Patent Publication Number: US-6339907-B1

Title: System of wall panels

Description:
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/864,459, filed May 27, 1997 is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,665 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/018,956, filed Jun. 7, 1996, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a wall panel system, and in particular, to an improved wall panel, components therefore and a method for making the wall panel. 
     Panel systems are commonly used to divide large, open office space into separate work spaces. For example, Herman Miller, Inc., the assignee of the present application, manufacturers and sells two such work space management systems: the ACTION OFFICE® system and the ETHOSPACE® system. Often, wall panels arranged in such systems include an internal frame with a sheet of wall board or comparable material attached to the side of the frame. Typically, the frame is made from roll-formed or extruded metal, with the wall board adhesively secured to the side of the metal frame members. Each side of the wall panel usually is covered with a fabric that is either bonded to the frame, or attached with an elastic band, so as to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the user. 
     Adjacent wall panels in the system typically are connected to one another with a variety of connector assemblies. For example, wall panels placed end-to-end commonly are connected to each other, while wall panels oriented perpendicular to each other in a two-way, three-way or four-way configuration typically are connected to a corner post located at the junction of the intersecting panels. Typically, a cover is attached to those sides of the corner post not connected to a wall panel so as to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface that matches the surface of the adjacent panels. 
     Wall panels often are provided with wire management capabilities, typically including horizontal wire channels positioned at the top and bottom of the panel. Wall panels may also include vertical channels, typically formed by the vertical frame members, that extend between the top and bottom of the panel. Typically, wall panels having a horizontal channel at the top of the panel also provide a top cap to cover the channel. When a corner post is interposed between panels, a cap also is installed on top of the corner post to provide a continuous, unbroken line across the top of a system of wall panels. 
     Wall panels may also include power distribution systems, whereby the wall panels can be electrically connected so as to provide the user with access to power in each work space created by the system of wall panels. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly stated, one aspect of the invention is directed to an improved wall panel. The wall panel includes a rectangular frame, a pair of sheetlike wall members and two thin decorative sheets. The rectangular frame includes two spaced apart, and generally parallel vertical side frame members and spaced apart and generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The frame members are connected at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The sheetlike wall members, preferably made of fiberboard, have an inner surface attached to the side walls of each frame member. The thin decorative sheets, preferably cloth, cover the outer surface of the wall members on each side of the panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the sidewall members include a substantially flat leg portion having an inner surface attached to the core member and an outer surface attached to the wall member. The sidewall member includes an edge portion extending laterally outward from the leg portion. Preferably, the edge portion is configured as a C-shaped channel facing inwardly away from the wall panel surface. When the frame members are assembled into a rectangular frame, the edge portions extend around the periphery of the wall panel. The sidewalls, including the edge portions, form a shallow recess on opposite sides of the panel. Each recess has a bottom surface defined by the outer surface of the leg portions. The wall members are received in the recesses on opposite sides of the panel. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a thin barrier sheet, or scrim, is disposed between the decorative sheet and the outer surface of the wall member as a fire blocking member. The barrier sheet preferably includes a thin aluminum foil layer laminated to a fiberglass layer. 
     The wall panel also includes an inner filler member disposed between the wall members. The filler member extends between the upper and lower horizontal frame members. Preferably, the inner surface of the wall members are attached to the filler member. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidewall members on the upper horizontal frame member extend upwardly from the upper core member to form a horizontal channel running substantially the length of the wall panel. The bottom of the channel is defined by the upper surface of the upper core member and the sides of the channel are defined by the upwardly extending sidewall members. A top cap is releasably secured to the upper frame member to cover the channel. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the wall panel also includes at least one vertical channel communicating with the upper horizontal channel and a bottom portion of the wall panel. Preferably, the vertical channel is defined by an inner surface of one of the vertical core members, a partition member spaced apart from the inner core surface of the vertical core member and the inner surface of the wall member. Preferably, the partition member extends between the inner surfaces of the opposing wall members and is attached to at least one of the wall members. The partition member also extends substantially between the upper and lower frame members. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a power distribution system is provided at the base of the wall panel. The power distribution system includes a power distribution server, including a harness and a module receptacle, which is attached to a bottom of the lower frame member. The power distribution system is adapted to be electrically connected with power distribution systems located in adjacent panels. In addition, an outlet box is attached to one of the inner surfaces of the wall members between the upper and lower frame members. The other wall member has an opening provided to allow access to the outlet box. The outlet box is electrically connected to the power distribution system with an electrical conduit disposed in the vertical channel. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a plastic strip is attached to the decorative sheet at each of its edges. The strip includes a first hook member that is adapted to engage the edge portion of the sidewall member. Preferably, the strip also includes a second hook member that is adapted to receive a tool member which can be used to stretch the decorative sheet between opposing frame members while simultaneously disposing the first hook member on the edge portion of the side wall. 
     In another aspect of the invention, wall panels placed end-to-end are attached using an upper and lower draw block that engage hanger brackets attached to the ends of the wall panels. A draw rod operably engages the draw blocks which pull the hanger brackets and corresponding panels together. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, a corner post is provided for connecting two or more panels at 90°. The corner post includes an elongated tube having a pair of inwardly facing channels formed on each side of the tube. A plate member is secured inside each end of the tube; the upper plate having a threaded hole in the middle of the plate. 
     The corner post is provided with a height adjustable cap which includes a post member and a cover member supported by the post member. The post member threadably engages the hole in the upper plate and can be rotated to adjust the height of the cover. In this way, the cover can be raised or lowered to provide a smooth transition between adjacent wall panel top caps. 
     In another aspect of the invention, an outwardly facing groove is formed in each corner of the tube. A cover has diagonally oriented beaded portions. The cover is attached to the corner post by releasably engaging two of the corner grooves with the beaded portions. The post cover is used to cover those sides of the corner post not connected to a wall panel, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for manufacturing the vertical side frame members. In particular, the method includes providing a core member, a pair of sidewall members each having an edge portion, and a hanger bracket. The hanger bracket is attached to the core member. The core member and attached hanger bracket are then positioned in a fixture such that the hanger bracket engages a first surface of the fixture. The sidewall members are positioned in the fixture on both sides of the core member such that the edge portion of each sidewall member engages a second and third surface of the fixture, respectively, positioned predetermined distances from the first surface. The sidewall members are then attached to the core member. 
     A similar method is provided for making the upper and lower horizontal frame members, wherein the fixture surfaces are positioned to support the edge portion of the sidewall members and the outer surface of the core member. 
     A method also is provided for manufacturing the improved wall panel. In particular, one of the sheetlike wall members is placed in a fixture. The side frame members and upper and lower horizontal frame members also are positioned in the fixture. The wall member fills the recess formed by the sidewall members on one side of the rectangular frame. Adhesive is applied to one of the sidewall members and wall member before the frame is disposed on the wall member. Adhesive also is applied to both sides of the filler member. One or more partition members is adhesively attached to the inner surface of the wall member so as to form a vertical channel with the inner surface of one of the side core members. The filler member is inserted into the space formed by the frame members and the partition members. The second sheetlike wall member is then disposed in the recess on the opposite side of the frame. The wall members are attached to each frame member with mechanical fasteners. A decorative sheet and barrier sheet are secured over the outer surface of each wall member. 
