Frame-based workplace system

An improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprises a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area. Each of the frames has outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames and a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting the tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames. The tiles are mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The invention relates to a frame-based workspace definition system and,
 more specifically, to a frame-based workspace definition system comprising
 a framework defined by interconnected frames with attached tiles and
 accessories, such as worksurfaces, overhead bins, pedestals and shelves,
 mounted on vertical hanging intelligence. In another aspect, the invention
 relates to a series of interconnected frames which have tiles detachably
 mounted thereto whereby the frames and tiles cooperate to define an
 interior set of raceways which cooperate between the interconnected frames
 to define an interconnected chamber throughout the system for the passage
 of electrical and data conduit therein.
 2. Description of the Related Art
 Workspace definition systems for open room areas, such as office space,
 have a matrix of interconnected frames which have tiles mounted thereto.
 The frames often can accommodate electrical and data conduit therein so
 that several ports or sockets are defined within the framework for the
 interconnection with office components, such as computers, typewriters,
 dictation equipment, etc. Often these types of data and sockets and even
 the electrical data conduit can be provided directly within partition
 tiles mounted on the framework.
 It has been found that the routing of electrical data conduit throughout
 these types of prior art office space partition systems can be difficult.
 Further, if the data and electrical connectors or sockets are provided in
 the tiles, these tiles must often be replaced or rewired with a new
 connector if the data and electrical needs of the office space partition
 system change over time. These types of rewiring of electrical and data
 conduit and the inability of prior art systems to easily accommodate new
 electrical and data systems have increased the time, expense and
 frustration with these systems.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The invention relates to an improved workspace management system for
 dividing a space into separate work areas comprising a rigid structural
 framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at
 the edges thereof to form at least one work area. Each of the frames have
 outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides
 of the frames and a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the
 tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for
 removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and
 removal from the frames. The tiles are mounted to the outer faces of the
 frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom
 portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship.
 In one improved embodiment, the invention relates to at least one of the
 frames comprising at least one load rail mounted horizontally between a
 pair of vertical rails and U shaped in cross section, the upper ends of
 the legs of the U shape having a reinforcing lip thereon. A pair of the
 tiles are mounted to the frames form a horizontal access slot
 therebetween. The horizontal access slot between the pair of the tiles is
 positioned in register with the upper ends of the legs of the U shaped
 load rail. The reinforcing lip can comprise an inwardly rolled portion
 forming a hook. The component can have a bracket mounted to the load rail
 and supported by the at least one frame. The bracket can be slidably
 mounted to the load rail.
 Electrical power blocks can be mounted within the load rail inwardly of the
 component bracket whereby the bracket can slide along the rail. The
 bracket can be slidably mounted to the rail. The load rail can have at
 least one internal rib on bottom surface. The bracket on the component can
 seat behind the internal rib. The component can be any office furniture
 component such as a work surface or a cabinet. The component can have a
 first width, the frame has a second width and the first width can be
 different than the second width. The bracket can comprise a first portion
 adapted to mount to the load rail and having one of a flange and a slot
 and a second portion mounted to the component and having the other of a
 flange and a slot, wherein the flange is adapted to be removably mounted
 within the slot to removably mount the component to the first portion of
 the bracket. The U shape in the load bar can form a horizontal recess and
 the vertical rails can have an opening in register with the horizontal
 recess for routing conduit throughout the framework.
 In another embodiment, each of the frames can further comprise a pair of
 opposed vertical rails having edge faces thereon. The edge faces can be
 interconnected with the outer faces of the vertical rails by ramped
 portions which are at an acute angle with respect to the edge faces and
 the outer faces. A series of aligned vertical slots can be provided in the
 ramped portions. The tiles can extend horizontally at least as far as the
 vertical slots to block light from passing directly from one side of the
 frame to the other side of the frame through the aligned vertical slots.
 The edge face on each vertical rail can have a projection and a recess both
 extending along the vertical length of the rail in laterally spaced
 juxtaposed relationship to one another whereby the projection on one end
 face is received within the recess on an adjacent end face when a pair
 frames are placed into edge abutment with one another to prevent light
 from passing between the abutting end faces.
 The frame can have a threaded opening in a lower portion thereof and the
 frame can further comprise at least one floor-engaging glide having a
 threaded shaft which is threadably received in the threaded opening in the
 frame. The threaded shaft can have a hexagonal head on an upper portion
 thereof whereby the at least one glide can be adjusted relative to the
 frame lower portion by a conventional socket tool when the frames are
 assembled. The frames are rigidly joined together by bolts which extend
 through abutting edge faces of the frame.
 In an additional embodiment, the invention relates to one of the edge faces
 of the rigid rectangular frames further comprising a threaded aperture and
 another of the edge faces of the rigid rectangular frames has an aperture
 in registry with the threaded aperture of adjacent rigid rectangular
 frames and threaded bolts extending through the apertures of the another
 edge faces and threadably received in the threaded apertures in the one
 edge faces of adjacent rigid rectangular frames to rigidly join the rigid
 rectangular frames together.
 The threaded aperture can comprise an integral threaded sleeve having a
 thickness greater than the thickness of the one edge face. The integral
 threaded sleeve can comprise a flow drilled extruded length of material
 formed inwardly from the one edge face.
 In a further embodiment, the invention relates to the upper rail upper
 portion having a reinforcing lip thereon adapted to support at least one
 modular component. The component can have a bracket mounted to the
 reinforcing lip of the upper rail. The reinforcing lip can comprise an
 inwardly rolled portion forming a hook. The upper rail can have at least
 one internal rib on bottom surface. The bracket on the component can seat
 behind the internal rib.
 The at least one modular component can be a cabinet. The at least one
 modular component can comprise a frame mounted generally perpendicular to
 the upper rail intermediate the ends thereof. A bracket can be rigidly
 mounted to the perpendicular frame and can have a flange mounted over the
 reinforcing lip of the upper rail. The component can have a first width,
 the frame can have second width and the first width can be different than
 second width.
 The vertical rails can have an opening in register with the channel in the
 upper rail for routing the electrical/data cables throughout the
 framework. The rigid framework can comprise a first rigid frame positioned
 with respect to a second rigid frame in a generally perpendicular
 relationship intermediate the edge faces thereof and a first bracket can
 be rigidly mounted to the first frame and have a flange mounted to an
 upper portion of the second frame. A second bracket can be rigidly mounted
 to a lower portion of the first frame and have a flange mounted to a lower
 portion of the second frame.
 In yet an additional embodiment, at least one bracket can be mounted to a
 portion of an edge face of a taller frame above a shorter frame. A cover
 can form an open-sided channel with end portions mounted to a bracket,
 thereby leaving the channel open for routing electrical/data cables
 therethrough. The end portions can also include a projection mounted to
 the bracket. The bracket can have outwardly extending support flanges and
 the cover can have inwardly directed ends which are snap-fit behind the
 support flanges.
 In a further embodiment, a spacer can comprise at least one bracket having
 a generally vertical portion mounted to edge faces of adjacent frames and
 a generally horizontal portion having at least one of a slot and a
 projection. A cover can have the other of the slot and the projection in
 register with the one of the slot and the projection on the spacer,
 whereby the cover is removably mounted to the spacer to conceal the area
 between the adjacent frames.
 The generally horizontal portion of the spacer can have a central opening
 adapted to receive electrical/data cables therethrough. The cover can have
 a central opening in register with the spacer central opening for routing
 of electrical/data cables therethrough. The cover can have
 inwardly-directed flanges thereon which are received behind edges of the
 generally horizontal portion of the spacer. The frame can have alignment
 openings and mounting apertures on the edge faces, the spacer can have
 alignment tabs which extend into openings in frame. At least two adjacent
 frames can be joined at 90, 135 or 180 degree angles with respect to one
 another. Further, three adjacent frames can be joined at a 90 degree angle
 therebetween. The spacer can have a threaded nut mounted thereto and the
 spacer can be secured to the edge faces of adjacent frame by a threaded
 fastener which extends through the edge face of the frame and is threaded
 onto the nut.
 In another embodiment, the frame can have a bump rail extending outwardly
 from a lower portion thereof to a greater extent than the plurality of
 interchangeable tiles to protect lower edges of the tiles from damage by
 occupants of the system or the operation of floor cleaning devices. The
 bump rail can have at least one opening adapted to receive electrical/data
 cables routed into the system from a floor surface. The bump rail can have
 at least one elongated recess in which a lower edge of one of the
 plurality of interchangeable tiles is received.
 In an additional embodiment, each of the main frames can further comprise a
 pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end
 thereof, and an inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of
 depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the
 cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends. The
 extension frame can thereby increase the overall height of the main frame
 when the legs are mounted within the openings.
 The depending legs of the extension frame can be bolted to the vertical
 rails. The depending legs of the extension frame can be of a sufficient
 length to prevent the extension frame from rocking with respect to the
 main frame. The depending legs of the extension frame can be U-shaped in
 cross section.
 In yet a further embodiment, the invention relates to a filler frame having
 a horizontal dimension less than a given distance, and an adjustable rod
 mounted to the filler frame and to a filler bracket to secure the filler
 frame to the filler bracket. The adjustable rod can be rigidly secured at
 one end to the filler bracket and rigidly secured in an adjusted position
 to the filler frame.
