MXPA97004467A - Particle system - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-supporting portable partition panel (4) is provided for open office spaces. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical posts (10) positioned adjacent to the opposite side edges. A leg (11) extends downward from the bottom of the frame to a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers (12 and 13) are joined to the external faces of the uprights in a spaced apart relation vertically and define between them two cavities (14) of horizontal duct or channel. The cover panels (16) enclose at least those portions of the side faces of the frame disposed between the spars. The upper ends of the vertical uprights have upwardly extending arms which define fork-shaped receptacles (19) to receive the inlay wiring

Description

PARTITION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to partition arrangements for open office spaces and the like and in particular to a self-supporting portable panel and related partition system. Portable partition systems for open office space and other similar facilities are well known in the art. The individual partition panels are interconnected in different configurations to form separate offices, work stations or work facilities. The partition panels are extremely durable and can be easily removed and reassembled in alternative configurations to meet the ever-changing needs of the user. Examples of such partition systems are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,822,146; 3,831,330 and 4,144,924, which belong to Steelcase Inc., the assignee of the present application. Many such partition panels are capable of carrying wiring in some way, to provide electrical power to the various work stations for computers, typewriters, dictation equipment, task lighting and other electrical devices. These partition panels also have the capacity to normally channel the wiring for telephones, computers, signaling, etc., to individual workstations. Examples of such panel wiring systems are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,429,934; 4,060,294; 4,228,834; Y REF: 24707 4,382,648. Aerial cables and / or conduit channels or gutters are normally provided inside the panels to carry the services throughout the panel system. The space available for the driving channels or utility channels in many such panel systems is rather limited. This is particularly true with respect to several of the old partition panel systems. The advent of computerized workstations, with sophisticated communication systems and other electronic support equipment has greatly increased the need for partition panels to carry more power and wiring throughout the panel system. The completion or adjustment of construction spaces for offices, medical treatment facilities and other similar environments has become a very important aspect of the planning and physical layout of the effective space. The work patterns, technology and organizations of the companies are in constant development and change. The users of the construction space require products which facilitate the change at lower costs. Space planning is no longer a static problem. Changing technology and changing work processes demand that an installation design have the ability to support and anticipate changes. There is currently an oversupply of office space and furniture systems which do not respond appropriately to or support the changes. Many older buildings do not have the appropriate service capabilities and the cost of conventional renovations or improvements It often makes them impractical. Even relatively new constructions can quickly become obsolete because of rapid changes in modern technology. Consequently, a fully integrated prefabricated furniture system has been developed to complete or provide new and existing open-plan construction spaces. A requirement of this integrated furniture system is a self-supporting portable partition system that has an improved capacity to carry services. A desired aspect of the present integrated furniture system is the provision of a panel connection system having increased flexibility for interconnecting reconfigurable partition panels into office arrangements. For example, a panel connection system is desired that allows the use of standardized base panels even where the dimensions of the physical dispositions of the office are not multiples of the base panel width dimension. The additional functionality of the connection system is also desired, such as to allow separation of a partition panel from the middle part of an embedded wall construction without the progressive dismantling of the partition panels connected in line in the wall construction from an unconnected end of the wall construction and in such a way as to allow some wall sections to be constructed with a non-uniform or increased height.

Thus, a wall construction is desired which solves the aforementioned problems and which provides the functionalities mentioned above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention is a self-supporting portable partition panel and related system for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent the opposite side edges thereof. A leg extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame to support the freestanding panel on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal beams are joined to the external faces of the uprights in a spaced apart relationship vertically to rigidly interconnect them and define between them two horizontal duct cavities which open to the opposite side faces of the frame and extend continuously between the opposite lateral edges thereof, such that when similar panels are interconnected side by side, the open ends of the adjacent duct cavities are aligned and communicating. Roof panels enclose at least those portions of the side faces of the frame disposed between the spars and removably mounted thereon to provide easy access to the cavities of the conduit and to allow the cabling embedded therein along the same. .

Preferably, the spars are laterally spaced apart by the uprights to define a vertical gutter cavity between the two horizontal gutter cavities. Each upright includes a pair of arms extending upwardly from the upper ends thereof to define fork-shaped receptacles for receiving the wiring embedded therein. A third pair of horizontal beams can be attached to the upper ends of the arms to extend generally parallel and coplanar with the first and second pairs of beams. The vertical uprights and horizontal beams can have a substantially identical tubular construction to facilitate fabrication. One aspect of the present invention is a wall construction including a first panel having vertical side edges and further having a space frame with a frame member defining a row of first spaced apart holes, access to first holes from a front part of the first panel. The wall construction further includes a displaced or offset module connector that includes horizontally spaced opposite face hooks configured to securely engage with a selected pair of the first holes at a spaced-apart location of the vertical side edges of the first panel, the connector of offset or offset module defines a second hole, which when the offset module connectors are coupled with the selected pair of the first holes, this spacing towards forward of the front part of the first panel. The wall construction still further includes a second panel that includes a panel connector located along a marginal edge to securely engage with the second hole to secure the second panel in a generally perpendicular relationship to the first panel. Another aspect of the present invention is a wall construction including a first panel having vertical edges and further having a frame member extending generally horizontally, the first panel includes a first inline connector operatively mounted on the element of frame close to one of the vertical side edges, the first inline connector includes a slidably extendable bracket or bracket having a flange defining horizontally spaced holes, one of which holes is accessed when the bracket or bracket is moved to an extended position that is recessed to the first panel when the bracket or bracket is moved to a retracted position. The wall construction further includes a second panel aligned and coplanar with the first panel, the second panel includes a second in-line connector generally located along a marginal edge thereof for securely engaging the at least one orifice of the bracket when it is in the extended position to secure the second panel to the first panel. Yet another aspect of the present invention is a wall construction that includes a bottom panel that has a frame member upper generally extending horizontally, an upper panel having a lower frame element extending generally horizontally and a connecting system for joining the upper and lower panels in a stacked arrangement. The connection system includes one of the upper and lower frame elements defining a repeated configuration of holes and the other of the upper and lower frame elements includes at least one stacking connector, in at least one stacking connector includes a pair of opposing fasteners to contact or mate with selected holes in the repeated configuration. The main objects of the present invention are to provide a self-supporting portable partition panel and related system that has capabilities for carrying improved services and improved reconfigurability. The partition panel allows developers and companies to facilitate the change and create lower cost environment to support new work processes in constructions that are still old and / or underutilized. The partition system allows the user control over the environment, to create healthier work areas, which reduces stress and absenteeism. The partition system also provides improved service distribution at a lower first-time cost, as well as greater flexibility in services with lower life-cycle costs. The partition system provides a new range of design options and allows a full range of privacy levels. The partition system is efficient to use, economical to manufacture, capable of Long operating life and is particularly well suited for the proposed use. These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, the appended claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an integrated prefabricated furniture system, which includes a partition panel and related system that implements the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 are a perspective view and an exploded view of a partition panel implementing the present invention. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a base panel portion of the partition panel, having a frame with separable cover panels. Figure 5 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the cover panel showing a mounting fastener thereon. Figures 6-8 are views showing the mounting bracket. Figures 9-11 are plan and elevation views of the base panel frame.

Figures 12-15 are fragmentary top, bottom, front and rear views of a horizontal stringer portion of the base panel frame. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a stacking panel portion of the partition panel having a frame with separable cover panels. Figures 17-20 are top, front, bottom and fragmentary side views of the frame of the stacking or stacker panel. Figures 21-23 are fragmentary elevation views of a stacker panel frame mounted on a base panel frame, Figure 22 shows the connection. Figures 24a and 24b are fragmentary top and front views of a pair of partition panels interconnected in an in-line or side-by-side relationship. Figures 25-29 are views showing the online connection on the online partition panels shown in Figures 24a-24b. Figures 30 and 31 are perspective and plan views of three of the partition panels, of which two are interconnected in line and one is interconnected at an angle or branched to the in-line panels. Figures 32 and 33 are top plan views and fragmentary cross-sectional views of the panels shown in Figures 30-31, where the portions thereof are presented in section or have been separated to reveal the internal construction.