     The present invention provides significant advantages over other wall panel systems and methods of manufacture. In particular, the three-piece frame member construction, i.e., a pair of sidewall members attached to a core member, yields a simple, inexpensive structural part that provides several advantages over roll-formed or extruded metal channels. By using a wood core member, the side wall members can be easily attached to the core with staples, rather than by welding or other more expensive methods of manufacture. Similarly, the wall members can be stapled directly to the frame members, as well as adhesively secured, so as to improve the strength of the panel. In addition, various accessories, such as the power distribution server, can be easily mounted to the bottom of the panel with wood fasteners, without providing mounting holes in the lower frame member. Moreover, the wood can be easily cut to length for each frame member, or shortened so as to provide access to the vertical channel, without wasting material or making complicated cuts or stampings in the sheet metal. 
     Also important, the three-piece frame member construction allows the manufacturer to provide precise dimensions between the outermost surface of the hanger bracket and the outermost surface of the side wall members. This dimension is critical when two panels are installed adjacent to each other. For example, when two panels are connected, the adjacent hanger brackets are pulled together by a wedge block, as explained below. When connected in this manner, the panel-to-panel interface, or joint between the panels, is defined by the distance between the adjacent outer surfaces of opposing edge portions covered with fabric. Thus, by maintaining the distance between the outer surface of the edge portion and the hanger bracket as a constant, the joints at each panel interface are kept constant, i.e., have the same gap between panels. Moreover, when a wall panel has a thicker fabric installed around the edge portions, the distance between the edge portion and hanger bracket can be increased so that the gap between panels, when connected, remains the same, regardless of the fabric thickness. 
     The vertical channel also provides significant advantages. For example, wires can be easily routed from the top of the panel to the bottom. The channel also provides ideal passage for the electrical conduit running from the outlet box installed inside the panel. In addition, because the channel is inside of the frame and adjacent to the box, rather than on the outside of the frame, the frame member does not have to be pierced in order to rout the wiring to the outlet box. Moreover, wires disposed in the channel are not exposed when the panels are disconnected and cannot therefore be caught or hooked by the panel-to-panel connectors. 
     The improved corner post also provides significant advantages over similar devices. For example, the corner post cover is height adjustable, so that it can be adjusted to provide a continuous line across the top of a system of panels. Moreover, the grooves provided in the corner post tube provide a simple but efficient way to attach covers, whether they be flat, or formed at 90°. As such, the orientation of the tube is irrelevant to the placement of connecting panels and/or post covers. Because the tube is symmetrical, the cover and panels can be arranged in any configuration, without having to reorient the tube member. 
     Yet another significant advantage is the method of fabric attachment. In particular, the double-hook strip configuration allows an installer to use a tool to install the fabric. As such, the installer can apply a considerable force to tightly stretch the fabric between opposing frame members to thereby provide a smooth and pleasing appearance. Moreover, the releasable hook allows the user to easily replace the fabric if it becomes damaged or if a color change is desired. The new fabric can be installed quickly and easily without adhesives or difficult to install elastic bands that run around the periphery of the wall panel. Indeed, adjacent panels need not even by disconnected in order to install a new sheet of fabric, thereby avoiding the task of disassembling the panels. 
     Finally, the wall panel construction lends itself to improved manufacturability and overall quality. Most importantly, as described above, each frame member can be made with extremely tight tolerances so that the gap between panels is maintained as a constant when the wall panels are assembled as a system. Moreover, by locating the frame members to outside dimensions in the fixture, the overall panel construction is improved by providing extremely tight tolerances for the height and width of each panel. The improved quality associated with this method of manufacture in turn facilitates and eases installation of the panels while providing an improved overall look for the system. 
     The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the wall panel. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the wall panel with a top cap, base cover and power distribution system. 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a wall panel end cover. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a corner post configuration. 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a corner post configuration. 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a panel-to-panel light seal. 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded view of a corner post cap. 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of a wall panel. 
     FIG. 9 is an end view of a wall panel with the power distribution server omitted. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the wall panel taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the wall panel taken along line  11 — 11  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the wall panel taken along line  12 — 12  of FIG. 8, with the power distribution server omitted. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the power distribution bracket. 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the wall panel taken along line  14 — 14  of FIG. 8 with the power distribution server not shown. 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the wall panel taken along line  15 — 15  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the wall panel taken along line  16 — 16  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the wall panel taken along line  17 — 17  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the top cap. 
     FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of two wall panels placed end-to-end without the fabric installed. 
     FIG. 20 is a side view of two wall panels connected together without the fabric installed. 
     FIG. 21 is a side view of the fabric sheet. 
     FIG. 22 is a cross-section of the strip attached to the fabric. 
     FIG. 23 is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the strip attached to the fabric. 
     FIG. 24 is a side view of the inside corner of the upper horizontal channel. 
     FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the power distribution server. 
     FIG. 26A is a top view of a wall panel junction showing a three-way connection of power distribution servers located in the adjacent wall panels. 
     FIG. 26B is a top view of a wall panel junction showing a two-way connection of power distribution servers located in the adjacent wall panels. 
     FIG. 26C is a top view of a wall panel junction showing a four-way connection of power distribution servers located in the adjacent wall panels. 
     FIG. 27 is a top view of the power distribution server. 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the upper and lower draw blocks. 
     FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the upper and lower draw blocks. 
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the upper and lower draw blocks. 
     FIG. 31 is a side view of two wall panels connected to a corner post. 
     FIG. 32 is a top cross-sectional view of three wall panels connected to a corner post. 
     FIG. 33 is a top cross-sectional view of two wall panels connected to a corner post. 
     FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a corner post base cover. 
     FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a draw rod and draw blocks engaging a corner post. 
     FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a draw rod with a partial end cover. 
     FIG. 37 is a side view of a draw rod and draw blocks engaging a corner post. 
     FIG. 38 is an exploded side view of different height wall panels with a draw rod and draw blocks interposed between the panels. 
     FIG. 39 is a partial inner perspective view of a draw rod with a partial end cover. 
     FIG. 40 is a partial outer perspective view of a draw rod with a partial end cover. 
     FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of a hanger bracket mounted on a permanent wall. 
     FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hanger bracket mounted on a permanent wall. 
     FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a brace member installed on a wall panel. 
     FIG. 44 is a side view of a brace member installed on a wall panel. 
     FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a brace member. 
     FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a fabric installation tool. 
     FIG. 47 is a top view of the fabric installation tool engaging a fabric sheet on a wall panel. 
     FIG. 47A is an partial enlarged view of an installation tool with an alternative blade configuration. 
     FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fabric installation tool. 
     FIG. 49 is a top view of the fabric installation tool of FIG. 44 engaging a fabric sheet on a wall panel. 
     FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a vertical side frame member tool fixture. 
     FIG. 51 is an end view of the side frame tool fixture with a side frame member installed therein. 
     FIG. 52 is a schematic of an automated took fixture for assembling the side frame member. 
     FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a upper and lower frame member tool fixture. 
     FIG. 54 is an end view of the upper frame tool fixture with an upper frame member installed therein. 
     FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the wall panel assembly fixture. 
     FIG. 56 is a side view of a dual staple gun engaging a wall panel installed in the wall panel assembly fixture. 
     FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a end cover support bracket. 
     FIG. 58 is an end view of a wall panel with a power distribution server attached to the bottom of the wall panel as taken along line  58 — 58  of FIG.  31 . 
     FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective exploded view of a wall panel and power distribution server. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an improved wall panel  10  including a rectangular frame  12 , a pair of sheetlike wall members  120  and a pair of thin decorative sheets  130 . The frame  12  includes two spaced apart, and generally parallel vertical side frame members  14  and spaced apart and generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members  18 ,  16 . 
