WO2005078208A1

WO2005078208A1 - Wall panel system

Info

Publication number: WO2005078208A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/004024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harold Wilson
Original assignee: Haworth, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-02-06
Filing date: 2005-02-05
Publication date: 2005-08-25
Also published as: CN1946910B; CN1946910A

Abstract

A wall panel system (10) is provided comprised of individual wall panels (12, 14) which are joined together in right-angle, end-to-end connections or perpendicular T-connections to subdivide an office space. The wall panels include an internal frame (25) which allows for the formation of multiple wall panel configurations with increased flexibility as compared with a number of known wall panel systems.

Description

WALL PANEL SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a space-dividing wall panel system as used to subdivide open office areas into individual workstations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Commercial buildings typically include large open office areas which are divided into smaller work spaces or workstations by any of a number of space divider and panel systems that have been developed therefor. These space divider arrangements typically employ upright space-dividing wall panels which serially connect together to subdivide the office area into a plurality of smaller workstations of desired size and configuration. Such panels are typically less than floor- to-ceiling height, and cooperate with other furniture components to define an equipped workstation. These components may include work surfaces, file cabinets, shelf units and the like which mount directly on and are supported by the wall panels, and may also include freestanding furniture components such as tables, chairs and file cabinets. [0003] In subdividing open office areas into individual workstations, the individual wall panel assemblies have a variety of constructions. Typically, a plurality of upright space-dividing wall panels are employed which serially connect together through two- panel straight or angled connections, or through suitable three or four-panel connections, to subdivide the office area into the plurality of smaller workstations. [0004] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved wall panel system having wall panels which off- modular adjustment of furniture components or return walls along the length of each wall panel. [0005] In view thereof, the present invention relates to a space-dividing wall panel system having a plurality of wall panels which are serially connectable one with the other so as to define a vertically enlarged wall supported on a floor. Horizontal rails on the wall panels are constructed so as to permit appropriate mounting brackets of furniture components such as return walls to fixedly secure the components to the while panel while permitting sliding or adjustment of the furniture components along the wall panel. Such an arrangement thus provides off-modular adjustment of the furniture components including the return walls. [0006] Other objects and purposes of the invention, and variations thereof, will be apparent upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a representative arrangement of wall panels which are configurable in multiple arrangements to form the wall panel system. [0008] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the wall panel system. [0009] Figure 3 is a front elevational view of a full- height base panel frame. [0010] Figure 4 is an enlarged partial view of an upper corner of the base frame of Figure 3. [0011] Figure 5 is a partial front elevational view of an open base panel frame. [0012] Figure 6 is a partial front elevational view of an extension panel frame. [0013] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the full-height frame provided with additional components to form a space-dividing wall panel.

[0014] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of an open base wall panel constructed from the open base panel frame of Figure 5.

[0015] Figure 9 is a front view of a leg for the open base wall panel.

[0016] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a T-nut such as for the panel leg of Figure 9. [0017] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a full- height wall panel with cover tiles removed from one side thereof.

[0018] Figure 12 is a bottom perspective view of the wall panel of Figure 11.

[0019] Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the full-height wall panel.

[0020] Figure 14 is a partial rear view of a solid cover tile.

[0021] Figure 15 is a partial bottom view of the cover tile.

[0022] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a cover tile mounting clip.

[0023] Figure 17 is a side view of the mounting clip. [0024] Figure 18 is a top view of the mounting clip. [0025] Figure 19 is a side elevational view of the full-height wall panel.

[0026] Figure 20 is an enlarged side view of the bottom portion of the full-height wall panel. [0027] Figure 21 is an enlarged partial side view of a joint between vertically-adjacent cover tiles. [0028] Figure 22 is an enlarged side view of the top corner portion of the full-height wall panel as well as an open base wall panel. [0029] Figure 23 is a front perspective view of the wall panel system illustrating a return wall connected thereto and upper cover tiles removed therefrom.

[0030] Figure 24 is a bottom view of a three-way right-angle connection between adjacent wall panels.

[0031] Figure 25 is a bottom view of the right-angle, multi-way connector of Figure 24.

[0032] Figure 26 is a bottom view of an angular, multi-way connector.

[0033] Figure 27 is a bottom perspective view of the wall panel system and a right-angle connector interconnected between three adjacent wall panels.

[0034] Figure 28 is an end cross-sectional view of a slotted connector rail as taken along line 28-28 of

Figure 29.

[0035] Figure 29 is a top perspective view of a top connector rail and panel end brackets connected thereto.

[0036] Figure 30 is a bottom view of the slotted connector rail with the end brackets attached thereto.

[0037] Figure 31 is a side elevational view of the slotted connector rail assembly of Figure 30.

[0038] Figure 32 is an end view of a connector rail profile for an intermediate connector rail or a bottom connector rail.

[0039] Figure 33 is an upper perspective view illustrating a T-connection between two wall panels.

[0040] Figure 34 is a top view of the T-connection of

Figure 33.

[0041] Figure 35 is a bottom view of the wall panels of the T-connection.

[0042] Figure 36 is a support bracket adapted for supporting an overhead storage unit.

[0043] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the support bracket mounted on a wall panel. [0044] Figure 38 is an enlarged perspective view of an intermediate support brace for the support bracket. [0045] Figure 39 is a perspective view of an open cover tile.

[0046] Figure 40 is a rear view of the open cover tile such as for a glass tile.

[0047] Figure 41 is an enlarged rear perspective view of one corner of the cover tile.

[0048] Figure 42 is a rear perspective view of a slat- wall type functional cover tile.

[0049] Figure 43 is a side view of the functional cover tile.

[0050] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words "upwardly", "downwardly", "rightwardly" and "leftwardly" will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0051] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the wall panel system of the invention is illustrated which system comprises and plurality of full-height wall panels 12, an additional plurality of open base wall panels 14 and an extension panel 15, which connects to any one of the wall panels 12 or 14.

[0052] The layout of wall panels 12, 14 in the wall panel system 10 is illustrated in one representative configuration with it being understood that such wall panel systems of this type allow for the wall panels 12 and 14 and any extension panels 15 to be configured in any of a variety of configurations. The following discussion is directed to the specific configuration of each individual component, namely the wall panels 12 and 14 and the extension panel 15 with it being understood that such components would be assembled into a desired configuration by an end-user. The wall panel system 10 thereby is provided in a larger open office space 16 and subdivides such space 16 into individual work stations 17; the ultimate number, size and layout of the work stations 17 being decided upon final assembly of the individual system components. Additionally, it will be understood that additional office furniture accessories such as a work surface 18 or a support bracket 19 for an overhead storage unit can be mounted at any of a plurality of support locations on the individual wall panels 12 and 14.