Figure 34 is a perspective view of another integrated prefabricated partition system, which includes a partition panel system and a connection system that implements the present invention. Figures 35 and 36 are exploded views and the assembly of a spacer frame of a base partition panel implementing the present invention. Figures 37 and 38 are plan and end views of the horizontally extending upper frame member of the separator frame shown in Figure 36. Figure 39 is a perspective view of the fragmentary exploded view of one end of the upper frame member shown in Figure 35, which includes the first in-line connector attached thereto. Figure 40 is a perspective view of a plug-in bracket or square of a second in-line connector shown in Figure 35. Figure 41 is a fragmentary perspective view of the other end of the upper frame member shown in Figure 35, which includes the second inline connector attached to it. Figure 42 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the spacer frame of the base partition panel shown in Figure 36, including an optional cover support frame member. Figure 43 is a perspective view of a bracket or bracket to secure the optional cover support frame element to the base panel shown in Figure 42, and Figure 44 is a fragmentary perspective view of the optional cover support frame member shown in Figure 42. Figure 45 is an elevation view of the fragmentary end of the base panel Fig. 42. Figures 46 and 47 are perspective views of the exploded view and in assembly of an off-center module connector for interconnecting the base partition panels in a "T" shaped arrangement. Figure 48 is a fragmentary perspective view of the connector of the decentral module attached to a first partition panel at an intermediate location between the vertical side edges of the first partition panel, the offset module connector is positioned to receive and engage correspondingly with an inline connector on a second partition panel for interconnecting the second partition panel to the first partition panel at an offset module position. Figure 49 is an elevation view of the end of the "T" shaped arrangement of the base panels shown in Figure 48. Figures 50 and 51 are assembly and exploded views of a spacer frame of the stacking partition panel. Figures 34 and 53 are views of the exploded view and assembly of the stacking connector that engages with the upper frame member of a base partition panel, the stacking panel is separated for show more clearly the coupling of the stacking connector to the upper frame member of the base partition panel. Figures 54 and 55 are views of the exploded view and assembly of the fasteners and clamping actuator for the stacking connector shown in Figure 53; Figures 56 and 57 are front and cross-sectional views of a fastener shown in Figure 55. Figures 58 and 59 are front and fragmentary end views of a stacked assembly that includes a base partition panel and a panel of stacking partition. Figures 60 and 61 are perspective and cross-sectional views of the cover support connector shown in Figure 42. Figure 62 is a perspective view of the underside of a cover for covering a base panel. Figures 63 and 65 are fragmentary perspective views of the upper and lower elements of the marginal frame of the cover shown in Figure 62 and Figures 64 and 66 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the upper and lower elements shown in Figures 63 and 65 respectively. Figure 67 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a stacked sub-assembly including a stacking panel, a base panel and covers attached thereto and Figures 68-70 are enlarged fragmentary views thereof.

Figures 71-76 are perspective views showing various wall or wall constructions and assembly / disassembly methods for joining a stacking panel to the other base partition panels and stacking partition panels and partition panels of the decentralized module in a wall construction. Figures 77 and 78 are side and end views of a wall construction including a channel that comes into contact with the floor, a base panel and a stacking panel, each including the in-line connectors shown in the figures 39-41. Figures 79 and 80 are enlarged side and end views of the lower portions of Figures 77 and 78, respectively. Figure 81 is an exploded perspective view of the leveling screws and the channel that is brought into contact with the floor shown in Figures 79 and 80. Figures 82 and 83 are fragmentary side and end views showing the interconnection of the leveling screws on the base panel to the channel that comes in contact with the floor.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments For the purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "posterior," "frontal," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as outlined in FIGS. 2. However, it will be understood that the invention may Assume several orientations and sequences of alternative stages. It will also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts of the invention defined in the appended claims. The reference number 1 (figure 1), generally designates a self-supporting portable partition system which is designed for use in conjunction with open office spaces 2 and other similar environments to form a plurality of work facilities or work stations 3. The partition system 1 includes a plurality of similar modular panels 4 (Figures 2 and 3), which are interconnected to define the desired work stations 3. One such partition panel 4 is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 and includes a base panel 5, a stacking panel 6, quick-positioning ducts 7 and a strut 8, which are stacked vertically one on top of the other . The base panel 5 (Figure 3) includes an internal skeleton-like or frame-like frame 9 having at least two vertical posts 10 positioned adjacent the opposite lateral edge thereof. A leg 11 extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame 9 to engage with the support base panel 5 on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal beams 12 and 13 are joined to the external faces of the uprights 10 in a spaced apart relationship vertically to rigidly interconnect them and define between them two cavities 14 and 15 of horizontal duct or duct, which open to the opposite side faces of the frame 9 and extend continuously between the opposite side edges thereof, such that when the similar base panels 5 are interconnected side a side, the open ends of the adjacent duct cavities or ducts 14 and 15 are aligned and in communication. The cover panels 16 enclose at least those portions of the side faces of the frame disposed between the spars 12 and 13 and removably mounted thereon to provide easy access to the cavities of the conduit 14 and 15 and allow the wiring embedded to the length of them. Each of the vertical uprights 10 illustrated (Figures 9-11) includes a pair of arms 18, which are attached to the outer faces thereof and extend upwardly from the upper ends thereof to define fork-shaped receptacles 19 receive the wiring embedded in it. A third pair of horizontal beams 20 join the upper ends of the arms 18 and extend generally parallel and coplanar with the associated beams 12 and 13. Each pair of beams 12, 13 and 20 is mutually laterally separated by the associated uprights 10, to define a vertical duct cavity 21 positioned intermediate the two horizontal duct cavities 14 and 15. The illustrated base panel frame 9 (Figures 9-15 ) has a skeleton-like or open-frame construction, which is preferably provided in a variety of different widths to accommodate several Applications. However, in each illustrated embodiment of the base panel 5, the horizontal stiles 12, 13 and 20 are substantially longer than the vertical stiles 10, such that each base panel 5 has a horizontally elongated shape or elevation reference plane. . The base panel frame 9 illustrated in Figure 3 includes a total of 5 vertical uprights 10, each of which has a substantially identical square tubular construction, comprising opposite side faces 28 (Figures 9-15) facing the sides Opposites of the base panel 5 and opposite end faces 29 facing the opposite end edges of the base panel 5. The lower ends of the vertical uprights 10 are joined to a C-shaped base channel 30, which defines the leg 11 of the panel and includes a top reinforcement 31 and opposing side flanges 32. A pair of slides or threaded legs 33 extend through the reinforcement 31 of the base channel 30 to the lower ends of the external uprights 10 to provide the vertical adjustability on the opposite sides or ends of the base panel 5. The arms 18 illustrated have a square tubular construction substantially identical to that of the vertical uprights 10 and include opposite side faces 34, also as opposed end faces 36. The lower ends 37 of the arms 18 are fixedly attached to the side faces 28 of the vertical posts 10 adjacent the upper ends thereof and extend upwards vertically therefrom at a distance of about 5 to 10 cm (2). to 4 inches) in vertical alignment with the associated stile 10, to define by this the fork-shaped receptacles 19 for the embedded wiring. In the illustrated example of the base panel frame 9, each of the horizontal stringers 12, 13 and 20 have a square tubular construction that is substantially identical to that of the vertical uprights 10 and includes opposite faces 40-43 and opposite ends 44 The horizontal beams 12, 13 and 20 have a length substantially identical to that of the base panel 30 and are arranged in a spaced-apart, vertically mutually parallel relationship. In a working example of the present invention the stringers 13 are located approximately 10 cm (4 inches) above the floor height, while the stringers 12 are located approximately 76 cm (30 inches) above the floor. height of the floor. The horizontal beams 12 and 13 have their internal faces 41 joined to the external lateral faces 28 of the vertical uprights 10 by means of welding or the like. The beams 20 have their lower faces 43 rigidly joined to the upper ends 38 of the arms and in a working mode of the present invention they are positioned approximately 102 cm (40") above the height of the floor. of stringers 12, 13 and 20 is horizontally aligned mutually on the opposite sides of their associated vertical uprights 10. The stringers 12, 13 and 20 on opposite sides of the vertical uprights 10 are horizontally coplanar and facilitate assembly of the panel 16. of cover and 17 on it.