 In another embodiment, each of the edge faces of the rigid rectangular
 frames can have a projection and a recess, both extending along a vertical
 length of the rigid rectangular frames in juxtaposed relationship to one
 another whereby the projection on one end face is received within the
 recess on an adjacent end face when a pair of the rigid rectangular frames
 are placed into abutment with one another to prevent light from passing
 between the abutting end faces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 FIG. 1 shows a frame-based workspace definition system 10 supported on a
 floor surface 12 of an open workspace, such as that typically found in an
 office environment. The workspace definition system 10 comprises a series
 of interconnected frames 14 which subdivide the workspace into smaller
 areas, often referred to as partitions. It will be understood that the
 workspace definition system 10 can also be provided to define open floor
 plans as opposed to the partitioned environment which is well known in the
 art.
 Each of the frames 14 supports one or more tiles 16 to create walls within
 the workspace as defined by the interconnected frames 14. The frames and
 tiles 14 and 16 can be of various sizes to define walls which extend
 floor-to-ceiling height or some intermediate height between the floor 12
 and the ceiling (not shown). Further, frames 14 and tiles 16 of varying
 heights can be intercombined to define wall heights which vary depending
 upon the functionality and office aesthetics desired by the combination. A
 single tile 16 is typically mounted to either side of a frame 14, however,
 multiple tiles 16 can also be hung on a single side of a particular frame
 14 or in combination with other accessories, such as overhead bins 18,
 shelves 20, and pedestals or file cabinets 22. One or more smaller tiles
 16 can be provided on one or both sides of a particular frame 14 to cover
 the area of one side of the frame 14 not occupied by another hanging
 component, such as the bin 18, shelf 20 or file cabinet 22. Thus, a smooth
 aesthetic appearance of the workspace definition system 10 is maintained.
 FIG. 1 also shows several worksurfaces 24 supported on the frames 14
 preferably at a comfortable working height for an occupant of the
 workspace definition system 10. The worksurfaces 24, as will be described
 further below, can be mounted in cantilever fashion to interconnected
 frame 14 and can also be supported at an opposite end by one or more legs
 26 as shown in FIG. 1.
 The layout shown in FIG. 1, for the workspace definition system 10, should
 not be construed as limiting, but rather, any number of combinations of
 interconnected frames 14 having tiles 16 and components 18-24 mounted
 thereon can be achieved in any arrangement desired for a particular
 aesthetic appearance and functionality of the workspace in which the
 system 10 is located.
 FIG. 1 also shows several covers mounted around exposed peripheral edges of
 the framework defined by the interconnected frames 14. For example, top
 caps 28 are mounted along upper edges of the frames 14, corner caps 30 are
 mounted to an upper surface between two or more interconnected frames 14
 to conceal an upper surface of the joint therebetween, end covers 32 are
 mounted along exposed vertical edges of the workspace definition system
 IO, and corner covers 31 are mounted to an upper surface of one frame 14
 and along exposed vertical edges of the workspace definition system 10.
 Corner covers 31 provide for a continuous, uniform appearance when two or
 more adjacent frames 14 have different vertical heights.
 FIG. 1 also shows an electrical raceway cover 34 mounted adjacent to a
 worksurface 24 provided with a socket opening 36 whereby the raceway cover
 34 is either detachable from the frame 14 or movable between an open and a
 closed position. The raceway cover 34 is shown in the closed position in
 FIG. 1. When detached or moved to the open position, the interior of the
 frame 14 can be accessed such as for routing electrical and data conduit
 and adding, removing, or splicing other connections therewith.
 FIG. 2 shows the workspace definition system 10 of FIG. 1 with the tiles 16
 removed to show the interior of the interconnected frames 14. The
 components 18-24 are shown mounted to the frames 14. Top caps 28, corner
 caps 30, corner covers 31, end covers 32, and raceway covers 34 are shown
 exploded from the frames 14 to reveal each frame 14 comprising
 interconnected vertical rails 50 with generally horizontal top,
 intermediate and foot rails 52, 54, and 56, respectively.
 Each of the rails 52, 54 and 56 preferably has a U-shaped cross section so
 as to define an internal chamber or raceway for accommodating electrical
 and data conduit 40 as shown in FIG. 2. The electrical and data conduit 40
 can be routed within the top, intermediate and foot rails 52, 54 and 56,
 through the vertical rails 50, in between adjacent frames 14 and through
 any open space of a frame 14 so that the operable interconnection of
 office equipment components, such as computers, printers, fax machines,
 telephones, typewriters, etc., can be easily accomplished by merely
 removing one or more of the tiles 16, and covers 28-34 routing the conduit
 40 throughout the interconnected frames 14 and replacing the tiles 16,
 covers and caps 28-34 as needed.
 FIG. 3 shows a top schematic view of the workspace definition system 10 of
 FIGS. 1-2 showing that several components can be easily interconnected to
 the frames 14 with a minimum amount of hardware required. For example,
 several brackets 42 are shown mounted to particular frames 14, and
 preferably the vertical rails 50 thereof, in cantilever fashion. In
 addition, the brackets 42 are also mounted to a particular component, such
 as a worksurface 24, to support the component upon the interconnected
 frames 14. Further, the overhead bins 18, shelves 20 and file cabinets 22
 are shown mounted to the interconnected frames 14 in similar fashion.
 Thus, it will be readily apparent from an examination of the workspace
 definition system 10 that the selection, arrangement and configuration of
 the frames 14 and their associated components can be easily designed and
 re-designed with a minimum of effort.
 FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing, among other things, a
 single frame 14 and an associated top cap 28. As previously described, the
 frame has a top rail 52, intermediate rail 54 and foot rail 56 extending
 in generally horizontal fashion between a pair of vertical rails 50 so
 that the frame 14 has a generally rectangular configuration. The frame 14
 is shown as also having a bump rail 58 mounted to the base of a pair of
 vertical rails 50, and a foot rail 56 to provide stability to the frame 14
 and allow the frame 14 to have a free standing capacity on the floor
 surface 12.
 The vertical rail 50 of the frame 14 is shown in greater detail in FIGS.
 5-8, respectively. The cross section of the vertical rail 50 is shown in
 FIG. 5 and comprises a leading face 60, a trailing face 62 located
 oppositely therefrom and first and second side faces 64 and 66,
 respectively, extending between the leading and trailing faces 60 and 62
 along opposite ends thereof. Although the vertical rail 50 can be made as
 a solid member having apertures located at selected areas therein, the
 vertical rail 50 is preferably formed as a hollow member whereby the faces
 60-66 form the periphery of the vertical rail 50. A chamber 68 is formed
 within the interior of the vertical rail 50 and allows for routing of
 electrical and data conduit 40 therethrough. A similar chamber is formed
 within the interior of the top rail 52, intermediate rail 54, and front
 rail 56 which also allows for routing of electrical and/or data conduit 40
 therethrough.
 FIG. 6 shows a side elevational view of the first side face 64 of the
 vertical rail 50. It will be understood that the second side face 66 of
 the vertical rail 50 is a mirror image thereof and will be referred to
 with common reference numerals. The first side face 64 comprises an
 elongated tile 70 provided with a ramped portion 72 with a U-shaped groove
 74 located therebetween. The ramped portion 72 extends between the
 U-shaped groove 74 and the leading face 60 of the vertical rail 50.
 Several vertically-aligned slots 76, often referred to as "vertical
 hanging intelligence," extend the length of the ramped portion 72 and are
 provided for receiving mating hooks on components 18-24 and brackets 42 as
 will be further described so that these components can be mounted as shown
 in FIGS. 1-3. The elongated tile 70 includes alternating first and second
 apertures 78 and 80 which extend in an alternating pattern along the
 length of the elongated tile 70.
 The leading face 60 is shown in FIG. 5 and in greater detail in FIG. 7. The
 leading face 60 comprises an elongated tile 82 having an upper U-shaped
 aperture 84 and several elliptical apertures 86. A pair of mounting
 apertures 88 are interspersed between each of the elliptical apertures 86
 on the length of the elongated tile 82. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the
 slots 76 on the ramped portion 72 of the first and second side faces 64
 and 66 are visible in FIG. 7 adjacent to each edge of the elongated tile
 82 of the leading face 60. The leading face 60 is the portion of the
 vertical rail 50 which faces an adjacent leading face 60 of a vertical
 rail 50 of an adjacent frame 14 so that apertures 84-88 are generally
 horizontally aligned when a pair of leading faces 60 are so positioned.
 Thus, data conduit located in one frame 14 can extend through one or more
 of the apertures 84-88 into the adjacent frame 14.
 The trailing face 62 of the vertical rail 50 is shown in FIG. 5 and in
 greater detail in FIG. 8. The trailing face 62 comprises an elongated
 stile 90 with elliptical apertures 92 aligned with the mounting apertures
 88 on the leading face 60. Mounting apertures 88 comprise a flow drill
 aperture 89 and an opposed attachment aperture 91. A tool, such as a
 ratchet or wrench can be inserted within the elliptical apertures 92 to
 tighten a fastener (not shown) provided within one of the mounting
 apertures 88 to interconnect a pair of adjacent frames 14. It will be
 understood that each of the apertures on the trailing face 62 can readily
 accommodate electrical and/or data conduit 40.
 Alternatively, as can be seen in FIG. SA the vertical rail 50 can be
 configured with a leading face 60 having a flow drill aperture 89, and a
 trailing face 62 having a clearance aperture 92. With such a
 configuration, a pair of vertical rails 50 can abut together along each of
 their respective leading faces 60. Although not shown, it is likewise
 contemplated that the flow drill aperture 89 can be associated with the
 trailing face 62, and the clearance aperture 92 can be associated with the
 leading face 60. The only limitation with regard to the flow and clearance
 apertures 89 and 92, respectively, is that together they must cooperate
 to, in turn, provide a configuration such that a pair of vertical rails 50
 are adjoined in a substantially flush manner.
