Abstract:
A partition system for subdividing a building space includes a spine partition having a horizontal frame member defining a first horizontal row of apertures for supporting a furniture unit, and a floor channel configured to stably engage a floor surface and supporting the partition. The floor channel defines a second horizontal row of apertures corresponding to the first horizontal row of apertures for supporting the furniture unit. A fin partition has an end positioned adjacent a front of the spine partition at an off-module position located between vertical side edges of the spine panel, with a top and bottom of the end attached to selected apertures in the first and second rows of apertures. A method related to the above is also claimed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/579,614, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,035, filed Dec. 26, 1995, issued May 5, 1998 and entitled PARTITION SYSTEM. The present application further is related to the following commonly assigned U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,034, filed Dec. 30, 1994, issued May 5, 1998 and entitled PARTITION SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,650, filed on Dec. 26, 1995, issued Apr. 12, 1998 and entitled PARTITION SYSTEM; U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,843, filed Dec. 30, 1994, issued Jul. 28, 1998 and entitled INTEGRATED PREFABRICATED FURNITURE SYSTEM FOR FITTING-OUT OPEN PLAN BUILDING SPACE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,708, filed May 25, 1995, issued Sep. 22, 1998 and entitled INTEGRATED PREFABRICATED FURNITURE SYSTEM FOR FITTING-OUT OPEN PLAN BUILDING SPACE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,001, filed Jul. 26, 1996, issued Oct. 6, 1998 and entitled PARTITION CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING INTERCONNECTION SYSTEM AND REMOVABLE COVERS; U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,325, filed Aug. 22, 1996, issued Apr. 6, 1999 and entitled RECONFIGURABLE SYSTEM FOR SUBDIVIDING BUILDING SPACE AND HAVING MINIMAL FOOTPRINT; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,834, filed Nov. 13, 1997, issued Aug. 31, 1999 and entitled PARTITION CONSTRUCTION. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to partition systems supported on floor channels where the floor channel stably engages a floor, and more particularly relates to a partition system having a partition attached to a floor channel where the floor channel includes attachment points for interconnecting furniture units, such as additional partitions or accessories, to the partition in locations in front of the partition. 
     Portable partition systems for open office spaces, and other similar settings, are well known in the art. Individual partition panels are interconnected in different configurations to form separate offices, work stations or work settings. The partition panels are extremely durable, and can be readily disassembled and reassembled into alternative configurations to meet the ever-changing needs of the user. Examples of such partition systems are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,822,146; 3,831,330; and 4,144,924, which are owned by Steelcase Inc., the assignee of the present application. 
     The finishing or fitting-out of building spaces for offices, medical treatment facilities, and other similar environments has become a very important aspect of effective space planning and layout. Work patterns, technology, and business organizations are constantly evolving and changing. The building space users require products which facilitate change at lower costs. Space planning is no longer a static problem. Changing technology and changing work processes demand that a design and installation be able to support and anticipate change. However, often the existing partition systems are limited in their ability to be reconfigured, thus limiting the number and size of different office arrangements that can be constructed, and limiting the speed with which changes can be made. 
     Consequently, a fully integrated prefabricated furnishing system has been developed to finish or fit-out both new and existing open plan building spaces. One requirement of this integrated furnishing system is a freestanding portable partition system that has enhanced utility carrying capabilities while still facilitating quick and accurate reconfiguration. Concurrently, it is desired to provide a panel connection system having increased flexibility for interconnecting reconfigurable partition panels in office layouts. For example, a partition panel connection system is desired that allows use of standardized base partition panels and that facilitates accurate positioning of the partition panels even where the dimensions of the office layouts are not multiples of the base partition panel width dimension. Additional functionality of the connection system is also desired, such as to permit removing a partition panel from attachment to another panel without having to disassemble both panels. Concurrently, an attachment system is needed that permits quick attachment of a “fin” partition perpendicularly to a main run of “spine” partitions, where the attachment system provides secure attachment but does not require multiple parts and does not detract from the overall appearance of the partition system. 
     Thus, a wall construction solving the aforementioned problems and providing the aforementioned functionalities is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a partition system for subdividing a building space includes a partition having a horizontal frame member defining a first horizontal row of discrete attachment points for supporting a furniture unit, and a floor channel configured to stably engage a floor surface and supporting the partition. The floor channel defines a second horizontal row of discrete attachment points corresponding to the first horizontal row of discrete attachment points for supporting the furniture unit. 
     In another aspect, a partition system includes a partition having a bottom, and a floor channel engaging the bottom and adapted to stably support the partition on a floor surface, the floor channel including a horizontal row of discrete attachment points extending horizontally along the floor channel in a location generally under the partition for supporting a furniture unit adjacent the partition. 
     In another aspect, an elongated floor channel for supporting a partition includes a bottom flange configured to stably engage a floor surface, a second flange configured to engage and support a partition, and side flanges located on opposing sides of the bottom flange that each define a horizontal row of discrete attachment points configured to receive brackets for connecting a furniture unit to the floor channel. The arrangement allows the furniture unit to be supported adjacent the floor surface in a selected off-module position along the floor channel. 
     In another aspect, a method comprises steps of providing a floor channel having a first horizontal row of discrete attachment points, providing a spine partition having a second horizontal row of discrete attachment points, and providing a second partition. The method further includes supporting the spine partition on the floor channel with the first and second horizontal row of discrete attachment points spaced vertically apart, and attaching the second partition to selected points in the first and second horizontal row of discrete attachment points. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an integrated prefabricated furniture system, which includes a partition panel and related system embodying the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partition panel embodying the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the partition panel wherein portions thereof have been broken away to reveal internal construction; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a base panel portion of the partition panel having a frame with removable cover panels; 
     FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, rear elevational view of the cover panel showing a mounting clip thereon; 
     FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the cover panel shown in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the mounting clip; 
     FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of a cover panel shown mounted on the base panel frame; 
     FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the base panel frame; 
     FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the base panel frame; 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the base panel frame; 
     FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a horizontal stringer portion of the base panel frame; 
     FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, bottom plan view of the horizontal stringer shown in FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the stringer shown in FIGS. 12 and 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, rear elevational view of the horizontal stringer shown in FIGS. 12-14. 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded, perspective view of a stacker panel portion of the partition panel having a frame with removable cover panels; 
     FIG. 17 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the stacker panel frame; 
     FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the stacker panel frame; 
     FIG. 19 is a fragmentary, bottom plan view of the stacker panel frame; 
     FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the stacker panel frame; 
     FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a stacker panel frame mounted on a base panel frame; 
     FIG. 22 is an enlarged, fragmentary front elevational view of a connection between the stacker panel frame and base frame shown in FIG. 21; 
     FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the interconnected base frame and stacker panel frame shown in FIG. 21; 
     FIG. 24 a  is a fragmentary, top panel view of a pair of partition panels interconnected in an in-line or side-by-side relationship; 
     FIG. 24 b  is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the in-line partition panels shown in FIG. 24 a;    
     FIG. 25 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of adjacent horizontal stringers in the in-line partition panels shown in FIGS. 24 a  and  24   b;    
     FIG. 26 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the adjacent horizontal stringers in the in-line panels of FIG. 25, shown before installation of a panel-to-panel clip; 