[0053] The wall panel system 10 is configured for supporting a variety of accessories such as those being sold by Haworth, Inc. as part of its MOXIE™ product line. While the wall panel system 10 possesses structural formations, namely horizontal and vertical configurations of slots thereon which allow for the specific connection of the MOXIE™ accessories, a detailed discussion of such MOXIE™ accessories is not required herein since these structural components currently are commercially available.

[0054] Generally as to the individual wall panels 12 and 14, these wall panels generally include interior, rectangular load-bearing frames which are structurally rigid and disposed in load-bearing relation on the floor of the office area 16. These internal frames are discussed in further detail herein but generally define a hollow interior which is then covered by individual cover tiles which are demountable from the frames but define opposite side surfaces 21 of the individual wall panels 12 and 14.

[0055] Additionally, the opposite panel sides 21 may further include electrical ports 22 wherein individual electrical components such as receptacles are mounted within the interior of a wall panel 12 or 14 and wherein the receptacle is accessible through the electrical port 22. Various electrical systems are currently available and a detailed discussion of such electrical systems and receptacles and their mounting within a wall panel is not necessary.

[0056] More specifically as to the individual wall panels, these wall panels each include a structurally rigid interior frame. Referring to Figure 3, the full- height wall panel 12 has a full-height panel frame 25 comprising a pair of laterally spaced apart vertical frame rails 26 and a pair of transverse frame rails 27 and 28 both of these transverse frame rails 27 and 28 are rigidly affixed to inside faces 29 of the respective vertical rails 26, such as by welding, to form a structurally rigid rectangular frame. However, the lower end portions 30 project downwardly below the bottom frame rail 28 to define an open space 31A below this frame rail 28. Additionally, an upper interior section 31B also is defined within the panel frame 25 which interior section 31B is bounded on four sides by the vertical rails 26 and the transverse rails 27 and 28. The panel frame 25 as illustrated in Figure 3, thereby forms a base configuration for the panel frame which then may be further modified with additional frame components to construct a plurality of different configurations for the panel frame 25 depending upon the needs of the end-user. [0057] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 7, each vertical rail 26 initially is formed of flat sheet steel and is stamped with appropriate openings and slots therein and then is bent to form a rectangular tube in the final configuration illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. [0058] The vertical rails 26 include a row 32 of vertically spaced apart corner slots 33 which are formed into each outside corner of a vertical rail 26. The individual corner slots 33 primarily extend along the respective side face 34 but also extend partially into the respective end face 35 as best illustrated in Figure 7. These rows 32 of slots 33 are provided for the mounting of various cover tiles onto the wall panels generally in a conventional manner and thus a detailed description thereof is not provided. The rail end faces 35 further include vertically spaced apart bores 36. [0059] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the inside rail faces 29 are provided with an additional pattern of openings and slot formations which will be described in further detail herein. More particularly, the inside face 29 (Figures 12, 13 and 34) is formed by a pair of face portions 38 which initially are formed separate from each other during the formation, process but then are bent inwardly and define one common face. The inner terminal edges 39 of each face portion are bent inwardly into the interior of the vertical rail 26 and then are joined together by welding along a vertical joint 40. The vertical joint 40, due to the inwardly bent edges 39, generally defines a groove extending vertically along the length of the vertical rail 26.

[0060] More specifically, as to the inside face 29 seen in Figures 12 and 13, the inside face includes adjacent pairs of clip slots 42 wherein each clip slot in a pair is formed in one of the face portions 38. These clip slots are adapted to support mounting clips 43 for supporting the wall panel coverings on the panel frame 25 as will be described in further detail herein. It will be understood that the inside rail faces 29 on a pair of frame rails 26 essentially are formed as mirror images of each other as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. [0061] Additionally, a plurality of self-tapping fastener openings 45 are formed along the vertical weld joint 40 wherein an upper pair 46 are labeled in Figure 12 and an exemplary lower pair is identified by reference numeral 47. Additional such fastener openings 45 are illustrated along the length of the vertical rail 46 to define a plurality of vertically spaced apart mounting locations, the function of which is described further herein. Additionally, larger openings 49 are provided between selected pairs of the fastener openings 45. [0062] Referring to Figures 11-13, additional transverse cross-rails 51 may be removably mounted at selected locations along the length of the vertical rails 26. Essentially, a cross-rail 51 may be mounted at any vertical location corresponding to one of the associated pairs of fastener openings 45 such as pairs 46 or 47. [0063] More particularly, each cross-rail is formed of a horizontally elongate tube 52 which extends across the width of the panel frame 25 and generally has the same rectangular cross-sectional shape as the permanent frame rails 27 and 28. Each cross-rail 51 has a plate-like mounting bracket 53 at each opposite end thereof. Each mounting bracket 53 is rigidly affixed to the adjacent end of the tube 52 and projects vertically therefrom so as to abut against the inside rail face 29 for rigid connection thereto. The mounting bracket 53 has an end mounting portion 54 which is formed with a pair of fastener bores 55 which align with the fastener openings 45 in the frame rail 26 as illustrated in Figure 13. Appropriate fasteners 56 are then threaded therethrough to affix the mounting bracket 53 to the vertical rail and thereby rigidly join the respective cross-rail 51 to the base frame configuration. [0064] As illustrated in Figure 11, two such cross- rails 51 are mounted, one being located at the lower most end of the vertical rails 26 while a second cross-rail 51 is mounted within the upper interior section 31 to subdivide this open space. As such, each cross-rail 51 generally has a U-shape wherein the opposite legs of this ϋ-shape are mounted to the vertical rails 26. It will be noted in Figure 13 that a mounting clip 43 may be located directly adjacent to the tube 52 and thus, to avoid interference therewith, each mounting bracket 53 further includes a stepped portion 57 which essentially defines a clearance space between the stepped portion 57 and the inside rail face 29 in which space the mounting clip 43 is accommodated.

[0065] Various arrangements of the cross-rails 51 may be provided. For example, as illustrated in Figures 11- 13, a cross-rail 51 may be provided at the lower most end of the panel frame 25 to effectively close off the lower interior section 31A. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 7, the cross-rail 51 may be omitted from the bottom end of the panel frame 26 such that the lower interior section 31 is open downwardly from the bottom of the wall panel 12 to more readily permit the entrance of cabling and the like into the interior sections 31A and 31B.