With reference to FIGS. 12-15, the illustrated horizontal beams 12, 13 and 20 are slotted to allow similar panels 4 to be interconnected and to support various fittings thereon, as described in greater detail hereinafter. With reference to the upper stringers 20, the rear or inner face 41 is full or full as shown in Figure 12 while the opposite front face 40 (Figure 14) includes a series of horizontal slots 50, which extend from continuously between the opposite ends 44 thereof in a regular configuration. The lower face 42 of the horizontal beams 12 includes an end slot 51 and a series of windows 52, as shown in Figure 13 while the opposite upper face 43 has an end slot 53 and crowding holes 54 as shown in Figure 15. In the frame 9 of the base panel shown in Figures 10 and 11, a pair of monthly or clamping brackets 56 are mounted to the opposite ends of each lower stringer 13 and project downward therefrom. Each bracket or bracket 56 includes a semicircular notch 57 for receiving an associated panel-to-panel bracket 58 (Figures 24b and 29a), as described below. The illustrated cover panels 16 and 17 (FIGS. 4-8) for the base panel 5 have a substantially similar construction, each with a rectangular front elevation shape including an upper edge 60, a lower edge 61, opposite side edges. 62 and opposite faces 63 and 64. The front faces 63 of the cover panels 16 and 17 are preferably finished to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and can Include upholstery, paint, veneer as well as special surfaces such as white board, gypsum board and the like. Each cover panel 16 and 17 have a width generally commensurate with that of their associated panel frame 9 and overall height commensurate with the vertical spacing between an associated pair of horizontal spars 12, 13 and 20. For example, in the base panel 5 illustrated in Figure 3, the cover panel 16 extends between the middle portions of the spars 12 and 13, while the cover panel 17 extends between the mid portions of the spars 12. and 20. A full height cover 16a is shown in Figure 4 and extends between the middle portions of the spars 13 and 20 to enclose the entire face of the base panel frame 9. The monthly or L-shaped brackets 65 are attached to the inner faces 64 of the cover panel 16 and 17 adjacent the opposite corners thereof by fasteners 66 or any other suitable fastening system, such as adhesive, etc. Each of the monthly or brackets 65 has an outwardly extending flange 67, which receives a spring type mounting bracket 68 thereon. As shown in Figure 7, each fastener 68 has an S-shaped lateral lift configuration, comprising three parallel leg portions 69-71. The outer leg 69 and the central leg 70 form a U-shaped area that is inserted over the flange 67 of the bracket or bracket 65 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The outer leg 71 includes a tine or point 73 that it engages with the window 52 on the associated spars 12, 13 and 20. The cover panels 16 and 17 are propelled inwardly over the frames 9, in such a way that the fasteners 68 are brought into contact with the monthly or brackets 65 to be removably mounted to the cover panels (Figure 8). In use, the cover panel 16, 17 and 17a are installed on an associated base frame 9 in the following manner. The cover panels 16, 17 and 17a are first selected from a group of different widths and heights to correspond to the desired panel configuration. The selected cover panels 16, 17 and 17a are then made to converge on opposite sides of the frame 19 associated with the fasteners 68 are brought into contact with the aligned spars 12, 13 and 20. The cover panels 16, 17, 17a are then push inwardly against the associated panel frame 9, such that the tine 73 on the fasteners 68 come into contact with the aligned windows 52 and the horizontal stringers 12, 13 and 20 for securely mounting and still separable the same in its place. The cover panels 16, 17 and 17a are thereby positioned against or adjacent to the external faces 40 of the horizontal beams 12, 13 and 20, so as to enclose or complete the horizontal channel cavities 14 and 15, each of the which has a vertically elongated shape when seen in extreme elevation view. The two horizontal duct cavities or ducts 14 arranged between the horizontal beams 12 and 20 are located adjacent the height of the work surface and define duct or duct cavities. The two horizontal conduit cavities 15 arranged between the horizontal beams 12 and 13 are located adjacent to the base of the panel and define lower duct or duct cavities. The stacking or stacking panel 6 illustrated (Figures 3 and 16) has a construction substantially similar to the base panel 5 previously described, except that it does not have a leg 11 or an intermediate pair of spars 13. The stacking panel 6 also comes in a variety of different widths, also as various heights and mounted directly on top of an associated base panel 5, as discussed in more detail below. The stacking panel 6 shown in figure 16 has a frame 80 similar to skeleton, comprising five vertical posts 81, which are spaced generally regularly along the width of the stacking panel 6. Each of the vertical uprights 81 is constructed from square cross section pipe, substantially identical to that of the base panel uprights 10 and includes opposite pairs of faces 82 and 83. The arms 84 (Figures 17-20), similar to the arms 18 of the base panel are attached to the opposite side faces 82 of each stacking panel post 81 and extend upwardly through the upper ends thereof to define Y-shaped receptacles 85 for the embedded wiring. A first pair of horizontal beams 86 are attached to the upper ends of the arms 84 and a second pair of horizontal beams 87 are attached to the side faces 82 of the posts 81 adjacent the lower ends thereof. Both pairs of stringers 86 and 87 are constructed from square pipe substantially similar to the uprights 81, also as the stringers 12, 13 and 20 associated with the frame 9 of the base panel. Each of the stringers 86 and 87 associated with the stacking panel frame 80 has a slotted configuration similar to the stringers 12, 13 and 20 of the base panel frame 9 and includes a series of horizontal slots 90 along the faces of the front faces, the end slots 91 and the windows 92 on the top faces and the end slots 93 on the bottom faces. The stacking panel 6 illustrated in Figure 16 has a height substantially equal to the height of the bottom panel 16 of the base panel 5 illustrated in Figure 3, such that the cover panel 16 can be mounted directly on opposite sides. of the stacking panel frame 80 in the manner described above with respect to the base panel 5. The interior spaces formed between the uprights 81 of the stacking frame and their associated spars 86 and 87 define cavities 96 and 97 of horizontal duct or channel, which open towards the opposite faces of the stacking panel 6. The horizontal conduit ducts or ducts 96 and 97 that are substantially similar to the horizontal duct or duct cavities 14 and 15 associated with the base panel 5 and include open ends which are aligned and communicate with the adjacent similar stacking panels. to channel the services between them. The stacking panel 6 also has a vertical duct or duct cavity 98 (Figure 17) formed between the two cavities 96 and 97 of horizontal ducts.

As best illustrated in Figs. 17-23, the lower stringers 87 on the stacking panel frame 80 include a plurality of vertically extending threaded sleeves 104, positioned regularly along the stringers 87, which facilitate assembly of the mounting stacking panel 6 on an associated base panel 5. The lower ends of the sleeves 104 extend downward from the lower surfaces of the stringers 87 and form pilots that are received closely and are retained in the holes 54 in the top surfaces of the stringers 12 on the base panel 5. Threaded fasteners 105 are inserted up through the holes 54 in the base panel beams 20 and the sleeves 104 in the stacking panel 6 to securely interconnect them. In operation, the height of any given partition panel 4 can be easily varied by selecting the appropriate number and size of the base panels 5 and the stacking panels 6. In the partition panel 4 illustrated in Figure 3, a single stacking panel 6 is mounted on top of the base panel 5 in the following manner. With all the cover panels 16, 17, etc., separated, the selected stacking panel frame 80 is placed on top of the associated base panel frame 9, in such a way that the lower spars 87 of the frame 80 of the stacking frame rest directly above the upper spars 12 on the base panel frame 9. The lower ends of the sleeves 104 are inserted into the holes 54 on the stringers 12 to exactly orient the panel frame 80 stacking on top of the base panel frame 9. The fasteners 105 are then inserted through the holes 54 in the upper beam 12 of the base panel frame 9 and engaged in the sleeves 104 to securely connect the stacking panel frame 80 to the base panel frame 9. Then the cover panels 16, 17, etc. they are possessed on the outer faces of both frames 9 and 80. With reference to Figures 24a-29a, the adjacent partition panels 4 are interconnected in an in-line or side-by-side relationship in the following manner. The panel-to-panel fasteners 110 are provided, each having a plate-like construction, with a tongue 111 turned up at one end and a Z-shaped tongue 112 at the opposite end. A threaded protrusion 113 is positioned in a middle portion of the fastener and is aligned with a coupling hole in which a threaded fastener 114. is received. In the on-line example illustrated in FIGS. 24a-29a, when the base panel frames 9 similar ones are taken from end to end, the associated spars 12, 13 and 20 are aligned, with the opposite ends joining together. Any stacking panel frame 80 is similarly positioned end to end and aligned. With reference to the illustrated base panel 5, the panel-to-panel fasteners 110 are used to interconnect the opposite ends of each adjacent pair of horizontal stringers 12 and 20 in the following manner. As shown in Figure 27, the Z-shaped tongue 112 of the fastener 110 is first inserted to the lower window 55 in one of the adjacent spars, such as the spar 12 illustrated. The head portion 115 of the fastener 114 is positioned between the upper and lower faces 42 and 43 of the adjacent side members 12. The upturned tongue 111 of the clip 110 is then inserted into the lower window 55 of the opposite side member 12 and then the clip 114 is tightened, which can be accomplished by inserting a tool (not shown) through the windows 51. on the upper faces 42 of the spars 12. After all the fasteners 114 have been tightened, the opposite tongues 111 and 112 on the fasteners 110 positively interconnect the opposite ends of the associated spars 12. When a pair of base panels 5 they position in line, preferably the ends of each of the stringers 12 and 20 are connected in this way, which requires by this four fasteners 110. In the example shown in figure 24b, a clamp 58 from panel to panel is used. for interconnecting the adjacent ends of the lower spars 13. As best shown in Fig. 29a, the clamp 58 from panel to panel includes a pair of halves 117 of monthly or square In the form of a U, each has a pair of holes 118 through which the fasteners 119 are received. As shown in Figure 24b, the two clamp halves 117 are placed on opposite sides of the monthly 56, the fasteners 119 pass through the notches 57. When the fasteners 119 are tightened, the opposing halves 117 of the bracket 58 capture the four brackets 56 adjacent thereto to securely interconnect the lower end-to-end beams 13.