     FIG. 27 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the in-line horizontal stringers shown in FIG. 27, with a panel-to-panel clip shown partially installed therein; 
     FIG. 28 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the in-line horizontal stringers shown in FIG. 27, with the panel-to-panel connector clip shown fully installed; 
     FIG. 29 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the in-line horizontal stringers shown in FIG. 27, with the panel-to-panel connector clip shown fully installed; 
     FIG. 29 a  is a perspective view of a panel-to-panel base clamp; 
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of three of the partition panels, of which two are interconnected in-line, and one is interconnected at an angle or branched to the in-line panels; 
     FIG. 31 is a partially schematic, top plan view of the panels shown in FIG. 30, wherein the branched panel can be interconnect anywhere along the in-line panels; 
     FIG. 32 is a fragmentary, top-plan view of the panels shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, wherein portions thereof have been broken away to reveal internal construction; 
     FIG. 33 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the panels shown FIG. 32; 
     FIG. 34 is a perspective view of another integrated prefabricated partition system, which includes a partition panel system and a connection system embodying the present invention; 
     FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of a space frame of a base partition panel embodying the present invention; 
     FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the space frame shown in FIG. 35; 
     FIG. 37 is a plan view of the horizontally extending top frame member of the space frame shown in FIG. 36; 
     FIG. 38 is an end view of the top frame member shown in FIG. 37; 
     FIG. 39 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of an end of the top frame member shown in FIG. 35, including the first in-line connector attached thereto; 
     FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a telescopeable bracket of a second in-line connector shown in FIG. 35; 
     FIG. 41 is a fragmentary perspective view of the other end of the top frame member shown in FIG. 35, including the second in-line connector attached thereto; 
     FIG. 42 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the space frame of the base partition panel shown in FIG. 36, including an optional cover support frame member; 
     FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a bracket for securing the optional cover support frame member to the base panel shown in FIG. 42; 
     FIG. 44 is a fragmentary perspective view of the optional cover support frame member shown in FIG. 42; 
     FIG. 45 is a fragmentary end elevational view of the base panel shown in FIG. 42; 
     FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view of an off-module connector for interconnecting base partition panels in a T-shaped arrangement; 
     FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the off-module connector shown in FIG. 46; 
     FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the off-module connector attached to a first partition panel at an intermediate location between the vertical side edges of the first partition panel, the off-module connector being positioned to matingly receive and engage an in-line connector on a second partition panel for interconnecting the second partition panel to the first partition panel in an off-module position; 
     FIG. 49 is an end elevational view of the T-shaped arrangement of base panels shown in FIG. 48; 
     FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a space frame of the stacking partition panel shown in FIG. 34; 
     FIG. 51 is a partially exploded view of the stacking partition panel shown in FIG. 50; 
     FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the stacking connector engaging the top frame member of a base partition panel, the stacking panel being removed to more clearly show the engagement of the stacking connector to the top frame member of the base partition panel; 
     FIG. 53 is a perspective view comparable to FIG. 52, but with the stacking connector engaging the top frame member of the base partition panel; 
     FIG. 53A is a fragmentary perspective view comparable to FIG. 53, but showing the bottom horizontal frame members of the top stacker frame and the top horizontal frame member of the bottom frame; 
     FIG. 54 is an exploded perspective view of the clamping members and clamping actuator for the stacking connector shown in FIG. 53; 
     FIG. 55 is a perspective view comparable to FIG. 54, but with the clamping members and clamping actuator being shown in an assembled position; 
     FIG. 56 is a front view of a clamping member shown in FIG. 55; 
     FIG. 57 is a side cross-sectional view taken along the plane LVII—LVII in FIG. 56; 
     FIG. 58 is a fragmentary elevational view of a stacked assembly including a base partition panel and a stacking partition panel; 
     FIG. 59 is a fragmentary end view of the stacked assembly shown in FIG. 58; 
     FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the cover support connector shown in FIG. 42; 
     FIG. 61 is a side cross-sectional view of the cover support connector shown in FIG. 61; 
     FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the interior side of a cover for covering a base panel; 
     FIG. 63 is a fragmentary perspective view of the top member of the marginal frame of the cover shown in FIG. 62; 
     FIG. 64 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the plane LXIV—LXIV in FIG. 63; 
     FIG. 65 is a fragmentary perspective view of the bottom member of the marginal frame of the cover shown in FIG. 62; 
     FIG. 66 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the plane LXVI—LXVI in FIG. 65; 
     FIG. 67 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a stacked subassembly including a stacking panel, a base panel, and covers attached thereto; 
     FIG. 68 is an enlarged view of the cover-to-panel connection at the top frame member of the base panel; 
     FIG. 69 is an enlarged view of the cover-to-panel connection at the intermediate rail of the base panel; 
     FIG. 70 is an enlarged view of the cover-to-panel connection at the bottom frame member of the base panel; 
     FIG. 71 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling a stacking panel to previously connected base partition panels and stacking partition panels in a wall construction; 
     FIG. 72 is a perspective view showing a method of disassembling a stacking partition panel from between other partition panels in a wall construction in a non-progressive manner; 
     FIG. 73 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling covers to a wall construction of base partition panels and stacking partition panels; 
     FIG. 74 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the stacking partition panels and the base partition panels in a staggered/alternating arrangement; 
     FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the covers to a wall construction of interconnected base and stacking partition panels with the covers being staggered on the wall construction; 
     FIG. 76 is a wall construction including staggered base and stacking partition panels, off-module connected partition panels, and covers; 
     FIGS. 77 and 78 are side and end views of a wall construction including a floor-engaging channel, a base panel, and a stacking panel, each including the in-line connectors shown in FIGS. 39-41; 
     FIGS. 79 and 80 are enlarged side and end views of lower parts of FIGS. 77 and 78, respectively; 
     FIG. 81 is an exploded perspective view of the leveling screws and the floor-engaging channel shown in FIGS. 79 and 80; and 
     FIGS. 82 and 83 are fragmentary side and end views showing the interconnection of the leveling screws on the base panel to the floor-engaging channel. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specifications are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The reference numeral  1  (FIG.  1 ), generally designates a freestanding portable partition system that is designed for use in conjunction with open office spaces  2 , and other similar environments to form a plurality of work settings or work stations  3 . Partition system  1  includes a plurality of similar modular panels  4  (FIGS.  2  and  3 ), which are interconnected so as to define the desired work stations  3 . One such partition panel  4  is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and includes a base panel  5 , a stacker panel  6 , an expressway raceway  7 , and a transom  8 , which are stacked vertically on top of one another. 
     The base panel  5  (FIG. 3) includes a skeleton-like internal frame  9  having at least two vertical uprights  10  positioned adjacent opposite side edge thereof. A foot  11  extends downwardly from the bottom of frame  9  to abuttingly support base panel  5  on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers  12  and  13  are attached to the outer faces of uprights  10  in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same, and define therebetween two horizontal raceway cavities  14  and  15 , which open to the opposite side faces of frame  9 , and extend continuously between the opposite side edges thereof, such that when like base panels  5  are interconnected side-by-side, the open ends of adjacent raceway cavities  14  and  15  are aligned and communicate. Cover panels  16  enclose at least those portions of the frame side faces disposed between stringers  12  and  13 , and are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the raceway cavities  14  and  15 , and permit lay-in wiring therealong. 
     Each of the illustrated vertical uprights  10  (FIGS. 9-11) includes a pair of arms  18 , which are attached to the outer faces thereof, and extend upwardly from upper ends thereof to define yoke-shaped receptacles  19  for receiving drop-in wiring therein. A third pair of horizontal stringers  20  are attached to the upper ends of arms  18 , and extend generally parallel and coplanar with associated stringers  12  and  13 . Each pair of stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  is spaced mutually laterally apart by the associated uprights  10 , so as to define a vertical raceway cavity  21  positioned intermediate the two horizontal raceway cavities  14  and  15 . 