[0066] In addition to the full-height panel frame 25, the wall panel 14 includes a further reduced-length panel frame 60 which is formed similar to the panel frame 26 but has a shorter vertical length to allow for the formation of an open space 61 below the open bottom panel frame 60 as generally illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. [0067] Figure 5 illustrates one side edge of this reduced height panel frame 60 which frame is defined by a pair of identical vertical rails 62 and upper and lower transverse frame rails 63 and 64. Thie open bottom panel frame 60 essentially is identical to the full-height panel frame 25 except that the lower rail sections 30 are omitted. In other words, the construction of the frame components 62, 63 and 64 is identical to the construction of the full-height panel frame 25 as defined by the rails 27 and 28 and the upper portions of the vertical frame rails 26 extending vertically between the rails 27 and 28. Therefore, the foregoing discussion relative to the panel frame 25 is believed equally applicable to the panel frame 60 and a detailed discussion relative thereto is not required. Briefly, the transverse frame rails 63 and 64 are formed the same as the rails 27 and 28 and are rigidly connected to the inside face 65 of the vertical rails 62 such as by welding. This inside faces 65 includes the same patterns of clip slots 42, fastener openings 45 and larger openings 49 and also includes a row 66 of the vertically spaced apart slots 33 in each outer end corner of the vertical rail 66. The end face 67 also is formed the same as the rail end face 35 with the same pattern of openings 36.

[0068] The open bottom panel frame 60 still has essentially the same vertical height as the panel frame 25 since it is supported by vertically elongate, tubular panel legs 69 which project downwardly therefrom as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 an 8. A more detailed discussion as to panel legs 69 will be provided hereinafter. [0069] Referring to Figure 6, an extension panel frame

71 is illustrated therein, which extension panel frame forms the interior frame of the extension panel 15. This extension panel frame 71 generally has a downwardly opening U-shape defined by vertical frame rails 72 and a horizontal frame rail 73. The horizontal frame rail 73 is welded to the upper ends of the vertical frame rails

72 in the same manner as the above—described frame rails 27 and 63 to their respective pairs of vertical rails 26 and 62. The vertical frame rails 72 essentially are shorter segments of the same vertical rail construction for the rails 26 and 62 and are provided with the same pattern of bores, slots, such as slots 33, and other openings. Therefore, a further discussion of these formations, slots and openings is not believed to be required, it being understood that all of the vertical rails 26, 62 and 72 have the same configuration and construction and merely represent shorter lengths relative to each other.

[0070] The primary difference as to the extension panel frame 71 is that it is open at the bottom end thereof and is adapted for removable engagement with the upper edge of a respective one of the wall panels 12 or 14. In this regard, the bottom edge of each vertical frame rail 72 includes a pair of downwardly projecting connector brackets 74 on the opposite front and rear faces 75 of the vertical rails 72. Each connector bracket 74 essentially is a vertically elongate plate having an upper end fastened to the respective vertical rail 72 by a fastener 77. The lower ends of the bracket 76 project downwardly therefrom and each pair of brackets 76 straddles an upper end of a respective vertical rail 26 or 62. The lower ends of the connector bracket 74 includes fastener bores 78 which align with respective openings 79 and 80 in the respective vertical rails 26 and 62. Once an extension panel frame 71 is connected to a respective frame of a lower wall panel, the overall height of each individual wall panel 12 or 14 is thereby extended in accord with the requirements of an end-user. [0071] Next, it will be understood that the individual wall panels 12 and 14 are supported in load bearing relation on the floor of the office area 16. The specific support arrangement depends on the configuration of the wall panel 12 or the wall panel 14. [0072] With the foregoing frame arrangements, multiple variations of the frame may be constructed from a rigid base frame configuration defined by vertical and horizontal rails permanently and rigidly affixed together such as by welding. Additional add on cross-rails 51 may then be provided at selected vertical elevations to provide additional rigid framework for the connection of wall panel components thereto. This allows for the construction for example of a full-height panel frame which is either closed at the bottom or opens downwardly for ingress and egress of cabling, and also for the construction of an open-bottom panel frame which is supported on legs and includes additional frame structure within the interior thereof.

[0073] The wall panels of the invention generally are supported in load-bearing relation on the floor through various glide configurations. Referring to Figures 3 and 7, one such glide configuration is adapted for the full- height frame configuration (Figure 7) which does not include a cross rail at the bottom thereof. In this regard, the vertical rail 26 is open at its upper and lower ends wherein the lower end 82 is provided with a glide insert 83. The glide insert 83 is a rectangular block which slidably fits within the lower rail end 82 and includes a central support bore 84. A support foot or glide 85 is provided with an enlarged base 86 and a threaded glide stem 87 which is threadedly engaged with the bore 84 to fixedly secure the glide 85 to trie insert 83. Rotation of the glide 85 allows for raising and lowering of the glide 85 to thereby assist in leveling and horizontal alignment of the wall panels 12. [0074] To align the wall panels 12 sidewardly, each insert 83 further includes an alignment tab 88 and an alignment slot 89 located directly adjacent thereto. The tab 88 of one wall panel 12 thereby fits into the corresponding slot 89 of a serially adjacent wall panel 12 to thereby align the serially adjacent wall panels 12 when located in end-to-end relation.

[0075] Next, for the full-height panel frame 26 which includes a cross rail 51 at the bottom thereof as illustrated in Figures 11-12 and 20, a T-nut connector arrangement is provided to join support structures thereto in both the full-height wall panel 12 and the open bottom wall panel 14.

[0076] First as to the full-height wall panel 12, the wall panel system 10 includes horizontally elongate bottom connector rails 91 which are removably connected to the bottom surface of the lower most cross rail 51. Generally, the connector rail 91 includes a T slot 92 extending centrally along the longitudinal length thereof.

[0077] More particularly, the end profile of the connector rail 91 is illustrated in Figure 32. The connector rail 91 in Figure 32 is illustrated in an upright orientation as it is used at other elevations within the wall panel 12 but would be rotated 180 degrees so as to face downwardly when used in the orientation of Figures 11-13. The connector rail 91 is defined by a base wall 93 which is provided with a plurality of fastener holes 94 at spaced apart locations along the length thereof. The holes 94 extend vertically therethrough and allow the rail 91 to be fastened, to a respective one of the cross rails 51 or as described in further detail herein the cross rail 28. The base wall 93 includes locator ribs 95 projecting vertically therefrom which are adapted to straddle a respective frame rail and locate the connector rail 91 relative thereto. Also, a pair of side ribs 96 project sidewardly therefrom a relatively short distance to define a narrow slot 97, which slot 97 is defined between the rib 96 and the opposing face of a frame rail 51 or 64 when the connector rail 91 is joined thereto. [0078] Still further, the slot walls 99 project vertically from the base wall 93 and include inwardly projecting slot ribs 100 which effectively define a narrow opening for the T-slot 92, with the interior slot region 101 having a greater width inwardly of the slot ribs 100. The T-slot 92 thereby has a narrow opening and also opens from the opposite ends of the connector rail 91.