With reference to Figures 30-33, the partition panels 4 can also be interconnected in a branched or angular configuration in the following manner. Branching fasteners 120 are provided and each has a federal plate-like construction, which includes an upturned tongue 121 at one end and a hook 122 oriented horizontally at the opposite end. A threaded protrusion 123 is mounted on a lower portion of the branch bracket 120 and is aligned with a coupling hole in which a threaded fastener 124 is received. The branch bracket 120 has an L-shaped central portion 125, which extends along the end 44 of an associated stringer of the stringers, such as the illustrated stringer 12. In use, the partition panel 4 may be interconnected to a similar partition panel 4 in an angular orientation in any place along the length of the panels in line. For example, in the example illustrated in Figures 30 and 31, three panels 4 are shown interconnected in an inline orientation in the manner described hereinabove. A single panel 4 is shown attached at a 90 degree angle to the three in-line panels in an intermediate position to the opposite edges of the central panel 4. It will be understood that the branched panel 4 can be attached anywhere along the length of the three in-line panels, which greatly facilitates the planning of spaces. A branched panel 4 is assembled in the following manner. A pair of branching fasteners 120 are selected and the hook ends 122 they are inserted into the adjacent slot 50 in the stringers 12, 13 and 20 at the site in which the branched panel 4 is to be located. The heads 126 of the fasteners 124 are possessed in the hollow interiors of the spars 12. The tongue ends 121 of the fasteners 120 are moved to the lower windows 55 in the spars 12 and then the fasteners 124 are tightened to securely interconnect panel 4 branched.

Additional Modalities A wall construction 150 (FIG. 34) includes a plurality of lower partition / base 151 panels and upper / stacking partition panels 152, interconnectable in an infinite number of differently stacked, off-line module arrays, which include combinations thereof. More specifically, the panels 151 and 152 are interconnectable from frame to frame with a connection system that includes the mating line connectors 153 and 154 (FIGS. 39-41), offset module connectors 155 (FIGS. 46-48) and connectors. of stacking 156 (figures 52-53). Panels 151 and 152 are reconfigurable to meet constantly changing office needs, including the ability to construct walls with "T" shaped intersections located intermediate to the side and vertical edges of the panels and the ability to build walls that have different heights and / or non-uniform heights. (For example, compare figures 34 and 71-75.) The base partition panel 151 (FIGS. 35-36) includes a base panel separation frame 160 having a substantially rectangular side elevation configuration. The separation frame 160 includes three vertically oriented structural tubes 161, 162 and 163 which are interconnected in a spaced-apart relationship laterally by four horizontally oriented structural tubes 164, 165, 166 and 167 and also by a pair of intermediate side frame elements 168 and 169. Notably, more or less vertical and horizontal structural tubes can be used if desired. The intermediate side frame elements 168 and 169 have a C-shaped cross section, with the legs of the C-shape facing inwardly and in contact with the sides of the vertical tubes 161-163 and the frame elements 168 and 169. Tubes 161-167 and side frame members 168 and 169 are welded together to provide a rigid separation frame 160 for receiving and interconnecting with other separation frames as discussed below. The vertical tubes 161-163 extend substantially from top to bottom of the separation frame 155 and the horizontal tubes and side frame members 164-169 extend substantially across the width of the separation frame 160 and align with the frame elements in panels positioned adjacently. An upper frame member 171 (FIG. 35) is welded to the upper part of the separation frame 160. The upper frame member 171 (Figures 37-38) has a W-shaped cross section, which includes a section of the U-shaped central frame comprising a central rim 172 and vertical side flanges 173 and 174. A pair of inverted L-shaped side sections extend from the side edges 173 and 174 respectively, including top flanges 175. and 176 and external lateral flanges 177 and 178, respectively. The upper frame member 171 is welded to the upper horizontal tubes 164 and 165 (see Figure 68) to form a rigid matrix. A row of holes 179 (FIG. 39) are formed at the junction of the flanges 175 and 177 and at the junction of the flanges 176 and 178. The holes 179 extend partially over the side flanges 177 and 178, so that they are accessible horizontally from a site behind the partition panel through a space between the covers attached to the separation frames. A second hole configuration 183 is also formed at intervals of approximately a few cm along the upper frame member 171, such as every 30 cm (12 inches). The hole configuration 183 includes a horizontal groove 184 formed in the central flange 172, a front side mid-bore 185 is formed at the junction of the flanges 173 and 175 and an opposite posterior medial side hole 186 is formed at the junction of the flanges 174 and 176. Right and left right and left holes 187 and 188 are formed in the flange 173 on both sides of the middle hole 185 and longitudinally adjacent right and left holes 189 and 190 are formed in the flange 174 on both sides of the middle holes 186. The configuration 183 further includes notches 191 and 192 formed in holes selected from the holes 179, the holes selected are the holes 179 'spaced by two holes in the holes 179"centered in the hole configuration 183 (Figure 52) The notches 191 and 192 are located in the top flanges 175 and 176 respectively at the corners of the holes 179 'located farther away, the central flange 172 and the side flanges 173 and 174 intersect at the opposite ends 172' and 172"(figure 37) of the upper frame member 171 to provide space for the connectors on line 153 and 154. The inline connector 153 (figure 39) includes a W-shaped brace or platform 195 having a central flange 196, vertical intermediate flanges 197 and 198 extending from the central flange 196, flanges horizontals 199 and 200 extending from the intermediate flanges 197 and 198 and vertical lateral flanges 201 and 202 extending from the horizontal flanges 199 and 200. vertical flanges 201 and 202 are spaced apart to fit correspondingly between and against the outer side flanges 177 and 178 at the end of the upper frame member 171, such that they can be welded to the frame member 171. A reinforcing flange 203 is formed on the outer end of the bracket 195 on the central flange 196. A hole 204 for receiving the clamping plate is formed at the junction of the central flange 196 and the vertical intermediate flange 197 at a spaced location of the reinforcement flange 203 and a second hole 205 for receiving the clamping plate is formed at the junction of the central flange 196 and the vertical intermediate flange 198 in a second spaced location of the reinforcement flange 203. A U-shaped basket 206 is welded to the underside of the central flange 196. The basket 206 includes first and second spaced apart legs 207 and 208 attached to the central flange 196 on the opposite longitudinal sides. of the holes 204 and 205. A clamping plate 210 is located within the basket 206. The clamping plate 210 includes a body 211 including a threaded hole 211 'and opposed fins 212 extending at an angle outwardly from the body 211. The fins 212 are spaced apart and configured to extend through the holes 204 and 205 to receive the clamping plate. A screw 214 is configured to extend through a hole 215 in the central flange 196 and threadably to the clamping plate 210. The basket 206 retains the clamping plate 210 on the bracket 195 and maintains the alignment of the plate 210 of tightening with the holes 204 and 205 as the screw 214 is rotated. By rotating the screw 214, the tightening plate 210 is pulled against the central flange 196, thereby causing the fins 213 to be understood through of the holes 204 and 205. Slots 217 and 218 are formed at the ends of the horizontal flanges 199 and 200 respectively, to receive a decorative piece, a fastener for the decorative piece or the like. The in-line connector 154 includes a basket 220 movable in the manner of a plug (FIG. 40). The plug-in bracket 220 is elongated and U-shaped and includes a central flange 221 and side flanges 222 and 223 which are configured to support correspondingly on and on both sides of the central flange 196 of the bracket 195 of the connector (figure 41). Two holes 224 and 225 are formed to receive the clamping plate (Figure 40) along the junction of the flanges 221 and 222 and also two holes 226 and 227 are formed to receive the clamping plate, along of the joining of the flanges 221 and 223. A slot 228 is understood from one end 229 of the bracket 220 and extends beyond the holes 224-227. As shown in Figure 41, the bracket 220 is configured to be slidably supported on the central flange 196 of the bracket 195 of the in-line connector 155., in an extended position, with the holes 225 and 227 aligned with the holes 204 and 205. Alternatively, the bracket 220 to plug is movable to a retracted position, where the holes 224 and 226 are aligned with the holes 204 and 205 on the bracket 195. In the extended position, the holes 224 and 226 extend to a position Alignable with the holes 204 and 205 receiving the clamping plate on an adjacent and aligned base panel 151, such that the adjacent base panels can be rigidly interconnected in line and from frame to frame. As discussed below, the covers are attached to the sides of the base spacer frame 160. In some situations it may be desirable to hold the covers with an intermediate cross member 230 (Figure 42). This also allows the covers to be half the size, such that a cover can be held between the upper frame member 171 and the intermediate cross member 230 and a second cover between the cross member 230. intermediate and the intermediate side frame member 168/169. The intermediate crossbar 230 includes a sheet metal bracket 231 welded to vertical structural tubes 161 (and 162 and 163) at a predetermined height. The bracket 231 (FIG. 43) includes a L-shaped body having a vertical rim 232 and upper shors 233 arranged horizontally, the upper rims 233 defining a notch 233 'therebetween to contact correspondingly with the structural tube 161 vertical (or tubes .162-163). The upper flanges 233 include holes 234. The lower edge of the vertical flange 232 includes teeth 235. The intermediate cross member 230 also includes a structural beam 236 (Figure 44) which is generally of C. The cross member 236 includes an upper flange 237 that has holes 237 ', a vertical flange 238 having a row of holes 238' and holes in pairs 239 spaced apart periodically over its entire length and a lower flange 240 defining a space configured to correspondingly receive the teeth 235 on the corbel 231. The structural beam 236 is attached to the bracket 231 by positioning the teeth 235 in the space defined by the bottom flange 240 (figure 45) and by tilting the beam 236 on the bracket 231, so that the holes 237 ' in the cross member 236 are aligned with the holes 234 in the bracket 231. The screws 240 'extend through the aligned holes 234 and 237 to secure the beam 236 to the cane idor 151 of base separation. It will be noted that the holes 238 'are generally identical to the holes 179 of the upper frame member 171 in shape and function.