     The illustrated base panel frame  9  (FIGS. 9-15) has an open, skeleton-like construction, that is preferably provided in a variety of different widths to accommodate various applications. However, in each illustrated embodiment of base panel  5 , the horizontal stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  are substantially longer than the vertical uprights  10 , such that each base panel  5  has a horizontally elongated elevational shape or datum. The base panel frame  9  illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a total of five vertical uprights  10 , each of which has a substantially identical, square tubular construction, comprising opposite side faces  28  (FIGS. 9-15) oriented toward the opposite sides of base panel  5 , and opposite end faces  29  oriented toward the opposite end edges of base panel  5 . The lower ends of vertical uprights  10  are attached to a C-shaped base channel  30 , which defines the panel foot  11 , and includes a top web  31 , and opposite side flanges  32 . A pair of threaded glides or feet  33  extend through the web  31  of base channel  30  into the bottom ends of outermost uprights  10  to provide vertical adjustability at the opposite sides or ends of base panel  5 . The illustrated arms  18  have a square tubular construction substantially identical to that of vertical uprights  10 , and include opposite side faces  34 , as well as opposite end faces  36 . The lower ends  37  of arms  18  are fixedly attached to the side faces  28  of vertical uprights  10  adjacent the upper ends thereof, and extend vertically upwardly therefrom a distance of approximately 2 to 4 inches in vertical alignment with the associated upright  10 , thereby defining the yoke-shaped receptacles  19  for drop-in wiring. 
     In the illustrated example of base panel frame  9 , each of the horizontal stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  has a square tubular construction that is substantially identical with that of vertical uprights  10 , and includes opposite faces  40 - 43 , and opposite ends  44 . Horizontal stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  have a length substantially identical with that of base panel  30 , and are arranged in a mutually parallel, vertically spaced apart relationship. In one working example of the present invention, stringers  13  are located approximately 4 inches above floor height, while stringers  12  are located approximately 30 inches above floor height. Horizontal stringers  12  and  13  have their inward faces  41  attached to the outer side faces  28  of vertical uprights  10  by means such as welding or the like. Stringers  20  have their bottom faces  43  rigidly attached to the upper ends  38  of arms  18 , and in one working embodiment of the present invention, the same are positioned approximately 40 inches above floor height. Each pair of stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  is mutually horizontally aligned on opposite sides of its associated vertical uprights  10 . The stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  on the opposite sides of vertical uprights  10  are horizontally coplanar, and facilitate the mounting of cover panels  16  and  17  thereon. 
     With reference to FIGS. 12-15, the illustrated horizontal stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  are slotted to permit like panels  4  to be interconnected and support various accessories thereon, as described in greater detail hereinafter. With reference to the upper stringers  20 , the rear or inward face  41  is full as shown in FIG. 12, while the opposite front face  40  (FIG. 14) includes a series of horizontal slots  50 , which extend continuously between opposite ends  44  thereof in a regular pattern. The bottom face  42  of horizontal stringers  12  includes an end slot  51  and a series of windows  52 , as shown in FIG. 13, while the opposite top face  43  has an end slot  53  and stacker apertures  54 , as shown in FIG.  15 . In the base panel frame  9  shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a pair of clamp brackets  56  are mounted to the opposite ends of each lower stringer  13  and project downwardly therefrom. Each clamp bracket  56  includes a semi-circular notch  57  to is receive an associated panel-to-panel clamp  58  (FIGS. 24 b  and  29   a ), as described below. 
     The illustrated cover panels  16  and  17  (FIGS. 4-8) for base panel  5  have a substantially similar construction, each with a rectangular front elevational shape that includes a top edge  60 , bottom edge  61 , opposite side edges  62 , and opposite faces  63  and  64 . The front faces  63  of cover panels  16  and  17  are preferably finished, so as to provide and aesthetically pleasing appearance, and may include upholstery, paint, wood veneer, as well as specialty surfaces, such as white board, chalk board, and the like. Each of the cover panels  16  and  17  has a width generally commensurated with that of its associated panel frame  9 , and a height generally commensurated with the vertical spacing between an associated pair of horizontal stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20 . For example, in the base panel  5  illustrated in FIG. 3, cover panel  16  extends between medial portions of stringers  12  and  13 , while cover panel  17  extends between medial portions of stringers  12  and  20 . A full height cover  16   a  is shown in FIG. 4, and extends between medial portions of stringers  13  and  20  to enclose the entire face of base panel frame  9 . L-shaped brackets  65  are attached to the interior faces  64  of cover panels  16  and  17  adjacent opposite corners thereof by fasteners  66 , or another suitable attachment system, such as adhesive, etc. Each of the brackets  65  has an outwardly extending flange  67 , which receives a spring-type mounting clip  68  thereon. As shown in FIG. 7, each clip  68  has a generally S-shaped side elevational configuration, comprising three parallel leg portions  69 - 71 . The outer leg  69  and center leg  70  form a U-shaped area that snaps onto the flange  67  of brackets  65 , as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The outer leg  71  includes a barb  73  that engages the window  52  on the associated stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20 . Cover panels  16  and  17  are pushed inwardly onto frames  9 , so that clips  68  engage brackets  65  to detachably mount the cover panels in the fashion shown in FIG.  8 . 
     In use, the cover panels  16 ,  17 , and  17   a  are installed on an associated base frame  9  in the following fashion. The cover panels  16 ,  17 , and  17   a  are first selected from a group of different widths and heights to match the panel configuration desired. The selected cover panels  16 ,  17 , and  17   a  are then converged on to the opposite sides of the associated frame  19 , with clips  68  engaging the aligned stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20 . Cover panels  16 ,  17 , and  17   a  are then urged inwardly against the associated panel frame  9 , so that the barb  73  on clips  68  engage aligned windows  52  in horizontal stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  to securely, yet removably, mount the same in place. Cover panels  16 ,  17 , and  17   a  are thereby positioned against or adjacent the outer faces  40  of horizontal stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20 , thereby enclosing or completing the horizontal raceway cavities  14  and  15 , each of which has a vertically elongated shape when viewed in end elevation. The two horizontal raceway cavities  14  disposed between horizontal stringers  12  and  20  are located adjacent work surface height and define beltway raceway cavities. The two horizontal raceway cavities  15  disposed between horizontal stringers  12  and  13  are located adjacent to the panel base and define lower raceway cavities. 
     The illustrated stacker panel  6  (FIGS. 3 and 16) has a construction substantially similar to previously described base panel  5 , except that it does not have a foot  11  or an intermediate pair of stringers  13 . Stacker panel  6  also comes in a variety of different widths, as well as various heights, and mounts directly on top of an associated base panel  5 , as discussed in greater detail below. 
     The stacker panel  6  shown in FIG. 16 has a skeleton-like frame  80  comprising five vertical uprights  81 , which are spaced generally regularly along the width of stacker panel  6 . Each of the vertical uprights  81  is constructed from square tubing, substantially identical to that of base panel uprights  10 , and includes opposite pairs of faces  82  and  83 . Arms  84  (FIGS.  17 - 20 ), similar to base panel arms  18 , are attached to the opposite side faces  82  of each of the stacker panel uprights  81 , and extend upwardly from upper ends thereof to define Y-shaped receptacles  85  for drop-in wiring. A first pair of horizontal stringers  86  is attached to the upper ends of arms  84 , and a second pair of horizontal stringers  87  is attached to the side faces  82  of uprights  81  adjacent the lower ends thereof. Both pairs of stringers  86  and  87  are constructed from square tubing substantially similar to vertical uprights  81 , as well as the stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  associated with base panel frame  9 . Each of the stringers  86  and  87  associated with stacker panel frame  80  has a slotted configuration similar to the stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  of base panel frame  9 , and includes a series of horizontal slots  90  along the forward faces, end slots  91  and windows  92  on the top faces, and end slots  93  on the bottom faces. 
