HK1187660A - Moveable and demountable wall panel system for butt-glazed wall panels - Google Patents

Description

Movable and demountable wall panel system for butting glazed wall panels

Technical Field

The present invention relates to wallboard systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a removable, non-progressive, installable and removable wallboard system for abutting glazed wallboards.

Background

Fixed wall panel systems, movable wall panel systems, and non-progressive wall panel systems are well known in the art.

Some of the problems associated with fixed wall panel systems are the inability to displace and/or move the fixed wall panel systems after they are installed; through-components (wires, etc.) cannot be conveniently installed after installation of the fixed wall panel system; and the inability to easily change the aspect ratio and characteristics of the fixed wall panel systems after they are installed. In addition, fixed wall panel systems have drawbacks because they are relatively long to install. For example, with conventional gypsum wallboard, it is necessary to first install support studs, then attach gypsum boards thereto, then plaster, wait for the plaster to dry, then grind, and then finish the surface of the gypsum wallboard. It is well known in the art that installing such fixed wall panel systems typically lasts several days and requires a significant amount of manual labor, and is therefore very inefficient and costly.

Some problems associated with mobile wall panel systems are that, in general, their components are over-designed (e.g., too heavy), different specialized tools are required to install such mobile wall panel systems, and mobile wall panel systems generally include a variety of different components that are not easily interchangeable. As a result of the above reasons, installation of such mobile wall panel systems is often rather lengthy and cumbersome. Furthermore, it is well known in the art that such moving wall panel systems, in view of their design, generally have poor sound insulation, light blocking and/or vibration damping effects.

Some problems associated with non-progressive wallboard systems are the inability to independently change, move, and/or modify a particular component of a non-progressive wallboard system without affecting other components operatively connected to the particular component. In fact, non-progressive wallboard systems typically have several components that complicatedly connect to each other in view of their design, thus preventing one particular component from being changed, moved, and/or modified without interfering with other components of the non-progressive wallboard system.

Furthermore, with several conventional wall panel systems, certain components thereof need to be anchored (pierced, nailed, screwed, etc.) to the floor or ceiling, which leads to serious drawbacks such as holes in the floor and/or corresponding carpet, property damage, etc. It is also known that in some jurisdictions, when components of a wall panel system are permanently attached to the building's infrastructure, they become the property of the building owner, which is highly undesirable to owners and/or users of such wall panel systems. It is also known that in large enterprises, different departments need to be regularly reorganized, thus leading to frequent reorganization of the office space with associated inconveniences. It would therefore be very useful to have a prefabricated and modular wall panel construction system that can be assembled without permanent attachment to the building's infrastructure and that can be easily moved and disassembled from one location to another, whether in the same building or from building to building, without leaving any adverse or damaging effects.

Applicant has appreciated that the following U.S. documents describe different wall panel systems and fittings: the method comprises the steps of A, B, A, B, A, B, A, B; 2004/0003556A1, 2005/0000164A1, 2006/0277850A1, 2007/0017065A1, and 2008/0202030A 1.

The applicant is also aware of the following foreign documents: canada 2,002,674, france 1,450,017, france 1,526,637 and uk 2,171,135A.

A removable and demountable wall panel system for framing wall panels, that is, a substantially rectangular wall panel including opposed top and bottom clearance channels and opposed side vertical studs with exterior decking, has been devised by the applicant of the present application, and is of the type described in U.S. patent No.6,688,056B2 to vonhoynin hue et al, 2/10/2004. More specifically, this document describes a removable and demountable wall panel system that includes a plurality of panels, each panel having opposing top and bottom clearance channels, opposing left and right vertical uprights, a panel deck, a ceiling rail, and an articulated floor channel. The clearance channel and the vertical uprights are attached to each other with connecting studs, forming a rectangular support frame for the panel. The hinged floor tunnel is operatively connected to the bottom portion of the rectangular support frame by left and right side slide assemblies that fit into receiving channels of the left and right vertical uprights, respectively. The hinged floor tunnel is used to operably secure the rectangular support frame of the panel to the ground. Each vertical column has at least one receiving lip extending in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the panel.

While there are several improvements in the art, when office spaces are assembled using frameless abutting glazed wall panels, these office spaces are still constructed using a very old and traditional "stick construction" or "knock" approach. That is, typically to a worksite, various measurements are made, including floor and/or ceiling deviations at the location where the office space is to be assembled, and then the corresponding different height and width glass panels are typically manufactured to accommodate or compensate for these various specific deviations, and the office space is assembled in a very progressive manner on site, with each specific glass panel of a different size being assigned to its assigned respective position, and then the position, height and vertical displacement of each said different type of glass panel being manually adjusted, with a plurality of conventional shimmys being inserted respectively beneath each said glass panel in an attempt to form an integral unified wall panel assembly, and to compensate for possible floor and/or ceiling deviations. Obviously, such a solution is not only time consuming, but also rather cumbersome from a logistical point of view, and very labour intensive, and not very efficient when a large enterprise has to assemble several office spaces.

None of the above-mentioned patents appear to disclose or even suggest a movable, non-progressive, mountable and removable wall panel system designed for assembling "frameless" butt-glazed wall panels in a very quick, convenient, correct, systematic and cost-effective manner, thereby avoiding the corresponding drawbacks of the "bonded construction" solution of conventional wall panel systems.

In view of the foregoing, there is therefore a need for an improved system which, in view of its design and components, would overcome or at least alleviate some of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wall panel system which meets some of the above-mentioned needs and therefore constitutes an improvement over other related wall panel systems and/or assembly methods known in the art.

In accordance with the present invention, as will be readily appreciated, the above objects are achieved with a wall panel system, such as that briefly described herein, and such as that illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

More specifically, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moveable and demountable wall panel system for defining an office space, a plurality of wall panels positionable in a substantially vertical manner between a floor and a ceiling, each wall panel having a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations, respectively, each wall panel having a vertical axis and a horizontal axis and comprising:

at least one prefabricated frameless panel, each panel having a given height defined between top and bottom edges and a given width defined between left and right side edges, the top edge of each panel being provided with a ceiling track configured to be removably inserted into a corresponding ceiling rail extending along the ceiling and bounding the office space;

a bottom floor channel associated with each respective panel and configured to operably abut the floor, opposite the ceiling rail extending along the ceiling;

integrated first and second powered height adjustment assemblies associated with each panel and insertable into the respective bottom floor channel, each height adjustment assembly including a support edge for operatively supporting a bottom portion of each panel, each height adjustment assembly being selectively operable to be adjustably raised or lowered to allow adjustment of the vertical height of each panel and adjustment of the angle of rotation thereof; and

at least one connecting plate for removably connecting a pair of bottom floor channels, each connecting plate and bottom floor channel being positioned, shaped and dimensioned relative to one another for ensuring that the side edges of a pair of adjacent prefabricated frameless panels cooperate with one another to define an office space.

The present invention is particularly advantageous in that it provides a prefabricated, modular frameless abutting glazed wall panel structural system that can be moved and disassembled from one location to another without the use of a "bonded construction" solution and without leaving any adverse or damaging effects.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of using the above-described wall panel system and/or components thereof is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing the above wall panel system and/or components thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an office space defined by the above wall panel system and/or components thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts with corresponding parts for assembling the office space described above.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of assembling the components of the above-described kit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of doing business using the above-described wallboard system, kit and/or corresponding method.

