Patent Publication Number: US-6341457-B1

Title: Light seal assembly for a wall panel system

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/178,061, filed Oct. 26, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/864,459, filed May 28, 1997 now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. 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 a light seal assembly for a wall panel system. 
     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 three such work space management systems: the ACTION OFFICE® system, the ETHOSPACE® system and the Q™ 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. 
     Often, various gaps can be formed between portions of connected wall panels, or between the wall panels and the corner post. With such construction, light can seep through the gaps from one side of the wall panel assembly to the other. Such light seepage can create an aesthetically displeasing, and can be distracting to the user on the other side of the wall panel assembly, for example when giving a presentation requiring a low level of lighting. 
     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. The sheetlike wall members, preferably made of fiberboard, have an inner surface attached to the side 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 one embodiment, each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The sidewall members preferably 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 embodiment of the wall panel, a pair of inner sheetlike wall members are attached to the rectangular frame to form a core assembly. In this embodiment, the frame members are preferably of a one-piece wooden construction. A pair of outer wall members are then attached to the inner wall members of the core assembly. The outer wall members extend outwardly from the periphery of the inner wall members to form a channel between them. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the core assembly includes at least one locator opening therethrough. The outer wall members each include at least one locator member that is received in the at least one locator opening as the wall members are mounted to the core assembly. The locator members and openings are arranged on the wall members and core assembly, respectively, so that the wall members are centered on the core assembly from side to side. The locator members and openings can also be arranged so as to ensure that the top of the wall member is positioned a predetermined distance from the top of the core assembly, or channel thereon, so as to provide a uniform and continuous line or appearance along the top of a plurality of wall panels arranged in a system of wall panels. 
     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 one 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 another embodiment, a channel member is attached to the upper horizontal frame member in the space formed between the outer wall members to further define a horizontal channel. A top cap is secured to the channel 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 frame members, a partition member spaced apart from the inner surface of the vertical 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 or more of the wall members between the upper and lower frame members. At least one of the wall members 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 of the frame members in one embodiment of the wall panel. 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 sidewall. 
     In an alternative embodiment a strip member is disposed along the periphery of the wall member to protect the edges thereof and is covered with the thin decorative sheet. A plurality of fasteners are used to attach the decorative sheet and strip member to the wall member. 
     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. 
     In one embodiment, 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 embodiment, a corner post cap is attached to light seal members that are disposed in openings formed in the ends of the top caps. Preferably, the corner post cap and light seal members are attached with a snap-fit engagement. 
     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 corner post cover is used to cover those sides of the corner post not connected to a wall panel, so as to thereby provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     In another aspect of the invention, one or more upper, stackable wall panels are mounted to one or more lower wall panels, or to a corner post, using a combination of connector members, including various brackets, spanner members, draw blocks and draw rods. In one embodiment, a corner post extension is provided to facilitate the attachment of the upper, stackable panel to a corner post and lower wall panel. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a variety of light seal members are provided for spanning or blocking the gaps formed between adjacent wall panels, or between the corner post and any wall panel attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the light seal members are disposed on the connectors, preferably configured as draw blocks, used to interconnect the wall panels and corner post. The light seals comprise a longitudinally extending leg portion. Preferably, one of the light seal and the connector include a protuberance that is snap-fitted with a recess formed on the other of the light seal and connector. In yet another embodiment, a light seal can be disposed on an end cover, which is attached to the end of the wall panel. The end cover light seal preferably comprises a flange flexibly extending between the end cover and the end of the wall panel. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for manufacturing the vertical side frame member of one embodiment of the wall panel. 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 various wall panel embodiments. In particular, and with respect to a first embodiment, 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. 
     In a second embodiment, the frame members are connected to form a frame. A first pair of inner wall members are attached to the frame, with a filler member and one or more partition members disposed therein, to form a core assembly. Preferably, the first pair of wall members each have a peripheral edge that is substantially flush with the outer surface of the frame members. When assembled, the frame and first pair of wall members form a core assembly. The second pair of wall members are then attached to the first pair of wall members of the core assembly and have at least one peripheral edge that extends beyond the peripheral edge of the inner wall members so as to form a channel therebetween. The decorative sheet and barrier material are secured over the outer surface of the second, or outer, pair of wall members. 
     In another aspect, a system is provided for centering the outer wall member on a core assembly. The system includes a machine for centering and providing a plurality of locator holes in the core assembly and a machine for centering and disposing a plurality of corresponding locator members on the outer wall members. The outer wall members are then centered on the core assembly by mating the locator members and holes. 
     The present invention provides significant advantages over other wall panel systems and methods of manufacture. In particular, the frame member, comprising either a three-piece construction of a pair of sidewall members attached to a core member, or a core member by itself, yields a simple, inexpensive structural part that provides several advantages over roll-formed or extruded metal channels. By using a wood core member, the sidewall 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 sidewall 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. 
     Alternatively, an outer wall member can be centered on a core assembly. In this way, the dimensions between the outer edge of the wall member and the outermost surface of the hanger bracket can be maintained relatively constant so as to provide a relatively uniform gap between adjacent wall panels. 
     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 various methods of fabric attachment. In one embodiment, 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. 
     Alternatively, the strip member disposed along the edge of the wall panel protects the edge from impact damage and the like. In addition, the strip member anchors the fasteners used to secure the decorative sheet to the wall member. 
     Another significant advantage is the ability to install light seals between wall panels and between a wall panel and the corner post. The light seals can be installed quickly without having to disassemble the wall panel assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the various light seals can be releasably secured to a connector or to a top cap, so as to prevent the light seals from becoming dislodged and/or misplaced. 