     The stacker panel  6  illustrated in FIG. 16 has a height substantially equal to the height of the lower panel  16  of the base panel  5  illustrated in FIG. 3, such that cover panel  16  can be mounted directly on the opposite sides of stacker panel frame  80  in the fashion described above with respect to base panel  5 . The interior spaces formed between stacker frame uprights  81  and their associated stringers  86  and  87  define horizontal raceway cavities  96  and  97 , which open toward the opposite faces of stacker panel  6 . Horizontal raceway cavities  96  and  97  that are substantially similar to the horizontal raceway cavities  14  and  15  associated with base panel  5 , and include open ends, which are aligned and communicate with adjacent like stacker panels to route utilities therebetween. Stacker panel  6  also has a vertical raceway cavity  98  (FIG. 17) formed in-between the two horizontal raceway cavities  96  and  97 . 
     As best illustrated in FIGS. 17-23, the lower stringers  87  on stacker panel frame  80  include a plurality of vertically extending threaded sleeves  104  positioned regularly along stringers  87 , which facilitate mounting stacker panel  6  on an associated base panel  5 . The lower ends of sleeves  104  extend downwardly from the lower surfaces of stringers  87 , and form pilots that are closely received and retained in the apertures  54  in the upper surfaces of stringers  12  on base panel  5 . Threaded fasteners  105  are inserted upwardly through the apertures  54  in base panel stringers  20 , and into the sleeves  104  of stacker panel  6  to securely interconnect the same. 
     In operation, the height of any given partition panel  4  can be easily varied by selecting the appropriate number and size of base panels  5  and stacker panels  6 . In the partition panel  4  illustrated in FIG. 3, a single stacker panel  6  is mounted on top of base panel  5  in the following manner. With all cover panels  16 ,  17 , etc. removed, the selected stacker panel frame  80  is placed on top of the associated base panel frame  9 , so that the lower stringers  87  of stacker panel frame  80  rest directly on top of the upper stringers  12  on base panel frame  9 . The lower ends of sleeves  104  are inserted into apertures  54  on stringers  12  to squarely orient stacker panel frame  80  on top of base panel frame  9 . Fasteners  105  are then inserted through the apertures  54  in the upper stringer  12  of base panel frame  9 , and engaged in sleeves  104  to securely connect stacker panel frame  80  on top of base panel frame  9 . Cover panels  16 ,  17 , etc. are then positioned over the outer faces of both frames  9  and  80 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 24 a - 29   a , adjacent partition panels  4  are interconnected in an in-line relationship or side-by-side in the following manner. Panel-to-panel clips  110  are provided, each having a plate-like construction with an upturned tab  111  at one end and a Z-shaped tab  112  at the opposite end. A threaded boss  113  is positioned at a medial portion of the clip  110  and is aligned with a mating aperture in which a threaded fastener  114  is received. In the in-line example illustrated in FIGS. 24 a - 29   a , when like base panel frames  9  are positioned end-to-end, the associated stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  are aligned with the opposite ends abutting one another. Any stacker panel frames  80  are similarly positioned end-to-end and aligned. With reference to the illustrated base panel  5 , the panel-to-panel clips  110  are used to interconnect the opposite ends of each adjacent pair of horizontal stringers  12  and  20  in the following manner. As shown in FIG. 27, the Z-shaped tab  112  of clip  110  is first inserted into the lower window  55  in one of the adjacent stringers, such as the illustrated stringer  12 . The head portion  115  of fastener  114  is positioned between the top and bottom faces  42  and  43  of the adjacent stringers  12 . The upturned tab  111  of clip  110  is then inserted into the lower window  55  of the opposite stringer  12 , and fastener  114  is then tightened, which may be accomplished by inserting a tool (not shown) through the windows  51  in the top faces  42  of stringers  12 . After all fasteners  114  have been tightened, the opposite tabs  111  and  112  on clips  110  positively interconnect the opposite ends of the associated stringers  12 . When a pair of base panels  5  are positioned in-line, preferably the ends of each of stringers  12  and  20  are thusly interconnected, thereby requiring four clips  110 . 
     In the example shown in FIG. 24 b , a panel-to-panel clamp  58  is used to interconnect the adjacent ends of the lower stringers  13 . As best shown in FIG. 29 a , panel-to-panel clamp  58  includes a pair of U-shaped bracket halves  117 , each having a pair of apertures  118  through which fasteners  119  are received. As shown in FIG. 24 b , the two clamp halves  117  are positioned on opposite sides of brackets  56 , with fasteners  119  passing through notches  57 . When fasteners  119  are tightened the opposite halves  117  of bracket  58  capture the four adjacent brackets  56  therein to securely interconnect the lower stringers  13  end-to-end. 
     With reference to FIGS. 30-33, partition panels  4  can also be interconnected in a branched or angular configuration in the following fashion. Branching clips  120  are provided and have a generally plate-shaped construction, which includes a upturned tab  121  at one end and a horizontally oriented hook  122  at the opposite end. A threaded boss  123  is mounted on a lower portion of branching clip  120 , and is aligned with a mating aperture in which a threaded fastener  124  is received. Branching clip  120  has a L-shaped center portion  125 , which extends along the end  44  of an associated one of the stringers, such as the illustrated stringer  12 . 
     In use, the partition panel  4  can be interconnected to a like partition panel  4  in an angular orientation at locations anywhere along the length of the in-line panels. For instance, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, three panels  4  are shown interconnected in an in-line orientation in the fashion described herein above. A single panel  4  is shown attached at a 90 degree angle to the three in-line panels at a position intermediate the opposite side edges of the center panel  4 . It is to be understood that the branched panel  4  can be attached anywhere along the length of the three in-line panels, which greatly facilitates space planning. 
     A branched panel  4  is mounted in the following manner. A pair of branching clips  120  are selected, and hook ends  122  are inserted into the adjacent slots  50  in stringers  12 ,  13 , and  20  at the location at which the branched panel  4  is to be located. The heads  126  of fasteners  124  are positioned in the hollow interiors of stringers  12 . The tab ends  121  of clips  120  are shifted into the lower windows  55  in stringers  12 , and fasteners  124  are then tighten to securely interconnect the branched panel  4 . 
     ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS 
     A wall construction  150  (FIG. 34) includes a plurality of lower/base partition panels  151  and upper/stacking partition panels  152  interconnectable in an infinite number of different in-line, stacked, and off-module arrangements, including combinations thereof. More specifically, the panels  151  and  152  are interconnectable frame-to-frame with a connection system including mating in-line connectors  153  and  154  (FIGS.  39 - 41 ), off-module connectors  155  (FIGS.  46 - 48 ), and stacking connectors  156  (FIGS.  52  and  53 ). The panels  151  and  152  are reconfigurable to meet constantly changing office needs, including the ability to construct walls with “T” intersections located intermediate the vertical side edges of panels, and the ability to construct walls having different heights and/or non-uniform heights. (For example, compare FIGS.  34  and  71 - 75 .) 
     Base partition panel  151  (FIGS. 35 and 36) includes a base panel space frame  160  having a substantially rectangular side elevational configuration. The space frame  160  includes three vertically oriented structural tubes  161 - 163  which are interconnected in a laterally spaced apart relationship by four horizontally oriented structural tubes  164 - 167  and also by a pair of intermediate side frame members  168  and  169 . Notably, more or less vertical and horizontal structural tubes can be used if desired. In the illustrated example, center vertical tube  162  and horizontal tubes  164 - 167  have a square cross section, while end vertical tubes  161  and  163  have a rectangular cross section, the elongated dimension of the rectangle being oriented in a parallel is plane defined by the vertical tubes of the base partition panel  151 . Also, the intermediate side frame members  168  and  169  have a C-shaped cross section, with the legs of the C-shape facing inwardly and engaging the sides of the vertical tubes  161 - 163  and frame members  168  and  169 . The tubes  161 - 167  and side frame members  168  and  169  are welded together to provide a rigid space frame  160  for receiving and interconnecting with other space frames as discussed below. The vertical tubes  161 - 163  extend substantially from the top to the bottom of base space frame  160 , and the horizontal tubes and side frame members  164 - 169  extend substantially the width of space frame  160  and align with frame members in adjacently positioned panels. 