[0079] Additionally, the connector rail 91 also extends outwardly from the slot side walls 99 to define outer face walls 102 which then turn back downwardly to define side support flanges 103. The side support flanges 103 and face walls 102 thereby define larger support channels 104 extending along the length of the connector rail 91. The following discussion is directed to the structure and function of the slot 92 with the connector channels 97 and 104 being described in further detail herein. [0080] Referring to Figures 11-13 and 20, the full- height wall panel 12 with the bottom cross rail 51 is supported on additional glides 106. These glides have a disc-like foot or base 107 to which is connected a nut 108 and a threaded shaft 109 which projects vertically therefrom. [0081] Referring to Figures 10 and 20, the threaded shaft 109 is threadedly engaged with a T-nut 111. The T-nut 111 has a T-shape which is slidably received witriin the T-slot 92 and is slidable therealong. The T-nut includes a threaded central bore 112 through which the threaded shaft 109 of the glide 106 is engaged. By rotating the nut 108, the T-nut 111 and the nut 108 can be tightened onto the slot ribs 100 and thereby clamp the glide 106 in location along the length of the connector rail 91. By loosening the glide 106, the glide may then be slid horizontally to a selected location along the length of the connector rail 91. Preferably, the glides 106 are located directly below the vertical rails 26 as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. It will be understood, however, that the T-slots 92 of two serially adjacent wall panels 12 align with each other in open communication and actually permit the T-nut 111 to span the joint between two serially adjacent connector rails 91. As such, a single glide 106 may be used to support two serially adjacent wall panels 12.

[0082] The opposite ends of the panel frame 26 may also be provided with a formation of locator tabs 88 and alignment slots 89 as seen in Figure 20 to thereby align the adjacent wall panels 12.

[0083] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the open-base wall panel 14 also has the support leg 69 mounted thereto in the same manner as the glides 106 which mount to the wall panel 12. In particular, the lower frame member 64 of the open bottom panel frame 66 is provided with a bottom connector rail 91 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 8. As seen in Figure 9, the support leg 69 includes a threaded shaft 115 projecting vertically therefrom to which a T-nut 111 is threadedly engaged. The T-nut 111 is slidably fitted within the T-slot 92 of the connector rail 91 as illustrated in Figure 8 and is then tightened in place by rotation of the leg 69. Similar to the glides 106, the leg 69 may either be provided as part of a pair supporting a single panel 14 as seen in Figure 2 or where two serially adjacent wall panels 14 are joined together, a single leg 69 may span the joint between the two wall panels 14 and support both panels 14. [0084] Each of the wall panels further is provided with various covering members to enclose the opposite faces of the panel frames to define a finished exterior for the individual wall panels 12 and 14. [0085] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the wall panel system 10 includes various cover tiles having different configurations but preferably all being removably engaged to the interior panel frames. While cover tiles have various exterior appearances and functions, such cover tiles typically have a rectangular shape and a connector structure for mounting the cover tile to the panel frame. [0086] Preferred types of cover tiles are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. More particularly, a first cover tile construction is the solid cover tile 117 which is adapted to close-off the open interior of the panel frames. The solid cover tile 117 can be used on any of the wall panel 12, the wall panel 14 or the extension panel 15. Additionally the wall panel 117 preferably has a vertical height of approximately one-third the overall height of a full-height wall panel. However, additional solid cover tiles 117A may be provided which have half of the height of a cover tile 117 and are used particularly on the wall panels 12 when a wall panel 14 is engaged perpendicular therewith. The cover tiles 117A are preferably used at the bottom of the open-bottom wall panel 14 with the remaining lowermost area of this wall panel being open in the region 61. [0087] Additionally, functional tiles 118 and 118A may be provided to permit the hanging of various office accessories thereon. These functional tiles 118 and 118A are discussed in further detail hereinafter but generally include vertically spaced apart parallel slots 119 which allow for the hanging of components thereon. Still further, an open cover tile 120 may be provided which essentially comprises a perimeter frame which may remain open or hold a glass panel therein so that the end-user can see therethrough.

[0088] In Figures 1 and 2 additional cover tiles are omitted therefrom to permit viewing of the open panel interior for illustrative purposes. This is also the condition of the wall panel system when access is required to the interiors of the wall panels 12, 14 or 15, such as for laying of electrical or communication cabling and the like.

[0089] To support the solid cover tiles 117 or 117A in place, each wall panel 12 or 14 is provided with a plurality of the tile mounting clips 43 thereon as illustrated in Figure 11. The illustrated configuration of Figure 11 is adapted to support a pair of cover tiles 117 on the upper two-thirds of the wall panel 12 with two additional cover tiles 117A covering the bottom panel third. This configuration is adapted for the connection of a wall panel 14 perpendicular thereto and the middle of the wall panel 12 is generally illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. It is noted that the cover tile 117 and the vertically adjacent cover tile 117A define a joint 122 therebetween and are sufficiently rigid so as to not require additional support along the joint 122. Rather, the opposite ends of the tiles 117 and 117A are supported by the respective mounting clips 43 disposed at the opposite ends thereof. Each of the cover tiles 117 or 117A is supported by two pairs of clips 43 with two of such clips 43 supporting the upper end of a cover tile 117 or 117A and an additional pair of clips 43 supporting the bottom tile edge. With this arrangement, the cover tiles 117 or 117A are mountable on the panel frame but also are readily removable therefrom to permit access to the open interior. It is noted that the joints between the vertically adjacent pair of cover tiles 117A provides access to the area adjacent to the bottom frame rail 28 for the connection of the wall panel 14 to the wall panel 12 as will be described in further detail herein. [0090] More particularly as to the mounting clips 43 as illustrated in Figures 13 and 16-18, each clip 43 has the capability of supporting both a bottom edge of an upwardly adjacent cover tile and the upper edge of a downwardly adjacent cover tile. Therefore each clip 43 typically supports two cover tiles except for those clips 43 disposed at the respective top and bottom of a wall panel 12 or 14.