     Each frame member  14 ,  16 ,  18  includes an elongated core member  28 ,  30 ,  32  and a pair of elongated sidewall members  34 ,  36 ,  38 . Preferably, the core member is made of wood. As used herein, the terms “wood” and “wooden” are intended to have relatively broad meanings, including but not limited to, solid wood and wood products, such as particle board, fiber board and laminated strand lumber. Most preferably, the side core members  28  are made of laminated strand lumber, such as the 38# density material available from TrusJoist/MacMillan Ltd. Partnership in Deerwood, Minn. The horizontal core members  30 ,  32  preferably are made of 45# density particle board. Alternatively, other materials, such as foamed polymers or composites, may be used. 
     Each sidewall member  34 ,  36 ,  38  includes a substantially flat leg portion  42 ,  54 ,  56  and edge portion  40 ,  58 ,  60  respectively. The edge portion  40 ,  58 ,  60  extends laterally outward from the leg portion  42 ,  54 ,  56 . Preferably, the sidewall members are made from 12 gauge steel sheet metal and are roll formed. However, it should be understood that other materials, such as plastic could also be used. Each leg portion has an inner  44 ,  45 ,  43  and outer surface  46 ,  47 ,  49 ; the inner surface  44 ,  45 ,  43  engages the side surface of the core member. Preferably, the inner surface  44 ,  45 ,  43  is mechanically fastened to the side  52 ,  53 ,  57  of the core member, for example, by using staples  700 , as shown in FIG.  16 . Alternatively, adhesive, nails, rivets or screws can be used to secure the sidewall member to the core member. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the sidewall members  34  of each vertical frame member include an end portion  68  that extends upwardly past the top end  20  of the side core member  28  along the longitudinal direction of the vertical frame member  14 . The upwardly extending end portions  68  of the sidewall members  34  overlap the sidewall members  36  of the upper frame member  18 , which include leg portions  54  that extend upwardly from the upper frame core member  30 . Each end of the upper frame member sidewall members  36  includes a flange portion  580  stepped inwardly from the leg portion  54 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The flange portion  580  extends from and is integrally formed with the leg portion. The upwardly extending end portions  68  overlap and are attached to the corresponding stepped flange portions  580  and the wall member  120 , preferably with mechanical fasteners. Because the flanged portion  580  is stepped inwardly, the outer surfaces  46 ,  49  are flush. The edge portion  58  of the upper frame member and the edge portion  40  of the vertical frame are mitered at approximately 45° at the point of intersection in order to form a corner. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  2 ,  9  and  10 , an elongated hanger bracket  70  is mounted to the outer surface  50  of each vertical core member. The hanger bracket  70  includes two spaced apart, inwardly facing channels  72  connected by a bridge portion  74  that is fastened to the core  28 , preferably with a plurality of fasteners  540 . Fasteners  542  also secure each end of each channel  72  to the core member  28 . Each channel  72  has an inner leg  76 , an outer leg  78  and an outer surface member  82 . The inner legs  76  of the channels and the bridge portion  74  form an outwardly facing channel  300 . The outermost corners  84  on each bracket, formed by the intersection of the outer leg and the surface member, have a plurality of slots  86  running the length of the hanger bracket. The outer surface member  82  of the inwardly facing channels  72  defines the outermost surface of each end of the wall panel. The slots  86  in the hanger bracket are adapted to receive and support various components attached to the wall panel. For example, overhead units and worksurface bracket supports, not shown in the Figures, typically engage the wall panel at the slots. For example, a cantilever bracket assembly adapted to engage the hanger bracket is described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/019,285, entitled CANTILEVER BRACKET ASSEMBLY and filed Jun. 7, 1996, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2,  8 ,  9  and  44 , the inner surface  43  of the upwardly extending sidewalls  36  on the upper frame member and the outer surface  62  of the upper core member  30  form a horizontal channel  88  which runs the width of the panel. At each end of the wall panel, the upper end  20  of the vertical side core member  28  lies substantially flush with, or slightly higher than, the outer surface  62  of the upper core member  30  so that wires, cables and the like can be passed easily from one panel to the next. In this way, the upper end  20  of the vertical core member  28  helps to define a portion of the bottom of the horizontal channel  88 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 43-45, a brace member  92  can be mounted at each end of the channel to provide additional support for the panel. The brace member  92  includes a pair of sidewall members  94  disposed along the inner surface  45  of the sidewall members. The brace member  92  also includes a bottom plate  97  attached to the end  20  of the core member and a second bottom plate  96  attached to the outer surface  62  of the upper core member  30 . It should be understood that the sidewall members can also be attached to the wall members. An opening  95  is provided between the plates to provide access to a vertical channel  108 . The brace member  92  provides additional support for loads applied laterally to the top or side of the panel. In particular, the brace member helps distribute the load between opposing wall members, the upper frame member and the vertical frame member. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2,  16  and  18 , the top portion of each sidewall leg portion on the upper frame members includes an inwardly facing ridge  98  that runs substantially the length of the upper frame member  18 . Intermittent openings  100  are provided along the top portion. The openings are provided to locate the sidewalls in various tool fixtures during the assembly of the frames and wall panel. 
     A top cap  110  is attached to the upper frame member  18 . The top cap  110  includes a pair of downwardly facing flanges  112  that have a ribbed portion  114  running the length of the flanges. The ribbed portion  114  engages the ridge  98  formed on the inside of each sidewall member and releasably secures the top cap to the upper frame member. Each of the flanges  112  also includes an edge portion  113  that is angled inwardly from the ribbed portion  114 . The edge portion  113  facilitates installation of the top cap by engaging the ridges on the upper frame member as the top cap is first inserted into the channel  88 . As the top cap  110  is pushed downwardly, the edge portions  113  slide along the ridge so that the flanges are biased inwardly until the ribbed portion engages the ribbed portion  114 . The flanges  112  then spring back to their original position, as the ribbed portion releasably locks the top cap to the upper frame member. In this way, the top cap  110  covers and encloses the channel  88 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the ends  102  of the upper core member are spaced apart from the ends  104  of the vertical core member to form an opening  106  between the members near each end of the panel as shown in FIG.  17 . These openings  106  provide access to a vertical channel  108 , or tube, that extends between the upper horizontal channel  88  and the bottom of the wall panel, as shown in FIGS. 2,  8 ,  10 , and  11 . Each vertical channel  108  is formed and defined by the inner surface  48  of the vertical core member, a partition member  140  that extends between the upper and lower horizontal frame members  16 ,  18  and the inner surface  122  of the wall member  120 . 
     The ends  103  of the lower horizontal core member are spaced apart from the lower end  105  of the vertical core members so as to provide access to the vertical channel  108  from the bottom of the panel as shown in FIG.  12 . In addition, the sidewall members  38  on the lower frame member extend outwardly past the end  103  of the core member along the longitudinal direction of the frame member, as shown in FIG.  1 . The sidewalls  34  are cut away at the lower end  105  of the vertical side core member to provide an exposed portion  550  of the side core member. The outwardly extending bottom sidewall members  38  overlap the exposed portion, and lie flush with the side frame sidewalls  34 . The edge portions  60 ,  40  intersect and are mitered at approximately 45° to form a corner. The lower core member  32  also includes a groove  33  running the length of the core member along the middle of the outer surface  66 . 
