around the corner between the adjacent panel sections 64. As shown in Figure 55, a Curved cable guide member 500 is placed between the two half pole sections 78 to guide the cable 499 around the corner. Specifically, a pair of tabs 502 formed on the cable guide 500 are received within one of the slots 122 formed in the half-pole section 78. The cable guide 500 protects the cable 499 traveling along the inside of the corner, and ensures that the 499 cable is not flexed to an unacceptable small radius, to prevent damage to the 499 cable.

The cable 499 is supported on the pole section 74 by a series of cable guides 492, as shown in Figures 50b and 56. As best seen in Figure 56, the cable guide 492 includes a coupling section 494 attached to a dependent flexible body 496. The coupling section 494 is pressed through one of the support grooves 122 formed in the full post section 74. The expanded ends 498 of the coupling section 494 are biased outwardly and engage the internal surface of the full post section 74 to securely retain the cable guide 492 in place. The flexible body 496 is spaced from the outer wall of the pole section 74 to define a channel, to receive and support the cable 499. The cable guide 492 is received in the space between the adjacent slabs 68, and functions to support the 499 cable of the components that are mounted to the pole section 74. Although the electrical connections for the partition or partition system 60 have been discussed by going through the conduit 446 for cables, contained near the bottom of each panel 64, other cables such as 499 may also pass at higher sites to provide voice or data to various sites along each of the panels 64, if desired. As shown in Figure 57, as the cable passes up between the horizontal support members 72, one or more cable support fasteners 504 retain the cable 499. The cable support fasteners 504 include an expanded head 506 that passes through an opening 508 formed in the lower wall 162 of the horizontal support member 72-. The cable support fasteners 504 include a first pair of arms 510 and a second pair of arms 512. The arms 510, 512 define overlapped ends that are slightly spaced from one another. A cable such as 499 is supported by each support clip 504 by pressing the lower arm 512 inwardly enough to enable the cable 358 to pass through a defined opening between the overlapped ends of the arms 510, 512. cable 358 is then moved in an upward direction through it and in an inward direction out of engagement with lower arm 512, which returns to its original position as shown in Figure 57. Cable 358 has been moved in the direction down towards the internal space defined by the support fastener 504, which includes a lower support surface 514 that is adapted to support cables, such as 358. A simple net or mesh 516 is placed between the pairs of arms 510512, and is operable to maintain the separation of the cables such as 358 which can be coupled with the opposite sides of a cable support fastener 504. In addition, several cable support fasteners 504 can be assembled together as shown in Figure 57, to accommodate the passage of as many cables or wires as desired. Each cable support fastener 504 includes an opening 518 in a bottom wall 520, which is adapted to receive the expanded head 506 of a support fastener 504 therebetween. The mounting of the slabs 68 to the vertical posts 70 as shown and as described, defines a space, as shown at 522, between the outer face of each post 70 and the internal part, facing the surface of each slab 68. In this way, cables such as 358 can be passed through space such as 522, such that cables 358 can freely pass between adjacent panel sections. After reaching one of the horizontal support members 72, the cable 358 passes through the cutout 200 formed in the lower wall 162 of the horizontal support member 72, as best seen in Figure 29. As can be seen in the Figure 29, the size of the cutout 200 is greater than the size of the cable 358, such that the cable 358 can pass through the open area between the curved edge 202 and the edge surface 124 of the complete post section 74. After reaching the top of one of the vertical posts 70, the cable 358 can pass through the access notch 126 contained either in the full-pole section 74 or the half-pole section 78, as shown in FIGS. Figures 27 and 57. In this way, the cable 358 can pass through the vertical posts below the upper end 128 and into the channel defined by the horizontal support member 72, and can be covered by the upper panel cover 276 . Although not shown in the figures, it is contemplated that a member of horizontal support member 72 could be mounted between the vertical posts 70 at an intermediate site corresponding generally to the height of a conventional desk. With the horizontal support member 72 positioned as such, the electrical and data power connections can then be routed to the level of the top of the desk. This type of configuration can be constructed simply by mounting a horizontal support member 72 between the vertical posts 70 at the desired location, without any additional step being undertaken or the complete disassembly of the assembled panel frames 466. Although not illustrated in the drawings, it is contemplated that a conventional cover will be applied to the vertical posts 70 between the edges of the adjacent slabs 68, to conceal the support slots 122. Although only a few possible configurations have been shown and described for the system 60 of division and division of space of the present invention, in the figures, it is easily understood that the number of possible configurations for the system 60 depends solely on the imagination and the requirements of the user. As can be understood, the partition and partition system 60 includes only relatively few parts that can be used interchangeably to form and connect the panels in numerous configurations. In this way, the business owner or office owner only needs to store a limited number of different components to enable the dismantling and reconfiguration of an open office space. It is contemplated that various alternatives and modalities are within the scope of the following claims, particularly pointing and claiming distinctly the subject of interest considered as the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out said invention, is the conventional for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1.