 FIG. 9 shows an assembled frame 14 with the top, intermediate, and foot
 rails 52, 54, and 56 interconnected between a pair of vertical rails 50.
 As further shown in FIG. 9, the slots 76 on the ramped portion 72 of the
 first and second side faces 64 and 66 of each vertical rail are visible
 from the front elevational view shown in FIG. 9. The first and second
 apertures 78 and 80 are provided along the vertical height of the vertical
 rail 50 of the frame 14.
 Each of the top, intermediate and foot rails 52, 54, and 56 have an
 elongated wall 94 provided with a U-shaped cross section as shown in FIG.
 9A. The elongated wall 94 preferably defines an interior chamber 96 which
 serves as a raceway for receiving electrical and data conduit 40 therein.
 A bottom portion 98 of the wall 94 has a pair of elongated, longitudinal
 ribs 99 thereon which provide reinforcement to the rails 52, 54 and 56.
 As further shown in FIG. 9, the top, intermediate and foot rails 52, 54 and
 56 can also be provided with first and second apertures 78 and 80,
 respectively, spaced along the width of the U-shaped elongated wall 94 of
 each member and configured similarly to those on the vertical rails 50. As
 shown in FIG. 9, preferably a pair of first apertures 78 are located
 adjacent each end of the members 52, 54 and 56 as well as at a central
 portion thereof. A pair of second apertures 80 are preferably located on
 either side adjacent to the first aperture 78 located at a central portion
 of each rail 52, 54 and 56. These apertures 78 and 80 can be used for
 hanging tile 16 or, if configured properly, components 18-24 intermediate
 the ends of a particular frame 14 where space requirements of either a
 tile 16 or components 18-24 so dictate.
 Each of the top, intermediate and foot rails 52, 54 and 56 can be provided
 with inwardly-extending hooks 112 extending into the interior chamber 96
 of the elongated wall 94. Further, a floor portion 98 of the elongated
 wall 94 can have a pair of spaced upstanding ribs 99 provided for
 structural reinforcement of the wall 94 as well as several spaced openings
 118 therein. Ribs 99 can also be used for off-module hanging of components
 18-24.
 The top, intermediate and foot rails 52, 54 and 56 can be welded at either
 end between a pair of vertical rails 50 having their trailing face 62
 facing toward one another so that the vertical rails 50 and top,
 intermediate and foot rails 52, 54 and 56 form an integrally welded
 structure. Alternatively, the rails 52, 54 and 56 can be removably mounted
 between a pair of aligned vertical rails 50 by a clip 100 as shown in
 FIGS. 10-11. The clip preferably comprises a plate 102 having a depending
 flange 104 provided with a laterally-extending connector 106 at a terminal
 end thereof. The connector 106 is provided with a pair of spaced-mounting
 apertures 108 adapted to receive a threaded fastener therein. An upper end
 of the plate 102 is also provided with a pair of spaced-mounting apertures
 108 as well. The clip 100 is also provided with a pair of
 forwardly-extending arms 110.
 The clip 100 is preferably mounted to a mounting aperture 93 within the
 elongated tile 90 of the trailing face 62 so that the arms 110 extend
 toward the opposing vertical rail 50 of the frame 14. The rail 52, 54 and
 56 is mounted on the arms 110 so that the hooks 112 engage over the arms
 110 to provide a secure support for mounting the rail 52, 54 and 56
 between the vertical rails 50.
 FIG. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of a stacker frame assembly 120
 mounted atop a frame 14 comprising the rails 52, 54 and 56 as previously
 described. The stacker frame assembly 120 is used to increase the height
 of a standard frame 14 when a framework of increased height is desired.
 The stacker frame assembly 120 comprises a pair of vertical rails 122
 supporting a top rail 124 therebetween at an upper end thereof. Each of
 the vertical rails 122 are provided with a reduced-diameter depending
 flange 126 which is preferably shaped to correspond with the interior of a
 vertical rail 50 as shown in greater detail in FIG. 5.
 The vertical and top rails 122 and 124 of the stacker frame assembly 120
 are preferably configured with all of the apertures and other
 discontinuities described with respect to the vertical rails 50 and top
 rail 52 of a frame 14. Further, the reduced-diameter flanges 126 which
 depend from each of the vertical rails 122 are also provided with the
 corresponding apertures and discontinuities of the vertical rail 50 of a
 frame 14 to align with those apertures and discontinuities of the vertical
 rails 50 when axially inserted therein.
 A stacker frame assembly 120 is mounted atop a frame 14 by inserting the
 reduced-diameter flanges 126 on each vertical rail 122 within an aperture
 128 located atop each vertical rail 50 of the frame 14. The
 reduced-diameter flange 126 is thereby received within the aperture and
 extends into the interior chamber 68 of the vertical rail 50 and can be
 secured thereto by fasteners 130. Alternatively, the stacker frame
 assembly 120 can be welded atop the frame 14 in a known fashion if the
 stacker frame assembly 120 is to be permanently mounted thereon.
 The top cap 28 is shown in FIGS. 1-4 and in greater detail by the cross
 section of FIG. 13. The top cap 28 comprises an elongated member 132
 having a smooth arcuate upper surface 134 and a stepped lower surface 136.
 The lower surface 136 comprises a first step 138 located adjacent each
 distal end 140 thereof and a second step 144 located slightly lower and
 inwardly than the first step 138. Each second step 144 terminates in a
 depending leg 146.
 In the cross section shown in FIG. 13, the top cap 28 is shown mounted atop
 the upper ends of a pair of vertical rails 50 along a top rail 52. The
 upper ends of the vertical rail 50 and top rail 52 are preferably located
 adjacent to the second step 144 while a tile 16 mounted to either side of
 the frame 14 preferably has an upper edge located directly adjacent the
 first step 138. The distal ends 140 preferably align with exterior
 surfaces of the tile 16. The arcuate upper surface 134 extends between the
 distal ends 140 of the top cap 28 to provide a smooth outer appearance to
 the workspace definition system 10.
 A top cap clip 148 is shown in FIG. 13 and in greater detail in FIG. 14.
 The top cap clip 148 comprises a plate 150 having upwardly-extending claw
 152 and a downwardly-extending arcuate arm spring 154. The claw 152
 preferably has a pair of outer tines 156, each provided with an
 inwardly-extending angular flange 158 and a center tine 160 which is
 preferably bent inwardly at 162 to form a C-shaped cross section. The arm
 spring 154 preferably comprises an elongated member having an
 inwardly-curved portion 164 which has an inherent resiliency.
 The top cap clip 148 is preferably mounted to each depending leg 146 into
 the claw 152 so that the outer tines 156 abut one side of the leg 146 and
 the center tine 160 is located on the opposite side thereof. The
 resilience of the tines 156 and 160 cause the leg 146 to be securely
 gripped therebetween. A top cap clip 148 is preferably mounted in a spaced
 relationship along the length of a top cap 28 to both of the depending
 legs 146 so that the curved portions 164 of the arm spring 154 on opposite
 legs 146 of the top cap 28 extend outwardly therefrom.
 The top cap 28 is mounted atop a frame 14 by urging the top cap 28 with
 attached clips 148 downwardly onto an upper surface of the vertical rails
 50 and top rail 52 so that the arm spring 154 on each leg 146 is
 compressed inwardly. As the top cap 28 is urged further downwardly onto
 the frame 14, the curved portion 164 bears against the interior surface of
 the elongated wall 94 of the top rail 52 until the curved portion 164
 lodges beneath the hooks 112 at the upper edge of the elongated wall 94.
 The curved portion 164 of the arm spring 154 of the top cap clip 148 is
 received therebeneath to retain the top cap 28 atop the frame 14.
 A support clip 166 for providing reinforcement to the top cap 28 shown in
 FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 13 atop the frame 14 is shown in FIG. 15. The support
 clip 166 comprises a plate 168 having a pair of depending ends 170 and a
 lateral edge 172 provided with a spring clip 174. The spring clip 174
 comprises a depending wall 176 interconnected to an upwardly-standing wall
 178 by a resilient bight 180. An upper end of the upwardly-extending wall
 178 can be provided with an angular flange 182 to provide a bearing
 surface 184 within a gap 186 located between the walls 176 and 178.
 The support clip 166 is provided for the purpose of supporting the top cap
 28 from collapsing along the length thereof at points in lieu of or in
 addition to the top cap clip 148. A depending leg 146 of the top cap 28
 can be inserted within the gap 186 between the walls 176 and 178 so that
 the bearing surface 184 is held against the leg 146 by the resilience of
 the bight 180. The plate 168 with depending walls 170 can thereby be
 inserted over a portion of a top rail 52, such as over upper portions of
 the elongated wall 94 thereof to support the top cap 28 atop the frame 14
 and provide further support and structural integrity thereto.
 The bump rail 58 is shown in FIG. 4 and in greater detail in FIG. 16 and
 comprises an elongated member 188 having several elongated spaced
 apertures 190 therein for accommodating the passage of wires from a
 sub-floor surface. Each longitudinal edge of the bump rail 58 is provided
 with a depending wall 192 which terminates in a laterally-extending wall
 194. Each of the walls 194 terminates in a reversibly-curled foot 196. A
 glide 200 supports the bump rail 58 above the floor so that the bump rail
 58 can be adjustably supported relative to the floor 12 so that the frame
 14 can be supported at a predetermined height. Although not shown, a base
 tile trim cover can be applied to the bump rail 58 to, in turn, protect
 the lower portion of tile 16 from personnel and/or vacuum cleaners
 inadvertently contacting such tile.