     As shown in FIG. 10,  14  and  16 , the edge portions  40 ,  58 ,  60  of each sidewall member are preferably configured as a C-shaped channel that runs the length of each side wall member. When the frame members are connected, the edge portions  40 ,  58 ,  60  run substantially around the entire periphery on each side of the panel. Each channel includes an inner leg  116  that extends laterally outward in a perpendicular relationship from the leg portion and an outer leg  118  that defines the outer peripheral edge of the wall panel. A intermediate surface member  124  connects the inner  116  and outer leg  118 . The surface member  124  is in substantially the same plane as the outer surface  126  of the wall member as shown in FIGS. 14-16. The inner leg  116  of the edge portion and the outer surface  46 ,  47 ,  49  of the sidewall leg portions  42 ,  54 ,  56  define a shallow, outwardly facing recess on each side of the frame. The recess is shaped to receive the sheetlike wall member  120 . Preferably, the wall member  120  substantially fills the recess and is bounded around its periphery by the inner legs  116  of the side walls. 
     As just described, each wall member is attached to one side of the frame with staples  702 , as shown in FIG.  16 . The wall members stabilize and strengthen the wall panel. Preferably, the wall member  120  is made of ½ inch thick fiberboard, such as the industrial insulation board available from Masonite in Lisbon Falls, Me., which is sanded, ironed and sealed. Preferably, the wall member  120  is tackable, so that a user can attach various items to the wall member with tacks, or the like. Other materials, such as particle board or mineral board are also acceptable. Preferably, the wall member  120  is both adhesively secured to the outer surface  46 ,  47 ,  49  of the sidewalls and is mechanically fastened to the core members  34 ,  36 ,  38  through the sidewall members, preferably by stapling. The overlapping portions of the sidewall members  34 ,  36  of the vertical frame and the upper frame members are mechanically fastened to each other and to the wall member  120  from the inside out, preferably with screws  121  as described above and shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  8 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  8  and  10 - 11 , a filler member  150  is installed inside the rectangular frame  12 . The filler member  150  is disposed between the wall members  120  and each side of the frame, and extends between the upper and lower horizontal frame members  16 ,  18 . In a preferred embodiment, the filler member  150  is a honeycomb structure made from corrugated cardboard. The honeycomb is adhesively secured to the inner surface  122  of each wall member. The honeycomb increases the strength of the panel and provides sound dampening for the panel. Preferably, the honeycomb filler member is bounded along each vertical end by the partition members  140  installed to form the vertical channels  108 . In this way, the vertical channels are separated from the honeycomb filler member. 
     The partition member  140  includes a mounting flange  142  and a boundary flange  144  as shown in FIG.  1 . Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the mounting flange  142  is adhesively bonded to the inner surface  122  of one of the wall members  120 . The boundary flange  144  extends between the two wall members  120  and can be attached to the side of the honeycomb filler member. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a thin barrier sheet  530 , or scrim, is disposed between the decorative sheet  130  and the wall member  120 . The barrier sheet  530  preferably includes a layer of aluminum foil laminated to a thin layer of fiberglass. The barrier sheet  530  is preferably about 0.005 inches thick and is used as a fire blocking material. A commercially available barrier sheet is the MANNIGLAS 1207® wet-lay glass fiber mat produced by Lydall Corporation. The barrier sheet can be attached to the wall member with adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the barrier sheet can wrap around the outer leg of the edge portion beneath the decorative sheet, which is attached to the leg with a strip member as described below. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each thin decorative sheet  130  is disposed over one of the outer surfaces  126  of the wall members. The decorative sheet is preferably a cloth fabric, although it should be understood that other flexible materials would be suitable for covering the wall panel. Referring to FIGS. 10,  14 ,  15  and  16 , the sheet is wrapped around the edge portion  40 ,  58 ,  60  of each sidewall member and is attached to the outer leg  118  of the edge portion. Preferably, a strip  160  is attached to each edge  132  of the sheet. The strip may be sewn to the sheet or adhesively bonded. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21-23, the strip is attached with a double-sided tape  162  and sewn to the sheet. 
     Referring to FIGS. 21 and 23, the strip  160 , preferably made from plastic, includes a first hook member  164  adapted to engage the outer leg  118 . The strip  160  is attached to the outer surface  136  of the fabric sheet  130  so that the first hook member  164  faces outwardly towards the edge of the fabric. Before installing the fabric, however, the fabric is folded over as shown in FIGS. 22-23 so that the strip  160  is positioned along the inner surface  134  of the fabric and so that the first hook  164  faces inwardly away from the folded edge  133  of the fabric. The first hook member  164  is disposed on the outer leg  118  of the edge portion of the sidewall member as shown in FIGS. 14-16. 
     Excess portions of the decorative sheet, or fabric, extend outwardly from each corner of the fabric sheet between the ends of the adjacent strip members to form a corner patch  138  of material as shown in FIG.  21 . The corner patch  138  is tucked inside the eight corners formed by the edge portion channels  40 ,  58 ,  60  of the vertical, upper and lower frame members as the first hook member is installed on the outer leg of each channel. As shown in FIG. 24, a flexible corner block  146  is inserted into intersecting channels  40 ,  58  at one of the upper corners to hold the excess fabric, or corner patch  138 , in the channels. Preferably, the corner block  146  is made of foam, although other resilient and flexible materials, such as rubber, may also be used. By tucking the excess fabric, or corner patch  138 , into the channels  40 ,  58 , the exterior, exposed corner  148  of the wall panel is covered and provided with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the strip  160  also includes a second hook member  166 . In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 23, the second hook member  166  is positioned opposite of the first hook  164  and faces the same direction as the first hook member, i.e., opens inwardly away from the folded edge  133  of the fabric when it is folded over on itself. In a second embodiment, shown in FIG. 22, the second hook  168  is positioned at the end of the strip and opens outwardly away from the outer surface  136  of the fabric. In either embodiment, the second hook member  166 ,  168  is adapted to allow an installer to stretch tightly the fabric  130  while installing the first hook  164  on the outer leg  118  of the sidewall member. 
     To facilitate the installation of the fabric  130 , a tool  170  is provided. The tool  170  includes a mounting block  171 , a blade  172 , a handle  174  and a housing  176  as shown in FIGS. 46-47. The mounting block  171  is mounted to the housing and includes a lip portion  173  adapted to engage the second hook  168 , and a guide member  175  configured as a hook that is adapted to be disposed around the end of the strip and first hook  164 . The tool also includes a plurality of wheels  180 ,  181  rotatably mounted to the housing  176  and adapted to rotatably engage the side of the wall panel as the tool is moved around the periphery of the panel while engaging the strip  160 . 
     To install the sheet of fabric, at least one edge  132  is installed by disposing the first hook  164  on one of the sidewall member outer legs  118  as shown in FIGS. 14-16. The installer then engages the fabric with the tool by inserting the lip portion  173  in one of the second hooks  166 ,  168  on one of the remaining strips, as shown in FIG. 47, and moves the tool along the edge of the wall panel. As the tool moves along the edge of the panel, the lip portion  173 , which is inserted into the second hook  168  as the guide member  175  encircles the end of the strip, pulls the strip inwardly so that the first hook  164  can be inserted onto the outer leg  118  as the end of the strip and first hook passes through the space between the core member, or hanger bracket, and the free edge of the outer leg  118 . The blade  172  includes an edge  180  that is adapted to engage the strip and force the hook member past the outer leg. Thus, the installer uses the tool  170  to stretch the fabric  130  and force the first hook  164  of the strip past the end portion and dispose it on the outer leg  118 . It should be understood that various tool configurations would work equally well for stretching and mounting the fabric sheet. 