The connector 155 of the decentralized module (figure 46) includes a pair of shaped plates 245 and 246 slidably interconnected by a pair of rivets or head bolts 247 and 248. The lower plate 245 is generally Z-shaped and includes a flange upper 249 having hooks 250, a middle flange 251 extending generally perpendicular to the upper flange 249 and a lower flange 252 extending from the middle flange 251 parallel to the upper flange 249. A pair of holes 253 are formed in the flange 251, together with a window 254 located between the holes 253. A pair of holes 255 and 256 are formed in the lower flange 252. A slot 257 extends from the free edge 258 of the lower flange 252 between the holes 255 and 256. An angled tongue 259 extends from the free edge 258 along a side edge of the lower flange 252. The top plate 246 is also generally Z-shaped, such that it engages with ma Sliding member correspondingly with the lower plate 245. The upper plate 246 includes an upper flange 260 having hooks 261, an intermediate flange 262 extending generally perpendicular to the upper flange 260 and a lower flange 263 extending from the middle flange 262 parallel to the upper flange 260. The hooks 261 are facing in a direction opposite the hooks 250. A pair of aligned slots 264 are formed in the middle flange 262, together with a window 265 located between the holes 264. The rivets 247 and 248 extend loosely through the holes 253 and the slots 264, such that the top plate 246 can slide on the bottom plate 245 and the rivets 247 and 248 slide into the slots 264 on the middle flange 262 of the top plate 246. A pair of holes 266 and 267 are formed in the bottom flange 263. A slot 268 extends from the free edge 269 of the rim. lower 263 between the holes 266 and 267. An angular tab 270 extends from the free edge 269 along a side edge of the lower flange 263. The plates 245 and 246 (Figure 47, shown in the expanded position) are movable to a first squashed position where the hooks 250 and 261 are positioned to form a minimum dimension, in such a way that the hooks can slide in the selected holes of the holes 179 in the upper frame member 171. The plates 245 and 246 are also movable to a second expanded position (shown in Figure 47) where the hooks 250 and 261 are dispersed to securely engage the holes 179. (See Figure 48.) When they are in the second position, the holes 255 and 266, and also the holes 256 and 267 are aligned in such a way that they can be brought into contact by the fins 212 on the tightening plate 210 of the in-line connector 152. (See Figure 39.) Also, the corner tabs 259 and 270 (Figure 47) are adapted to contact the recesses or recesses defined behind the central rim 172 of the upper frame member 171 to limit the expansion / crush movement of the plates 245 and 246 and to help center the bracket 154 of the off-center module on a connected panel of the offset module. Thus, the offset module connector 155 is adapted to be installed and selectively secured along base frame 160 spacer. Once installed, a base panel 151 can be positioned in an off-center array arrangement (see Figures 48 and 76) in such a way that a connector 153 in line on the base panel can be attached to the offset module connector 155 with its clamping plate 210 in contact with the holes 255, 266, 256 and 267. The offset module connector 155 attaches the frame of the chassis frame 160 of the decentralized module directly to the base panel chassis 160, such that the interconnection is particularly rigid. The stacking panel 152 (Figures 50-51) includes a spacer frame 280 structurally substantially identical to the base spacer frame 160 except as indicated below. In particular, the stacking frame 280 includes a plurality of vertically oriented structural tubes 281, 282 and 283 which are interconnected in a spaced apart reaction laterally by a plurality of horizontally oriented structural tubes 284, 285, 286 and 287 and also by means of a pair of intermediate side frame elements 288 and 289. The vertical tubes 281-283 extend substantially from the upper part to the lower part of the separation frame 280 and the horizontal tubes and the side frame elements 284-289 are they extend substantially along the length of the separation frame 280. An upper frame member 290 is horizontally joined to the upper part of the stacking separation frame 280, element 290 of upper frame is similar to upper base frame element 171. A plurality of brackets or brackets 291 that support braces are optionally attached to the top of the stacking panel 290 to hold a braces thereon. The bracket 291 holding the brace comprises a lower panel 291 'welded or bolted to the upper frame member 290 and a pair of opposite-sided C-shaped channels 291, configured to receive and retain the elongated brace panels, such as opaque sound absorbing windows or panels no different from the covers 334. A plurality of spaced apart stacking connectors 156 are attached to the bottom of the stacking panel 152 at spaced positions corresponding to the spacing of the orifice configurations 183 on the element 171 of upper frame (Figures 35-37) This allows the stacking partition panel 152 to be selectively positioned on the upper frame member 171 in any of a variety of different longitudinally spaced positions, several of which are staggered. (For example, see figures 74 and 76.) The stacking connectors 156 (Figures 52-53) each includes a carrier bracket 292 and a pair of opposing fasteners or fasteners 294 and 294 'slidably mounted on the carrier bracket 292. An actuator 293 is operatively contacted with the fasteners 294 and 294 'for forcibly separating the fastening elements in interlocking engagement with the hole pattern 183 selected. It is remarkably contemplated that the present invention includes other designs of the stacking connector, such as a stacking connector constructed in such a way that its fastening elements are removed together in engagement with the openings facing outwards in an upper frame member of a frame. separator frame. In the present embodiment, the carrier bracket 292 (FIG. 52) is a stamped sheet metal portion that includes a central flange 295 and a pair of inverted U-shaped location flanges 296 and 297 extending from the longitudinal sides of the flange. 295. A hole 298 is formed in the central flange 295 and tongues 299 and 300 extend upwardly from central flange 295 to slidably contact and align with fasteners 294 and 294 'on carrier bracket 292. Location flanges 296 and 297 include each notches 302 and tabs 303 at their front and rear ends to engage correspondingly with the notches 191 and 192 in the holes 179 'of the orifice configuration 183. When the carrier bracket 292 is positioned on the upper frame member 171, the central rim 295 of the bracket is juxtaposed above the central rim 172 of the upper frame member 171 and the tongues 303 of the bracket are interlocked with the holes 179 'in the upper frame member 171. Thus, the stacking connector 156 can be selectively engaged with the upper frame member 171 in any one of a plurality of different staggered / interconnected positions. This allows the vertical side edges 304 of the separator frame 280 of the stacking partition panel to be offset from the vertical side edges 305 of the base partition panel separation frame 160, in order to form a stronger stacked arrangement of the panels. . (See Figure 74.) The fasteners 294 and 294 'are substantially mirror images of each other, except as described below. The fastening element 294 (Fig. 54) includes a body 307 having an outer surface 308 and an inner surface 309. A pair of lower hands 310 and 311 extend from the outer surface 308 at the bottom thereof and one hand The centered top 312 extends from the top of the outer surface 308. The hands 310-312 are configured to engage correspondingly with the holes 187, 189, and 185 respectively (Figure 52) on one side of the hole configuration 183. the upper frame element 171. The lower surface of the fastening element 294 is configured to be slidably supported on and co-located with the central flange 172 of the carrier bracket 292. An oblong hole 316 having ends defining a pair of spaced-apart surfaces spaced apart 317 and 318 extend horizontally through the fastener 294 from the front to the rear. An orifice 315 extends horizontally through the fastener 294 'and aligns with the orifice-like surface 317 in the fastener 294'.