 As shown in greater detail in FIG. 4, the bump rail 58 is mounted to a
 lower surface of the frame 14 by several fasteners 198. Further, a pair of
 glides 200, which generally comprise a threaded shaft 202 and a conical
 foot 204 can also be mounted within apertures in the bump rail 58 and
 engaged within the frame 14, such as in the foot rail 56 or within an
 aperture (not shown) within a lower surface of each of the vertical rails
 50 of a frame 14.
 FIG. 17 shows a fragmentary perspective view of a first embodiment of a
 connector 210 used for interconnecting two or more adjacent frames 14 in a
 particular configuration, such as at a 90.degree., 135.degree. or
 180.degree. angular relationships with respect to an adjacent frame 14.
 The connector 210 comprises a plate 212 provided with a central aperture
 214. Several upstanding flanges 216 are provided around the periphery of
 the plate 212 at a desired angular spacing. It will be understood that a
 leading face 60 of a frame 14 can be mounted to each of the upstanding
 flanges 216 so that, depending upon the angular spacing of the flanges 216
 around the plate 212, two or more frames 14 can be supported at a desired
 angular spacing.
 Each of the upstanding flanges 216 comprises a plate 218 which has an upper
 edge 220 provided with a central indentation 222 therein. A lower edge 224
 of the central indentation 222 has a radially-extending hook 226 which, as
 shown best in FIG. 17A, extends upwardly and radially outwardly from each
 flange 216.
 Each upstanding flange 216 is also provided with a hexagonal aperture 228
 which receives a threaded sleeve 230 therein. The threaded sleeve 230 is
 provided with a pair of annular flanges 232 located on either side of a
 hexagonal surface 234 on the sleeve 230 adapted to be inserted within the
 hexagonal aperture 228 so that the annular flanges 232 abut both sides of
 the flange 216 around the hexagonal surface 234. Thus, the engagement of
 the hexagonal surface 234 within the hexagonal aperture 228 prevents the
 threaded sleeve from being rotated within the hexagonal aperture 228 while
 the abutment of the annular flanges 232 on either side of the flange 216
 prevents the sleeve 230 from being axially removed from the aperture 228.
 As best shown in FIGS. 17 and 17A, the connector 210 is mounted to two or
 more adjacent frames 14 by aligning the threaded sleeve 230 on each flange
 216 with one of the mounting apertures 88 thereon so that the hook 226
 passes into one mounting aperture 88 (i.e., flow aperture 89) and the
 threaded sleeve is aligned with another mounting aperture 88 (i.e.,
 opposed attachment aperture 91).
 The hook 226 is used to align the connector 210 with the mounting aperture
 88 on the frame 14 to ease interconnection of the connector 210 with the
 frame 14. Once the threaded sleeve 230 is aligned with the mounting
 aperture 88 and the hook 226 is passed within an adjacent mounting
 aperture 88, a fastener 236 is passed through the mounting aperture 88
 into the threaded sleeve 230 and tightened as needed. Fasteners 236 can be
 mounted within all of the threaded sleeves 230 on each of the flanges 216
 to interconnect as many frames to the connector 210 as desired. A tool
 (not shown), such as a wrench, ratchet or powered driver, can be passed
 through elliptical apertures 92 on the trailing face 62 of a vertical rail
 50 so that a head portion 238 on the fastener 236 can be engaged with the
 tool and the fastener rotated easily and quickly.
 As can be seen in FIG. 17, the first embodiment of the connector 210 is
 shown interconnecting three frames 14 at 90.degree. angles with respect to
 one another. As shown in FIG. 18, a second embodiment of the connector 210
 is shown which is adapted to interconnect a pair of frames 14 at
 90.degree. angles with respect to one another. A phantom outline portion
 of FIG. 18 shows a third embodiment of the connector 210, when combined
 with the solid line portion of FIG. 18, provides a connector 210 adapted
 to interconnect four frames 14 at 90.degree. angle with respect to one
 another. FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector showing the
 mounting of the sleeve 230 on the flange 216 in greater detail for such a
 90.degree. angle connector 210. FIG. 20 shows a fourth embodiment of the
 connector 210 adapted to interconnect a pair of frames 14 at a 135.degree.
 angle with respect to one another. It will be further understood that
 other embodiments of the connector 210 can be provided for interconnecting
 frames 14 at 90.degree., 135.degree. and 180.degree. angles with respect
 to one another. Further, other embodiments of the connector 210 can easily
 be contemplated for interconnecting two, three, four and even more frames
 14 without departing from the scope of this invention.
 FIG. 21 shows the end cover 32 for concealing a vertical joint between two
 or more adjacent frames 14 interconnected by one or more connectors 210.
 The end cover 32 comprises an elongated cover 250 provided with several
 mounting trusses 252 at spaced vertical intervals along the length of the
 cover 250. The cover 250 generally comprises an extruded member having a
 desired aesthetically-pleasing outer surface and is adapted to interfit
 between a vertical joint between two or more adjacent frames 14 to
 obstruct the interior of the joint between two or more adjacent frames 14
 from view. The trusses 252 are mounted to the cover 250 in a conventional
 manner, such as by welding, fasteners, or the detachable engagement of a
 flange 254 on the cover 250 with a mating flange 256 on the truss 252 as
 generally shown in FIG. 21. A tab 253 is provided proximate the bottom
 portion of the end cover 32, which can engage and, in turn, secure the end
 cover 32, or any other structure therebelow.
 FIGS. 22-24A show various embodiments of the cover 250 and truss 252 which
 are adapted to interfit with various embodiments of the connector 210 as
 shown in FIGS. 17-20. Each of the trusses 252 comprise a plate 258 having
 a central recess 260 preferably adapted to be aligned with the central
 aperture 214 on a connector 210. A pair of flanges 262 are located on
 either side of the recess 260 and are adapted to be received by the
 connector 210 to mount the truss 252 thereto.
 Three embodiments of the truss 252 and associated cover 250 are shown in
 FIGS. 22-24. It will be understood that each of the components 256-262 of
 the truss 252 are referred to with common reference numerals in the
 embodiments shown in FIGS. 22-24. FIG. 22 shows a truss 252 configured for
 mounting to a connector 210 for concealing a 180.degree. joint or the
 three-way joint shown in FIGS. 17 and 17A. FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of
 a truss 252 configured to conceal the vertical portion of a joint between
 a pair of frames mounted by connectors 210 at a 90.degree. angle with
 respect to one another. FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the truss 252
 configured to conceal the vertical portion of a joint between a pair of
 frames 14 mounted by connectors 210 at a 135.degree. angle with respect
 one another.
 The truss 252 can be mounted to a corresponding connector 210 between two
 or more interconnected frames 14. In particular, the flanges 262 of the
 trusses 252 can fixedly engage the plates 212 of the connectors 210.
 As shown in FIGS. 21-24A, the cover 250 can be configured as needed to
 completely conceal the joint between two or more interconnected frames 14.
 In any configuration, the cover 250 can preferably be provided with a pair
 of out-turned edges 268 which are adapted to directly abut the leading
 face 60 of a vertical rail 50 of an adjacent frame 14 so that the joint
 between two or more interconnected frames 14 is completely concealed.
 As can be seen in FIGS. 1-2 a change of height corner cover 31 can be used
 when two or more adjacent frames 14 and associated tiles 16 have different
 heights.
 The change of height of corner cover 31 allows electrical and/or data
 conduit 40 to be routed into and through such areas in a protected, yet
 non-restrictive, manner. Additionally, the change of height corner cover
 31 can perform an aesthetic function inasmuch as it provides for a
 continuous, uniform cover surface for the frames 14. FIG. 24A is a top
 plan view of the change of height corner cover 31 of FIGS. 1-2. In
 particular, FIG. 24A shows that the substantially rectangular chamber
 region 33 can readily accommodate electrical and/or data conduit 40.
 FIGS. 25-26 show an enlarged example of the corner cap 30 illustrated in
 FIGS. 1-3. The corner cap 30 has an upper surface 270 provided with a
 smooth aesthetically-pleasing surface which has peripheral edges 272
 having depending portions which are adapted to directly abut an adjacent
 top cap 28 or an upper edge of an adjacent end cover 32 to provide a
 smooth transition between these components and conceal an upper surface of
 a joint between two or more interconnected frames 14. An underside 274 of
 the corner cap 30 is provided with depending flanges 276 which depend
 downwardly from the underside 274 to further extend beyond the peripheral
 edges 272 thereof. The depending flanges 276 cooperate to define an
 alignment structure for mounting the corner cap 30 upon the upper edge of
 a joint between interconnected frames 14.
 The corner cap 30 is generally placed onto the upper surface of the joint
 between interconnected frames 14 after the frames 14 have been mounted
 together by connectors 210. The corner cap 30 is placed downwardly onto
 the upper surface of the joint so that the depending flanges 276 thereof
 abut the upper surfaces of the interconnected frames 14. For example, the
 upper surfaces of the frame 14 can be engaged within a small recess 178
 adjacent the depending flanges 276 so that the corner cap 30 securely
 rests thereon. The corner cap 30 can be placed atop a corner cover 31 and
 secured thereto by fixedly engaging the flanges 276 of the corner cap 30
 with the apertures 264 of the corner cover 31.
 FIG. 27 shows a front elevational view of a wall starter rail 290
 comprising an elongated panel tile 292 provided with several spaced sets
 of mounting apertures 294 and an elongated vertical groove 296. The
 mounting apertures 294 are preferably configured to align with the
 mounting apertures 88 provided along the leading face 60 of the vertical
 rail 50 of the frame 14.