[0091] Each cover tile 43 includes a central web 124 which spans the width of a respective vertical rail 26, 62 or 72, for example, as seen in Figure 13. Each web 124 includes a pair of blocks 125 which project sidewardly and include a resilient cantilevered connector flange 126. The blocks 125 are adapted to fit into a respective pair of slots 42 in the inside rail face 29 and are snap-fittingly connected thereto by the connector flanges 126. As seen in Figure 17, a space is provided directly adjacent to the connector flange 126 to permit insertion of a tool therein to deflect the flange 126 inwardly and permit ready removal of a clip 43 from a respective vertical rail. Once the clip 43 is snapped onto a vertical frame rail, the clip is then available for use to support a cover tile. [0092] More particularly, the opposite ends of the clip web 124 include support walls 128 oriented perpendicular to the web 124. The upper edge of each support wall or backing plate 128 includes an outwardly projecting support ledge 129 which includes an upwardly inclined surface 130 and a groove 131 in which the upper edge of a cover tile is supported. The support ledge 129 is relatively rigid and is strengthened by a vertical gusset 132. [0093] The bottom of the backing plate 128 includes a deflectable catch 135 defined by a rigid leg 136 and a cantilevered leg 137. The free end of the cantilevered leg includes a downward opening groove 138. The rigid leg 136 is further strengthened by the gusset 132. [0094] When the clip 43 is mounted to a vertical frame rail, the backing plate 128 lies against the opposing side face of the vertical rail with the ledge groove 131 opening upwardly and the catch groove 138 opening downwardly as seen in Figure 13. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the cover tiles 117 and 117A are preferably formed of metal or other suitable bendable material while the clips 43 are plastic. While this tile 117 (117A) may be painted to define the finished exterior surface thereof, such tile also may be covered with other suitable finishing materials such as fabric or the like. [0095] As to the tiles 117 (117A) of Figures 14 and 15, these tiles have the same basic configuration except for the vertical dimension thereof and thus, common reference numerals are used to describe these components. More particularly, the cover tile 117 (117A) includes an enlarged front panel 140 which defines the exposed face of the cover tile. The front panel 140 includes a rearwardly extending bottom wall 141 joined thereto at a bend line which wall 141 projects rearwardly and then is bent upwardly to define a bottom mounting flange 142. The upper edge 143 of the bottom mounting flange 142 includes a notch 144 at each opposite end thereof which is adapted to align with the catch 135 corresponding thereto. As can be seen in Figure 21, this notch 144 fits into the corresponding groove 138 of the catch 135 to thereby support the bottom of a cover tile 117. [0096] The panel 140 also is bent inwardly at the upper edge thereof to define a top wall 146 which extends rearwardly and then is bent downwardly to define a top gasket flange 147.

[0097] Additionally, the opposite side edges of the panel 140 are each bent rearwardly to define a respective side wall 149 which extends rearwardly a distance less than the top and bottom walls 146 and 141. The side wall 149 is then bent inwardly to define a side flange 150. As seen in Figure 15, the side flange 150 and top gasket flange 147 are spaced rearwardly from each other to thereby define a gap 151 which facilitates passage of cabling over the faces of the vertical frame rails. [0098] As generally illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the top gasket flange 147 essentially supports a cover tile 117A or 117 on the support ledge 128 of an upper mounting clip 43. The opposite bottom edge of the same cover tile is supported by the catch 135 on a second mounting clip 43 spaced downwardly of the top clip 43. It is noted that the metal gasket flange 147 does not directly contact the support ledge 129 but instead includes an elastomeric support gasket 153 which is generally U-shaped in sideward cross-section as seen in Figure 21 and is fitted along the entire length of the gasket flange 147. [0099] This support gasket 153 includes an interior leg 154 which is vertically elongate and extends into the space between the gasket flange 147 and the front panel 140. The gasket 153 also includes an outer leg 155 wherein the inner and outer gasket legs 154 and 155 define a slot into which the gasket flange 147 is slidably fitted. To provide relatively rigid lateral support to the gasket 153, the gasket 153 is co-extruded from elastomeric materials which are relatively rigid in one section and resiliently deformable in other sections. Specifically, the inner leg 154 includes relatively rigid ribs 156 and 157 which are sufficiently rigid so as to maintain the gasket 153 relatively stationary on the gasket flange 147. The inner leg 154 also includes a pair of relatively deformable ribs 158 and an upper terminal end 159 which are relatively deformable to permit some deformation of the inner leg 154 during sliding onto the flange 147.

[00100] The bottom of the gasket 153 also includes another support rib 160 which projects downwardly and seats within the groove of the support ledge 129. It is noted that the support flange 147 of the cover tile 117 is spaced vertically away from the gasket 153 such that the vertical loads on the cover tile 117 are carried vertically between the rib 160 and the upper leg edge 159. This provides some flexing to accommodate tolerances and provides for a snug fit. [00101] The inner gasket leg 155 extends upwardly and includes a sidewardly projecting locator rib 161 which abuts against the opposing face of the frame rail to thereby assist in spacing the cover tile 117 (117A) outwardly from the frame rail. The inner leg 155 then continues upwardly and terminates at a flexible section 162 that defines a flexible light block that contacts a vertically adjacent cover tile to effectively seal the space formed between a vertically adjacent pair of cover tiles. However, the flexible section 162 also may flex to permit passage of wall panel components therethrough if necessary and also conform to the shape of the bottom tile wall 141 disposed in contact therewith. [00102] Referring to Figure 22, the flange 153 at the upper edge of the top cover tile 117 includes the light block 162 projecting upwardly. While the light block 162 does not contact adjacent structure, it does serve to close off the space disposed vertically above the cover tile 117 and thus continues to perform the visual blocking function. [00103] Referring to Figure 23, the cover tiles 117 or 117A further include additional light blocking gaskets 164 on the opposite side edges thereof. Each gasket 164 generally has a U-shape which slidably fits onto the respective side flange 150. The gasket 164 has one leg with ribs being provided thereon to ensure snug fitting engagement with the side flange 150 while the other leg projects sidewardly beyond the tile side flange 150 to thereby define a light block 165 (Figure 23) . As such, each cover tile 117 or 117A has a light block on a top edge and the opposite side edges thereof. A light block is not necessary on the bottom edge thereof since this function is accomplished by the light block at the top edge of the vertically adjacent tile 117 (117A) . [00104] As also illustrated in Figure 23, the wall panel system further may include a rigid wiring protector

170 which is spaced outwardly from the opposing faces of the vertical frame rails of two wall panels 12. The opposite ends of the wiring protector 170 included clips

171 which fit within respective slots 33. Essentially, the wiring protector 170 includes hooks which slide into the slots and then shift downwardly in removable engagement with the frame rails 26. The center section of the protector 170 includes an opening 172 to accommodate the tile side flanges 150 for clearance purposes.