The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an office space assembly assembled using a wall panel system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown with abutting glazed wall panels and a pair of corresponding doors;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a butt-glazed frameless wall panel cooperating with a ceiling rail in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a top portion of the content shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the content shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a partial top perspective view of a pair of abutting glazed wall panels positioned in 180 degree connection according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown without the ceiling cover panels, to better illustrate the ceiling track of each wall panel;

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of a pair of abutting glazed wall panel assemblies positioned in 180 degree connection according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown without the bottom cover plate, to better illustrate the bottom channel and height adjustment assembly of each wall panel, and the connector plates interconnecting the ends of the pair of bottom channels according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along a given section of what is shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial bottom perspective view of a pair of abutting glazed wall panel assemblies positioned in connection along a 90 degree angle, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown without the bottom cover plate, to better illustrate the bottom channel and height adjustment assembly of each wall panel, and the connector plates interconnecting the ends of the pair of bottom channels according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along a given section of what is shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial top perspective view of a butt-glazed wall panel assembly with a corresponding ceiling tile positioned along a 3-way joint in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial bottom perspective view of a butt-glazed wall panel assembly disposed along a 3-way joint, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown with a corresponding bottom cover plate;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along a given section of what is shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a partial bottom perspective view of a butt-glazed wall panel assembly disposed along a 3-way joint, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown with a corresponding bottom cover plate;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a butt-glazed wall panel assembly with top and bottom cover plates arranged along a 3-way joint according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the contents of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a front view of what is shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is another side view of what is shown in FIG. 18, now showing the height adjustment assembly in a raised configuration;

FIG. 22 is another side view of what is shown in FIG. 21, now showing the height adjustment assembly in a lowered configuration;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a height adjustment lever provided with a pair of distal bushings in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the height adjustment bar of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a front view of what is shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side view of one of the bushings shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of what is shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the height adjustment assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in a lowered configuration;

FIG. 29 is another perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 28, now showing certain portions of the height adjustment assembly removed to better illustrate the internal components of the height adjustment assembly;

FIG. 30 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 28, now showing the height adjustment assembly in a raised configuration;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is another side view of what is shown in FIG. 30, now showing the height adjustment assembly in a lowered configuration;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a height adjustment assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is another side view of what is shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a side view of some of the components shown in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is an elevational view of one of the components illustrated in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of one of the components shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the height adjustment assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing certain portions of the height adjustment assembly removed to better illustrate the internal components of the height adjustment assembly;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a connection plate provided with 4 protrusions and anchoring holes around a center point, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 is another perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 43, with the protrusions of the web now provided with corresponding nuts, and the web further provided with a threaded anchor extending downwardly from a center point of the web, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a side view of a wallboard assembly provided with an abutting glaze distraction mark in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 49;

FIG. 52 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a complementary fitting assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 54 is an exploded view of the components shown in FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 53;

FIG. 56 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 is a side view of a wall panel assembly provided with abutting glazed snap racks in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a complementary fitting assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 62 is an exploded view of the components illustrated in FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 61;

FIG. 64 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 65 is a partial view of a wood shell provided with a hanger plate in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the hanger plate of FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is a front view of what is shown in FIG. 66;

FIG. 68 is a side view of a wall panel assembly provided with abutting glazed snap glass brackets in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 68;

FIG. 71 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 69;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a complementary fitting assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 73 is an exploded view of the components shown in FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 73;

FIG. 76 is a side view of a sliding door assembly operatively mounted to a ceiling track and including sliding wooden doors in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 76;

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a sliding door mounting bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 80 is a partial top view of a sliding door assembly operatively mounted to a corresponding ceiling track and ceiling rail, showing some components, including a sliding door mounting bracket and wooden doors, in exploded relation, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 81 is a side view of the sliding door hardware shown in exploded relation with a corresponding sliding door mounting bracket, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 82 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along a given section of what is shown in FIG. 78;

FIG. 83 is a perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 76;

FIG. 84 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of the bottom guide insert of FIG. 84;

FIG. 86 is a sectional view taken along a given section of what is shown in FIG. 84;

FIG. 87 is a side view of a sliding door assembly operatively mounted to a ceiling track and ceiling rail and including a sliding glass door in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 88 is a schematic side view of what is shown in FIG. 87;

FIG. 89 is a sectional view taken along a given section of what is shown in FIG. 88;

FIG. 90 is a partial top perspective view of a sliding door assembly including a sliding glass door operatively mounted to a respective ceiling track and ceiling rail and in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, with some components shown in exploded relation relative to others to more clearly illustrate a respective glass clamp in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 91 is a side view of the sliding door hardware shown in exploded relation to the corresponding glass clamps in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 92 is a top plan view of the rightmost portion of what is shown in FIG. 91;

FIG. 93 is a partial side view of the rightmost portion of what is shown in FIG. 91;

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the upper glass clamp illustrated in FIG. 90, shown provided with a height adjustment fastener;

FIG. 95 is a front view of what is shown in FIG. 94;

FIG. 96 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG. 94;

FIG. 97 is another side view of what is shown in FIG. 94;

FIG. 98 is a partial bottom perspective view of a glass sliding door assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with some components shown in exploded relation to others to more clearly illustrate a bottom glass clamp according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 99 is a perspective view of the bottom glass clamp shown in FIG. 98;

FIG. 100 is a front view of what is shown in FIG. 99;

FIG. 101 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 99;

FIG. 102 is a side view of a pair of glass column panels assembled onto one another in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 103 is an enlarged view of the top portion of what is shown in FIG. 102;

FIG. 104 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is shown in FIG. 102;

FIG. 105 is a bottom plan view of a pair of glass column panels assembled onto one another in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view taken along a given section of what is shown in FIG. 105;

FIG. 107 is a partial top view of a three-way glass cylindrical panel assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 108 is a partial bottom view of a three-way glass cylinder plate assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 109 is a side view of a three-way glass cylinder plate assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 110 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the contents of FIG. 109;

FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of a glass column panel three-way assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 112 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in FIG. 111;

FIG. 113 is a perspective view of a wall panel assembly including a solid panel and a glass column panel assembled to one another in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 114 is an enlarged view of the top portion of what is shown in FIG. 113;

FIG. 115 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the content shown in FIG. 113;

FIG. 116 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 113;

FIG. 117 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of what is shown in FIG. 116;

FIG. 118 is a perspective view of a wall panel assembly including a door post, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 119 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 118;

FIG. 120 is a side view of a wall panel assembly including two solid panels assembled to one another in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 121 is an enlarged view of the bottom portion of what is shown in FIG. 120, with the outer housing of one of the solid plates removed to better illustrate the internal components of the assembly;

FIG. 122 is a perspective view of a post attachment clip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 123 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 122;

FIG. 124 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 122;

FIG. 125 is a side view of a solid plate metal frame with an adjustable bottom cover plate according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 126 is a side view of what is shown in FIG. 125;

FIG. 127 is a perspective view of the mid-gap channel shown in exploded relation with vertical posts of a solid sheet metal frame, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 128 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled structure of FIG. 127;

FIG. 129 is a side view of a solid plate according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 130 is an enlarged partial view of some of the components of the solid wall panel, showing some of the components in exploded relation, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 131 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a solid wall panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 132 is a perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 131;

FIG. 133 is a perspective view of a solid plate metal housing hook assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 134 is a cross-sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 133;

FIG. 135 is a cross-sectional view of a solid panel MDF/stackable and glass cylindrical panel assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 136 is a cross-sectional view of a solid panel MDF/stackable and glass cylindrical panel assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 137 is a partial perspective view of a wall panel provided with a hook channel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 138 is an exploded view of what is shown in FIG. 137;

FIG. 139 is a schematic representation of a hanger bracket cooperating with a horizontal hanger channel of a wall panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 140 is a partial view of a wall panel provided with a pair of hook brackets, one of which is shown in a hooked configuration into a horizontal hook channel and the hook bracket is shown in an intermediate configuration;

figure 141 is a side view of a wall panel assembly positioned along a transparent floor structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 142 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top portion of what is shown in FIG. 141;

FIG. 143 is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the contents of FIG. 141;

FIG. 144 is a broken perspective view of a framed glass panel provided with a drop-down cover panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 145 is a bottom perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 144, now with the frame glass panel without the bottom cover plate;

FIG. 146 is a side view of a framed wall panel provided with a spring-loaded drop-down cover plate, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

figure 147 is a cross-sectional view of a framed wall panel provided with a spring-loaded drop-down cover plate according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements. References to embodiments, geometries, materials, and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, and are for illustrative purposes only.