A panel for use in a configurable panel system in which a plurality of panels are interconnected to subdivide an open workspace, the panel is characterized in that it comprises: a pair of spaced apart vertical poles to define the desired width of the panel; at least one horizontal support member interconnected between the pair of vertical posts such that the pair of vertical posts and the horizontal support member define a panel frame; a plurality of slab retaining members engageable with the panel frame; and a slab member having a front surface and a rear mounting surface, the rear mounting surface includes the structure for receiving the slab retaining members, for supporting the slab member on the panel frame; wherein the horizontal support member includes an access opening, the access opening being aligned with an opening in one of the posts when the horizontal support member is coupled to the vertical post, and wherein the slab retaining members comprise the slab retaining hooks, each of which passes through the access opening and is received in the hook opening. 2. a panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the slab retaining members are coupled within the openings formed in the vertical posts.
A panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure for receiving the slab retaining members includes a plurality of hook channels in the slab member positioned such that the slab member can be mounted to the panel frame in a first direction and in a second direction rotated 90 ° from the first direction.
A panel according to claim 1, characterized in that each panel frame includes an upper horizontal support member and a lower horizontal support member, connected between the pair of vertical posts.
A panel according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises an intermediate horizontal support member, connectable to each panel frame, wherein the intermediate horizontal support member can be connected between the vertical posts after the frame Panel has been built without movement of the vertical poles.
A panel according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the vertical posts includes a front face surface and a back face surface, each of the front and rear face surfaces includes a series of spaced receptacles, which they extend outwardly from the respective front and rear face surfaces.
A panel according to claim 6, characterized in that each of the horizontal support members extends between a first end and a second end, each of the first and second ends includes at least one pair of coupling members that are extends from these, wherein, when the horizontal support member is placed between the pair of vertical posts, the coupling members are each received in one of the receptacles extending from the front and rear face surfaces of the legs. vertical poles.
A panel according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the pair of coupling members contained in the first end and the second end of the horizontal support member are received in receptacles formed on the opposite face surfaces of the vertical pole .
A panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal support member is generally U-shaped and is defined by a bottom or bottom wall and a pair of opposite side walls extending from the bottom wall, such that the pair of side walls and the bottom wall define an interior part that is generally open.
A panel according to claim 9, characterized in that each side wall of the horizontal support member includes a channel extending along the length of the horizontal support member between a first end and a second end of the support member horizontal.
11. A panel for use in a configurable panel system in which a plurality of panels are interconnected to subdivide an open space, the panel is characterized in that it comprises: a pair of spaced apart vertical poles, positioned to define the desired width of the panel; at least one horizontal support member interconnected between the pair of vertical posts, such that the pair of vertical posts and the horizontal support member define a panel frame, the horizontal support member extends between a first end and a second end, wherein the horizontal support member can be mounted between the vertical posts, when the vertical posts are spaced a distance less than the length of the horizontal support member between its first end and the second end; wherein each vertical post includes a front face surface and a back face surface, the front face surface and the back face surface are respectively part of the two large, opposite side faces of the panel frame, each of the surfaces front and rear face, including a series of spaced receptacles extending outward from these, and wherein each of the first and second ends includes a plurality of coupling members, the coupling members are received and retained in the receptacles formed on the vertical poles.