[00105] Referring to Figures 39-41, a pass through tile 120 is formed of edge rails 173 and 174. Each rail 173 and 174 has the same cross-sectional profile and essentially is provided with an outward opening channels 175 and 176 which are defined respectively by outwardly projecting channel walls 177 and 178. These channels 175 and 176 receive L-shaped connector brackets 179 therein which are fastened to the respective walls by fasteners 180 to hold the corners of the rails 173 and 174 together.

[00106] Additionally, mounting brackets 181 fit within the side channels 176 and are fastened in place by fasteners 182. The bracket 181 includes a plurality of downwardly extending hooks 183. These hooks 183 are adapted to fit into the slots 33 formed in the wall panels 12 or 14 as illustrated in Figure 21. Additionally, the edge rails 173 and 174 include elastomeric light blocks 184 on the top and side edges thereof.

[00107] The pass through tiles 120 are mounted on opposite sides of the panel frames thereby defining openings through the frame for improved visibility and for supporting glass to define a glass tile. [00108] Referring to Figure 42 and 43, the slotted tile 118 is illustrated therein. The slotted tile 118 is formed of a central panel profile 186 which includes the slots 119 formed therein. The slots 119 extend in parallel and are adapted to received T-nuts or other similar type hooks. The center profile 186 includes an end cap 187 at each opposite end of the tile 118 to close off the opposite ends of the center profile 186. Additionally, light blocks 188 are provided thereabout. The central panel 186 is formed of three modular sections 186A, 186B and 186C which join together and allow vary different tile heights depending upon the number of tile sections . [00109] Further, to mount the slotted tile 118 (118A) in place on a panel frame for either of the panels 12 or 14, a mounting bracket 189 is fastened in place on the end caps 187 by suitable fasteners 190. The bracket 189 includes hooks 191 that are adapted to engage the slots in the vertical rails of the panels 12 and 14. [00110] With the foregoing arrangement of various cover tiles, the open interiors of the individual panel frames can be closed off and a finished appearance provided to the wall panels 12 or 14 or the extension panel 15. Essentially, the frames and cover tiles comprise an individual wall panel although some cover tiles may be provided which span two panel frames or a single panel frame provided with different numbers of cover tiles. [00111] In addition to the construction of the individual wall panels, it becomes necessary to join the wall panels together to subdivide the office space 15 into the individual work stations 17 briefly referenced above. This can be accomplished either by intermediate connector arrangements disposed between adjacent ends of serially-adjacent wall panels or by direct connection of two serially-adjacent wall panels together. Furthermore, it may be necessary to orient some panels perpendicular relative to other panels and thus, right-angle or angular connections are required therebetween to provide flexibility when designing office space. Such transverse connections can be accomplished by connecting a wall panel to the intermediate connector arrangement in a three-way or four-way connection or by directly connecting a wall panel to the face of another wall panel to define an off-modular connection.

[00112] As to the use of an intermediate connector, Figures 24, 25 and 27 illustrate a four-way connector block 193 which essentially is an extruded rigid tube having four sides 194 to which individual wall panels 12 or 14 may be connected. The four sides 194 are joined together by angular sides 195 so as to have an octagonal cross-section as viewed from above in Figure 25. To rigidly interconnect the connector block 193 to two, three or four wall panels 12 or 14, each sidewall 194 has a groove 196 extending upwardly therein. As diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 27, a fastener stud 197 is threadedly engaged with a bore in the rail end face 35 of a vertical frame rail to vertically support the connector block 193 and also join the connector block 193 and any adjacent wall panel 12 or 14 sidewardly together as seen in Figure 24. [00113] Additionally, each angular sidewall 195 includes an angularly projecting light block 198. The light blocks 198 thereby serve to support thin elastomeric trim strips 199 (Figure 24) or snap-on trim covers 200, in the event that a wall panel is not connected to one of the sidewalls 194. As also seen in Figure 27, a trim top cover 201 may be provided to enclose the multi-way connection defined by the connector block 193.

[00114] Referring to Figure 26, an alternative connector block 202 is illustrated where it is desired to orient the wall panels at angularly spaced positions from each other but not at a right-angle. The angular connector block 202 includes sidewalls 203 and intermediate walls 204. The sidewalls 203 include slots 205 similar" to the slots 196 and light blocks 206 which function substantially the same as the light blocks 198. [00115] With the above described connector blocks 193 and 202, multi-way connections may be provided between wall panels 12 or 14. [00116] However, it also is desirable to join wall panels directly together. [00117] In addition to being able to join the wall panels 12 in multi-way connections, the wall panels 12 or 14 also may have an end abutting against and connected to a face of another wall panel 12 or 14 in perpendicular relation like a return wall connected to a "spine" wall wherein the return wall panel is disposed at an off- modular location anywhere along the length of the "spine" wall panel.