 The wall starter rail 290 is provided for mounting a frame 14 to an
 existing wall of the workspace so that the workspace definition system 10
 can extend to, and be mounted with, the existing wall. Once the wall
 starter rail is mounted to an existing wall, the frame 14 can be placed
 adjacent the wall starter rail 290 and mounted thereto by passing
 fasteners into the aligned mounting apertures 88 and 294 in the frame 14
 and wall starter rail 290, respectively. The vertical groove 296 is
 provided so that a joint cover, such as end cover 32 or a vertical edge of
 a tile 16, can fit therein so that a smooth transition between the
 existing wall, the wall starter rail 290, and the frame 14 is provided in
 an aesthetically-pleasing manner.
 FIG. 28 shows an exploded perspective view of a tile 16 provided with
 several first clips 300 and several second clips 302 mounted to a rear
 surface 304 of the tile 16 by fasteners 306. The first clips 300 are
 preferably provided on the tile 16 to align with the first apertures 78 on
 the vertical rails 50 and top, intermediate, and foot rails 52-56 while
 the second clips 302 are provided to preferably align with the second
 apertures 80 on the vertical rails 50 and top, intermediate, and foot
 rails 52, 54 and 56. As many of the first and second clips 300 and 302 can
 be provided to securely support the tile 16 on the frame 14 with the
 engagement of the first and second clips 300 and 302 within corresponding
 first and second apertures 78 and 80, respectively, on a frame 14.
 A cross-sectional view of the first clip 300 is shown in FIG. 29 mounted to
 the rear surface 304 of the tile 16 by the fasteners 306. The first clip
 300 comprises a plate 308 provided with a pair of spaced apertures 310 for
 receiving the fasteners 306.
 An upper edge 312 of the plate 308 is provided with a laterally extending
 step 314, which terminates in an upwardly extending flange 316. An upper
 portion of the flange 316 is provided with an angularly extending flange
 318, which terminates in a curled edge 320. A lower edge 322 of the plate
 308 is provided with a laterally extending step 324, which terminates in a
 depending wall 326.
 FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the second clip 302 mounted to the
 rear surface 304 of the tile 16 by the fasteners 306. The second clip 302
 comprises a plate 328 provided with a pair of spaced apertures 330 for
 receiving the fasteners 306. A lower edge 332 of the plate 328 terminates
 in a laterally extending step 334 which, in turn, terminates in a
 downwardly and angularly extending flange 336. The flange 336 terminates
 in a reversely curled edge 338.
 A tile 16 can be mounted to a frame 14 by angularly tilting the tile 16 so
 that the first clips 300 thereon are placed forwardly toward, and aligned
 with, the first apertures 78 on a frame 14. The curled edge 320 on the
 first clips 300 are inserted within the aligned first aperture 78 as shown
 in FIG. 28A. The tile 16 is then urged angularly upwardly so that first
 clip 300 is urged therein.
 As shown in FIG. 28B, the second clip 302 is brought toward the aligned
 second aperture 80 in the frame 14 with the first clip 300 inserted within
 the first aperture 78 as shown by the arrow marked "A". The tile 16 is
 then urged downwardly, as shown by the arrow marked "B" in FIG. 28B, to
 bring the tile 16 to the rest position as shown in FIG. 28C.
 Once the tile 16 is so mounted, the upwardly extending flange 316, as
 offset from the rear surface 304 of the tile 16 by the step 314, is
 retained behind the leading face 60 of the vertical rail 50. In addition,
 the depending wall 326, as offset from the rear surface 304 of the tile 16
 by the step 324, is also retained therebehind. The second clip 302 has the
 angularly-extending flange 336 retained behind the leading face 60 of the
 vertical rail 50 as offset from the rear surface 304 of the tile 16 by the
 step 334.
 The upwardly extending flange 316 abuts against a rear surface of the
 leading face 60 of the vertical rail 50 to hold the upper portion of the
 tile 16 against the frame 14 as shown in FIG. 28C. Further, the angular
 configuration of the flange 336 on the second clip 302 acts as a "cam"
 surface to prevent a lower edge 340 of the second aperture 80 from sliding
 with respect to the step 334. Thus, the lower portion of the tile 316 is
 also tightly retained against the frame 14 because the lower edge 340 of
 the second aperture 80 is not allowed to slide rearwardly with respect to
 the frame 14. Thus, the first and second clips 300 and 302 provide a
 secure mounting of the tile 16 with respect to the frame 14 without
 requiring the use of conventional threaded fasteners between the tile 16
 and frame 14. Thus, the tile 16 can be easily removed by reversing the
 steps shown in FIGS. 28A-28C to expose the interior of the frame 14 for
 accessing the electrical and data conduit 40 routed therein.
 FIGS. 28D-I show the installation of a glass tile assembly for integration
 with the workspace definition system 10 in accordance with the present
 invention. FIG. 28D shows an exploded perspective view of a glass tile
 assembly 600 comprising a pair of vertical rails 50 having trailing faces
 60, glass tile bottom rail 602, glass material 604, vertical molding
 strips 606, horizontal molding strips 608, side brackets 610, and frames
 612. The vertical rails 50 extend generally parallel to each other, and
 the glass tile bottom rail 602 is secured between the vertical rails 50 in
 a generally perpendicular orientation. Both the vertical and horizontal
 molding strips 606 and 608, respectively, are secured to the glass
 material 604 upon complete fabrication. As will be discussed in greater
 detail below, the side brackets 610 are secured to a pair of vertical
 rails by fasteners 130. While the window has been disclosed as fabricated
 from glass material, it is likewise contemplated that any one of a number
 of polymeric resins including, but by no means limited to, acrylic resins
 are suitable for use.
 FIG. 28E shows the interconnection of a glass tile bottom rail 602 between
 a pair of vertical rails 50 in the frame of FIG. 28D, which is adapted to
 receive a bottom portion of a glass panel therein. As further shown in
 FIG. 28E, upon assembly, the glass tile bottom rail 602 is secured to the
 trailing face 601 of each vertical rail 50 by fasteners 130. The glass
 tile bottom rail 602 has a channel 614 for controllably receiving the
 lower portion of the glass material 604.
 FIG. 28F shows the mounting of a plurality of brackets 610 to the trailing
 face 601 of pair of vertical rails 50 of FIGS. 28D-28E, for receiving the
 vertical molding 606 of the glass material 604. Upon further assembly, the
 side brackets 610 are secured by fasteners 130 to one side of each of the
 vertical frames 50.
 FIG. 28G shows the angular insertion of the glass material 604 with
 associated vertical and horizontal moldings 606 and 608, respectively,
 into the channel 614 of the glass tile bottom rail 602. Once the glass
 material 604 is inserted into the glass tile bottom rail 602, the glass
 material 604 is rotated towards the vertical rail 50 until it contacts the
 plurality of previously secured side brackets 610.
 As can be seen in FIG. 28H, once the glass material 604 is positioned so
 that it contacts the plurality of side brackets 610 on one side of each of
 the vertical rails 50, a plurality of side brackets 610 are secured by
 fasteners 130 on the other lateral surface of the vertical frames 50 to,
 in turn, secure the glass material 604 between the vertical frames 50.
 FIG. 28I is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting of a pair of
 frames 612 to both sides glass tile assembly to, in turn, complete the
 assembly of the window tile. Although not shown, it will be understood
 that a conventional top cap 28 can be mounted atop the glass tile assembly
 600 for aesthetic purposes. Furthermore, inasmuch as the glass tile
 assembly utilizes vertical rails 50 as previously discussed herein, the
 glass tile assembly can readily accommodate electrical and/or data conduit
 40. Moreover, it will be further understood that a passthrough-tile
 assembly can be readily achieved by removing the glass material 604 from
 the assembly. Such a pass-through-tile assembly can be convenient for
 various tasks such as passing mail, and/or increasing airflow throughout
 the entire workspace system 10.
 FIGS. 31-32 show various configurations for the tile 16. For example, in
 FIG. 31, the tile comprises a core 350 made from a suitable material, such
 as fiberglass, having a molded overlay 352 thereon which defines an
 inwardly-extending groove 354 on the rear surface 304 of the tile 16. The
 core 350 and overlay 352 can be wrapped with various materials, such as a
 fiberglass layer 356 and an outer fabric covering 358. An edge covering
 364 can be wrapped around lateral edges of the tile 16, within the
 inwardly-extending groove 354 and rearwardly to the rear surface 304 so
 that its peripheral edge 360 is retained within a groove 362 on the rear
 surface 304.
 The fabric covering 358 can then be wrapped around the edge covering 364 so
 that a peripheral edge 366 of the fabric covering 358 is disposed within
 the inwardly-extending groove 354 as defined by the portion of the edge
 covering 364 disposed therein. A spline 368 can then be disposed within
 the groove 354 to retain the fabric covering 358 between the spline 360
 and the portion of the edge covering 364 disposed within the
 inwardly-extending groove 354.
 By these steps, the fabric covering 358 can thereby be tautly retained over
 a forward surface 370 of the tile 16 to prevent wrinkling or loosening of
 the fabric covering. Further, the removal of the spline 368 allows the
 fabric covering 358 to be easily removed to change the type and/or color
 of fabric covering 358 on a particular tile 16 so that the style or
 appearance of the tile 16 can be easily changed without requiring the
 purchase and installation of a new tile 16.
 FIG. 32 shows an alternative embodiment of the tile 16 comprising a core
 372, such as particleboard, with a foil scrim layer 374 wrapped
 therearound intermediate an outer fabric covering 376. The fabric covering
 376 of the tile 16 shown in FIG. 32 is wrapped around to the rear surface
 304 of the tile 16 and mounted thereto, such as by stapling or an
 adhesive.