Furthermore, although the invention as exemplified below is primarily designed for use in dedicated wall systems in a work environment, for defining office spaces and the like, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it can be used for other objects and for other purposes as well. For this reason, expressions such as "work," "office," "space," "wall," "panel," and other expressions cited and/or equivalent thereto should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention, but include all other objects and all other application scenarios in which the present invention may be used and from which benefits may be derived.

Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "system", "kit", "set", "component", "product" and "device", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compounds thereof known in the art, will be used interchangeably, as understood by those skilled in the art. This also applies to any other mutually equivalent expressions such as, for example: a) "install", "assemble", "define", "build", "erect", and the like; b) "wall", "panel", etc.; c) "office," "workspace," "environment," "structure," "enclosed space," and the like; d) "rotation", "drive", "displacement", "movement", "support", "transfer", and the like; e) "interchangeable", "modular", "progressive", etc.; f) "enable … …", "allow", "permit", etc.; g) "fastening", "connecting", "anchoring", "adjusting", "positioning", and the like; h) "holes", "eyes", "slots", "grooves", "cavities", and the like; i) "rotate", "pivot", "swivel", "roll", and the like; j) "ceiling," "upper," "top," and the like; k) "floor", "lower", "bottom", etc.; k) "glass", "laminates", "panels", "plasterboards", "panels", etc.; I) "positioned," "spaced," "positioned," "arranged," "disposed," and the like; m) "proximate", "adjacent", "in sequence", etc.; n) "parts", "portions", "elements", etc., as well as any other mutually equivalent expressions related to the foregoing expressions and/or related to any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it should be considered that expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or "mounted" and "mountable", are interchangeable, so that the invention also relates to a kit with corresponding parts for assembling a resulting fully assembled office space.

In addition, in the context of the present description, it is also important to note the distinction between "framed" wall panels, which are typically constructed of substantially rectangular shapes and include opposing top and bottom spaced channels, and opposing left and right vertical studs, which constitute the "frame" of the framed wall panels, and "frameless" wall panels, which are wall panels without such spaced channels and vertical studs (e.g., flat glass panels, without a surrounding frame, etc.), as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Further, while the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the drawings may comprise various components, and while the preferred embodiment of the wall panel system as illustrated is comprised of a particular geometry, as explained and illustrated herein, these components and geometries are not all necessary to the present invention and therefore should not be construed in their limiting sense: and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable components and cooperation therebetween, as well as other suitable geometries, may be used with the wall panel system and corresponding components according to the present invention, as will be explained shortly and as may be readily inferred therefrom by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

List of reference numerals for some corresponding preferred components shown in the drawings:

1. solid plate

3. Solid plate shell

5. Vertical slotted upright post

7. Bottom partition channel

9. Pull-down lid-to-recess base

11. Height adjustment

13. Carpet clip/seismic base

15. Spring-connected pull-down cover plate

17. Floor tunnel

19. Solid plate shell reinforcement

21. Spring steel/spring loaded housing hook bracket

23. Liner pad

25. Vertical slotted upright post

27. Solid plate shell

29. Upright post connecting clamp

31. Butt-joint glazed panel

33.3/8 inch toughened transparent glass/1/2 inch toughened transparent glass

35. Three-way aluminum filler

37. Aluminum-based cover plate

39. Ceiling guide rail

41. Aluminium ceiling cover plate

43. Butt-joint glass inlaid strip

45. Glass panel

47. Glass panel aluminium system top interval passageway

49. Glass panel vertical column aluminum material

51. Glass panel aluminium system bottom interval passageway

53.1/4 inch glass/3/8 inch glass

55. Mosaic strip

57. Corner post liner

59. Steel column for corner or more-way connection

61. Cover plate for 3-way connection

63. Socket height adjusting piece

65. Glass/jointing clamp for jointing to spaced channel

67. Clamping screw

69. Channel

71. End cap with bearing

73. Left/right threaded rod

75. Threaded rod guide

77. Adjusting leg

79. Gear box

81. Component part

83. Spring steel/spring loaded housing hook support 21

85. Butt glazed panel ceiling track

87. Top-clamped butt-joint glazed panel

89. Horizontal hook strip

91. Horizontal hook support

93. Carpet clip base plate

95. Nut for seismic connection

97. Screw for seismic connection

99. Fixing screw

101. Screw + spring for spring-loaded housing connection mount

103. Solid plate top spacing channel

105. Spring

107. Door gasket

109. Panel frame connecting support

111. Corner post

113. Door post

115. Door leaf

117. Door partition passage

119. Radially-coupled screws with gear wheels on bottom screw

121. Shaft with driving worm gear

123. Mooring box

125. Top screw with pivoting top connection

127. Top connection plate to clamp or spacer channel

129. Single screw with acme female thread

131. Hexagonal head electric tool plug-in

133. Pivoting roof attachment

135. Threaded rod

137. Drive gear and bushing

139. Mooring box

141. Worm wheel

143. Hexagonal head electric tool plug-in

145. Glass clamp with square nut for rod 135

147. Square thread nut

149. Glass

151. Butt-joint glazed aluminum sliding door track

153. Roller mechanism of sliding door

155. Standard 1/4-20 nut

157. Knurled washer

1591/4-20 custom screw

161. C-shaped support door connector

163. C-shaped knurled support

165. Sliding door gasket/bushing

167. Sliding door (plate glass/wood board)

169. Integrated sliding door stop

171. Bearing for sliding door

173. Screw for preventing support from sliding

175. Screw for attachment to sliding door

177. Carpet clip/seismic floor corner connector

179. Corner support frame connecting piece (solid/glass panel)

181. Hook plug-in support

183. Half-inch toughened transparent glass or laminated glass

185. Threaded stud

187. Nylon gasket

189. Nut/distraction marking

191. Thread clearance stud

193. Distraction markers

195. Gap glass connecting piece

197. Solid panel with hook (size can be changed)

199. Nylon lining

201. Hook nut

203. Suspension plate

205. Decorative glass

207. Hasp cover plate

209. Extrusion channel

211. Bolt/nut for clamping glass

213. Glass gasket

215. Sliding glass door

217. Glass clamp

219. Hasp cover plate

221. Cover plate plug

223. Fixing screw

225. Wooden sliding door

227. Bottom door plug

229. Spring loaded adjustable door height channel-exterior

231. Spring-loaded door height adjustable channel-interior

233. Bottom seal

235. Spring

301. Wall panel system

303. Office space

305. Wall board

307. Floor board

309. Ceiling board

311. Vertical axis

313. Horizontal axis

315. Wall board

317. Height

319. Top edge

321. Bottom edge

323. Width of

325. Side edge

325a left edge

325b. right side edge

327. Ceiling track

329. Ceiling guide rail

331. Bottom floor channel

333. Height adjusting assembly

335. Support edge

337. Connecting plate

339. Base part

441. First end cap

441a first end-cap component (of first end-cap 441)

441b, a second end-cap component (of the first end-cap 441)

443. Second end cap

443a first end-cap component (of the second end-cap 443)

443b. (of the second end-cap 443) the second end-cap component

445. Height adjusting rod

445a. first rod member

445b. a second rod member

445c. male part

445d. female part

447. First thread section

449. Second thread section

451. First adjusting leg

453. Second adjusting leg

455. Slideway component

457. Slideway component

459. Pivot axis

461. First bush

463. Second bushing

465. Fastening piece

467. Socket with improved structure

469. First clamp

471. Second clamp

473. Liner pad

475. Connecting piece

479. Bushing

481. Longitudinal axis

483. Center point

485. Protrusion

487. Hole(s)

489. Nut

491. Fixing screw

493. Hole(s)

495. Tip end

497. Anchoring hole

499. Anchoring member

501. Projecting element

Ends (of projecting members)

505. Longitudinal grooves

507. Ceiling cover plate

509. Bottom cover plate

511. Liner pad

513. Through hole

515. Complementary fittings

517. Bushing

519. First threaded stud

521. Second threaded stub

523. Gasket ring

525. Distraction markers

527. Hasp wood shell

529. Hook round handle

531. Suspension plate

533. Hanging hook

535. Hole(s)

537. Hasp glass shell

539. Gap short column

541. Sliding door assembly

543. Sliding door

545. Sliding door hardware

547. Mounting bracket for sliding door

549. Bottom guide plug

551. Bottom floor seal

553. Sliding glass door

555. Glass clamp

555a. upper glass tongs

555b. bottom glass clamp

557. Height adjustment fastener

559. Bottom floor seal

561. Liner pad

563. Tightening assembly

565. Soft stop mechanism

567. Frame wall board

569. Bottom partition channel

571. Pull-down cover plate

573. Spring

575. Vertical column

577. Upright post connecting clamp

579. Narrow slot

581. Intermediate spacing channel

583. External cover board (or metal shell)

585. Internal suspension member

587. Reinforcing member

589. Hook channel

591. Hook support

593. Hook part

595. Suspension part

597. Groove

599. Complementary wall board

In view of its design and its components, current wall panel systems are mobile, non-progressive, installable and demountable wall panel systems, particularly suitable for installing frameless wall panels, such as butt-glazed wall panels, for example, in a very quick, convenient and systematic manner, which is not a possible occurrence with conventional wall panel systems.