The actuator 293 includes an elongated nut 320 configured to correspondingly engage non-rotatably with the hole 315. The nut 320 includes a washer-like rim 321 on its internal end configured to engage correspondingly with a depression 322 on the inner surface of the nut. fastening element 294 '. The actuator 293 further includes a first shaft 323 configured to engage threadably with the nut 320 for rotation therein. The shaft 323 also includes a portion extending through the hole-like surface 317 in the fastener 294. A second shaft 325 operatively couples with the second hole-like surface 318 in the fastener 294. Intercoupling gears 327 and 328 are formed on the adjacent ends of axes 323 and 325 respectively. Hollows or recesses of hexagonal shape 329 and 330 are formed at the rear end of the shaft 323 and on the front end of the shaft 325 respectively. The hexagonal recesses 329 or 330 are engageable with a hex wrench through the holes 193"(FIG. 52) to drive the actuator 293. Specifically, when one shaft is rotated by the hex key, the other The axle is rotated simultaneously in the opposite direction by the interengaging gears 327 and 328. This causes the shaft 323 to gradually rotate outwardly from the nut 320, thereby separating the fasteners 294 and 294 '. 310-312 get in touch with interlocked with the holes 185-190 of the hole configuration 183. Bushings 355 are provided for the cover (Figs. 60-61) to secure the covers 334 (Fig. 62) to the base and stacking separation frames 160 and 280. The detents 355 include threaded shafts 356 for contacting the holes. 355 'in the horizontal structural frame elements 168-169, 171 and 230 (figures 42 and 67). Seals 355 (Figures 60-61) further include tapered heads 357 and washers 358 that define a diagonal recess 359 therebetween. The covers 334 (Fig. 62) are configured to be attached to the cover detents 355. The covers 334 include a sound absorbing composite composite panel 365 with upholstery or the like and has a selected size. A marginal frame 336 joins the edges of the panel 335, which includes an upper marginal frame section 337 (FIG. 63) and a lower marginal frame section 338. The upper marginal frame element 337 includes an inner flange 339, an upper flange 340 and a front flange 341. A plurality of joining holes 342 and 343 are formed along the upper marginal frame element 337, holes 342 are formed in the upper marginal frame 337. the inner flange 339 and holes 343 are formed in the upper flange 340. A tongue can extend from the inner flange 339 to the outer flange 341 if desired, to help hold the front flange 341 relative to the inner flange 339 and to reinforce the upper marginal frame element 337. The bottom marginal frame element 338 (figure 65) it also includes an inner flange 345, a lower flange 346 and an outer flange 347 and further includes holes 348 formed in the inner flange 345 at intervals spaced along the length of the lower marginal frame member 338. A pair of angled tabs 350 are formed inwardly from the inner rim 345 to the inner rim 347. The angled tabs 350 help to hold the panel 335 within the lower marginal frame member 338. The covers 334 (FIGS. 67-70) are releasably secured to the base separation frame 160 and the stacking separation frame 280 by positioning the holes 342 of the upper marginal frame elements 337 on the heads of several detents. 355 of the cover. Then the material forming the hole 342 slides down into the recess 359 of the retainer 355 of the cover (Figure 60) in such a way that the upper marginal frame member 337 of the cover 334 is interlocked thereon. (See Figure 67-70.) Then the cover 334 is rotated downwardly along the "A" direction, until the lower marginal frame member 338 is located adjacent to the adjacent base separation frame 180 (or 280). . The lower edge cover frame section 338 is secured to the separation frame 180 by patches of hook and loop material 360 (FIG. 67). A clear screen 361 extends below the section 338 of the lower marginal frame to prevent unacceptable observation along the space 338 'between the upper and lower covers 334 and 334' on the base frame 151 and also in the space between them. adjacent covers over the stacking panel 152 and the base panel 151. It is contemplated that the hook and loop material can be replaced with other retention systems, such as a system of tabs and holes, carrot-like insert fasteners, adhesives or other fasteners. The base partition panels 151 and the stack partition panels 152 may be interconnected in a variety of different arrangements by the line connectors 153 and 154, the off-center node connectors 155 and the stacking connectors 156. FIG. 71 depicts a typical in-line wall construction 350 wherein the base partition panels 151 and the stacking partition panels 152 are interconnected in an in-line array. In the wall construction 350, the vertical side edges 351 of the panels 151 and 152 are aligned. Recall that the stacking connectors 156 are accessible through the holes 179 in the upper frame member 171 of the base partition panel 151 and that the line connectors 153 and 154 are accessible from the top of the stacking partition panel 152 , it will be noted that a particular stacking partition panel 152 'positioned in the middle part of the wall construction 350 can be separated in a non-progressive disassembly by uncoupling the stacking connectors 156 and the in-line connectors 153 and 154 (FIG. ) after this, the base partition panel 151 'can also be separated by decoupling its online connectors 153 and 154. Thus, the panels 151' and 152 'can be replaced. Alternatively, the panels 151 'and 152' can be separated "permanently" and a pathway can be created access through the panels. The covers 334 (figure 73) are joined to the various partition panels 151 and 152 to aesthetically cover them. Notably, the upper and lower covers 334 are spaced apart to form the space 338 'therebetween (FIG. 67). This allows access to the holes 179 along the horizontal frame members 168-169, 171 and 230 of the separation frames 160 and 280, such that the stacking panels 152 can be separated without removing the covers 334 of the stacking panels 152, to reduce the time of disassembly and reassembly and also reduce the risk of damage to loose covers. The stacking partition panels 152 can also be attached to the base partition panels 151 in a stepped arrangement (FIG. 74) to form a wall or wall construction 363, where the vertical side edges of the panels 151 and 152 are misaligned. . This is accomplished by coupling the stacking connectors 156 with the selected hole configurations 183 to position the offset stacking panel 152 of the base panel 151. Advantageously this increases the strength of the wall construction 363 since there is no vertical side edge. continuous formed by the stepped arrangement. The covers can also be attached to the partition panels 151 and 152 in a stepped arrangement, as illustrated by cover 365 in Fig. 75 to form a wall or wall construction 364 or as illustrated by covers 334 'in Fig. 34. This allows them to be used covers of length and non-uniform spacing in the wall constructions. For example, this may be advantageous for aesthetic purposes, since the vertical lines in the wall construction may break. Also, the stepped arrangement of the covers allows for increased flexibility in design, since new combinations of colors and arrangement configurations can be obtained. Still further, the stepped arrangement offers advantages in terms of the positioning of the covers to form spaces in strategic locations, such as for the positioning of the wiring and modular outlets or plugs of the wiring or to channel the wiring or wiring through them, such as to a connected wall section of off-center module. The wall construction 366 (FIG. 76) includes inline-based base partition panels 151 and stacking partition panels 152 interconnected in a stepped array and further includes the "partitioned base module partition panel 151" and a "152" panel off-center stacking partition of the connected module in a T-shaped array of offset module. The covers 334 are also shown attached to the wall section connected in line to show their relation to the connected wall section of the off-center module. They contemplate a diversity of different constructions that are put in contact with the floor. For example, a passage element can be joined and brought into contact with the floor to the bottom of the frame of separation of the base panel, such as the U-shaped channel turned downwards shown in Figures 4 and 11 to form the bottom passage of the base panel 151. Alternatively leveling screws or relatively short leveling legs can be welded to the bottom of the vertical tubes 161, 162 and 163 as desired, without incorporating a bracket that forms a passage thereon. Still another alternative is to join a U-shaped channel face down to the floor, the U-shaped channel is configured to receive in a coupled manner the lower part of the base panels 151 (or the leveling legs attached to the panels 151 of base). A floor fixing system 375 has been developed (Figures 77-78) which incorporates a modified version of the inline 153 and 154 connectors mounted on the panel to facilitate the construction of a wall construction 376. The floor-fixing system 375 includes a channel 380 which is brought into contact with the floor, which has ends with connectors 381 and 382 in coupling line thereon, which are similar to the in-line connectors 153 and 154. The channel 380 further includes side walls 383 and 384 with holes, configured to receive the offset module connectors 155 (Figure 47). The channel 380 that comes in contact with the floor (Figure 79) is constructed to securely engage with the base frames 160 and for this purpose includes inter-locking brackets 426 slidably movable to releasably engage with the mounting elements. leveling 386. By retaining the channel 380 to the leveling elements 386, the channels 380 can be packaged preassembled to the panels 151 or packaged separated from them. Also, the panels 151, when assembled together can be positively secured to the channels 380 and the channels 380 can be positively secured to the floor of the construction, which provides a very positive construction having advantages such as resistance to damage of the tremors and other catastrophic events. The channel 380 that comes into contact with the floor (Figure 81) has a W-shaped cross section similar to the upper frame member 171. The channel 380 is formed by a central flange 390, vertical intermediate lateral flanges 391 and 392, horizontal flanges that come into contact with the floor 393 and 394 and vertical external lateral flanges 383 and 384. The flanges that contact the floor 393 and 394 can be secured to the floor by adhesive, nails and other manners known in the art. The shoulders 390-392 form a U-shaped section configured to slidably receive the extendable brackets 220 shown in Figure 40 and previously described. A nut 397 is welded under a hole 398 near the end of the central flange 390 and a screw 399 with enlarged head washer 400 thereon is configured to threadably engage with the nut 397 through the hole 398. When the screw 399 is loosens, the bracket 220 is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Then the thyme 399 can be screwed to the nut 397 to retain the bracket 220 in the selected position. When extended, cantilever 220 can be correspondingly engaged by an end of an aligned and adjacent channel 382 that comes in contact with the floor with thyme 399 corresponding to the coupling channel which is positioned in the slot 228 of the bracket 200. In this aligned and adjacent position, the corresponding screw 399 in the adjacent channel can be screwed to its nut to hold the bracket 220 securely, to ensure thus to adjacent channels 380 in an aligned and interconnected position. Notably, it is contemplated that the nut 397 will be welded to the central flange 390, although a clamping plate could be used as in the inline connectors 153 and 154 if desired. Side flanges 383 and 384 each include a row of holes 402 generally positioned along the lower edge of side flanges 383 and 384 (FIG. 81). The holes 402 correspond in general with the holes 179 on the upper rail element 171 (figures 37 and 48). The holes 402 (FIG. 81) are engageable by the bracket 155 of the offset module (FIG. 47) by reversing the bracket 155 of the offset module so that the teeth 250 and 261 can be engaged with the holes 402 (FIG. 81) with the bracket 155 of the decentral module coupled with the selected holes 402, the flanges with the holes 252/262 (figure 46) extend laterally and are located above the floor, where they are engageable by an inline connector 381 on a connected channel 380 to the decentralized module. A passage cover 403 (FIG. 83) is configured for use with the channel 380. The passage cover 403 includes a resilient fastener-like end 404, configured to be attached to the upper portion of the side flange 383. (or 384). The step cover 403 further includes a horizontally extending bottom leg 405 separating a vertically extending upper leg 406 from the side rim 383. The top leg 406 is propelled inwardly by the fastener-like end 404 (FIG. 83) of FIG. such that when a cover 334 of the panel (figure 80) is attached to the base panel 151, the lower leg 406 is pressed against the cover 334 of the panel. The inner surface of the upper leg 406 includes hook-like features 407 and 408 for receiving the tabs on an end cover for passage over an end panel. Notably, the like panel covers 334, the step covers 403 may be stripped or extended between the adjacent inline panels 151. The channel 380 that comes into contact with the floor (figure 82) includes a plurality of support brackets 420 positioned below the central flange 390 at sites corresponding generally to the predetermined locations of the leveling elements 386 on the panel frame 151 . Support brackets 420 include each platform 421 supported by legs 422 and 423 that contact the floor. The platform 421 includes a hole 425 that receives a leveler defined by an angular shoulder 424 of conical trunk shape. A U-shaped interlock fastener 426 is slidably positioned on the central flange 390 above the platform 421. The interlock bracket 426 includes a longitudinally extending slot 427 (FIG. 81) and a keyhole slot 428 that it has an enlarged end 429 and a smaller end 430.