     A top frame member  171  (FIG. 35) is welded to the top of space frame  160 . Top frame member  171  (FIGS. 37 and 38) has a W-shaped cross section, including a U-shaped center frame section comprising center flange  172  and vertical side flanges  173  and  174 . A pair of inverted L-shaped side sections extend from side flanges  173  and  174 , respectively, including top flanges  175  and  176  and outermost side flanges  177  and  178 , respectively. The top frame member  171  is welded to top horizontal tubes  164  and  165  (see FIG. 68) to form a rigid matrix. A row of apertures  179  (FIG. 39) are formed at the juncture of flanges  175  and  177 , and at the juncture of flanges  176  and  178 . The apertures  179  extend partially onto side flanges  177  and  178  so that they are accessible horizontally from a location beside the partition panel. As described hereinafter, the apertures  179  are accessible through a gap between covers attached to the space frames for receiving off-module connectors  155 , and also for receiving an Allan wrench to operate the actuator  293  of stacking connectors  156 . 
     A pattern  183  of second apertures is also formed at intervals of about every few inches along the top frame member  171 , such as every 12 inches. Aperture pattern  183  includes a horizontal slot  184  formed in center flange  172 , a front-side middle aperture  185  formed at the juncture of flanges  173  and  175 , and an opposing rear-side middle aperture  186  is formed at the juncture of flanges  174  and  176 . Longitudinally adjacent right and left apertures  187  and  188  are formed in flange  173  on both sides of middle aperture  185 , and longitudinally adjacent right and left apertures  189  and  190  are formed in flange  174  on both sides of middle apertures  186 . Pattern  183  further includes notches  191  and  192  formed in selected ones of the apertures  179 , the selected ones being the apertures  179 ′ spaced two apertures from the apertures  179 ″ centered in aperture pattern  183  (FIG.  52 ). The notches  191  and  192  are located in top flanges  175  and  176 , respectively, at the corners of the apertures  179 ′ located farthest apart. The center flange  172  and side flanges  173  and  174  are cutaway at the opposing ends  172 ′ and  172 ″ (FIG. 37) of top frame member  171  to provide room for in-line connectors  153  and  154 . 
     In-line connector  153  (FIG. 39) includes a W-shaped reinforcement bracket or platform  195  having a center flange  196 , vertical intermediate flanges  197  and  198  extending from center flange  196 , horizontal flanges  199  and  200  extending from intermediate flanges  197  and  198 , and upright vertical side flanges  201  and  202  extending from horizontal flanges  199  and  200 . Upright flanges  201  and  202  are spaced apart to fit mateably between and against outermost side flanges  177  and  178  at the end of top frame member  171  so that they can be welded to frame member  171 . A stiffening flange  203  is formed on the outer end of bracket  195  on center flange  196 . A cinch-plate receiving aperture  204  is formed at the juncture of center flange  196  and vertical intermediate flange  197  at a location spaced from stiffening flange  203 , and a second cinch-plate receiving aperture  205  is formed at the juncture of center flange  196  and vertical intermediate flange  198  at a second location spaced from stiffening flange  203 . A U-shaped basket  206  is welded to the underside of center flange  196 . The basket  206  includes spaced apart first and second legs  207  and  208  attached to center flange  196  on opposing longitudinal sides of apertures  204  and  205 . A cinch plate  210  is located within basket  206 . Cinch plate  210  includes a body  211  including a threaded hole  211 ′, and opposing wings  212  that extend at an angle outwardly from body  211 . The wings  212  are spaced apart and configured to extend through the cinch-plate receiving apertures  204  and  205 . A screw  214  is configured to extend through a hole  215  in center flange  196  and threadably into cinch plate  210 . Basket  206  retains cinch plate  210  on bracket  195  and maintains the alignment of the cinch plate  210  with apertures  204  and  205  as screw  214  is turned. By rotating screw  214 , cinch plate  210  is drawn against center flange  196 , thereby causing wings  213  to extend through apertures  204  and  205 . Slots  217  and  218  are formed in the ends of horizontal flanges  199  and  200 , respectively, for receiving a trim piece, a trim piece retainer or the like. 
     In-line connector  154  includes a telescopeably movable bracket  220  (FIG.  40 ). Telescopeable bracket  220  is elongated and U-shaped, and includes a center flange  221  and side flanges  222  and  223  which are configured to mateably rest on and straddle center flange  196  of connector bracket  195  (FIG.  41 ). Two cinch-plate receiving apertures  224  and  225  (FIG. 40) are formed along the juncture of flanges  221  and  222 , and also two cinch-plate receiving apertures  226  and  227  are formed along the juncture of flanges  221  and  223 . A slot  228  extends from an end  229  of bracket  220 , and extends past apertures  224 - 227 . As shown in FIG. 41, bracket  220  is configured to mateably slidably rest on center flange  196  of reinforcement bracket  195  of off-module connectors  155  in an extended position, with the apertures  225  and  227  aligned with apertures  204  and  205 . Alternatively, telescopeable bracket  220  is movable to a retracted position wherein apertures  224  and  226  are aligned with apertures  204  and  205  on reinforcement bracket  195 . In the extended position, the apertures  224  and  226  are extended to a position alignable with cinch-plate receiving apertures  204  and  205  on an adjacent and aligned base panel  151  so that the adjacent base panels can be rigidly interconnected in an in-line, frame-to-frame arrangement. Notably, it is contemplated that termination elements for connecting a panel  151  to an architectural wall or the like and for filling the space therebetween will be constructed with one end having a laterally extending bracket simulating extendable bracket  220  for connection to an end panel  151 , and having a second end configured for connection to the architectural wall. The laterally extending bracket can be fixed, removable (e.g., bolted), or extendable, and the termination element can include conventional telescoping or field-cuttable elements. 
     As discussed below, covers are attached to the sides of base space frame  160 . In some situations, it may be desirable to support the covers with an intermediate brace  230  (FIG.  42 ). This also allows the covers to be halved in size, such that one cover can be supported between the top frame member  171  and the intermediate brace  230 , and a second cover between the intermediate brace  230  and the intermediate side frame member  168  and  169 . The intermediate brace  230  includes a sheet metal bracket  231  welded to vertical structural tubes  161  (and  162  and  163 ) at a predetermined height. Bracket  231  (FIG. 43) includes an L-shaped body having a vertical flange  232  and horizontally disposed top flanges  233 , the top flanges  233  defining a notch  233 ′ therebetween for mateably engaging the vertical structural tube  161  (or tubes  162  and  163 ). The top flanges  233  include holes  234 . The lower edge of vertical flange  232  includes teeth  235 . Intermediate brace  230  also includes a structural beam  236  (FIG. 44) that is generally C-shaped. Brace  236  includes a top flange  237  having holes  237 ′, a vertical flange  238  having a row of apertures  238 ′ and paired holes  239  periodically spaced across its length, and a lower flange  240  defining a space configured to mateably receive teeth  235  on bracket  231 . Structural beam  236  is attached to bracket  231  by positioning teeth  235  in the space defined by lower flange  240  (FIG.  45 ), and by tipping beam  236  onto bracket  231  so that holes  237 ′ in brace  236  align with holes  234  in bracket  231 . Screws  240 ′ are extended through the aligned holes  234  a and  237  to secure the beam  236  to base space frame  160 . It is noted that the apertures  238 ′ are generally identical to apertures  179  of top frame member  171  in shape and function. 