Indeed, the present invention is a novel next generation wallboard system that is a significant advance over other wallboard systems, such as, for example, one described in U.S. patent No.6,688,056B2, filed 2/10/2004 by the present applicant and issued to VON hoyninggen hue et al, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Broadly, a wall panel system 301 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the drawings, is a moveable and demountable wall panel system 301 for defining an office space 303, a plurality of wall panels 305 positionable in a substantially vertical manner between a floor 307 and a ceiling 309, each wall panel having a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations, respectively, each wall panel 305 having a vertical axis 311 and a horizontal axis 313 and comprising:

at least one prefabricated frameless panel 315, each panel 315 having a given height 317 defined between a top edge 319 and a bottom edge 321, and a given width 323 defined between a left side edge 325a and a right side edge 325b, the top edge 319 of each panel 305 being provided with a ceiling track 327, the ceiling track 327 being configured to be removably inserted into a respective ceiling rail 329 extending along the ceiling 309 and bounding the office space 303;

a bottom floor channel 331 associated with each respective panel 315 and configured to operably abut the floor 307, opposite a ceiling rail 329 extending along the ceiling 309;

an integrated first and second motorized height adjustment assembly 333, the height adjustment assembly 333 associated with each panel 315 and insertable into the corresponding bottom floor channel 331, each height adjustment assembly 333 including a support edge 335 for operatively supporting a bottom portion of each panel 315, each height adjustment assembly 333 selectively operable to adjustably raise or lower to allow adjustment of the vertical height and adjustment of the angle of rotation of each panel 315; and

at least one connecting plate 337 for removably connecting a pair of bottom floor channels 331, each connecting plate 337 and bottom floor channel 331 being positioned, shaped and sized relative to one another for ensuring that the side edges 325 of a pair of adjacent prefabricated frameless panels 315 cooperate with one another to define the office space 303. An example of the resulting office space 303 is shown in FIG. 1.

In accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as best shown in FIGS. 2-27, each height adjustment assembly 333 may include: a) a base 339; b) opposing first and second end caps 441, 443 projecting from the base 339; c) a height adjustment rod 445 rotatably mounted about the end caps 441, 443, the height adjustment rod 445 having first and second threaded sections 447, 449, each threaded section being oppositely threaded with respect to one another; and d) first and second adjustment legs 451, 453, the first adjustment leg 451 having an end pivotally mounted to a glide member 455 and a second end pivotally mounted to a support edge 335, said glide member 455 being threadedly engaged to a first threaded section 447 of a height adjustment rod 445, and the second adjustment leg 453 having an end pivotally mounted to a glide member 457 and a second end pivotally mounted to a support edge 335, the glide member 457 being threadedly engaged to a second threaded section 449 of a height adjustment rod 445, such that rotation of the common height adjustment rod 445 in a first direction results in raising of the support edge 335 and rotation of the common height adjustment rod 445 in an opposite second direction results in lowering of the support edge 335.

Preferably, the second ends of the first and second adjustment legs 451, 453 are pivotally mounted to the bottom portion of the support edge 335 about a common pivot axis 459, as shown more clearly in fig. 17, 18, 21 and 22.

It is also preferred that the adjustment legs 451, 453 include recessed portions 451a, 453a for avoiding the height adjustment bar 445 when the adjustment legs 451, 453 are pulled down to the lowered configuration, as can be readily appreciated with reference to fig. 17, 18 and 22.

The height adjustment lever 445 can be manufactured in a number of ways, but according to a preferred embodiment of the invention it comprises first and second separate lever members 445a, 445b provided with first and second threaded sections 447, 449 respectively, the first lever member 445a comprising an end with a male part 445c which can be securely inserted into a female part 445d of a corresponding end of the second lever member 445b, as will be readily understood with reference to fig. 22-25.

Referring to fig. 17-27, it is shown how the height adjustment lever 445 can be rotatably mounted about first and second bushings 461, 463 respectively disposed on the first and second end caps 441, 443, although other suitable mounting methods can be used in accordance with the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, each end cap 441, 443 includes a first end cap member 441a, 443a that is removably connectable to a second end cap member 441b, 443b that is secured to the base 339 of the height adjustment assembly 333 via at least one respective fastener 465, as will be readily understood from fig. 17 and 20.

Also as illustrated, at least one distal end of the height adjustment rod 445 is provided with a socket 467 for receiving a corresponding insert of a driving tool, but preferably both ends of the height adjustment rod 445 are provided with sockets 467 for receiving corresponding inserts of a driving tool, thereby allowing the height adjustment assembly 333 to be operated from both sides thereof.

Preferably, and as will be readily appreciated from fig. 3-22, each socket 467, height adjustment bar 445, and support edge 335 of each height adjustment assembly 333 are located substantially within the same vertical plane, below the respective wall panel 305, 315.

In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, and as also shown, each height adjustment assembly 333 includes opposed first and second clamps 469, 471 for clamping against a bottom portion of a respective wall panel 315. Preferably, the inner surfaces of the first and second jaws 469, 471 are provided with padding 473, as will be readily understood with reference to fig. 6,7 and 17.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 17-22, each height adjustment assembly 333 includes at least one connector 475 that extends between the first and second jaws 469, 471. Preferably, each connector 475 is a clamping screw configured relative to the first and second jaws 469, 471 for urging the jaws 469, 471 toward each other via respective rotation of the clamping screw. Each connector 475 may be provided with a bushing 479, and in this case, the bushing is preferably a nylon bushing 479, although other suitable components and materials may be used in accordance with the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom edge of each prefabricated frameless panel 315 is provided with at least one positioning notch 477 for cooperating with a corresponding connector 475. Each notch 477 is preferably preformed in a precise manner into each panel 315 using suitable methods. Among other advantages, the presence of such locating notches 477 allows for convenient and accurate placement of each panel 315 onto a respective pair of height adjustment assemblies 333, as may be readily understood with reference to fig. 7 and 9, for example. In this regard, each height adjustment assembly 333 is preferably made symmetrical along its longitudinal axis 481.

In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, each height adjustment assembly 333 is a motorized height adjustment assembly 333 that is selectively adjustable by an electric drill through a corresponding socket 467 of the height adjustment assembly 333. The socket 467 of the height adjustment assembly 333 may extend in a substantially parallel relationship relative to its support edge 335, as previously explained and illustrated in fig. 17-22. Alternatively, the socket 467 of the height adjustment assembly 333 may extend in substantially transverse relation relative to its support edge 335.

It should be apparent that various other types of suitable height adjustment assemblies 333 may be used and cooperate with the remaining components of the present wall panel system 301 in accordance with the present invention, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 28-42, in various alternatives, a telescoping height adjustment assembly 333 and a dual-bar height adjustment assembly 333 are shown.

Preferably, each height adjustment assembly 333, each prefabricated frameless panel 315 and each bottom floor channel 331 associated with each wall panel 305 are delivered to the worksite in a "pre-assembled" manner prior to the wall panels 305, 315 being assembled together at the worksite to define the office space 303, thereby facilitating and expediting installation.