 Alternatively, a tile 16 can be provided with a core material which has a
 vinyl coating adhesively mounted thereto or any other suitable covering
 known in the art to provide a desirable outer appearance to the tile 16.
 In yet another embodiment an acoustical tile can replace the conventional
 tile 16 as described herein. As shown in FIG. 32A an acoustical tile 680
 includes a fiberglass member 682 which is attached to a rear face 684 of
 the tile with a polyvinyl side extending from the exterior which overlaps
 within the inside of a surrounding frame. A light block 686 can extend
 from a lower edge of the acoustical tile 680 so that when adjacent panels
 are mounted in a vertical relationship, light is prevented from extending
 between a seam (not shown) of the tiles due to the light block emanating
 over the seam between the tiles. Alternatively, a tackable tile having a
 particulate core, which allows the tile to receive thumb tacks, push pins,
 etc., can be used instead of the tile 16.
 Other types of forward surfaces 370 can be provided to the tile 16 as
 needed, such as a wipe-away marker board surface, a window, such as glass
 or an empty "passage" frame, a molded fiberglass tile, a vinyl-covered
 tile, and other acoustical tiles as typically used with tiles of these
 types.
 FIGS. 33A-33C show the mounting of the raceway cover 34 within a gap
 between several tiles 16 mounted to a framework comprising several
 interconnected frames 14. As described above, the raceway cover 34
 generally comprises an elongated member having an opening 36 therein so
 that, when the raceway cover 34 is mounted to a frame 14, the opening 36
 can be aligned with an electrical or data socket (not shown) mounted to
 the frame 14 for interconnection with components, such as a computer,
 printer, fax machine, telephone, etc.
 The raceway cover 34 preferably has a pair of rearwardly-extending upper
 and lower edges 380 and 382, respectively, which are adapted to be mounted
 flush with adjacent edges of tile 16 and/or office components 18-24 to
 provide a smooth outer appearance to the workspace definition system 10.
 Each of the upper and lower edges 380 and 382 can be provided with a
 detent 384 thereon which is adapted to receive a raceway cover bracket
 386. The raceway cover bracket 386 is adapted to engage the detents 384 at
 the upper and lower edges 380 and 382 of the raceway cover 34 and, in
 turn, be mounted within the first and second apertures 78 and 80 on a pair
 of vertical rails 50 of a frame 14.
 The raceway cover bracket 386 comprises an elongated member 388 having a
 rearward surface provided with first and second mounting flanges 390 and
 392 and a forward surface provided with third and fourth mounting flanges
 394 and 396. The first and third mounting flanges 390 and 394 are
 preferably located adjacent an upper edge of the elongated member 388 and
 the second and fourth mounting flanges 392 and 396 are preferably located
 adjacent a lower edge of the elongated member 388. The second mounting
 flange 392 is preferably located upwardly from the fourth mounting flange
 396.
 The first mounting flange 390 comprises a pair of opposed L-shaped members
 398 and 399. The L-shaped member 398 faces upwardly and has an upper edge
 400 provided an upwardly- and angularly-extending flange 402. The
 angularly-extending flange 402 preferably extends beyond the upper edge of
 the elongated member 388 and the L-shaped member 398 and
 angularly-extending flange 402 cooperate to define a gap 404 with the
 upper portion of the elongated member 388.
 The second mounting flange 392 comprises an inverted L-shaped member 406
 which extends rearwardly and downwardly with respect to the elongated
 member 388.
 The third and fourth mounting flanges 394 and 396 are identical members but
 disposed in an opposing relationship so that the fourth mounting flange
 396 is a mirror image of the third mounting flange 394. Thus, common
 reference numerals are described with respect to each. The third and
 fourth mounting flanges 394 and 396 comprises a laterally-extending plate
 408 which has a detent 410 on an outer distal edge 412 thereof. The detent
 410 extends upwardly from the third mounting flange 394 and extends
 downwardly from the fourth mounting flange 396 as shown FIG. 33A.
 A pair of brackets 386 can be mounted to a pair of vertical rails 50 in a
 frame 14 as best shown in FIG. 33B. The bracket 386 is brought toward a
 first and a second aperture 78 and 80 in the vertical rail 50 in an
 angular position so that the first mounting flange 390 is tilted toward
 the first aperture 78 in the vertical rail 50. The angularly-extending
 flange 402 is inserted within the first aperture 78 so that an upper edge
 of the first aperture 78 travels within the gap 404 between the first
 mounting flange 390 and the elongated member 388 of the bracket 386. When
 the first mounting flange 390 has been inserted a sufficient extent within
 the first aperture 78, the second mounting flange 392 is pivoted toward
 the second aperture 80 so that the second mounting flange 392 passes
 within the second aperture 80 until the bracket 386 is retained in a
 generally vertical position.
 As best shown in FIG. 33C, the bracket 386 is then urged downwardly so that
 the L-shaped member 399 of the first mounting flange 390 engages over a
 corner edge of the first aperture 78 and the second mounting flange 394
 engages over a lower edge of the second aperture 80. The L-shaped member
 398 of the first mounting flange 390 is retained against the rearward
 surface of the leading face 60 of the vertical rail 50 so that the bracket
 386 is prevented from moving laterally with respect to the vertical rail
 50. Another bracket 386 can be mounted on an opposite side of the frame 14
 to a pair of first and second apertures 78 and 80 as well.
 The raceway cover 34 can then be snap-mounted to the pair of brackets 386
 located on either side of the frame 14 by urging the detent 384 on the
 upper and lower edges 380 and 382 over the detents 410 on the third and
 fourth mounting flanges 394 and 396 so that the detent 384 is frictionally
 engaged behind the detent 410. Preferably, the opening 36 in the raceway
 cover 34 is aligned with a data or electrical socket (not shown) in a
 circuit provided by the data and electrical conduit 40 running throughout
 the workspace definition system IO so that an occupant of the workspace
 definition system 10 can easily interconnect various office components to
 the electrical and data conduit 40.
 FIG. 33D shows an alternative embodiment of the raceway cover 34 and
 bracket 386 whereby the bracket 386 includes a hinged portion 414 which
 pivotally mounts to a socket 416 on the raceway cover 34 so that, when the
 bracket 386 is mounted to a pair of vertical rails 50 of a frame 14, the
 interior of the frame 14 can be accessed by pivoting the raceway cover 34
 to an open position.
 FIG. 33E shows an alternative embodiment of the raceway cover 34 provided
 with a pair of upper and lower vertical brackets 700 and 702,
 respectively, for receiving communication socket hardware and a slidable
 receptacle cover 704 disposed within longitudinal channels 706 on the
 raceway cover 34 which is adapted to be secured to a frame 14 (shown in
 dashed lines) of the workspace definition system 10 by the bracket shown
 in FIGS. 33A-33D. The brackets in accordance with FIG. 33E mount the
 access panel 34 for slidable movement between an opened and closed
 position, whereby in the open position, electrical and data conduit 40
 passing within the framework, such as within one of the horizontal rails
 52, 54 and 56, can be accessed.
 FIG. 33F shows an additional alternative embodiment of the raceway cover 34
 of FIG. 33E wherein hinge brackets 708 pivotally mount the raceway cover
 34 for movement between an open and a closed position and horizontal
 electrical brackets 710 receiving electrical and data communications
 hardware. Brackets 708 and 710 can be secured to their respective rails by
 fasteners 130.
 FIG. 34 shows a worksurface 24 in cross section. The worksurface 24 is
 provided with a peripheral groove 420 which extends inwardly from a
 vertical edge 422 of the worksurface 24. The peripheral groove and
 vertical edge 420 and 422 cooperate to define a receiving surface for an
 edge molding 424. The worksurface 24, having upper and lower surfaces 426
 and 428, respectively, cooperates with an exterior surface 430 of the edge
 molding 424 to define a "soft" or contoured vertical sidewall to the
 worksurface 24.
 This contoured edge serves both to increase the aesthetics of the
 worksurface 24 as well as provide a function, if made from a soft or
 resilient material, of preventing an occupant of the workspace definition
 system 10 from injury while sitting adjacent a worksurface 24. This safety
 feature is provided because any sharp corners, such as those shown at 432
 inbetween the upper surface 426 and vertical edge 422 and the lower
 surface 428 and the vertical edge 422, are given a smooth transition
 between the upper surface 426 and the lower surface 428, thus concealing
 the corners 432.
 The molded edge 424 is shown in FIG. 35 removed from the worksurface 24
 comprising a convex upper surface 434 which arcs downwardly and terminates
 in a concave lower surface 436 defining the exterior surface 424 thereof.
 A rearward surface 438 of the edge molding 424 is provided with a
 rearwardly-extending flange 440. The flange 440 preferably comprises an
 elongated member 442 provided with several reversely-angled resilient
 detents 444 which terminate in a conical surface 446 thereon.
 The edge molding 424 is mounted to the receiving surface of the worksurface
 24 defined by the peripheral groove 420 and vertical edge 422 by inserting
 the flange 440 on the rearward surface 338 of the edge molding 424 within
 the peripheral groove 420 until the rearward surface 438 of the edge
 molding 424 abuts the vertical edge 424 of the worksurface 24. As the
 flange 440 is inserted within the peripheral groove 420, the detents 444
 on the flange 440 frictionally engage surfaces defining the peripheral
 groove 420. The reverse angle of the detents 440 allow the flange 440 of
 the edge molding 424 to be inserted into the peripheral groove 420 with
 ease, however, if the edge molding 424 is attempted to be pulled out of
 the peripheral groove 420, the detents 444 flex against the movement of
 the flange 440 out of the peripheral groove 420 making the removal of the
 edge molding 424 from its engagement with the worksurface 24 difficult.