     The off-module connectors  155  (FIG. 46) include a pair of configured plates  245  and  246  slidably interconnected by a pair of rivets or headed bolts  247  and  248 . Lower plate  245  is generally Z-shaped and includes an upper flange  249  having hooks  250 , a middle flange  251  that extends generally perpendicular to upper flange  249 , and a lower flange  252  the extends from middle flange  251  parallel upper flange  249 . A pair of holes  253  are formed in middle flange  251 , along with a window  254  located between the holes  253 . A pair of apertures  255  and  256  are formed in lower flange  252 . A slot  257  extends from the free edge  258  of lower flange  252  between apertures  255  and  256 . An angled tab  259  extends from free edge  258  along a side edge of lower flange  252 . Upper plate  246  is also generally Z-shaped so that it matingly slidingly engages lower plate  245 . Upper plate  246  includes an upper flange  260  having hooks  261 , a middle flange  262  that extends generally perpendicular to upper flange  260 , and a lower flange  263  the extends from middle flange  262  parallel upper flange  260 . Hooks  261  face in a direction opposite to hooks  250 . A pair of aligned slots  264  are formed in middle flange  262 , along with a window  265  located between the holes  264 . Rivets  247  and  248  extend loosely through holes  253  and slots  264  so that upper plate  246  can slide on lower plate  245  with rivets  247  and  248  sliding within slots  264  on middle flange  262  of upper plate  246 . A pair of apertures  266  and  267  are formed in lower flange  263 . A slot  268  extends from the free edge  269  of lower flange  263  between apertures  266  and  267 . An angled tab  270  extends from free edge  269  along a side edge of lower flange  263 . 
     Plates  245  and  246  (FIG. 47, shown in the expanded position) are movable to a collapsed first position where hooks  250  and  261  are positioned to form a minimum dimension so that the hooks can be slid into selected ones of apertures  179  in top frame member  171 . The plates  245  and  246  are also movable to an expanded second position (shown in FIG. 47) where the hooks  250  and  261  are spread apart to securely engage the apertures  179  (see FIG.  48 ). A detent or friction-generating spring can be added to hold the plates  245  and  246  in the selected position to facilitate assembly of a wall construction if desired. When in the second position, the apertures  255  and  266 , and also the apertures  256  and  267  are aligned so that they can be engaged by the wings  212  on cinch plate  210  of an in-line connector  152  (see FIG.  39 ). Also, the angled tabs  259  and  270  (FIG. 47) are adapted to engage the recesses defined beside the center flange  172  of top frame member  171  to limit the expanding/collapsing movement of plates  210   245  and  246  and to help center off-module bracket  154  on an off-module connected panel. Thus, the off-module connectors  155  are adapted to be installed and secured selectively along the base space frame  160 . Once installed, a base panel  151  can be positioned in an off-module arrangement (see FIGS. 48 and 76) so that an in-line connector  153  on the base panel can be attached to the off-module connectors  155  with its cinch plate  210  engaging apertures  255  and  266 , and  256  and  267 . The off-module connectors  155  connect the frame of the off-module space frame  160  directly to the base panel  151 , such that the interconnection is particularly rigid. 
     Stacking panel  152  (FIGS. 50 and 51) includes a space frame  280  substantially structurally identical to base space frame  160  except as noted below. In particular, the stacking space frame  280  includes a plurality of vertically oriented structural tubes  281 - 283  which are interconnected in a laterally spaced apart relationship by a plurality of horizontally oriented structural tubes  284 - 287  and also by a pair of intermediate side frame members  288  and  289 . The vertical tubes  281 - 283  extend substantially from the top to the bottom of space frame  280 , and the horizontal tubes and side frame members  284 - 289  extend substantially the length of space frame  280 . A top frame member  290  is attached horizontally to the top of stacking space frame  280 , the top frame member  290  being similar to base top frame member  171 . A plurality of upright transom-supporting brackets  291  are optionally attached to the top of stacking panel  290  to support a transom thereon. Transom-supporting bracket  291  comprises a lower panel  291 ′ welded or bolted to top frame member  290 , and a pair of oppositely facing C-shaped channels  291 ″ configured to receive and retain elongated transom panels, such as windows or opaque sound absorbing panels not unlike covers  334 . A plurality of spaced apart stacking connectors  156  are attached to the bottom of stacking panel  152  at spaced apart positions corresponding to the spacing of aperture patterns  183  on top frame member  171  (FIGS.  35 - 37 ). This allows the stacking partition panel  152  to be selectively positioned on top frame member  171  in any of a variety of different/longitudinally spaced positions, several of which are staggered, as described below. (For example, see FIGS. 74 and 76.) 
     Stacking connectors  156  (FIG. 52,  53 , and  53 A) each include a carrier bracket  292  and a pair of opposing clamping members or gripping members  294  and  294 ′ slidably mounted on the carrier bracket  292 . An actuator  293  operably engages the clamping members  294  and  294 ′ to forcibly spread apart the clamping members into interlocking engagement with the selected aperture pattern  183 . Notably, the present invention is contemplated to include other stacking connector designs, such as a stacking connectors constructed so that its clamping members are drawn together into engagement with outwardly facing apertures in a top frame member of a space frame. 
     In the present embodiment, the carrier bracket  292  (FIG. 52) is a stamped sheet metal part that includes a center flange  295  and a pair of inverted U-shaped locating flanges  296  and  297  extending from the longitudinal sides of center flange  295 . An aperture  298  is formed in center flange  295 , and tabs  299  and  300  extend upwardly from center flange  295  for slidably engaging and aligning clamping members  294  and  294 ′ on carrier bracket  292 . Locating flanges  296  and  297  each include notches  302  and tabs  303  at their front and rear ends for mateably engaging notches  191  and  192  in apertures  179 ′ of aperture pattern  183 . When carrier bracket  292  is positioned on top frame member  171 , bracket center flange  295  is juxtaposed above center flange  172  of top frame member  171 , and bracket tabs  303  interlockingly engage the apertures  179 ′ in top frame member  171 . Thus, stacking connector  156  can be selectively engaged with top frame member  171  at any of a plurality of different staggered/interconnected positions (e.g., every 12 inches along the length of top frame member  171 ). This allows the vertical side edges  304  of stacking partition panel space frame  280  to be offset from the vertical side edges  305  of base partition panel space frame  160 , in order to form a stronger stacked arrangement of panels (see FIG.  74 ). 
     Clamping members  294  and  294 ′ are substantially mirror images of each other, except as described below. Clamping member  294  (FIG. 54) includes a body  307  having an outer surface  308  and an inner surface  309 . A pair of lower fingers  310  and  311  extend from the outer surface  308  at the bottom thereof, and a centered upper finger  312  extends from the top of outer surface  308 . Fingers  310 - 312  are configured to matingly engage apertures  187 ,  189  and  185 , respectively, (FIG. 52) on one side of aperture pattern  183  in top frame member  171 . The bottom surface of clamping member  294  is configured to slidably rest on and engage the center flange  172  of carrier bracket  292 . An oblong aperture  316  having ends defining a pair of spaced apart hole-like surfaces  317  and  318  extends horizontally through clamping member  294  from front to rear. A hole  315  extends horizontally through clamping member  294 ′ and aligns with the hole-like surface  317  in clamping member  294 ′. 