In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, and as more clearly shown in FIGS. 43-48, each connection plate 337 is a non-intrusive connection plate 337 having a midpoint 483. By "non-intrusive" is meant that the connection plate 337 does not need to be anchored (penetrated, nailed, screwed, etc.) to the floor, except in areas subject to earthquakes, in which case the law may require a corresponding anchoring to the floor, which is why the current connection plate 337 may also have a "seismic" form, as explained below.

Preferably, each connecting plate 337 includes a plurality of projections 485 disposed about a center point 483, each projection 485 being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving a corresponding positioning hole 487 of an adjacent bottom floor channel 331 of the wall panel system 301, the positioning between a pair of adjacent projections 485 being configured to ensure proper positioning between adjacent wall panels 305, 315 of the system when the corresponding bottom floor channels 331 are connected to one another via the same connecting plate 337, as can be readily appreciated with reference to fig. 7 and 9, for example.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 43-48, each projection 485 is preferably a threaded projection configured to receive a corresponding nut 489 for removably securing the adjacent bottom floor channel 331 against the web 337. A radial angle (θ) extending from a center point 483 of the connection plate 337 and between a pair of adjacent protrusions 485 is substantially the same throughout the connection plate 337. In the case where the connection plate 337 includes the first and second protrusions 485, the radial angle (θ) between the adjacent protrusions 485 is about 180 °. In the case where the connection plate 337 further includes the third and fourth protrusions 485, the radial angle (θ) between the adjacent protrusions 485 is about 90 °.

When front wall panel system 301 is used on a carpeted floor, each attachment plate 337 is preferably a carpet clip. It is also preferred that each projection 485 includes a set screw 491 threadably engaged into a respective hole 493 of the connecting plate 337, and that each set screw 491 further preferably includes a tip 495 for insertion between fibers of a respective carpet of the floor 307, thereby avoiding damage or marking of the carpet, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Where the connection plate 337 is intended to serve as a seismic connection plate 337, the seismic connection plate 337 preferably includes an anchor hole 497 disposed about a center point 483 for receiving a threaded anchor 499 or other suitable component therein that is configured to extend downwardly and anchor the seismic connection plate 337 to the floor 307.

As shown in fig. 43-48, each connecting plate 337 preferably has a substantially octagonal shape, although other suitable shapes and forms may be used, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, depending on the particular application scenario in which the present wall panel system 301 is used and the desired end result.

As illustrated in the various figures, the wall panels 305, 315 include a ceiling rail 329 associated with each wall panel 305, 315, the ceiling rail 329 being removably mounted to the ceiling 309 in a suitable manner, as is well known in the art, such as, for example, using Caddy clips. As shown, the ceiling rail 329 is preferably substantially U-shaped and includes a pair of projecting members 501 having ends 503 that are angled toward one another, such as shown in fig. 4.

Preferably, the ceiling track 327 of each prefabricated frameless wall panel 305, 315 is an extruded ceiling track 327, substantially complementary in shape to the ceiling rail 329, and comprising a pair of longitudinal grooves 505 for receiving a corresponding pair of projecting elements 501 of the ceiling rail 329.

As illustrated in the various figures, the wall panel system 301 preferably includes a ceiling cover 507 associated with each prefabricated frameless wall panel 305, 315, the ceiling cover 507 being removably mounted to the ceiling track 327 of the prefabricated frameless wall panels 305, 315 in any suitable manner, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Similarly, the wall panel system 301 includes a bottom cover plate 509 associated with each prefabricated frameless wall panel 305, 315, the bottom cover plate 509 being removably mounted to the bottom floor channel 331 of the prefabricated frameless wall panels 305, 315 in a variety of suitable manners, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, each prefabricated frameless wall panel 305, 315 is a frameless glass panel 305, 315 defining a frameless butt glazed assembly 303, as illustrated for example in fig. 1. Preferably, the gasket 511 is disposed between adjacent side edges 325 of adjacent panels 305, 315, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8.

Referring now to fig. 49-75, and in accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, each prefabricated frameless panel 305, 315 comprises at least one pre-perforated through hole 513 for receiving a corresponding complementary fitting 515. Preferably, the complementary fitting 515 comprises a bushing 517 inserted in the respective through hole 513, the opposite ends of the bushing 517 being provided with first and second threaded studs 519, 521 configured to receive respectively first and second parts of the complementary fitting 515, as shown more clearly in fig. 56, for example. Also preferably, the complementary fitting 515 includes a washer 523 disposed between each end of the bushing 517 and the respective component.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in fig. 49-56, the complementary fitting 515 includes a butt glaze distraction mark 525 and at least one of the first and second components of the complementary fitting is the distraction mark 525. Preferably, the complementary fitting 515 includes a pair of distraction markings 525, both internal and external, as shown.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 57-67, the complementary fitting 515 may include a butt-glazed hasp wood shell 527, in which case at least one of the first and second parts of the complementary fitting 515 is preferably a hook knob 529, as shown more clearly in fig. 62. Also preferably, the hook knob 529 is configured to receive a suspension plate 531 of an abutting glazed hasp wood housing 527, and the suspension plate 531 preferably includes a hook 533, and at least one aperture 535 for receiving a corresponding fastener, as will be readily understood with reference to fig. 65-67.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 68-75, the complementary fitting 515 may include a butt-glazed snap glass housing 537, in which case at least one of the first and second components of the complementary fitting 515 is preferably a thread clearance stub 539. It is also preferred that the complementary fitting 515 further includes another bushing 517b having opposite ends provided with first and second threaded studs 519b, 521b configured to receive the thread clearance stud 539 and the distraction mark 525, respectively, as more clearly illustrated in fig. 70-75.

The prefabricated frameless panels 305 used in the present invention may be of various nature and type, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the prefabricated frameless panel 305 may be a suitable laminate 305, or as illustrated, only a glass panel 305, preferably a tempered or laminated glass panel. It is worth mentioning, however, that various other suitable types of "frameless" panels 305 may be used and may be useful with the present invention, such as, for example, gypsum board, melamine board, MDF, and the like.

Preferably, and as illustrated in the figures, i.e., fig. 1 and 76-100, the wall panel system 301 includes a sliding door assembly 541, the sliding door assembly 541 being removably mounted to the ceiling track 327 of a given prefabricated frameless wall panel 305, 315 of the wall panel system 301.

As shown, the sliding door assembly 541 preferably includes a sliding door 543 detachably mounted to sliding door hardware 545 of the sliding door assembly 541 via an upper sliding door mounting bracket 547. Preferably, a bottom portion of the sliding door 543 is provided with a bottom guide plug 549, as shown more clearly in fig. 84 and 85. It is also preferred that the bottom portion of the sliding door 543 is provided with a bottom floor seal 551 and that the bottom floor seal 551 may be spring loaded so as to be biased downwardly, as illustrated in fig. 86.

Alternatively, and as with reference to fig. 87-100, sliding door assembly 541 may include a sliding glass door 553 detachably mounted to sliding door hardware 545 of sliding door assembly 541 via a pair of upper glass clamps 555a, sliding door assembly 541 further including a height adjustment fastener 557 cooperating between sliding door hardware 545 and each upper glass clamp 555a, the height adjustment fastener configured to selectively adjust a vertical distance between the sliding door hardware and each upper glass clamp 555a, thereby in turn selectively adjusting a height and an included angle of sliding glass door 553 relative to floor 307. Preferably, the sliding glass door 553 is provided with a pair of bottom glass clamps 555b, which glass clamps 555b are preferably provided with a bottom floor seal 559. It is also preferred that the opposite inner surface of each glass clamp 555 be provided with a respective pad 561.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each glass clamping jaw 555 includes a tightening assembly 563 for urging the interior surfaces of clamping jaw 555 toward one another via corresponding tightening of tightening assembly 563, as will be readily appreciated with reference to FIGS. 89 and 94-100.