12. A panel according to claim 11, characterized in that the receptacles are uniformly spaced along the entire length of each vertical post.
13. A panel according to claim 11, characterized in that the panel frame includes an upper horizontal support member and a lower horizontal support member, connected between the pair of vertical posts.
A panel according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises an intermediate horizontal support member connectable to the panel frame at a site selected between the upper horizontal support member and the lower horizontal support member, wherein the Intermediate horizontal support can be connected to the panel frame without separating the vertical posts.
A panel according to claim 14, characterized in that each horizontal support member is generally U-shaped and is defined by a bottom wall and a pair of opposite side walls extending from the bottom wall, such that the The pair of side walls and the bottom wall define a generally open interior space, wherein the lower horizontal support member is inverted relative to the upper horizontal support member.
A panel according to claim 15, characterized in that each side wall of the horizontal support members includes a channel extending along the entire length of the horizontal support member.
A panel according to claim 11, characterized in that each horizontal support member includes an access opening which is aligned with one of the hook openings on the vertical pole section, when the horizontal support member is coupled between a pair of vertical posts, the access opening allows the slab retaining hook to be received within the hook opening.
A panel according to claim 11, characterized in that each receptacle is opened in the upward direction, and wherein each coupling member comprises an inwardly extending head adapted to be received within each receptacle.
A panel according to claim 18, characterized in that each receptacle includes a closed bottom end and defines the wall structure which frictionally engages the head of each coupling member, as the horizontal support member is moved in a directional direction. downward relative to the vertical post, to frictionally couple the horizontal support member with the vertical post.
20. A mounting arrangement for mounting a decorative slab to a configurable panel system that includes a series of interconnected panel frames, the mounting arrangement is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of slab retaining members spaced apart from the panel frames and of the slabs, wherein the slab retaining members are insertable into openings formed in each panel frame, wherein each slab retaining member is received in a channel formed in the slab, such that the slab retaining members support the slab on the panel frame, and wherein each slab retaining member comprises a hook including a pair of securing tabs, such that when the slab retaining hook is inserted into a hook opening, formed in the frame of panel, the securing tabs secure the slab retaining hook to the panel frame.
21. A mounting arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the slab retaining hook includes a second pair of securing tabs, the second pair of securing tabs indicate the proper construction of the panel frame.
22. A mounting arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the decorative slab includes a plurality of hook channels, such that the decorative slab can be mounted in a first direction or in a second direction ^ where the second direction is rotated 90 ° of the first address.
23. A decorative slab for use in a configurable panel system in which a plurality of panels are interconnected to subdivide an open workspace, the slab is characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of frame members; and a plurality of corner connectors, each corner connector is positioned to join two frame members at a predetermined angle, such that when all corner connectors are placed between the frame members, the corner connectors and the frame members form a slab frame having a closed shape, wherein each frame member includes a coupling flange extending from a channel formed therein, the coupling flange of each frame member overlaps the coupling flange at minus one adjacent frame member.
24. A decorative slab according to claim 23, characterized in that the channel is sized to receive one of the corner connectors.
25. A decorative slab according to claim 23, characterized in that each coupling flange includes a raised portion that overlaps the coupling flange of the adjacent frame member, the raised portion being attached to the adjacent coupling flange.
26. A decorative slab according to claim 23, characterized in that the channel and the coupling flange of each frame member are formed from a single piece of material.
27. A decorative slab according to claim 23, characterized in that each corner connector includes a first hook channel and a second adjacent hook channel, formed therein, the first hook channel and the second hook channel extend into different directions one in relation to the other.