     In another embodiment, the tool includes a second blade member  710  having an edge  602 , as shown in FIG. 47A The blade member  710  is adapted to engage the second hook and install the first hook on the sidewall as described above with the lip portion. As shown in FIG. 47A, the barrier sheet  530  is wrapped around the outer leg  118  and secured to the sidewall beneath the first hook. 
     As shown in FIGS. 48-49, yet another embodiment of the tool  182  includes a handle member  184  having a curvilinear surface grip  185 , a surface member  552 , a mounting block  554  having a lip portion  556  and a blade  186 . As just described, the lip portion engages the second hook, while the blade pushes the strip, and first hook, against the outer leg  118 . The surface member is preferably made of plastic, such as Delrin, so that it slides easily along the edge of the panel without damaging or tearing the fabric. This embodiment could also employ a second blade member as just described. It should also be understood that alternative embodiments, such as a simple putty knife, also can be used to engage the second hook, stretch the fabric and dispose the first hook on the outer leg of the edge portion. 
     The strip and hook arrangement disclosed herein is ideally suited for attaching fabric to a wall panel. For example, if the fabric were to become stained, worn or torn, an installer can remove the fabric quickly and easily by using a tool in the opposite manner as described above to disengage the first hook from the outer leg on the sidewall member. Moreover, the fabric can be removed while the panel is connected to adjacent panels if using a tool that can be inserted into the gap between the panels to engage the second hook member. This provides significant advantages over the prior art fabric attachments, which were either permanently secured to the panel or were retained by an elastic band running around the periphery of the panel. In either configuration, the panel had to be disconnected from the adjacent panels so as to access and remove the band or to remove the adhesive. 
     It should also be understood by one skilled in the art that the strip and hook fabric attachment device can also be used to secure fabric to objects besides wall panels, such as chairs, cabinets, etc. All that is needed is an edge on which to secure the hook member. Thus, the attachment of the fabric to the wall panel as described above is meant to be illustrative rather than limiting. 
     The lower horizontal frame member, shown in FIGS. 12,  14  and  58 , includes a mounting strip  190  and a bracket  200  mounted to the outer surface  66  of the lower core member. As shown in FIG. 14, the outer surface  66  preferably extends below the end portions of the sidewalls. The side surface  67  of the portion of the lower core member extending below the leg portion of the sidewall member is stepped inward to permit the hook member on the strip to be installed on the outer leg. The groove  33  runs along the outer surface of the core member. 
     The bracket  200  includes several tab members  202  which are adapted to engage and support a power distribution server  220 , including an electrical power harnesses  222 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 59. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the tab members  202  form slots  203  that receive bracket hooks  560  extending upwardly from the power distribution server as shown in FIG.  59 . In operation, the harness  222  is installed by sliding the bracket books  560  into the slots  203  until the end of the bracket  560  passes a resilient locking tab  578  which springs downwardly to releasably secure the harness  222  on the bracket  200 . When the wall panel is particularly long, the bracket may also include stabilizer brackets  570  that extend downwardly from the bracket and include two arms that engage the harness. 
     Referring to FIGS. 25-27, the harness includes a receptacle bracket  566 , a spring tab  572  and a plurality of module bracket hooks  574 . A plurality of receptacle modules  226  are secured to the harness by engaging the bracket hooks  574  with mounting lugs  564  disposed on the module. Each module  226  is electrically connected to the harness  222  at one of a four receptacle ports  576 . Similarly, conduit  276  from an outlet box installed in the panel, as described below, preferably includes a connector that can electrically engage one of the receptacle ports in place of a receptacle module. For a complete description of the power distribution server, including the power harnesses, one is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,252, issued to Neinhuis et al. on May 7, 1991, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The harness also includes electrical connector ports  224  positioned at the end of the harness and which provide a means for electrically connecting adjacent panels, such that a first panel receives power from a second panel. A commercially available harness, Model No. 225409, is sold by PENT Assemblies of Kendallville, Ind. FIGS. 26A-C show various configurations of panels electrically interconnected. In this way, an entire system of panels can be electrically connected and provide power to users at individual work spaces. 
     Referring to FIG. 14, the mounting strip  190  is disposed between the bracket  200  and the core member  32 . The mounting strip  190  has a pair of elongated grooves  194  running longitudinally along the edges of the mounting strip  190 . The mounting strip supports a base cover  230 . The base cover  230  includes a pair of side walls  232  and a bottom wall  234 , as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The side walls  232  and bottom wall  234  are hinged along the longitudinal length of the base cover, preferably by using a flexible hinge material  236 . The cover members can also be mechanically hinged. The upper portion of each wall includes a beaded flange  238  that is disposed in the groove  194  in the mounting strip. When mounted on the mounting strip, the base cover  230  forms and defines a horizontal channel for storing and protecting cables and wires beneath the panel. The lower horizontal channel also provides a concealed passage way for the cables and wires as they pass from one panel to the next. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, the bottom wall  234  of the base cover includes a slot  240  at each end which is adapted to receive a support leg  250  extending down from the vertical frame members  14 , as explained below. The side walls  232  extend between the lower edge of the wall panel and the floor and include openings  242  adapted to allow a user to access outlets in the modules  226  secured to the power distribution server, which is mounted to the bottom of the lower frame member. Each end of the side wall  232  on the base cover includes a flexible strip  244  that extends outwardly from the end of the panel. When two panels are installed end-to-end, the opposing flexible strips  244  overlap and conceal the gap between the panels. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 15, the wall panel is supported on and spaced apart from the floor by a support leg  250  attached to each vertical frame member  14 . A support bracket  260  is mounted to the bottom of each core member  28  on the inner surface  48  of the core member. The bracket  260  is mounted in the space  106  provided between the end of the lower core member and the bottom end of the vertical core member, as shown in FIG.  12 . The bracket  260  includes a U-shaped sleeve portion  262  and a pair of flanges  264 . The flanges  264  are fastened to the inner surface of the core member  28  such that the sleeve portion  262  forms an opening  266  with the surface of the core member. 
     The support leg  250  includes a shaft  252  having a shoulder  254  and a foot  256 . An upper portion of the shaft is received in the opening  266  formed by the support bracket and core member until the shoulder  254  of the shaft engages the bottom of the  260  bracket. The bottom of the shaft  252  is threaded and threadably engages the foot member  256  whereby the height of the wall panel can be adjusted by rotating the foot  256  relative to the shaft  252 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, an outlet box  270  is installed inside the wall panel frame between the upper and lower frame members  16 ,  18 . As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the outlet box  270  is first bolted to a plate member  272 , preferably a piece of hardboard. The plate member  272  is adhesively bonded to the inner surface  122  of one of the wall members. The opposite wall member has an opening  274  aligned with the outlet box  270  so as to allow the user access to the box. An outlet cover  275  can be installed over the opening. The outlet box is electrically connected to the power distribution server with an electrical conduit  276  that is disposed in the vertical channel  108 , as described above. Outlets, which are not shown, are installed in the outlet box. It should be understood that the same or similar box can be installed to provide access to data and communication wiring and cables. The outlet box also can be field installed by cutting a hole in one of the thin sheets, the barrier sheet and the wall member. 