[00118] More particularly, Figure 1 illustrates one wall panel 12 at the left end thereof being connected in perpendicular relation to a back face of another wall panel 12. In a similar manner, another wall panel 14 is connected to the face of a wall panel 12 at a location intermediate the opposite ends thereof. This is accomplished through use of the above-described connector rail 91 as well as an additional top connector rail 210. The top connector rails 210 may be mounted to the uppermost frame rails 27 or 63 of the respective wall • panels 12 or 14. Referring to Figures 22, 28 and 29 the top connector rail 210 has a profile which incorporates the same profile as the intermediate connector rail 91 illustrated in Figure 32 but also extends outwardly an additional distance to define additional slotted edge structure. [00119] More particularly, the top rail 210 includes a central slot 211 configured substantially identical to the slot 92 of the rail 91. The slot is defined by a base wall 212, upstanding side slot walls 213 and horizontal slot ribs 214 which project inwardly of the slot walls 213 to define the mounting slot 211 which is adapted to thereby cooperate with a slidable connector such as the T-nut 111 described above. Alternatively, hooks or the like may also be engaged with the center slot 211 for the hanging of components. [00120] The slot ribs 214 also transition outwardly into top walls 215 which then extend downwardly to define a support flange 216. The top walls 215 further include downwardly projecting support ribs 217 and include a L- shaped channel wall 218 which defines an outward opening support channel 219 which extends along the entire length of the top rail 210. [00121] Additionally, a base wall 212 includes outwardly projecting side ribs 221 and downwardly projecting support legs 222 whereby the support legs 222 raise the side ribs 221 relative to an opposing frame rail surface to thereby define a gap 223. [00122] To mount the top rail 210 in place on a respective horizontal frame rail 27 or 63, the slot base wall 212 is provided with a plurality of horizontally spaced apart fastener bores 225 which project downwardly there through. This allows for tightening and securement of the top rail 210 in place by suitable threaded fasteners 226 generally illustrated in Figure 31. The fasteners 226 also may be loosened to permit the loosening of the top rail 210 relative to the frame rail or even removal of the top rail 210. The intermediate connector rail 91 is formed similar and also may be engaged with a respective frame rail by fasteners and may be loosened during assembly of the wall panel system. [00123] These connector rails 210 and 91 are particularly engageable with a bracket arrangement provided on a transversely oriented wall panel for connection of one wall panel to the other in an off- modular perpendicular position. In this regard, an exemplary wall panel configuration of Figure 11 is provided with the top cap 210 on the top rail 27 thereof. Additionally, a bottom connector rail 91 is provided on the bottom cross rail 51 to permit engagement of glides 106 to the panel. [00124] Still further, in the configuration of Figure 1, an open bottom wall panel 14 is connected to the wall panel 12 and as such, the bottom rail 64 of this wall panel is located proximate to the bottom frame rail 28 of the panel frame 26. Any bracket connection between the open bottom panel frame 62 and the full-height panel frame 26 is accomplished through a bracket connection between the bottom frame rail 64 and the adjacent frame rail 28. In this regard, an intermediate connector rail 91A is provided on the bottom surface of the frame rail 28. The connector rail 91A has a cross-sectional configuration identical to the bottom connector rail 91 but has a shorter length so that it is able to fit within the hollow interior 31A of the panel frame 26, between the inside faces 29 of the vertical frame rails 26. [00125] As best seen in Figure 13, the width of the intermediate connector rail 91 is essentially the same as the width of the frame rail 28 such that the connector rail 91 essentially lies flush with the frame rail face 34.

[00126] As seen in Figure 22, however, the top connector rail 210 has a width which is wider than the top frame rail 28 such that the support channels 219 are located outwardly of the opposite faces 34 of the vertical frame rail 26. [00127] To accomplish the connection between the wall panels 12 and 12, 12 and 14, or 14 and 14, a common panel end bracket 226 is provided as illustrated in Figures 29- 31. An end bracket 226 may be provided at either of the opposite ends of the connector rails 91, or 210, and also is adapted to engage perpendicularly at any location along the length of one of the connector rails 91, 91A or 210. [00128] The end bracket 226 is formed with a main plate-like body 227 which is provided with two elongate slots 228, a pair of holes 229 and a larger diameter hole 230. The outer end of the main body 227 further is bent upwardly to define vertically projecting hooks 231 which are separated from each other by a horizontally projecting clamping tab 232. [00129] With this arrangement, each end bracket 226 is adapted to be fixedly engaged to either of the opposite ends of a wall panel 12 or 14 so as to project outwardly therefrom as generally illustrated in Figures 29, 30 and 33. In this regard, the plate section 227 is adapted to slide below either of the top connector rails 210 or the bottom connector rail 91 even if the respective connector rail 91 or 210 is mounted in place. Insertion of the end bracket 226 may be accomplished by loosening one of the fasteners 226. The slots 228 on the mounting section 227 align with the corresponding locator ribs 95 or 222 wherein the side sections of the main body 227 are disposed within the respective gaps 223 or 97. [00130] The fasteners 226 are loosened with the end most fastener 226 being removed. Once the bracket 226 is fully slid into place, the 226 may be reinserted into the opening 225 while also extending through an aligned one of the openings 229. Once the fasteners 226 are engaged in position, the bracket 226 is now rigidly attached in place. In this position, the outer end of the bracket 226 is exposed and projects outwardly a distance to permit engagement with the side of another one of the wall panels 12 such as is illustrated in Figures 30, 33 and 34. [00131] At the top of a wall panel 12 or 14, the bracket 226 is secured in place by a top connector rail 210. For a bottom of a wall panel 12 or 14, the bracket 226 is secured in place by one of the bottom connector rails 91. [00132] With the end of the bracket 226 projecting outwardly from a wall panel this exposed portion may then be fixedly attached to the connector rail 210 or 91 of an adjacent wall panel. As seen in Figure 31, the hooks 231 are adapted to project upwardly into the spaced defined between the support rib 217 and the side rib 221 which thereby prevents outward movement of the bracket 226 relative to the connector rail 210. [00133] Additionally, the clamping tab 232 fits horizontally into the gap 223 defined by the side rib 221 and the support leg 222. When the connector rail 210 is tightened downwardly by the fasteners 226, the side rib 221 effectively clamps the tab 232 between the side rib 221 and the opposing surface of a frame rail. As such, when the connector rail 210 is relatively loose, the brackets 226 may be slid horizontally therealong to reposition one wall panel at an off-modular location disposed anywhere between the opposite ends of the wall panel 12 or 14. Both of the wall panels 12 and 14 have this capability of having another panel mounted thereto in perpendicular relation at an off modular location. Additionally, loosening of the connector rail 210, frees the bracket 226 for repositioning of a wall panel 12 or 14. [00134] Referring to Figure 35, the wall panels 12 also include the bottom connector rails 91 thereon which are fixed in position through fasteners extending through fastener bores 234. Since the connector rails 91 effectively face downwardly and are oriented opposite to the top connector rail 210, the bracket 226 also is reversed such that the hooks 231 thereof also project downwardly. The connector rail 91 thereby is tightened upwardly to clamp the end bracket 226 in place in the same manner as that described above relative to the top connector rail 210. When the two wall panels 12 are joined together as seen in Figure 35, the connector brackets 226 are provided at both the top and the bottom of the wall panel 12 and joined respectively to the top connector rail 210 and the bottom connector rail 91. [00135] As to the connection of a wall panel 14 to another wall panel 12 as generally seen in Figures 1 and 2, the connector brackets 26 are mounted at the top of the wall panel 14 by the top connector rail 210 and engage the respective connector rail 210 on the top of the wall panel 12. An additional end bracket 26 is provided at the lower end of the panel frame 62 so as to be joined to the lower panel rail 64 by the connector rail 91. Since this frame rail 64 is spaced upwardly above the floor surface, this lower connector bracket 226 thereby connects to the frame rail 28 by the intermediate connector rail 91A. The cooperation of the bracket 226 with the intermediate connector rail 91A is accomplished the same way as that previously described relative to the connector rail 210 or even the inverted connector rail 91. As such, the wall panel 14 also is connected at two locations, i.e. the top and bottom thereof, with the wall panel 12.