Either way or not, the sliding door hardware 545 is preferably provided with a soft stop mechanism 565, whether it be a sliding wooden door 543 or a sliding glass door 553.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each prefabricated frameless wall panel 305 of the wall panel system 301 has substantially the same height and the same width, said same height corresponding to a predetermined average height between the floor 307 and the ceiling 309, and each height adjustment assembly 333 is selectively adjustable to compensate for deviations between the floor 307 and the ceiling 309.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, current wall panel system 301 can be used with at least one framed wall panel 567 and further includes at least one framed wall panel 567 for assembly with at least one other wall panel 305, 315, 567 of wall panel system 301, whether a "frameless" wall panel 315 or a "framed" wall panel 567. Wall panels 305, 315, 567 are assembled by means of corresponding components, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, and preferably a pair of integrated motorized height adjustment assemblies 333 are also associated with each frame wall panel 567 and are insertable into (or pre-assembled with) a corresponding bottom floor channel 331 of frame wall panel 567, each height adjustment assembly 333 including a support edge 335 for operably supporting a bottom gap 569 of frame wall panel 567 to selectively raise or lower frame wall panel 567 by correspondingly raising or lowering its bottom gap 569, thus allowing vertical height adjustment as well as rotational angle adjustment of frame wall panel 567, similar to each "frameless" wall panel 315 of wall panel system 301.

Preferably, the framing wall panels 567 include drop down cover panels 571 that can be nested in the bottom clearance channels 569 of the framing wall panels 567 and can be manipulated between lowered and raised configurations to selectively access the height adjustment assemblies 333 associated with the framing wall panels 567, as will be readily appreciated with reference to fig. 144 and 147.

Preferably, the drop-down cover plate 571 is spring-loaded with a corresponding spring 573 disposed between the bottom clearance channel 569 and the drop-down cover plate 571, thereby urging the drop-down cover plate 571 against the floor 307 toward the lowered configuration, as will be readily understood with reference to fig. 146 and 147.

Referring now to fig. 120 and 124, first and second adjacent frame wall panels 267 are connected to one another using at least one column connector clip 577 that is removably inserted into a pair of slots 579 of adjacent vertical columns 575.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a framing wall panel 567 includes a mid-gap channel 501 and an outer cover plate 583 provided with an inner suspension member 585, the outer cover plate 583 being mounted to the framing wall panel 567 by suspending its suspension member 585 to the mid-gap channel 581, as will be readily understood with reference to fig. 125 and 132.

The outer cover 583 may be a metal housing 583, in which case its inner suspension member 585 is also preferably a rigid member 587 for providing structural rigidity to the metal housing 583, as illustrated in fig. 133 and 134.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as shown more clearly in fig. 137-140, a frame wall panel 567 may include a horizontal hook channel 589 defined between a pair of overlapping members 591 of the frame wall panel 567, the hook channel 589 being configured to receive at least one hook bracket 591.

Preferably, each hook support 591 includes a hook portion 593 and a hanging portion 595, the hook portion 593 of the hook support 591 being complementary in shape to the shape of the hook channel 589, and the hook channel 589 preferably including a groove 597 that is concave upward in shape, as illustrated in fig. 139.

Preferably, wallboard system 301 includes at least one other complementary wallboard 599 selected from the group consisting of: glass column panels, solid panels, doorposts, metal frame panels, stackable panels and transparent floor panels, allowing various assemblies of different wall panels, as illustrated in the accompanying figures.

As can now be more clearly understood, the present invention is directed to a significant improvement over conventional wallboard systems, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon reference to the drawings and this specification.

For example, the following features, characteristics, arrangements, interrelationships, variations and/or resulting advantages may be had with respect to the "butt-glazed panel" embodiments of the present invention, namely: a) a modular panel with continuous base and ceiling cover panels; b) the continuous cover plate and ceiling cover plate can be assembled at the construction side; c) 3/8 inch tempered glass with 1/8 inch chamfers at the vertical edges to provide a perfect butt joint for 2-, 3-, or 4-way installation; d) the height of the base cover plate is kept constant; e) a height adjustment of about ± 1 inch, the component traveling inside the floor tunnel and base deck; f) the height adjustment will be performed as a mechanical operation by means of a power tool or a manual operation (option 1: a gear box and a reverse threaded rod; option 2: a rotating radially connected tubular gear; and option 3: twin shafts and gearboxes); g) can be adjusted from both sides of the panel; h) the carpet clips/seismic underplates ensure consistent and accurate gaps/spacing between adjacent panels; i) floor clips/seismic mounts allow panels to be placed at any angle; and j) the vertical butt glazed filler/connector ensures rigidity and unique design appearance.

The "floor clip/seismic floor connector" embodiments of the present invention have the following features, characteristics, arrangements, interrelationships, variations and/or resulting advantages: a) all panels are secured to the floor tunnel with threaded floor clips; b) the size is kept, and the system is prevented from growing up on the construction side; and c) use the set screw as a carpet clip, but also to hold the floor tunnel in place (in seismic areas, the floor tunnel is secured with a nut on the set screw, and the panel will be attached to the floor).

The following features, characteristics, arrangements, interrelationships, variations and/or resulting advantages may be had with respect to the "glass pillar panel" embodiments of the present invention, namely: a) the glass panel is a modular, unitary panel with a recessed base; b) the glass panels received 1/4 inches and 3/8 inches of glass; 3) the glass panel frame is composed of aluminum or steel slotted columns coated by aluminum extrusions; d) the panel to panel connection is achieved by means of a hook clip inserted into a standard punched slot along the vertical edges of the uprights; e) a gap (reveal) of about 3/8 inches exists between the panels; f) the top clearance channel is 2.5 inches and the bottom clearance channel is 3 inches; g) height adjustment of approximately 1 inch, running inside the floor tunnel — the glass is preferably held in place with clamps secured to the frame; h) a recessed base with a incorporated spring-loaded drop-down cover plate that conceals a height adjustment mechanism; i) the spring-loaded drop-down cover plate is pre-assembled at the factory; and k) the posts and clearance channels are designed with a radius of about 4.

The following components, features, arrangements, interrelationships, variations and resulting advantages are possible with respect to the "solid plate" embodiments of the invention, namely: a) the solid panel is a modular unitary panel with a recessed base; b) the solid plates may be stacked; c) the solid plate frame is made of steel, and vertical slots are formed in the upright posts; d) the connection between the panel and the panel is realized by utilizing a clip on the steel slotted upright post; e) the slots on the uprights also provide a way to hang different kinds of accessories (i.e. suspended ceilings, work surfaces, furniture, book shelves, etc.), and this can also be done horizontally by means of horizontal rail channels; f) the shell is clamped or suspended to the frame with stiffeners in steel/spring steel clamps fastened to the inside of the frame or horizontally suspended; g) the recessed base with a incorporated spring-loaded pull-down cover plate; h) height adjustment is approximately ± 1 inch, travels inside the floor tunnel, and the clamp is screwed to the frame: i) adjusting the height from one side of the panel by using an electric tool; j) an optional continuous horizontal hook channel is contained in the frame; k) an optional continuous horizontal hook channel with stackable panels; and I) the total width of the hook channel was 3/8 inches and the slot was configured to be circular to accept the same shaped holder and designed to prevent removal of the holder.

The following features, characteristics, arrangements, interrelationships, variations and/or resulting advantages may be realized with respect to the "height adjustment assembly" embodiments of the present invention, namely: a) height adjustment is approximately ± 1 inch, running inside the floor tunnel, clamps are screwed to the frame or clamp 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch glass; b) adjusting the height from the panel side with the electric tool; c) the gearbox assembly operates a reverse threaded rod which operates a steel cross link arm secured to the glass holding tongs; and d) the height adjustment can be made from both sides.

According to the present invention, the wall panel system and corresponding components are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), hardened polymers, composite materials and/or the like, while other components according to the present invention, in order to achieve the resulting advantages discussed briefly herein, may preferably be made of suitable ductile and resilient materials, such as polymeric materials (plastics, rubbers, etc.), and/or the like, depending on the particular application scenario and the different parameters for which the wall panel system and resulting office space is intended, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

As can now be further appreciated, the wall panel system according to the present invention is an improvement over the prior art in that it provides a moveable, non-progressive, mountable and demountable wall panel system, particularly suitable for mounting frameless wall panels, such as butt glazed wall panels, for example, in a manner that is very quick, easy, convenient, correct, systematic and cost effective, thereby avoiding the corresponding drawbacks of the "stick-build" solution of conventional wall panel systems.