     The wall panels can be connected to form a system of panels that defines and divides large office spaces into work spaces. For example, the wall panels can be connected end-to-end in a simple linear arrangement as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. In such an arrangement, the panels are positioned adjacent to each other such that opposing outer surfaces  80  of the hanger brackets are in a proximal relationship. An upper draw block  280  is provided which has a downwardly facing V-shaped draw surface  282  defined by four wedge members  284 , as shown in FIGS. 28-30. The upper draw block  280  includes a middle portion  286  that has a hole  288 . Similarly, a lower draw block  290  has an upwardly facing V-shaped draw surface  292  defined by four wedge members  294 . A draw rod  296  connects the two draw blocks  280 ,  290 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 19-20, the upper draw block  280  is positioned such that the wedge members  284  engage the top edge  298  of the hanger bracket on the adjacent panels by inserting the wedge members  284  into the inwardly facing channels  72 . The middle portion  286  of the draw block is disposed in the space formed between the outwardly facing channels  300 , which formed by the inner legs of the channel and the bridge portion. 
     Similarly, the lower draw block  290  is inserted into the bottom end of the channels  72  such that the wedge members  294  engage the bottom edge  302  of the hanger bracket  70  and the middle portion is received in the space formed by the channels  300 . The draw rod  296  is rotatably connected to the lower draw block and threadably engages the upper draw block. The draw rod is disposed in the space formed by the two outwardly facing channels  300  of the opposing hanger brackets as shown in FIGS. 32-33. When rotated, the draw rod threadably engages the upper draw block, pulling it closer to the lower draw block. As the draw rod is tightened, the draw surfaces  282 ,  292  of the draw blocks operably engage the ends  298 ,  302  of the hanger brackets and pull the hanger brackets together. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the draw blocks include a flat surface  304  between the wedge members  306 . When drawn together, the ends of the hanger brackets engage the flat surface  304 . 
     As shown in FIG. 30, one embodiment of the draw blocks includes a landing  308  and a tang member  310  extending from the landing on one side of the opening  288 . This configuration facilitates the installation of the draw blocks and draw rod. In particular, the installer can rest the land portion  308  of the upper draw block on the bridge portion  74  of one of the hanger brackets, while the tang member  310  is disposed in the channel  300  to align the draw block with the hanger bracket. In this way, the connector assembly, i.e., the draw rod and two draw blocks, can be positioned and retained by a first panel as the second wall panel is moved into place next to the first panel. The draw rod  296  and blocks  280 ,  290  can then be lifted up and aligned with the channels  72  on the ends of both panels. The draw rod  296  is then tightened as explained above so as to connect the two panels. 
     As shown in FIGS. 4-5 and  31 - 33 , two or more panels can also be connected in a perpendicular relationship. In such a configuration, a corner post  320  is installed between adjacent panels. The corner post  320  includes a substantially square, elongated tube  322  and an upper and lower plate  324 ,  326  mounted inside each end of the tube, preferably by welding. Each plate  324 ,  326  includes a threaded hole  328  in the middle of the plate. A pair of inwardly facing channels  330  are formed longitudinally along each side of the tube  322 . The inwardly facing channels  330  also form an outwardly facing channel between them. Preferably, the tube  322  is made from two overlapping C-shaped pieces  332 ,  334  welded together as shown in FIGS. 32-33. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each corner of the tube includes an outwardly facing groove  336  that runs longitudinally along the length of the tube  322 . As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the groove  336  is preferably formed by the outer legs of the channels  330 , which are joined at the corners of the tube at approximately 90°. 
     As shown in FIG. 31, each wall panel is connected to the corner post in the same way as described above. An upper and lower draw block  280 ,  290  engage the top and bottom edge of the two channels  330  on the side of the tube and the two channels  72  of the hanger bracket mounted on the side of the wall panel being connected. The draw rod  296 , connecting the draw blocks, is tightened to pull the draw blocks together and to pull the wall panel towards the corner post so that the hanger bracket engages the side of the tube. It should be understood that one, two, three or four wall panels can be connected to the corner post at any time depending on the desired configuration. 
     As shown in FIGS. 5 and 33, when two wall panels are connected to the corner post  320  at 90°, the opposing two sides of the corner post are concealed by an V-shaped cover member  340  adapted to be disposed on the adjacent, perpendicular sides of the corner post. The cover member  340  includes a beaded portion  342  running longitudinally along the side edges  344  of the cover. The beaded portions  342  are adapted to engage the outwardly facing groove  336  formed along each corner of the tube  322 . The beaded portion  342  extends diagonally inward from the cover at approximately 45°. The cover member  340  includes an outer layer of fabric  346  that matches the thin sheet of fabric disposed on the adjacent wall panels. 
     When two wall panels are arranged in a 180° relationship on opposite sides of the tube, a flat cover member  348  can be installed on one or both of the exposed sides of the tube  322  as shown in FIGS. 4 and 32. The flat cover member  348  includes diagonally facing beaded portions  350  running longitudinally along its length. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, a support member  352  is attached to the bottom of the tube member  322 . The support member  352  includes a base portion  354 , a leg  356  and a foot  358 . The base portion  354  is attached to the lower plate  326  secured in the bottom end of the tube  322 . A base cover  360  is installed on the support member  352  to conceal the support member  352  and the space below the panel. The base cover  360  extends between the base portion  354  and the foot  358 . The foot  358  includes a bottom member  362  and a pair of cylindrical lug members  364  positioned on opposite sides of the bottom member  362 . The base portion  354  includes slotted portions  366  positioned on the same side as the lug members  364 . The base cover  360  includes upwardly facing tab members  368  that engage the slotted portions  366  and a pair of flange members  368  that engage the lug members. The leg  356  is preferably a thin shaft that allows cables and wires to pass between the leg  356  and base cover  360  as they are passed between adjacent panels. In this way, the cover  360  forms part of the lower horizontal channel. It should be understood that the support does not engage the floor, but rather is provided to support the base cover member, which conceals and protects wires in the lower channel. 
     When two panels are attached to a corner post at 90°, the support does not include a foot. In this arrangement, the support includes a base portion  372  and a leg  374  as shown in FIG.  5 . The base cover  376 , shown in FIG. 30, includes two walls  378 , a base plate  380  and a guide plate  382 . The base portion  372  includes a slot  384  and two tab members  386  on two sides of the base portion. A lip portion  388  is positioned on the top of each base cover wall  378 . When installed, the lip portion  388  is inserted into the slot  384  as the two tab members  386  engage the bottom of the lip  388  to releasably secure the base cover  376  to the base portion  372 . The guide plate  382  extends between the walls  378  and lies parallel to the base plate  380 . The guide plate  382  includes a slot  384  adapted to receive the leg  374  of the support. The base plate  380  includes an opening  390  that is adapted to receive an end of the leg, which includes a lug  392 . In this way, the base cover is supported by the support base portion and is stabilized by the leg. 