 FIG. 36 shows an alternative embodiment of the edge molding 448 provided
 with a flange 450 extending from a rearward surface 452 of the edge
 molding 448. The flange 450 is preferably configured similarly to the
 flange 440 shown with respect to the first embodiment of the edge molding
 424 of FIGS. 34-35. The edge molding 448 is mounted within a peripheral
 groove 420 of a worksurface 24 in the same manner and differs only in
 shape from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 34-35. The edge molding 448 is
 defined by a generally flat cross section which has rounded upper and
 lower edges 454 and 456 as shown in FIG. 36.
 FIGS. 37-39 show various embodiments of brackets 42 used to mount a
 worksurface 24 to a frame 14. FIG. 37 shows a bracket 42 comprising a
 triangular body 460 having an upper leg and a vertical leg 462 and 464,
 respectively, preferably disposed at right angles with respect to one
 another and a hypotenuse leg 466 extending between the distal ends
 thereof. The upper leg 462 and hypotenuse leg 466 are preferably provided
 with laterally-extending plates 468 provided for the purpose of increasing
 the structural integrity of the triangular body 460 and, in the case of
 the upper leg 462, providing a mounting aperture 470 for receiving a
 fastener which extends through the mounting aperture 470 and into a
 worksurface 24. Alternatively, an underside of a worksurface 24 can be
 provided with a depending flange sized to pass within the mounting
 aperture 470 when the worksurface 24 is placed thereon.
 The vertical leg 464 is preferably provided with several angled hooks 472,
 often referred to as vertical hanging intelligence, which are adapted to
 be received within the slots 76 the ramped portion 72 of a vertical rail
 50 of a frame 14. When the hooks 472 are mounted within the slots 72 of a
 vertical rail 50, the triangular body 460 of the bracket 42 preferably
 extends in cantilever fashion from the vertical rail 50 of the frame 14 so
 that the upper leg 462 is positioned to receive a worksurface 24.
 FIG. 38 shows a second embodiment of the bracket 42 shown comprising an
 L-shaped body 474 adapted to wrap around a vertical edge of a tile 16. The
 body 474 has a rearward edge 476 provided with several slots 478
 configured in the same angled configuration as the hooks 472 of the
 embodiment of the bracket 42 shown in FIG. 37. An upper edge 480 of the
 L-shaped body 474 is provided with a forwardly-extending plate 482.
 The plate 482 preferably extends in cantilever fashion from the upper edge
 480 of the L-shaped body 474 and is provided with several mounting
 apertures 484. As shown in FIG. 38, the mounting apertures 484 are adapted
 to receive fasteners 486 which extend through the apertures 484 into the
 worksurface 24 to securely mount the plate 482 to the underside of the
 worksurface 24. The hooks 478 on the L-shaped body 474 are inserted within
 the slots 76 on a vertical rail 50 as described with the previous
 embodiments of the bracket 42 shown in FIG. 37.
 The advantage of the embodiment of the bracket 42 shown in FIG. 38 is that
 the L-shaped body 474 can rest directly upon a corner edge of the tile 16
 whereby the mounting of a worksurface 24 (or any other office component)
 can be accomplished with a minimum of exposure of the bracket 42 to an
 occupant of the workspace definition system 10. Rather, the L-shaped body
 474 can be inserted through a seam between adjacent tiles 16 mounted to a
 frame 14 to engage the hooks 478 within the slots 76 on a corresponding
 vertical rail 50.
 A third embodiment of the bracket 42 is shown in FIG. 39 comprising a first
 portion 490 and a second portion 492 whereby the second portion 492 is
 adapted to be detachably mounted to the first portion 490 to allow the
 second portion 490 to be removed from engagement therewith.
 The first portion 490 of the third embodiment of the bracket 42 comprises a
 plate 494 provided with a pair of raised channels 496 therein. The
 channels 496 are preferably oriented in a vertical direction and are
 adapted to receive a mating bracket of the second portion 492. Each of the
 channels 496 defines a slot 498 which terminates at a lower end thereof in
 a stop 500 which delimits a lower limit of travel of the second portion
 492 within each channel 496.
 The second portion 492 of the third embodiment of the bracket 42 shown in
 FIG. 39 comprises a plate 502 provided with several apertures 504 therein
 which are adapted to receive fasteners 506 for mounting the second portion
 492 to the underside of a worksurface 24 as shown in FIG. 39. A rearward
 edge 508 of the plate 502 is provided with a pair of depending flanges 510
 preferably aligned with the channels 496 on the first portion 490 of the
 bracket 42. A depending central flange 512 is located between the
 depending flanges 510 and is preferably forwardly offset from a vertical
 plane of the depending flanges 510. The central flange 512 is provided to
 abut the plate 494 of the first portion 490 of the bracket 42 to provide a
 more secure mounting of the second portion 492 to the first portion 490.
 The second portion 492 of the bracket 42, when mounted to a worksurface 24
 by the fasteners 506, can be detachably mounted within the channels 496 of
 the first portion 490 by sliding the depending flanges 510 within the
 slots 498 within each channel 496 so that the offset central flange 512
 abuts the plate 494 and prevents rotation of the second portion 492 with
 respect to the first portion 490 and also prevents bending of the flanges
 510 and 512 as well.
 The first portion 490 of the bracket 42 shown in FIG. 39 can be mounted to
 the frame 14 of the workspace definition system IO in several ways.
 Preferably, an upper edge 514 of the first portion 490 of the bracket 42
 is provided with a hook 516 which is adapted to be passed over an upper
 edge of a tile 16 and engaged over an upper edge of a top, intermediate or
 foot rail 52, 54, and 56. Thus, as shown in FIG. 39, the first portion 490
 can be removably mounted to the frame 14 between a pair of adjacent tiles
 16 and the second portion 492 can be mounted to the first portion 490 to
 support a worksurface 24 in cantilever fashion with respect to a
 particular frame 14 within the workspace definition system 10.
 In any event, with respect to the bracket 42 shown in FIGS. 37-39, a
 worksurface 24 can have a distal end supported by a leg 26 as shown in
 FIGS. 1-2 to prevent undue strain or torsion imparted to the brackets 42.
 However, it has been found that any of the brackets 42 shown in FIGS.
 37-39 are adequate to support a worksurface 24 under normal use conditions
 of the workspace definition system 10.
 Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the workspace definition system 10 can be laid
 out in any desired manner to further subdivide an open workspace area. It
 should be understood that the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1-3 is by example
 only and any particular configuration of the workspace definition system
 10 shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting. Rather, it
 is a feature of this invention that the workspace definition system 10 can
 be constructed and rearranged easily with a minimum of effort.
 Further, as best shown in FIG. 2, electrical and data conduit 40 can be
 routed throughout the workspace definition system 10 such as by laying the
 electrical and data conduit 40 within the top, intermediate and foot rails
 52, 54, and 56, respectively. Further, the electrical and data conduit 40
 can be routed between various vertical levels of the interconnected frames
 14 by passing the electrical data conduit 40 through the central apertures
 in the connectors 210 and trusses 252 as described above to further aid
 the routed of electrical and data conduit throughout the workspace
 definition system 10. In addition, the vertical rails 50 of the frames 14
 have several apertures therein for routing the electrical and data conduit
 laterally between interconnected frames 14. Moreover, electrical and/or
 data conduit 40 can be accommodated in the open space of the frame 14 and
 can be routed using virtually any vector.
 Various embodiments of the tile 16 can be easily mounted to the frames 14
 interconnected by the connectors 210 to create a subdivided workspace as
 shown in FIG. 1. The mounting of the tile 16 is affected by the first and
 second clips 300 and 302 as described above and as shown in FIGS. 28A-28C.
 As best shown in FIG. 2, the interconnected frames 14 often have gaps
 between front and rear surfaces of a frame 14 and between adjacent tiles
 14. An upper surface of a frame 14 can be enclosed by a top cap 28 as
 described above while an upper surface of a joint between interconnected
 frames 14 can be enclosed by a corner cap 30 as previously described.
 Vertical gaps of a frame 14 can be enclosed by an end cap 32. Office
 components, such as overhead bins 18, shelves 20, pedestals or file
 cabinets 22 and worksurfaces 24, can be hung from the frame 14 to further
 increase the utility of the workspace definition system 10.
 For areas frequently accessed by the occupants of the workspace definition
 system 10 to access the electrical and data conduit 40 routed throughout
 the system 10, removable or pivotal raceway covers 34 can be mounted on
 brackets 386 and be provided with openings 36 which communicate with
 electrical or data sockets (not shown) operably interconnected with the
 electrical and data conduit 40 routed throughout the system 10.
 It is readily apparent from a review of the specification and examination
 of the drawings that the workspace definition system 10 provides easy
 access to electrical and data conduit routed throughout the system 10
 combined with easy reconfiguration and rearrangement of the layout of the
 system 10 with a minimum of cost and effort.
 FIG. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of a filler panel assembly 522
 having a top rail 52, intermediate rail 54 and foot rail 56 extending in
 generally horizontal fashion between a pair of substantially vertical
 rails 50 so that the frame 14 has a generally rectangular configuration.