     Actuator  293  includes an elongated nut  320  configured to matingly non-rotatingly engage hole  315 . The nut  320  includes a washer-like flange  321  on its inner end configured to matingly engage a depression  322  on the inner surface of clamping member  294 ′. Actuator  293  further includes a first shaft  323  configured to threadably engage nut  320  for rotation therein. Shaft  323  also includes a portion that extends through the hole-like surface  317  in clamping member  294 . A second shaft  325  operably engages the second hole-like surface  318  in clamping member  294 . Intermeshing gears  327  and  328  are formed on the adjacent ends of shafts  323  and  325 , respectively. Hex-shaped recesses  329  and  330  are formed in the rear end of shaft  323  and on the front end of shaft  325 , respectively. The hex-shaped recesses  329  and  330  are engageable with an Allan wrench through apertures  193 ″ (FIG. 52) to actuate actuator  293 . Specifically, when one shaft is rotated by the Allan wrench, the other shaft is simultaneously oppositely rotated by the intermeshing gears  327  and  328 . This causes the shaft  323  to gradually rotate out of nut  320 , thus forcing the clamping members  294  and  294 ′ apart. This causes fingers  310 - 312  to interlockingly engage apertures  185 - 190  of aperture pattern  183 . 
     Cover retainers  355  (FIGS. 60 and 61) are provided for securing covers  334  (FIG. 62) to base and stacking space frames  160  and  280 . Retainers  355  include threaded shafts  356  for engaging holes  355 ′ in horizontal structural frame members  168 ,  169 ,  171 , and  230  (FIGS.  42  and  67 ). Retainers  355  (FIGS. 60 and 61) further include tapered heads  357  and washers  358  defining a recess/groove  359  therebetween. 
     Covers  334  (FIG. 62) are configured for attachment to cover retainers  355 . Covers  334  include a sound-absorbing composite panel  335  aesthetically covered with upholstery or the like and having a selected size. A marginal frame  336  is attached to the edges of panel  335 , including a top marginal frame section  337  (FIG. 63) and a bottom marginal frame section  338 . The top marginal frame member  337  includes an inner flange  339 , a top flange  340 , and a front flange  341 . A plurality of attachment apertures  342  and  343  are formed along top marginal frame member  337 , apertures  342  being formed in inner flange  339 , and apertures  343  being formed in top flange  340 . A tab can be extended from inner flange  339  to outer flange  341 , if desired, to assist in supporting front flange  341  relative to inner flange  339  and to stiffen top marginal frame member  337 . Bottom marginal frame member  338  (FIG. 65) also includes an inner flange  345 , a bottom flange  346 , and an outer flange  347 , and further includes apertures  348  formed in inner flange  345  at spaced intervals along the length of bottom marginal frame member  338 . A pair of angled tabs  350  are formed inwardly from inner flange  345  to inner flange  347 . Angled tabs  350  assist in supporting panel  335  within the bottom marginal frame member  338 . 
     Covers  334  (FIGS. 67-70) are releasably secured to base space frame  160  and stacking space frame  280  by positioning the apertures  342  of top marginal frame members  337  on the heads of several cover retainers  355 . The material forming the aperture  342  is then slid downwardly into the recess  359  of cover retainer  355  (FIG. 60) so that the top marginal frame member  337  of the cover  334  is interlocked thereon (see FIGS.  67 - 70 ). The cover  334  is then rotated downwardly along direction “A” until the bottom marginal frame member  338  is located adjacent base space frame  160  (or  280 ). The bottom marginal cover frame section  338  is secured to base space frame  160  by patches of hook and loop material  360  (FIG.  67 ). A light shield  361  extends below bottom marginal frame section  338  to prevent unacceptable see-through along the gap  338 ′ between upper and lower covers  334  and  334 ′ on base space frame  160 , and also in the gap between adjacent covers on stacking panel  152  and base panel  151 . It is contemplated that the hook-and-loop material could be replaced with other retention systems, such as a tab and aperture system, snap-in carrot-like fasteners, adhesive, or other fasteners. 
     The base partition panels  151  and stacking partition panels  152  can be interconnected in a myriad of different arrangements by the in-line connectors  153  and  154 , the off-module connectors  155 , and the stacking connectors  156 . FIG. 71 discloses a typical in-line wall construction  350  wherein the base partition panels  151  and stacking partition panels  152  are interconnected in an in-line arrangement. In wall construction  350 , the vertical side edges  351  of the panels  151  and  152  are aligned. Recalling that the stacking connectors  156  are accessible through apertures  179  in the top frame member  171  of base partition panel  151 , and that the in-line connectors  153  and  154  are accessible from the top of stacking partition panel  152 , it will be noted that a particular stacking partition panel  152 ′ positioned in the middle of wall construction  350  can be removed in a non-progressive disassembly by disengaging the stacking connectors  156  and the in-line connectors  153  and  154  (FIG.  72 ). Thereafter, the base partition panel  151 ′ can also be removed by disengaging its in-line connectors  153  and  154 . Thus, panels  151 ′ and  152 ′ can be replaced. Alternatively, the panels  151 ′ and  152 ′ can be “permanently” removed and a walkway through the panels can be created. Covers  334  (FIG. 73) are attached to the various partition panels  151  and  152  to aesthetically cover same. Notably, top and bottom covers  334  are spaced apart to form the gap  338 ′ therebetween (FIG.  67 ). This allows access to apertures  179  along horizontal frame members  168 ,  169 ,  171 , and  230  of space frames  160  and  280 , such that stacking panels  152  can be removed without removing covers  334  from the stacking panels  152 , thus reducing disassembly and reassembly time and also reducing the risk of damage to loose covers. 
     The stacking partition panels  152  can also be attached to base partition panels  151  in a staggered arrangement (FIG. 74) to form a wall construction  363 , wherein the vertical side edges of the panels  151  and  152  are misaligned. The misalignment is accomplished by engaging stacking connectors  156  with selected aperture patterns  183  to position the stacking panel  152  offset from the base panel  151 . Advantageously, this increases the strength of the wall construction  363  since there is no continuous vertical side edge formed by the staggered arrangement. In regard to wall construction  363  (see FIG.  34 ), which discloses a wall construction that is three sections high and staggered, the third section being a second stacking panel, a transom section, or an expressway section. Notably, the wall construction can be partial height or full height and/or connected to a structural ceiling or a drop ceiling. 
     The covers can also be attached to the partition panels  151  and  152  in a staggered arrangement, as illustrated by cover  365  in FIG. 75 to form a wall construction  364 , or as illustrated by covers  334 ′ in FIG.  34 . This allows covers of non-uniform length and spacing to be used on the wall constructions. For example, this can be advantageous for aesthetics since the vertical lines in a wall construction can be broken up. Also, the staggered arrangement of covers allows increased flexibility for design, since new combinations of colors and arrangement patterns can be achieved. Still further, the staggered arrangement offers advantages in terms of positioning covers to form gaps at strategic locations, such as for positioning of cabling and wiring modular outlets, or for routing cabling and wiring therethrough, such as to an off-module connected wall section. 
     The wall construction  366  (FIG. 76) includes in-line connected base partition panels  151  and stacking partition panels  152  interconnected in a staggered arrangement, and further includes off-module base partition panel  151 ″ and an off-module stacking partition panel  152 ″ connected in an off-module T-shaped arrangement. Covers  334  are shown attached to the in-line connected wall section to show their relationship to the off-module connected wall section. Notably, the panels can be used to construct wall constructions having T, H, Z, or X-shaped plan configurations. Also, the panels can be constructed using stacking panels attached above other stacking panels. The above description of non-progressive removal is possible even where both ends of a panel are connected with an off-module connection. (For example, see off-module constructed wall section in FIG. 34.) 