     As shown in FIGS. 4,  5  and  7 , the corner post  320  also includes a cap assembly  400  adapted to span the gap between adjacent top caps  110  installed on top of each wall panel. Preferably, the cap assembly  400  is plastic. FIGS. 4,  5  and  7  show the cap assembly which includes a post member  420 . The post member  420  has a threaded end  404  that threadably engages the threaded hole  328  in the upper plate  324  secured in the end of the tube  322 . The cap  400  also includes a base member  406 , a lock member  408  and a cover member  410 . The base member  406  includes a step portion  412  on each side of the base and a primary post member  414  extending upwardly from the middle of each side of the top surface  416  of the base member. Each primary post member  414  includes a shaft portion  418  and a head portion  420 . Each primary post member  414  is slotted so as to make the head and shaft portions flexible and resilient. Two secondary post members  424 , positioned on opposite sides of the primary post member, extend upwardly from each step portion  412  of the base member. A cylindrical sleeve portion  426  extends downwardly from the bottom of the base member  406 . The sleeve portion  426  is adapted to receive the top of the post member  402 , so that the post member supports and rotatably engages the base member  406 . The post member  402  allows the height of the corner post cap to be adjusted as it threadably engages the upper plate  324  in the tube  322 . In addition, the post member  420  is slender so that cables wires and the like can be disposed around the post member as they pass from the upper horizontal channel  88  of one panel to the next. 
     The lock member  408  is rectangular and includes openings  428  adapted to receive the secondary post members  424 . The lock member  408  also includes four openings  430  adapted to receive the head and shaft of the primary post member  414 . A shoulder is disposed inside each opening so that when the primary post member is inserted into the opening, the head extends through the plate member and engages the shoulder to thereby releasably secure the plate member to the base member. The cover member  410  is releasably secured to the top of the lock member  408 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 3-7, a light seal  432  is provided to connect the top cap on the wall panel with the corner post cap. The light seal  432  includes a mounting flange  434  having two holes: a slotted hole  436  and a round hole  438 . The holes  436 ,  438  are adapted to receive the secondary post members  424 . The mounting flange  434  also includes a semicircular cut-away portion  440 . The light seal  432  is installed on the base member  406  by inserting the secondary post members  424  into the openings  436 ,  438  in the mounting flange  434 . The bottom of the mounting flange  434  engages the step portion  412  so that the top of the flange lies flush with the top surface of the base member  406 . The cut-away portion  440  is disposed around the primary post member  414 . The lock member  408  is installed on the base member  406  so as to releasably secure the light seal  432  to the base member  406 . 
     The light seal  432  includes an insert portion  442  with a rib  444  defining an end of the insert portion  442 . The insert portion  442  is adapted to be received in the open end of the top cap  110  mounted on each wall panel. The light seal  432  also includes downwardly extending legs  446 . The legs extend downwardly between the upwardly extending sidewall members  36  of the adjacent upper frame member and the cover member  340 ,  348  disposed on the side of the corner post so as to prevent light from penetrating the gap between the two members. Each leg  446  also includes a beveled edge  448  that mates with an opposing edge of an adjacent leg when two light seals are installed at 90° to each other. The light seal is preferably made of plastic and the legs can be trimmed to the proper length before installation. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, a light seal  450  is provided to bridge the gap between the top caps on two panels placed end-to-end and connected to each other. In this embodiment, the light seal  450  includes two insert portions  452  facing away from each other and that are separated by a rib  454 . The insert portions  454  are received in each wall panel top cap  110 . The rib  454  provides a smooth and continuous transition between the top caps  110 . The legs  456  of the light seal extend downwardly and conceal the gap between the adjacent upwardly extending sidewalls of the two panels. 
     Referring to FIGS.  36  and  38 - 40 , a connector is provided to attach a shorter wall panel to a taller wall panel. In this configuration, an upper draw block  460  includes a pair of wedge members  462  on one side and a pair of hook members  464  on the opposite side. The hook members  464  are adapted to engage the slots  86  in the hanger bracket  70  attached to the side of the taller wall panel. The wedge members  462  engage the top  298  of the hanger bracket channels  72  on the shorter wall panel as described above. To connect the panels, the draw rod  296  is tightened to pull the two wall panels together. A light seal  470  is installed on the shorter panel so that its legs  472  are disposed on either side of the upper draw block  460 . An insert portion  474  of the light seal  470  is received in the top cap  110  attached to the top of the shorter panel. The end of the light seal  470  is defined by a flat surface  478  which extends downwardly from a rib  476 . The flat surface  478  abuts the hanger bracket  70  on the taller panel. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3,  36 ,  39  and  57 , a pair of end cover brackets  480  are installed on the exposed end of any wall panel which is not connected to another wall panel or a corner post. The end cover bracket  480  includes a pair of outwardly facing grooves  482  running along opposite side edges of the bracket. A end cover  484  is attached to the bracket  480  on the end of the panel to provide a finished appearance. The cover  484  comprises a channel with a top wall  486  closing the upper end of the channel. The end cover also includes a pair of U-shaped brackets  488  mounted inside the channel. The brackets each include inwardly facing flanges  490  which are inserted into the grooves  482  in the end cover bracket mounted to the end of the wall panel. A light seal can be installed between the end cover and the top cap of the wall panel, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 36. 
     When installing a shorter panel adjacent to a taller panel, an end cover bracket  480  is mounted to the exposed portion of the hanger bracket and wall panel end extending above the shorter panel. A short end cover  485 , shown in FIGS. 36 and 40, is mounted on the bracket so that the exposed upper portion of the taller wall panel is covered. A light seal  450  is then installed between the end cover and the top cap on the taller wall panel. 
     Referring to FIGS. 41-42, the wall panel also can be attached to a permanent wall  494 . In this arrangement, a mounting plate  496  is disposed inside a channel-shaped cover  498  having a top wall  499 , similar to an end cover. A hanger bracket  70 , the cover  498  and mounting plate  496  are mounted on the permanent wall  494  with a plurality of fasteners. The wall panel is connected to the hanger bracket as described above, with a light seal  450  being inserted between the cover and the top cap of the adjacent panel. 
     The construction of the frame members and panel, as described above, is ideally suited for improved manufacturability of the wall panel. In particular, the method for making each vertical frame member includes providing a core member  28 , a hanger bracket  70  and a pair of sidewall members  34 , each having an edge portion  40  with an outer leg  118  having an outer surface. The hanger bracket  70  is attached to the outer surface  50  of the core member as discussed above. 
     Referring to FIGS. 50-51, the core member  28  and hanger bracket  70  are placed in a fixture  500 , which has a first surface  502  spaced apart from a second and third surface  504 ,  505 . The fixture  500  is rotatably attached to supports  506  at each end of the fixture  500 . In this way, fixture surfaces can be provided on opposite sides of the same fixture for different frame members. The fixture is simply rotated so that the surfaces to be employed are accessible to the assembler. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 51, the core member  28  and hanger bracket  70  are positioned in the fixture such that an outer surface of the hanger bracket engages the first surface  502 . The sidewalls  34  are then inserted into the fixture  500  on opposite sides of the core member. The ends of the sidewalls and the ends of the core member are positioned relative to each other in the fixture using a locator pin as the outer leg  118  of the edge portions of the two sidewalls engage the second and third surfaces  504 ,  505  of the fixture respectively. The core member, hanger bracket and sidewalls are clamped together in the fixture using a plurality of clamps  508 . The sidewalls are then attached to the core member with a plurality of fasteners, preferably staples. Alternatively, the sidewalls can also be bonded to the core member using a suitable adhesive, or bonded and mechanically fastened. 
     It should also be understood by one skilled in the art, that various aspects of the assembly process can be automated. For example, the hand clamps shown in FIG. 51 can be replaced with pneumatically controlled clamps. Similarly, the fastening process can be automated, whereby the application of adhesive and stapling is done automatically. 