The interlock bracket 426 includes a detent tab 431 engageable with a hole 432 in the central flange 390 and in the hole 433 aligned in the platform 421. A pin 434 extends through the slot 427 threadably to a hole 435 threaded (figure 82) on the platform 421. The bolt 434 cooperates with the tongue 431 to secure the interlock bracket 426 to the channel 380. The interlock bracket 426 is movable in the "A" direction (figure 81) to a first position wherein the enlarged end 429 of the interlock bracket 426 is aligned with the cone-shaped shaped hole 425 on the platform 421. The interlock bracket 426 is movably further movable to a second position, wherein the smaller end 430 of the keyhole slot 428 is aligned with the orifice 425 in the shape of a tapered trunk. The leveling element 386 (FIG. 81) includes a rod 440 arranged vertically, welded to a vertical frame member such as the frame member 161 on the panel 151. A threaded nut 442 is welded to the rod 440 and a rod section 443 The threaded portion is operatively engaged with the nut 442 and extends below it. The lower end 444 of the threaded rod 443 is tapered to engage correspondingly with the hole 425 in a frustoconical or tapered shape and has a diameter that allows it to slide through the enlarged end 429 of the keyhole slot 428. The lower end 44 includes a narrow section 445 with the rear surface 446 that is slidably engageable with the smaller end 430 of the keyhole slot 428.

Initially, the interlocking bracket 426 moves to the first position, such that the enlarged end 429 of the keyhole groove 428 is aligned with the hole 425 in the shape of a tapered trunk. Then a panel 151 is placed in the channel 380 which is brought into contact with the floor with the tapered lower end 444 of the leveler 386 which is correspondingly brought into contact with the tapered hole 425 of the platform 421. Then the bracket 426 of interlock is slid to the second position, such that the smaller end 430 of the keyhole slot 428 is aligned with the tapered hole 425. In this position, the interlock bracket 426 contacts the rear surface 446 on the tapered bottom end 444 to interlock the base panel 151 to the channel 386. This arrangement has several advantages. The arrangement allows the pre-assembly of the channel 386 to the base panels 151, which can be advantageous for packaging, but also optionally allows the channels 386 to be packaged separately and mounted on site. In addition, whether it is pre-mounted or mounted on the site, the channel can be locked to securely retain panels 151 to channel 386. This has significant value, not only to facilitate installation, but also to resist damage from earthquakes, to comply with "codes against earthquakes" and to resist damage from other catastrophic events. Thus, a wall construction including base partition panels and stacking partition panels, interconnectable with Inline connectors, off-center module connectors and stacking connectors. The wall construction is connectable and reconfigurable in a variety of on-line and connected arrays of off-center modules and in a variety of staggered / misaligned arrays vertically aligned. In the above description, it will be clearly appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications to the invention can be made without deviating from the concepts described herein. Such modifications will be considered included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly affirm otherwise. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following Claims 1. A wall construction for subdividing a work space of a construction, characterized in that it comprises: a first panel having vertical side edges and further having a separation frame with a frame member defining a horizontal row of first separate holes spaced apart, the row extends substantially across a panel width and the first holes are accessible from a front part of the first panel; an off-center module connector that includes horizontally spaced opposite facing hooks configured to securely couple with a selected pair of the first holes in a spaced location of the vertical side edges in a decentralized module position, the off-center module connector further defines a second hole in which, when placed in contact with the connector of the decentralized module with the selected pair of the first holes, is spaced forward from the front of the first panel; and a second panel having a marginal edge for the adjacent positioning of the front part of the first panel, the second panel includes a panel connector generally located along the marginal edge to securely engage the second hole to secure the second. panel in a relation generally perpendicular to the first panel.

Claims (1)