     A number of different floor-engaging constructions are contemplated. For example, a floor-engaging and kickway-forming member can be attached to the bottom of base panel space frame  160 , such as the downwardly facing U-shaped channel shown in FIGS. 4 and 11 for forming the bottom kickway of base panel  151 . Alternatively, relatively short leveling screws or leveling feet can be welded to the bottom of vertical tubes  161 - 163  as desired without incorporating a kickway-forming bracket thereon. Still another alternative is to attach an upwardly facing U-shaped channel to the floor, with the U-shaped channel being configured to mateably receive the bottom of the base panels  151  (or the leveling feet attached to base panels  151 ). 
     A floor-securement system  375  (FIGS. 77 and 78) has been developed that incorporates a modified version of the panel-mounted in-line connectors  153  and  154  to facilitate constructing a wall construction  376 . Floor-securement system  375  includes a floor-engaging channel  380  having ends with mating in-line connectors  381  and  382  thereon that are not unlike in-line  10  connectors  153  and  154 . The channel  380  further includes apertured side walls  383  and  384  configured to receive off-module connectors  155  (FIG.  47 ). Floor-engaging channel  380  (FIG. 79) is constructed to securely engage base space frame  160 , and for this purpose includes slidably movable interlock brackets  426  for releasably engaging leveling members  386 . By retaining channel  380  to leveling members  386 , the channels  380  can be shipped pre-assembled to panels  151  or shipped separate therefrom. Also, the panels  151 , when assembled together, can be positively secured to the channels  380 , and the channels  380  can be positively secured to the building floor, which provides a very positive construction having advantages such as resistance to damage from earthquakes and other catastrophic events. 
     Floor-engaging channel  380  (FIG. 81) has a W-shaped cross section reminiscent of top frame member  171 . Channel  380  is formed by a center flange  390 , vertical intermediate side flanges  391  and  392 , floor-engaging horizontal flanges  393  and  394 , and vertical outer side flanges  383  and  384 . Floor-engaging flanges  393  and  394  can be secured to a floor by adhesive, nails, and other ways known in the trade. Flanges  390 - 392  form a U-shaped section configured to slidably receive the extendable brackets  220  shown in FIG.  40  and previously described. A nut  397  is welded under a hole  398  near the end of center flange  390 , and a screw  399  with washer/enlarged head  400  thereon is configured to threadably engage nut  397  through hole  398 . When screw  399  is loosened, bracket  220  is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Screw  399  can then be screwed into nut  397  to clampingly retain bracket  220  in the selected position. When extended, bracket  220  can be mateably engaged by an end of an aligned and adjacent floor-engaging channel  382  with the corresponding screw  399  on the mating channel being positioned in slot  228  of bracket  200 . In this aligned and adjacent position, the corresponding screw  399  in the adjacent channel can be screwed into its nut to clampingly retain the bracket  220 , thus securing the adjacent channels  380  in an aligned and interconnected position. Notably, it is contemplated that the nut  397  will be welded to center flange  390 , although a cinch plate could be used, like that in-line connectors  153  and  154 , if desired. 
     Side flanges  383  and  384  each include a row of apertures  402  defining discrete attachment points positioned generally along the lowermost edge of side flanges  383  and  384  (FIG.  81 ). The apertures  402  generally correspond to the apertures  179  on top rail member  171  (FIGS.  37  and  48 ). Apertures  402  (FIG. 81) are engageable by off-module bracket  155  (FIG. 47) by inverting the off-module bracket  155  so that teeth  250  and  261  can be engaged with apertures  402  (FIG. 81) with off-module bracket  155  engaged with selected apertures  402 , the apertured flanges  252  and  262  (FIG. 46) extend laterally and are located above the floor, where they are engageable by an in-line connector  381  on an off-module connected channel  380 . 
     A kickway cover  403  (FIG. 83) is configured for use with channel  380 . Kickway cover  403  includes a resilient clip-like end  404  configured to clip attach to the top of side flange  383  (or  384 ). Kickway cover  403  further includes a horizontally extending lower leg  405  that spaces a vertical extending upper leg  406  from side flange  383 . Upper leg  406  is biased inwardly by clip-like end  404  (FIG. 83) so that when a panel cover  334  (FIG. 80) is attached to the base panel  151 , upper leg  406  presses against the panel cover  334 . The inner surface of upper leg  406  includes hook-like features  407  and  408  for receiving tabs on an end cover for the kickway on an end panel. Notably, like panel covers  334 , kickway covers  403  can bridge or span between adjacent base panels  151 . 
     Floor-engaging channel  380  (FIG. 82) includes a plurality of support brackets  420  positioned under center flange  390  at locations generally corresponding to the predetermined locations of leveling members  386  on base panel  151 . Support brackets  420  each include a platform  421  supported by floor-engaging feet  422  and  423 . Platform  421  includes a leveler receiving hole  425  defined by a frustoconically-shaped annular flange  424 . A U-shaped interlock bracket  426  is slidably positioned on center flange  390  above platform  421 . Interlock bracket  426  includes a longitudinally extending slot  427  (FIG. 81) and a keyhole slot  428  having an enlarged end  429  and a smaller end  430 . Interlock bracket  426  includes a retention tab  431  engageable with an aperture  432  in center flange  390  and in aligned aperture  433  in platform  421 . A bolt  434  is extended through slot  427  threadably into a threaded hole  435  (FIG. 82) in platform  421 . Bolt  434  cooperates with tab  431  to secure interlock bracket  426  to channel  380 . Interlock bracket  426  is movable in direction “A” (FIG. 81) to a first position wherein the enlarged end  429  of interlock bracket  426  is aligned with frustoconically-shaped hole  425  on platform  421 . Interlock bracket  426  is further slidably movable to a second position wherein the smaller end  430  of keyhole slot  428  is aligned with frustoconically-shaped hole  425 . 
     Leveling member  386  (FIG. 81) includes a vertically disposed rod  440  welded to a vertical frame member such as frame member  161  on panel  151 . A threaded nut  442  is welded to rod  440 , and a threaded rod section  443  is operably engaged with nut  442  and extended therebelow. The lower end  444  of threaded rod  443  is tapered to mateably engage frustoconically-shaped hole  425 , and has a diameter permitting it to slide through the enlarged end  429  of keyhole slot  428 . The lower end  44  includes a narrowed section  445  with back surface  446  that is interlockingly engageable with the smaller end  430  of keyhole slot  428 . 
     Initially, the interlock bracket  426  is moved to the first position so that the enlarged end  429  of keyhole slot  428  aligns with frustoconically-shaped hole  425 . A panel  151  is then placed in floor-engaging channel  380  with the tapered lower end  444  of leveler  386  mateably engaging tapered hole  425  of platform  421 . Interlock bracket  426  is then slid to the second position so that the smaller end  430  of keyhole slot  428  is aligned with tapered hole  425 . In this position, interlock bracket  426  engages the back surface  446  on tapered lowered end  444  to interlockingly retain the base panel  151  to channel  386 . 
     This arrangement has several advantages. The arrangement permits pre-assembly of channel  386  to base panels  151 , which can be advantageous for shipping, but also optionally allows the channels  386  to be shipped separately and assembled on-site. Further, whether it is pre-assembled or assembled on-site, the channel can be interlocked to securely retain panels  151  to channel  386 . This has significant value, not only to facilitate installation but also for resisting damage from earthquakes, for meeting “earthquake codes,” and for resisting damage from other catastrophic events. 
     Thus, a wall construction is illustrated including base partition panels and stacking partition panels, interconnectable with in-line connectors, off-module connectors, and stacking connectors. The wall construction is connectable and reconfigurable in a variety of in-line and off-module connected arrangements, and in a variety of vertically aligned and staggered/misaligned arrangements. 
     In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.