Of course, numerous changes may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (78)

1. A moveable and demountable wall panel system (301) for defining an office space (303), a plurality of wall panels (305) disposed in a substantially vertical manner between a floor (307) and a ceiling (309), each wall panel having a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations, respectively, each wall panel (305) having a vertical axis (311) and a horizontal axis (313), and comprising:

at least one prefabricated frameless panel (315), each panel (315) having a given height (317) defined between top and bottom edges (319, 321), and a given width (323) defined between left and right side edges (325 a, 325 b), the top edge (319) of each panel (305) being provided with a ceiling track (327) configured to be removably inserted in a respective ceiling rail (329) extending along the ceiling (309) and delimiting the office space (303);

a bottom floor channel (331) associated with each respective panel (315) and configured to operatively abut against the floor (307) opposite a ceiling rail (329) extending along the ceiling (309);

integrated first and second powered height adjustment assemblies (333) associated with each panel (315) and insertable into the respective bottom floor channel (331), each height adjustment assembly (333) including a support edge (335) for operatively supporting a bottom portion of each panel (315), each height adjustment assembly (333) being selectively operable to be adjustably raised or lowered to allow adjustment of the vertical height and adjustment of the angle of rotation of each panel (315); and

at least one connecting plate (337) for removably connecting a pair of bottom floor channels (331), each connecting plate (337) and bottom floor channel (331) being positioned, shaped and sized relative to one another for ensuring that the side edges (325) of a pair of adjacent prefabricated frameless panels (315) cooperate with one another to define an office space (303).

2. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each height adjustment assembly (333) comprises:

a) a base (339);

b) opposing first and second end caps (441, 443) projecting from the base (339);

c) a height adjustment rod (445) rotatably mounted about the end cap (441, 443), the height adjustment rod (445) having first and second threaded sections (447, 449), each threaded section being oppositely threaded relative to each other; and

d) first and second adjustment legs (451, 453), the first adjustment leg (451) having an end pivotally mounted to a glide member (455) and a second end pivotally mounted to a support edge (335), the glide member (455) being threadedly engaged to a first threaded section (447) of a height adjustment lever (445), and the second adjustment leg (453) having an end pivotally mounted to the glide member (457) and a second end pivotally mounted to the support edge (335), the glide member (457) being threadedly engaged to a second threaded section (449) of the height adjustment lever (445), such that rotation of the common height adjustment lever (445) in a first direction causes the support edge (335) to rise and rotation of the common height adjustment lever (445) in an opposite second direction causes the support edge (335) to fall.

3. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 2, wherein the second ends of the first and second adjustment legs (451, 453) are pivotally mounted to a bottom portion of the support edge (335) about a common pivot axis (459).

4. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the adjustment leg (451, 453) comprises a recessed portion (451 a, 453 a) for avoiding the height adjustment bar (445) when the adjustment leg (451, 453) is pulled down to form a lowered configuration.

5. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said height adjustment rod (445) comprises a first and a second separate rod member (445 a, 445 b) provided with a first and a second threaded section (447, 449), respectively, said first rod member (445 a) comprising an end with a male member (445 c) which is securely insertable into a female member (445 d) of a corresponding end of said second rod member (445 b).

6. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said height adjustment rod (445) is rotatably mounted around said first and second bushings (461, 463) provided on said first and second end caps (441, 443), respectively.

7. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein each end cap (441, 443) comprises a first end cap member (441 a, 443 a) which is detachably connected to a second end cap member (441 b, 443 b) via at least one respective fastener (465), the second end cap member being fixed to the base portion (339) of the height adjustment assembly (333).

8. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein at least one distal end of the height adjustment rod (445) is provided with a socket (467) for receiving a corresponding insert of a driving tool.

9. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein both ends of the height adjustment rod (445) are provided with sockets (467) for receiving respective inserts of a driving tool.

10. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein each socket (467), height adjustment bar (445) and support edge (335) of each height adjustment assembly (333) are located substantially in the same vertical plane below the respective wall panel (305, 315).

11. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each height adjustment assembly (333) includes opposed first and second clamps (469, 471) for clamping against a bottom portion of a respective wall panel (315).

12. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inner surfaces of said first and second clamps (469, 471) are provided with padding (473).

13. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each height adjustment assembly (333) includes at least one connector (475) extending between the first and second clamps (469, 471).

14. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 13, wherein each of said connectors (475) is a clamping screw configured relative to said first and second jaws (469, 471) for urging said jaws (469, 471) towards each other via respective rotations of the clamping screws.

15. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each of said connectors (475) is provided with a bushing (479).

16. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 15, wherein said bushing is a nylon bushing (479).

17. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the bottom edge of each prefabricated frameless panel (315) is provided with at least one locating notch (477) for cooperation with a corresponding connector (475).

18. The wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each of said height adjustment assemblies (333) is symmetrical along its longitudinal axis (481).

19. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein each said height adjustment assembly (333) is a motorized height adjustment assembly (333), said height adjustment assembly (333) being selectively adjustable by means of an electric drill through a respective socket (467) of said height adjustment assembly (333).

20. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 19, wherein said socket (467) of said height adjustment assembly (333) extends in substantially parallel relation to its support edge (335).

21. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 19, wherein said socket (467) of said height adjustment assembly (333) extends in substantially transverse relation relative to its support edge (335).

22. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein each said height adjustment assembly (333) is a telescopic height adjustment assembly (333).

23. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein each said height adjustment assembly (333) is a dual-axis height adjustment assembly (333).

24. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein each height adjustment assembly (333), each prefabricated frameless panel (315) and each bottom floor channel (331) associated with each wall panel (305) are pre-assembled prior to the wall panels (305, 315) being assembled together on site to define an office space (303).

25. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein each connection plate (337) is a non-intrusive connection plate (337) having a center point (483).

26. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein each connecting plate (337) comprises a plurality of projections (485) disposed about the central point (483), each projection (485) being positioned, shaped and dimensioned to receive a respective positioning aperture (487) of an adjacent bottom floor channel (331) of the wall panel system (301), the positioning between a pair of adjacent projections (485) being configured to ensure correct positioning between adjacent wall panels (305, 315) of the system when the respective bottom floor channels (331) are connected to each other via the same connecting plate (337).

27. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 26, wherein each projection (485) is a threaded projection configured to receive a respective nut (489) for removably securing an adjacent bottom floor channel (331) against the web (337).

28. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the radial angle (θ) starting from the centre point (483) of the connection plate (337) and extending between a pair of adjacent projections (485) is substantially the same throughout the connection plate (337).

29. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein said connecting plate (337) comprises first and second projections (485) and the radial angle (θ) between adjacent projections (485) is about 180 °.

30. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 29, wherein said connecting plate (337) further comprises third and fourth projections (485) and the radial angle (θ) between adjacent projections is about 90 °.

31. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 26 to 30, wherein each said connecting plate (337) is a carpet clip.

32. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 26 to 31, wherein each projection (485) comprises a set screw (491) which is threadedly engaged into a respective hole (493) of the connecting plate (337).

33. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 32, wherein each set screw (491) further comprises a tip (495) for insertion between fibres of a respective carpet of the floor (307).

34. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein each connection plate (337) is a seismic connection plate (337), said seismic connection plate (337) including an anchor hole (497) disposed around said center point (483) for receiving therein a threaded anchor (499) configured to extend downwardly and anchor said seismic connection plate (337) to a floor (307).

35. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 26 to 34, wherein each of said connecting plates (337) is substantially octagonal.

36. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein said wall panels (305, 315) comprise a ceiling rail (329) associated with each wall panel (305, 315), said ceiling rail (329) being removably mounted to said ceiling (309).

37. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 36, wherein said ceiling rail (329) is substantially U-shaped.

38. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 36 or 37, wherein said ceiling rail (329) comprises a pair of projecting elements (501) having ends (503) inclined towards each other.

39. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 36 to 38, wherein the ceiling track (327) of each prefabricated frameless wall panel (305, 315) is an extruded ceiling track (327) having a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the ceiling rail (329).

40. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 39, wherein the ceiling track (327) of each prefabricated frameless wall panel (305, 315) comprises a pair of longitudinal grooves (505) for receiving a respective pair of projecting elements (501) of the ceiling rail (329).

41. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 40, wherein the wall panel system (301) comprises a ceiling cover panel (507) associated with each prefabricated frameless wall panel (305, 315), the ceiling cover panel (507) being detachably mounted to the ceiling track (327) of the prefabricated frameless wall panel (305, 315).

42. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 42, wherein the wall panel system (301) comprises a bottom cover plate (509) associated with each prefabricated frameless wall panel (305, 315), the bottom cover plate (509) being removably mounted to the bottom floor channel (331) of the prefabricated frameless wall panel (305, 315).

43. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 42, wherein each prefabricated frameless wall panel (305, 315) is a frameless glass panel (305, 315) defining a frameless butt glazed assembly (303).

44. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 43, wherein a gasket (511) is provided between adjacent side edges (325) of adjacent panels (305, 315).

45. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 44, wherein each prefabricated frameless panel (305, 315) comprises at least one pre-perforated through hole (513) for receiving a corresponding complementary fitting (515).

46. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 45, wherein the complementary fitting (515) comprises a bushing (517) insertable into a respective through hole (513), opposite ends of the bushing (517) being provided with first and second threaded studs (519, 521) configured to receive first and second parts of the complementary fitting (515), respectively.

47. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 46, wherein said complementary fitting (515) comprises a washer (523) disposed between each end of said bushing (517) and the respective component.

48. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in any of claims 45 to 47, wherein said complementary fitting (515) comprises abutting glaze distraction markings (525), and wherein at least one of said first and second parts of said complementary fitting is a distraction marking (525).

49. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein said complementary fitting (515) comprises a butt glazed snap wood shell (527) and wherein at least one of said first and second parts of said complementary fitting (515) is a hook knob (529).

50. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 49, wherein the hook knob (529) is configured to receive a suspension plate (531) of the butt-glazed hasp wood housing (527).

51. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 50, wherein said suspension panel (531) comprises a suspension hook (533) and at least one hole (535) for receiving a corresponding fastener.

52. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in any of claims 45 to 47, wherein said complementary fitting (515) comprises a butt-glazed snap-on glass housing (537), and wherein at least one of said first and second parts of said complementary fitting (515) is a threaded spacer stud (539).

53. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 52, wherein the complementary fitting (515) further comprises a further bushing (517 b) having opposite ends provided with first and second threaded studs (519 b, 521 b) configured to receive a threaded spacer stud (539) and a distraction mark (525), respectively.

54. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 53, wherein each prefabricated frameless panel (305) is a laminated panel (305).

55. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 53, wherein each prefabricated frameless panel (305) is a glass panel (305).

56. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 55, wherein the glass panel (305) is a tempered or laminated glass panel (305).

57. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 56, wherein the wall panel system (301) comprises a sliding door assembly (541) which is detachably mounted to the ceiling track (327) of a given prefabricated frameless wall panel (305, 315) of the wall panel system (301).

58. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 57, wherein the sliding door assembly (541) includes a sliding door (543) removably mounted to sliding door hardware (545) of the sliding door assembly (541) via upper sliding door mounting brackets (547).

59. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 58, wherein a bottom portion of said sliding door (543) is provided with a bottom guiding plug (549).

60. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 58 or 59, wherein a bottom portion of said sliding door (543) is provided with a bottom floor seal (551).

61. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 60, wherein said bottom floor seal (551) is spring loaded so as to be biased downwardly.

62. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 57, wherein the sliding door assembly (541) includes a sliding glass door (553) removably mounted to sliding door hardware (545) of the sliding door assembly (541) via a pair of upper glass clamps (555 a), the sliding door assembly (541) further including a height adjustment fastener (557) cooperating between the sliding door hardware (545) and each upper glass clamp (555 a), the height adjustment fastener configured to selectively adjust a vertical distance between the sliding door hardware and each upper glass clamp (555 a), thereby in turn selectively adjusting a height and an included angle of the sliding glass door (553) relative to the floor (307).

63. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 62, wherein said sliding glass door (553) is provided with a pair of bottom glass clamps (555 b).

64. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 63, wherein the bottom glass clamp (555 b) is provided with a bottom floor seal (559).

65. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in any one of claims 62 to 63, wherein the opposite inner surface of each glass clamp (555) is provided with a lining (561).

66. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 62 to 64, wherein each glass clamp (555) comprises a tightening assembly (563) for urging an inner surface of the clamp (555) towards each other via respective tightening of the tightening assembly (563).

67. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 58 to 66, wherein said sliding door hardware (545) is provided with a soft stop mechanism (565).

68. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 1 to 67, wherein each prefabricated frameless wall panel (305) of the wall panel system (301) has substantially the same height and the same width, said same height corresponding to a predetermined average height between the floor (307) and the ceiling (309), and each height adjustment assembly (333) is selectively adjustable to compensate for deviations between the floor (307) and the ceiling (309).

69. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 67, wherein said wall panel system (301) further comprises at least one framing wall panel (567) assembled with at least one other wall panel (305, 315, 567) of said wall panel system (301) via respective components; a pair of integrated powered height adjustment assemblies (333) associated with each frame wall panel (567) and insertable into respective bottom floor channels (331) of the frame wall panels (567), each height adjustment assembly (333) including a support edge (335) for operably supporting a bottom gap (569) of a frame wall panel (567) to selectively raise or lower the frame wall panel (567) by respectively raising or lowering the bottom gap (569) thereof, thereby allowing vertical height adjustment as well as rotational angle adjustment of the frame wall panel (567) similar to each frameless wall panel (315) of the wall panel system (301).

70. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 69, wherein the frame wall panel (567) includes a drop down cover panel (571), the drop down cover panel (571) nestable in the bottom clearance channel (569) of the frame wall panel (567) and operable between lowered and raised configurations to selectively access the height adjustment assembly (333) associated with the frame wall panel (567).

71. A wall panel system (301) according to claim 70, wherein the drop-down cover plate (571) is spring-loaded with a respective spring (573) arranged between the bottom clearance channel (569) and the drop-down cover plate (571), thereby urging the drop-down cover plate (571) against the floor (307) towards the lowered configuration.

72. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 69 to 71, wherein each frame wall panel (567) includes a slotted vertical post (575), and wherein first and second adjacent frame wall panels (567) are connected to each other using at least one post connecting clip (577) that is removably inserted into a pair of slots (579) of adjacent vertical posts (575).

73. A wall panel system (301) according to any one of claims 69 to 72, wherein said frame wall panel (567) includes a mid-gap channel (501), and an outer cover plate (583) provided with internal suspension elements (585), said outer cover plate (583) being mounted to said frame wall panel (567) by suspending said suspension elements (585) to said mid-gap channel (581).

74. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 73, wherein said exterior cover plate (583) is a metal housing (583) and said interior suspension component (585) is also a stiffening component (587) for providing structural rigidity to said metal housing (583).

75. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in any one of claims 69 to 74, wherein said frame wall panel (567) includes a horizontal hook channel (589) defined between a pair of stacked sections (591) of said frame wall panel (567), said hook channel (589) configured to receive at least one hook bracket (591).

76. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 75, wherein each hook support (591) comprises a hook portion (593) and a hanging portion (595), the hook portion (593) of the hook support (591) having a shape complementary to the shape of the hook channel (589).

77. A wall panel system (301) as claimed in claim 76, wherein said hook channel (589) includes a channel (597) which is upwardly concave in shape.

78. A wall panel system (301) according to any of claims 1 to 77, wherein said wall panel system (301) comprises at least one further complementary wall panel (599) selected from the group consisting of: glass column panels, solid panels, doorposts, metal frame panels, stackable panels and transparent floor panels, allowing various assemblies of different wall panels.