1. 2. A wall construction for subdividing a work space of a construction characterized in that it comprises: a first panel having vertical side edges and further having a frame member extending generally horizontally, the first panel includes a first mounted inline connector of operatively on the frame member proximate one of the vertical side edges that includes a slidable bracket or bracket for a plugged movement between a retracted position and an extended position, the extensible bracket includes a flange defining horizontally spaced holes , at least one of the holes is accessible when the extendable bracket moves to the extended position but is housed in the first panel when the extendable bracket is moved to the retracted position; and a second panel aligned and coplanar with the first panel, the second panel has a marginal edge configured to join splice with the first panel and includes a second inline connector generally located along the marginal edge of the second panel to be coupled to securely with the at least one hole of the extended bracket when in the extendable position to secure the second panel to the first panel. 3. A wall construction to subdivide a workspace of a construction characterized because it comprises: a plurality of substantially identical panels selectively interconnectable in an in-line arrangement and in an angular array, each of the plurality of panels having a horizontally extending frame member, extending over a width thereof, which defines a row of holes across the width and further includes first and second in-line coupling connectors generally attached to opposite ends of the frame member to be joined in a manner of inter-locking with two of the panels in an aligned and adjacent position. The plurality of panels includes a panel connected in particular line and a displaced panel of the module arranged angularly; and a connector displaced from the module for coupling with the frame member to secure the panel displaced from the module to the panel connected in particular line at a displaced location of the module separated from the vertical side edges of the panel connected in particular line, the connector displaced from the module includes a pair of opposing elements configured to securely engage with the selected holes of the holes in the frame member of the particular in-line connector panel and further includes at least one flange with holes for correspondingly receiving and interfining the first Inline connector on the displaced panel of the module. 4. A wall constpjcción to subdivide a workspace of a construction, characterized because it comprises: a plurality of portable and reconfigurable panel separation frames interconnected in an in-line array to define a substantially continuous wall, each of the separation frames defining vertical side edges and horizontal edges, the separation frames each comprising frame elements which have flanges with front and rear surfaces defining front and rear parallel planes, the frame elements include first cover support connectors attached to the flanges at predetermined locations, the plurality of separation frames include a pair of adjacent separation frames that include vertical side edges of splice; and a plurality of covers attached to the plurality of separation frames for aesthetically covering the wall, each of the covers includes second connectors for mating correspondingly with the first connectors, the plurality of covers include at least one cover attached to the pair of adjacent separation frames running along the vertical side edges of splicing of the pair of adjacent separation frames and including a side cover edge that is misaligned with the vertical side edges of splicing and non-splicing of the pair of adjacent separation frames. 5. A connection system for joining the first and second panels positioned adjacently, the first and second panels include horizontal frame elements extending the width of the receptive panels, characterized in that it comprises: a first inline connector on the first panel located on a vertical side edge thereof next to the second panel, the first inline connector includes an extendable bracket With a plug having first and second pairs of holes, the first inline connector further includes a first clamping plate for contacting the first pair of holes for securing the extendable bracket in a retracted position and for engaging with the second pair of recesses. holes for securing the extendable bracket in an extended position, the first inline connector further includes a first threaded fastener for moving the first clamping plate between a position engaged with the hole and a position decoupled with the hole; and a second in-line connector on the second panel located on a vertical side edge thereof and close to the first in-line connector, the second in-line connector includes a second tightening plate and a threaded coupling holder which is brought into contact with the second clamping plate, the second clamping plate is configured to engage with the first pair of holes when the extendable bracket is in the extended position to thereby secure the second panel to the first panel. 6. A connection system for connecting an off-center module panel to a panel connected in line, the panel connected in line has side edges verticals and includes a frame member defining a row of holes spaced apart across the width of the panel connected inline, the panel displaced from the module includes a vertical side edge displaced from the module for splicing with a front surface of the panel connected inline at a site spaced from the vertical side edges of the in-line panel and further includes an edge-mounted connector located along the offset vertical side edge of the module module displaced from the module, characterized in that it comprises: a displaced bracket of the module having first and second brackets interconnected in a sliding manner that are movable relative to one another between a position allowing assembly and an interlocked position, the first and second bracket elements include hooks of opposite faces configured to securely engage as holes selected from the holes spaced apart, when they are in the interlocked position but which are configured to move in the selected holes of the spaced apart holes spaced when in the position allowing assembly, the first and second bracket members further include each a pair of holes displaced from the line separated from the hooks, which align when they are in the interlocked position for coupling by the connector mounted on the edge of the displaced panel of the module in such a way that the connector mounted on the edge, when it comes into contact with the displaced holes of the line, it secures the bracket elements in the interlocked position. 7. A method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of interconnected covered panels in an in-line array, including an intermediate panel positioned between, in line with and coplanar with the first and second panels, the intermediate panel includes first and second edges vertical sides located adjacent to the first and second panels respectively and further include a first connector located proximate the first vertical side edge to releasably engage with a first coupling connector on the first panel and includes a second connector located near the second lateral edge vertical for releasably coupling with a second coupling connector on the second panel; and separating the intermediate panel from the first and second panels in a non-progressive manner by releasing the first and second in-line connectors without separating any cover over the plurality of covered panels. 8. A wall construction for subdividing a work space of a construction, characterized in that it comprises: a lower panel having an upper frame element which extends generally horizontally; an upper panel having a lower frame element that extends generally horizontally; and a connection system for joining the upper and lower panels in a stacked arrangement, comprising: one of the upper and lower frame elements defining a repeated configuration of holes; and the other of the upper and lower frame elements includes at least one stacking connector, the at least one stacking connector includes a pair of opposed clamping elements movably interconnected to engage with the selected holes in the repeated configuration . 9. A wall construction for subdividing a work space of a construction, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of substantially identical panels selectively interconnectable in a stacked array, in an in-line array and in combination of stacked / in-line arrays, each of the The panels have a horizontally extending frame member located near an upper edge thereof with a repeated configuration of holes therein and further having first and second interengaging coupling in-line connectors attached to the opposite ends of the frame member, to interlock two adjacent panels in an aligned, adjacent and inter-bisected position, the plurality of panels include top panels and stackable bottom panels; and the top panels each additionally include a clamped stacking connector configured to releasably but securely engage with holes selected from the repeated configuration of holes, such that the top panels can be secured to the bottom panels in a stacked array. 10. A wall construction for subdividing a work space of a construction, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of upper and lower panels configured for interconnection in a stacked array, each of the lower panels having an upper frame element and each one of the upper panels has a lower frame element, one of the upper and lower frame element define a plurality of holes accessible from the front of the panels and further extend substantially the width of the panels; and stacking connectors accessible through the holes and attached to one of the upper and lower frame members to securely engage with the other of the upper and lower frame elements, to secure the upper panels to the lower panels in a stable and stacked arrangement. 11. A connection system for attaching the upper and lower partition panels in a stacked array, the lower partition panel includes an upper frame member and the upper partition panel includes a lower frame member juxtaposed above the upper frame member when it is located in the stacked arrangement, characterized in that it comprises: one of the upper and lower frame elements that includes a recess or recess; and the other of the upper and lower frame elements includes a stacking connector, the stacking connector includes opposite clamping elements and a threaded shaft configured to move the clamping elements between a position allowing assembly, wherein the panel The upper partition can be positioned on the lower partition panel and an inter-bisected position where the fastening elements are engaged with the recess to secure the upper partition panel to the lower partition panel. 12. A method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of interconnected panels in an in-line array and stacked to form a wall construction, each of the panels includes covers to aesthetically cover the visible sides of the panels, the plurality of panels includes a stacked sub-assembly comprising a lower middle panel, an upper middle panel interconnected to the lower middle panel by stacking connectors, a pair of lower panels adjacent ones located on the opposite sides of the lower panel and interconnected by the lower inline connectors and a pair of adjacent upper panels located on the opposite sides of the upper middle panel and interconnected therewith by the upper inline connectors; and releasing the upper and lower line connectors and thereafter separating the upper and lower middle panels whereby the upper and lower middle panels can be separated in a non-progressive manner without dismantling the other panels in the wall construction. 13. A freestanding portable partition panel for open office spaces and the like characterized in that it comprises: a skeleton-like frame or frame having: first and second vertical uprights positioned adjacent to the opposite side edges of the frame, each including opposite oriented external faces outside; a leg extending downwardly from a lower portion of the frame to hold the partition panel together in a freestanding manner on a floor surface; first and second pairs of horizontal beams joined to the opposite outer faces of the vertical uprights in a spaced apart relationship vertically to rigidly interconnect the vertical uprights and define between the same first and second cavities horizontal ducts which open to the opposite side faces of the frame and extend continuously between the opposite lateral edges thereof with the open ends, such that when the similar partition panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship , the open ends of the adjacent channel or duct cavities are aligned and communicating; first and second cover panels formed to cover at least those portions of the side faces of the frames disposed between the first and second pairs of horizontal beams; fasteners removably mounting the cover panels on the outer faces of the spars to provide easy access to the gutter or conduit cavities and allow the cabling embedded therein. 14. A self-supporting portable partition panel for open office spaces and the like, characterized in that it comprises a skeleton-like frame, having first and second vertical uprights positioned adjacent to the opposite side edges of the frame, each including opposite external faces facing outwards; a leg extending downwardly from a lower portion of the frame to hold the partition panel together in a freestanding manner on a floor surface; first and second pairs of horizontal beams joined to the opposite external faces of the vertical uprights in a spaced apart relationship vertically to rigidly interconnect the vertical uprights and define therebetween the first and second horizontal channel or duct cavities, which are open to the opposite side faces of the frame and a duct cavity or vertical channel disposed between the first and second horizontal channel cavities; first and second cover panels removably mounted on opposite sides of the frame to selectively enclose the cavities. 15. A self-supporting portable partition panel for open office spaces and the like, characterized in that it comprises: a skeleton-like frame, having first and second vertical uprights positioned adjacent to the opposite side edges of the frame, each including upper ends and external faces opposite oriented outwards; each of the uprights includes a pair of arms attached to the outer faces thereof and extending upwardly from the upper ends thereof to define fork-shaped receptacles for receiving the wiring embedded therein; a leg extending downwardly from a lower portion of the frame to hold the free standing partition panel on a floor surface; a first pair of horizontal beams joined to the upper ends of the arms and a second pair of horizontal beams joined to the opposite external faces of the vertical uprights in a spaced apart relation vertically with the first pair of horizontal beams to rigidly interconnect the vertical uprights; first and second cover panels joined with the opposite sides of the frames to enclose them. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A self-supporting portable partition panel (4) is provided for open office spaces. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical posts (10) positioned adjacent to the opposite side edges. A leg (11) extends down from the bottom of the frame to a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers (12 and 13) are joined to the external faces of the uprights in a spaced apart relation vertically and define between them two cavities (14) of horizontal duct or channel. The cover panels (16) enclose at least those portions of the side faces of the frame disposed between the spars. The upper ends of the vertical uprights have upwardly extending arms which define fork-shaped receptacles (19) for receiving the recessed wiring.