28. A decorative slab according to claim 27, characterized in that the corner connector is formed of a plastic material.
29. A configurable panel system for subdividing an open workspace, the panel system is characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of interconnected panel frames for subdividing the workspace, each panel frame including a pair of spaced vertical posts, joined by at least one upper horizontal support member; wherein the upper horizontal support member includes a pair of side walls extending between a first end and a second end, each side wall includes a channel extending along the side wall from the first end to the second end; and at least one air storage member or top removably attachable to the panel frames; the storage member includes a mounting arrangement extending therefrom, which is received in the channel formed in the side wall of the upper horizontal support member, such that the interaction between the channel and the mounting arrangement supports the storage member air along the upper horizontal support member.
30. A system according to claim 29, characterized in that the mounting arrangement of the air storage member includes a support flange that is received within the channel of the upper horizontal support member.
A system according to claim 30, characterized in that the support tab of the air storage member is slidably retained within the channel formed in the side wall of the upper horizontal support member.
32. A system according to claim 29, characterized in that the mounting arrangement of the air storage member is slidably received within the channel of the upper horizontal support member, such that the air storage member is slidable between the horizontal support members. of the adjacent panel frames.
33. A system according to claim 30, characterized in that it further comprises an intermediate horizontal support member movable between the pair of spaced vertical posts, below the upper horizontal support member.
34. A system according to claim 33, characterized in that the air storage member or the top includes a lower support flange extending from the air storage member, wherein the lower support flange is received in the air storage channel. intermediate horizontal support member, to additionally support the air storage member.
35. A system according to claim 32, characterized in that it further comprises a securing device contained on the air storage member, the securing device is operable to limit the movement of the air storage member relative to the upper horizontal support member .
36. A configurable panel system for subdividing an open workspace, the system is characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of interconnected panel frames, each frame includes a pair of spaced vertical posts joined by an upper horizontal support member and a member of horizontal support lower; an electrical conduit supported by the lower horizontal channel member, the electric cable conduit includes at least one electrical receptacle; and a base cover positioned below the lower horizontal channel member, and supported between the pair of spaced vertical posts, the base cover includes a pair of base sides elastically mounted to a base bottom, the base sides are movable between a position retained by latch and an open position, such that the conduit for electric cables is accessible when the base sides are in the open position.
37. A panel system according to claim 36, characterized in that each of the base side members includes a latch that engages the lower horizontal support member to retain the base side member in the retained or secured position.
38. A panel system according to claim 36, characterized in that the upper horizontal support member and the lower horizontal support member are identical components each having a bottom wall and a pair of opposite side walls, such that the pair of side walls and the bottom or bottom wall define an interior space in general open.
39. A panel system according to claim 38, characterized in that the upper horizontal channel member is positioned such that the open interior faces upwards and the lower horizontal support member is positioned such that the open interior faces face down.
40. A panel system according to claim 36, characterized in that each of the vertical posts extends between an upper end and a lower end, and the lower horizontal support member can be connected to the pair of vertical posts at varying distances from the bottom end of the vertical posts.
41. A panel system according to claim 36, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of hanging brackets coupled between the side walls of the lower horizontal support member, the hanging brackets are coupled and support the conduit for electrical cables, to place the electrical cable conduit below the lower horizontal support member. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A system (60) for dividing or distributing space is described which includes a series of panels (64) adapted to be disassembled and reconfigured. Each panel (64) includes a panel frame (66) constructed from a pair of vertical posts (70) interconnected by one or more horizontal support members (72). Each vertical post (70) includes a series of receptacles (108) aligned vertically along each face surface (106) of the vertical post (70). The receptacles (108) on the vertical post (70) receive the coupling members (172) contained on each end of the horizontal support member (72). The horizontal support member (72) may be coupled between a pair of vertical posts (70) without requiring the vertical posts (70) to be separated. A slab retaining hook (228) is received within a hook opening (116) formed in the vertical post (70). The slab retaining hook (228) includes a hook portion (232) that is received in a hook channel (234) of a decorative slab (68), such that the decorative slab (68) can be hung over the frame (66) panel, through the use of slab retaining hooks (228). A base cover (318) is coupled to the horizontal support member (72) to create a cable conduit that passes below the interconnected panel frames (66). The electric hanging brackets (472) connect a rigid conduit (452) of cables to the lower horizontal support member (72).