[00136] With the above-described arrangement, the wall panels 14 and 12 can be connected together in different combinations to define right-angle, off-modular connections therebetween while also readily permitting sliding of one wall panel relative to the other when reconfiguring the office without requiring complete disconnection of a wall panel 12 or 14. Further, this arrangement provides the flexibility of positioning one wall panel relative to the other essentially at any location along the side face of another wall panel which provides significant flexibility in dimensionally designing an office. [00137] In addition to the use of the connector rails for the joining of wall panels together, the connector rails and particularly the top connector rail 210 are used for the joining of office accessories thereto. Referring to Figures 36-38, a support bracket 236 for an overhead storage unit is provided which is supported on the top cap 210. More specifically, the bracket 236 includes a horizontal leg 237 which is provided with an upstanding flange 238 and fastener holes 239 which allows for the connection of the overhead storage unit thereto. The exemplary storage unit is an overhead storage unit sold as part of the MOXIE™ product line sold by Haworth, Inc. A specific illustration of the overhead storage unit is not provided herein other than a diagrammatic depiction of an overhead storage unit 238 illustrated in phantom outline in Figure 37.

[00138] The inner end of the horizontal leg 237 includes a connector bracket 240 which is formed substantially similar to the end of the end bracket 226 described above. This connector bracket 240 includes upstanding hooks 241 and a clamping tab 242 which extends horizontally. These hooks 241 and clamping tab 242 engage the top connector rail 210 in the same manner as the hooks 231 and tab 232 of the bracket 226. As such, specific illustration of this engagement is not required, it being understood that the tabs 241 and 242 engage the top rail 210 in an identical manner to that illustrated in Figure 31.

[00139] When the top connector rail 210 is loose, the bracket 236 may be slid horizontally along the length of a wall panel 12. However, when this rail 210 is tightened, the bracket 236 is now clamped in position and no longer is movable.

[00140] Due to the weight of the overhead storage unit 238, the bracket 236 also includes a vertical leg 245 which projects downwardly and a support tube 246 which has an L-shape and connects the outer end of the horizontal leg 237 with the lower end of the vertical leg 245.

[00141] Additionally, due to the weight of the overhead storage unit 238, an internal reinforcement rail 250 is provided which is joined to the vertical frame rails 26 as illustrated in Figures 37 and 38. More particularly, the reinforcement rail 250 comprises L-shaped brackets 251 which have a vertical leg that is fastened to the inside face of the frame rail 26 by suitable fasteners. The bracket 251 further includes a horizontal leg 253 which extends inwardly and includes a fastener hole 254. [00142] An intermediate tubular rail section 255 is provided which has an upward-opening U-shape and engages the brackets 251 in nested relation as seen in Figure 38. An additional fastener is provided through the fastener hole 254 and corresponding end fastener hole 256 in the rail 255 to thereby secure the reinforcement rail 250 in place. The intermediate rail 255 also includes additional fastener holes 257 along the length thereof to which is engageable an L-shaped locator bracket 258. This bracket 258 is fastened in place and abuts against an inside face of the cover tile to thereby reinforce the cover tile and permit the lower end of the vertical bracket leg 245 to abut therewith. As such, loads provided on the horizontal bracket leg 237 effectively are transferred sidewardly to the vertical leg 245 and then are supported horizontally or sidewardly by the bracket 258. This thereby prevents bending or distortion of the cover tile. [00143] Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In a space-dividing wall panel system comprising a plurality of wall panels which are adapted to be supported on a floor and has opposite side faces, each said wall panel having a rigid frame that includes vertical frame rails which are laterally spaced apart and horizontal frame rails which extend between said vertical frame rails and are vertically spaced apart, said horizontal and vertical frame rails defining an open interior therebetween, comprising the improvement wherein said horizontal frame rails comprise a connector rail mounted to a horizontal rail face thereof, said connector rail having a bottom portion adjacent said horizontal rail face which includes an elongate guide and a top portion facing away from said horizontal frame rail, said wall panel system including a furniture component which is adapted to be positioned adjacent one of said side faces and a connector bracket having a free end which is slidably engaged with said guide between said connector rail and said opposing horizontal rail face.

2. The wall panel system according to Claim 1, wherein said guide is a slot and said free end of said connector bracket is a hook slidably engaged therewith.

3. The wall panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connector rail includes a fastener arrangement which fastens said connector rail to said horizontal frame rail and releasably clamps said connector bracket therebetween.

4. The wall panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said top portion of said connector rail has a T-shaped engagement slot for engagement with a T-nut.

5. The wall panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said furniture component is one of said wall panels.

6. The wall panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wall panel further including horizontally enlarged cover panels which are supported on said frame and overlie said open interior, said connector bracket extending into said wall panel adjacent to a horizontal edge of at least one of said cover panels.

7. In a space-dividing wall panel system comprising a plurality of wall panels which are adapted to be supported on a floor and has opposite side faces, each said wall panel having a rigid frame that includes vertical frame rails which are laterally spaced apart and horizontal frame rails which extend between said vertical frame rails and are vertically spaced apart, said horizontal and vertical frame rails defining an open interior therebetween, said wall panel further including horizontally enlarged cover panels which are supported on said frame and overlie said open interior, comprising the improvement wherein said frame includes support brackets for removably supporting said cover panels on said frame, said support bracket projecting outwardly of said frame and including an upward facing support surface, said cover tile including a rigid flange which projects downwardly to define a lower edge and a U-shaped flexible gasket which opens upwardly and is slid onto said lower edge of said flange, said gasket having a rib which projects downwardly so as to be supported on said support surface of said support bracket such that the cover tile is supported vertically on said support bracket by said gasket.

8. The wall panel system according to Claim 7, wherein said gasket is defined by a pair of gasket legs and a bight joining said gasket legs together, one of said gasket legs abutting against said cover tile so as to maintain said bight spaced away from said lower flange edge.

9. The wall panel system according to Claim 7, wherein said frame includes resilient connectors wherein one edge of said cover tile is supported by said gasket on said support brackets and another edge of said cover tile is snapped into engagement with said resilient connectors .

10. The wall panel system according to Claim 9, wherein said support brackets each define one said support surface for supporting one said cover tile and one said resilient connector for supporting a vertically adjacent said cover tile.

11. The wall panel system according to Claim 7, wherein said gasket extends horizontally along and vertically beyond a horizontal edge of said cover tile to define a resilient light block between vertically adjacent cover tiles.