     By using a fixture as just described, the distance between the outer surface of the hanger bracket and the outer leg of each sidewall can be maintained as a relative constant with relatively tight tolerances. Thus, when two panels are installed end-to-end, the gap between adjacent opposing sidewalls will be maintained with tight tolerances so as to provide a uniform appearance when viewing a system of interconnected wall panels. In essence, the gap at each joint between adjacent panels is maintained as a relative constant. Moreover, this method of manufacture ensures that the slotted portion of the hanger bracket is always maintained a constant distance from the outer leg  118  of the sidewall edge portion. Thus, the user is ensured that components can be consistently installed on the hanger bracket without having to force the component past a protruding sidewall. 
     Another advantage of this method is realized when different thickness fabrics are installed on the panel. Typically, when a thicker fabric is installed on one panel, the fabric fills more of the gap between connected panels, and can therefore interfere with the installation of components on the hanger brackets, as well as creating a displeasing appearance as between adjacent joints. With the current construction, the distance between the first and second and third surfaces in the fixture can be altered to provide more or less distance between them so as to accommodate thicker or thinner fabrics respectively. 
     Referring to FIG. 52, a scanner  600  or caliper can be used to measure the thickness of the fabric  130  being installed and provide that data to a computer. The computer  602  employs logic and actuates a servo motor  604  that changes the relative distance between the first and second and third surfaces so as to provide a uniform gap between panels once the fabric is installed. It should be understood that actuators could alternatively be used to adjust the second and third surfaces relative to the first surface. In this way, the second surface could be spaced a greater distance from the first surface than the third surface is from the first surface so as to accommodate two different thickness fabrics on each side of the panel. For example, it may be desirable to employ a heavy thick fabric on the outside wall of a panel system forming a walkway which experiences a lot of abuse, while providing a thinner fabric, for reasons of color selection etc., on the inside wall of the system forming the workspace. 
     Another advantage is realized by using a wooden core member in each of the frame members in that the sidewalls can be attached extremely fast and inexpensively with staples, rather than by expensive welding or mechanical screw and bolt type fasteners. 
     The upper and lower frame members are made in a similar manner, except that the first fixture surface  620  engages the core member rather than the hanger bracket as shown in FIGS. 53-54. The sidewall members are installed so that the outer legs  118  engage the second and third fixture surfaces  622 ,  623  respectively. The bracket and mounting strip are installed on the outer surface of the lower core member with mechanical fasteners. The groove  33  positioned along the bottom of the bottom core member allows space for ends of a tool locator which positions the bracket and mounting strip relative to the bottom of the panel. 
     A method is also provided to assemble the wall panel. The method includes providing a plurality of fixtures  512  having horizontal surfaces  514  and vertical surfaces  516 . The fixtures  512  are arranged in a rectangular configuration on a bed  522 , as shown in FIGS. 55-56. A pedestal support  524  extends upwardly from the bed in the middle of the fixture arrangement. Each fixture is provided with a clamp  520 . Adhesive is applied to the inner surface of one of the wall members around its edge. The wall member is then placed on the horizontal surface  514  of the fixtures with the inner surface facing upward. The pedestal support  524  supports the outer surface of the wall member. The four frame members, i.e., the vertical frame members  14  and the upper and lower frame members  16 ,  18 , are placed in the fixtures such that the sidewalls  34 ,  36 ,  38  of each frame engage the fixture surfaces oriented around the panel. The sidewalls of the upper frame member are pinched together and inserted between the upwardly extending sidewalls  68  of the vertical frame members and then released so that the sidewalls overlap. Similarly, the outwardly extending sidewalls  38  of the lower frame member are overlapped with the exposed core of the vertical frame members  550 . The vertical surfaces  516  of the fixture are magnetized with magnets  521  to attract and hold the frame members to the vertical surfaces  516 . 
     A partition member  140 , with adhesive applied to the mounting flange  142 , is then installed at each end of the panel by bonding the mounting flange to the inner surface  122  of the wall member. The boundary flange  144  extends away from the wall member to form the vertical channel  108 . Because the partition member is preferably made of cardboard, it can be easily installed by bonding rather than be welding or mechanically fastening as would typically be required for metal or wood partitions. 
     Adhesive is applied to both sides of the honeycomb filler member  150  and it is disposed inside the frame on the inner surface  122  of the wall member  120 . The filler member  150  substantially fills the space between the upper and lower frame members and between the two partition members. In a preferred embodiment, an outlet box  270  is mounted to a hardboard base plate with a fastener. The base plate is adhesively bonded to the inner surface  122  of the wall member. One of a portion of the partition member or filler material is removed to allow the outlet box to be installed on the inside of the frame. The outlet box can be installed between the partition members, or such that one side of the box is aligned with the partition member to thereby provide a wall defining the inner surface of the vertical channel. The conduit  276  connecting the outlet box to the power system is disposed in the vertical channel and extends through the space between the bottom core member and the vertical core member. 
     Adhesive is applied around the edges of the inner surface  122  of the second wall member. The wall member  120  is positioned in the recess formed on a second side of the frame by the edge portions of the sidewalls. When an outlet box has been installed on the first wall member, a hole is cut in the second wall member so as to be substantially aligned with the outlet box once the second wall member is installed. The two wall members and frame are clamped together and to the fixtures. A staple gun, preferably a dual action staple gun  640  accessing both sides of the panel simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 56, is used to mechanically fasten the two wall members to the four frame members, and in particular, to staple through the wall member and sidewall member and into the core member. Fasteners are also installed in the overlapping portions of the upwardly extending vertical sidewalls, the sidewalls of the upper frame member and the wall member, as described above. As described above, it should be understood that various aspects of this assembly process could be automated. For example, the clamping could be pneumatically controlled, and the positioning of the wall members, filler member, partition members and frame members could be automated. 
     Because the core members are preferably made out of wood, the wall members can be easily and cheaply secured to the frame. This construction avoids the use of expensive and time consuming welding operations and/or the use of expensive screw and bolt type fasteners. 
     The support leg is installed by press fitting the upper portion of the leg into the opening between the bracket and core member. The foot member is attached to the leg member. 
     The barrier sheet is disposed on both sides of the wall panel, and is either adhesively or mechanically attached to the wall member or the frame members. Alternatively, the barrier sheet can be wrapped around the edge portions of the sidewall members underneath the decorative sheet, which secures the barrier sheet to the wall panel, as shown in FIG.  47 A. 
     Next, the decorative sheets are installed by disposing a sheet on each side of the panel and attaching the strip to the edge portion of each side wall as described above, including the steps of tucking the excess fabric corner patch located at the corners into the edge portion channel and inserting a flexible corner block into each corner to secure the fabric in the channel. 
     It should be understood that all of the aforementioned steps of manufacture can be interchanged without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing order of steps be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. 
     Additional steps can be included to accessorize the panel. For example, a top cap typically is installed on each panel. In addition, the power distribution system can be installed by attaching the power distribution server, including the receptacle modules and harnesses, to the bracket on the bottom of the lower frame member. In addition, the base cover can be installed on the mounting strip to conceal and protect the power distribution system. The base cover is installed by securing the two side walls to the mounting strip attached to the bottom of the lower frame member. 
     When assembled in a system of panels, the horizontal channel formed along the top and bottom of the panels provides the user with an ideal and easy to access space for storing and routing cables and wires, such as communication and data lines. Moreover, the vertical channels in each panel allow the user to easily rout wires and cables from the top of the panel to the bottom. In addition, the vertical channels provide a ready-made space for routing electrical conduit from the outlet mounted in the panel to the base of the panel and the attached power distribution system. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.