 The frame 14 is shown as also having a bump rail 58 with a ground engaging
 glide 200, mounted to the base of a pair of vertical rails 50, and a foot
 rail 56 to provide stability to the frame 14 and to support the frame 14
 in a free-standing capacity on the floor surface 12. The filler panel
 assembly 522 further includes a plurality of threaded rods 518 which
 extend generally parallel to the top rail 52, the intermediate rail 54,
 and the bottom rail 56. The threaded rods 518 are secured, on one end, to
 a filler bump rail 520 by threaded apertures 524. The filler bump rail 520
 can be secured to a vertical surface by any one of a number of
 conventional fasteners 530. A pair of base tile trim pieces 532 can be
 slidably secured to the distal edges of the filler bump rail 520. It will
 be understood that the threaded rods 518 can be secured to any vertical
 surface having compatible threaded apertures to be secured thereto. The
 threaded rods 518 are also secured to the leading face 60 of one of the
 vertical rails 50. Specifically, a portion of the threaded rods 518 extend
 through either one of the two mounting apertures 88, which are fixed in
 position by a plurality of washers 526 and at least two nuts 528. The
 distance between the vertical rail 50 and the filler bump rail 520 can be
 adjusted simply by rotating the nuts which secure the threaded rod 518 to
 the vertical rail 50. Once the appropriate distance between the filler
 bump rail 520 and the vertical rail 50 is established, the tiles 16 can be
 cut down the a conforming width and secured onto the frame 14 in any one
 of a number of conventional manners specified here within. After the
 desired width has been achieved, a top cap 28 can be secured atop the top
 rail for aesthetic purposes.
 FIG. 41 shows an exploded perspective view of a stackable filler panel
 assembly 534 mounted atop a frame 14 comprising rails 50-56 as previously
 described in FIG. 40 herein. The stackable filler panel assembly 534 is
 used to increase the height of a frame 14 of a filler panel assembly 522
 when a framework of increased height is desired. The stackable filler
 panel assembly 522 comprises a pair of vertical rails 122 supporting a top
 rail 124 there between at an upper end thereof. Each of the vertical rails
 122 are provided with a reduced diameter depending flange 126 which is
 preferably shaped to correspond with the interior of a vertical rail 50 as
 shown in FIG. 40. The stackable filler panel assembly 534 further includes
 a plurality of threaded rods 518 which extend generally parallel to the
 top rail 52, the intermediate rail 54, and the bottom rail 56. The
 threaded rods 518 are secured, on one end, to a filler bump rail stacker
 536 by threaded apertures 524. The filler bump rail stacker 536 can be
 secured to a vertical surface by any one of a number of conventional
 fasteners 530. It will be understood that the threaded rod 518 can be
 secured to any vertical surface having compatible threaded apertures to be
 secured thereto. The threaded rods 518 are also secured by one of the
 vertical rails 126. Specifically, a portion of the threaded rods 518
 extend through either one of the two mounting apertures 88, which arc
 fixed in position by a plurality of washers 526 and at least two nuts 528.
 The distance between the vertical rail 122 and the filler bump rail 520
 can be adjusted simply by rotating the nuts which secure the threaded rod
 518 to the vertical rail 122. Once the appropriate distance between the
 filler bump rail stacker 536 and the vertical rail 122 is established, the
 tiles 16 can be cut down the a conforming width and secured onto the frame
 14 in any one of a number of conventional manners specified herewithin.
 After the desired width has been achieved, a top cap 28 can be secured on
 top of the top rail 124 for aesthetic purposes.
 FIGS. 42A-H show how two frames 14 of the workspace definition system 10
 can be interconnected in a perpendicular fashion intermediate the ends of
 each of the frames 14. In particular, FIG. 42A shows the bump rail 58 of
 FIG. 16 with the addition of a bottom bracket 620 thereon for the
 interconnection of one frame intermediate the ends of an adjacent frame in
 a perpendicular fashion. A portion of the bottom bracket 620 is received
 in a bump rail aperture 636 of the bump rail 58. The bottom bracket 620 is
 then secured to the bump rail 58 by fasteners 130.
 FIG. 42B shows the upper corner portion of a vertical rail 50 of a frame 14
 highlighting the attachment of an upper bracket 622 thereto for completing
 the mid-panel installation of one frame to another. In particular, a
 threaded stud 626 of the upper bracket 622 is received by one of the
 mounting apertures 88 of the vertical rail 50. The mounting apertures
 include a flow drill aperture 89 and a clearance aperture 91.
 Subsequently, a nut 630 engages the threaded stud 626 to, in turn, secure
 the upper bracket 622 to the vertical rail 50 of the frame 14.
 FIG. 42C shows the placement of one frame 14 having the upper bracket 622
 of FIG. 42B adjacent and perpendicular to another frame. In particular,
 the frame 14 without the upper bracket 622 is moved towards the frame 14
 with the upper bracket 622, so that the upper bracket 622 engages the
 frame rail groove 638 of the frame 14 without the upper bracket 622. FIG.
 42D shows a lower portion of the frame 14 highlighting the alignment and
 placement of the frame of FIG. 42C adjacent and perpendicular to another
 frame.
 FIG. 42E is a fragmentary perspective view showing the mounting of a lower
 portion of the frame 14 intermediate the ends of an adjacent frame 14.
 Once the bump rail 58 of the frame 14 with the bottom bracket 620 is
 operatively aligned and contacts the vertical rail 50 of the frame 14
 without the bottom bracket 620, both frames 14 are secured by a fastener
 is 130 through a first aperture 632 (shown in FIG. 42H) of the bottom
 bracket 620.
 FIG. 42F shows the completed mounting of an upper bracket of FIG. 42B over
 an upper portion of a vertical rail 50 of an adjacent frame 14. After both
 frames 14 are operatively aligned, as shown in FIG. 42B, the upper bracket
 622 is secured to the frame 14 using a pair of fasteners 130 which extend
 through a pair of apertures 634 (not shown).
 FIG. 42G show the upper bracket 622 of FIGS. 42B, 42C and 42F highlighting
 the engagement portions for one frame and an adjacent frame in greater
 detail, including primary and secondary flanges 640 and 642, respectively.
 FIG. 42H shows the bottom bracket 620 of FIGS. 42A, 42D and 42E
 highlighting the interconnecting portions for the adjacent frames in
 greater detail, as well as first and second apertures 632 and 634,
 respectively.
 FIG. 43A shows an upper, terminal portion of a frame 14 provided with a
 starter rail 650 adapted to interface with the vertical rail 652 and, in
 turn, with the frame of another workspace definition system, such as those
 commercially available from Trendway Corporation, and which comprise a
 series of frames interconnected in a manner similar to that described
 herein. To secure a frame 14 of the present invention to a prior art
 frame, a connector 210 (as shown in FIG. 17) can be used to secure the
 vertical rail 50 to a starter rail 650 at a complementary angle. The
 starter rail 650 can be then aligned with the vertical rail 652 of the
 prior art system as shown in FIG. 431B. Once both the starter rail 650 and
 the prior art vertical rail 652 are aligned, a living hinge 658 is
 slidably mounted to channels 654 and 656, respectively. FIG. 43C is
 provided merely for illustrative purposes and shows an enlarged
 cross-sectional view of the starter rail 650 of FIGS. 43A-43B for
 providing a secure mounting between the frame of the workspace definition
 system described herein and the prior art workspace definition system.
 FIGS. 44A-E show an intermediate (non-terminal) interconnection of a frame
 14 in accordance with the present invention to the terminal end of a prior
 art frame. In particular, FIG. 44A shows a top bracket 670 which is
 sliding mounted onto the upper portion of a vertical rail 652 and, in
 turn, a frame of a prior art workspace definition system. FIG. 44B shows
 the top bracket 670 mounted to the vertical rail 652 of the prior art
 workspace definition system perpendicular and adjacent to the frame 14 of
 the workspace definition system of the invention described herein. As can
 be seen in FIG. 44C, once top bracket 670 is mounted on the top rail 52 of
 the present invention, the bracket 670 is secured thereto by a pair of
 fasteners 130. After the top bracket is secured, a bottom bracket 672,
 which is mounted to the bump rail 58, is placed adjacent to a glide 674 of
 the prior art frame . As shown in FIG. 44E, the bottom bracket 672 is then
 received over the glide 674 of the prior art workspace definition system
 and secured thereto by a pair of fasteners 130.
 When electrical and/or data conduit 40 is received from an elevated
 resource, such as a ceiling, a power pole can be integrated into the
 workspace definition system for both safety and aesthetic purposes. As
 shown in FIG. 45A, a power pole 800 can extend between a ceiling surface
 801 and a top rail 52 of the workspace definition system 10 described
 herein and interconnected thereto by a short bracket 802 and a long
 bracket 804. As shown in FIG. 45B a two-piece trim cover 806 can be used
 to conceal the interface between the power pole 800 of FIG. 45A and the
 ceiling surface 801. The two-piece cover 806 includes an aperture region
 812 for accommodating electrical and/or data conduit 40. The two-piece
 cover 806 has a pair of tabs 810 that are lockably received in a pair of
 slots 808.
 FIG. 45C shows the power pole 800 of FIG. 45A comprising a C-shaped channel
 and a snap-fit cover 816 for mounting thereto and also showing an
 interconnection of the short and long brackets 802 and 804 respectively,
 which are secured by fasteners 130 to a lower portion thereof.
 FIG. 45D shows a top cap 814 (similar to that in FIG. 13) provided with a
 recessed region 817, which is adapted to accommodate a lower portion of
 the power pole 800 of FIGS. 45A-45C to conceal the interface between the
 power pole 800 and the frame 14 of the workspace definition system 10.
 While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be
 understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since
 modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in
 light of the foregoing teachings. Reasonable variation and modification
 are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure of the invention
 without departing from the spirit of the invention.