     Another significant advantage is the ability to install one or more upper, stackable wall panels on one or more lower wall panels or corner posts. In particular, a system of wall panels can be easily and quickly reconfigured to provide more or less privacy by adding one or more upper wall panels without affecting the connection of the lower wall panel (or panels) to adjacent wall panels or corner posts. The combination of spanner members, support brackets, draw blocks and draw rods can be installed or removed quickly and easily with minimum effort, while simultaneously providing a robust, rigid structure. 
     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. Or, in an alternative embodiment, the wall members can be centered on the core assembly so as to maintain similar uniform gaps. 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 a 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 tool fixture for assembling the side frame member. 
     FIG. 53 is a perspective view of an 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 an 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. 
     FIG. 60 is a side view of a core assembly of an alternative embodiment of the wall panel. 
     FIG. 60A is a partial view of the wall panel of FIG. 60 with an alternative positioning of the opening for the support leg. 
     FIG. 61 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a wall member. 
     FIG. 62 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the wall panel assembly. 
     FIG. 63 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the wall panel assembly shown in FIG.  62 . 
     FIG. 64 is a top view of a top channel. 
     FIG. 65 is an end view of the top channel. 
     FIG. 66 is a side view of the protective strip. 
     FIG. 67 is an end view of the protective strip. 
     FIG. 68 is an exploded assembly view of a corner post with seal members and a corner post cap. 
     FIG. 69 is a top view of a seal member. 
     FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the alternative corner post configuration shown in FIG. 68 with a cover member being applied thereto. 
     FIG. 71 is a perspective view of the corner post configuration shown in FIG. 70 with a cover member being applied thereto. 
     FIG. 72 is a partial top view of the seal member and cover member. 
     FIG. 73 is an exploded assembly view of alternative light seal members being applied to a pair of wall panels placed end to end. 
     FIG. 74 is a partial cross-sectional view of a light seal member disposed on an upper draw block. 
     FIG. 75 is a side view of a pair of upper wall panels attached to a pair of lower wall panels of equal height positioned in an end to end configuration. 
     FIG. 76 is a side view of an upper wall panel attached to a pair of lower wall panels of equal height positioned in an end to end configuration. 
     FIG. 77 is a side view of an upper wall panel attached to a short lower wall panel positioned in an end to end configuration with an adjacent tall lower wall panel. 
     FIG. 78 is a side view of an upper wall panel attached to a tall lower panel positioned in an end-to-end configuration with an upper wall panel attached to a short lower wall panel. 
     FIG. 79 is a side view of an upper wall panel attached to a lower wall panel. 
     FIG. 80 is a side view of an upper wall panel attached to a lower wall panel and to a corner post having a corner post extension. 
     FIG. 81 is a side view of an upper wall panel attached to a lower wall panel and to a corner post without an extension. 
     FIG. 82 is an exploded perspective view of a lower spanner assembly. 
     FIG. 83 is a side view of the lower spanner assembly. 
     FIG. 84 is a top view of the spanner. 
     FIG. 85 is a side view of the corner post extension. 
     FIG. 86 is a bottom view of the corner post extension. 
     FIG. 87 is a top view of upper wall panel support bracket. 
     FIG. 88 is a side view of the upper wall panel support bracket. 
     FIG. 89 is an end view of the upper wall panel support bracket. 
     FIG. 90 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a lower draw block. 
     FIG. 91 is a top view of the lower draw block shown in FIG.  90 . 
     FIG. 92 is an end view of the lower draw block shown in FIG.  90 . 
     FIG. 93 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a clip for a cover member. 
     FIG. 94 is a cover member assembly. 
     FIG. 95 is a front view of the outlet box mounted in the wall panel using an alternative bracket assembly. 
     FIG. 96 is an end view of a bracket member used to install the outlet box in the wall panel. 
     FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in FIG.  95 . 
     FIG. 98 is a perspective view of a bracket member and a corner post extension. 
     FIG. 99 is a side view of a core assembly having a pair of locator holes disposed therethrough. 
     FIG. 100 is a side view of a wall member with a pair of locator members disposed thereon. 
     FIG. 101 is a plan view of a locator member. 
     FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of the locator member taken along line  102 — 102  of FIG.  101 . 
     FIG. 103 is an exploded perspective view of a wall panel assembly. 
     FIG. 104 is a plan view of a machine used to make locator openings in a core assembly. 
     FIG. 105 is a partial side view of the machine shown in FIG.  104 . 
     FIG. 106 is a partial end view the machine shown in FIG.  104 . 
     FIG. 107 is a plan view of a machine used to attach locator members to a wall member. 
     FIG. 108 is a side view of the machine shown in FIG.  107 . 
     FIG. 109 is an end view the machine shown in FIG.  107 . 
     FIG. 110 is a side view of a locator attachment tool. 
     FIG. 111 is an end view of the tool shown in FIG.  110 . 
     FIG. 112 is a plan view of the tool shown in FIG.  110 . 
     FIG. 113 is a plan view of a press conveyor machine. 
     FIG. 114 is a side view of the machine shown in FIG.  113 . 
     FIG. 115 is an end view the machine shown in FIG.  113 . 
     FIG. 116 is an enlarged plan view of the rack and pinion mechanism used in the machines shown in FIGS. 104 and 107. 
     FIG. 117 is an enlarged end view of the rack and pinion mechanism and encoding device. 
     FIG. 118 is an enlarged side view of the rack and pinion mechanism and encoding device. 
     FIG. 119 is an exploded perspective view of a corner post extension with a light seal member and corner post cap. 
     FIG. 120 is an exploded perspective view of a support bracket and a short lower wall panel positioned in an end to end configuration with a tall lower wall panel. 
     FIG. 121 is an exploded side view of an upper wall panel, a tall lower wall panel, a short lower wall panel, a support bracket member, a spanner member and a connector member. 
     FIG. 122 is an exploded side view of a pair of upper wall panels, a pair of lower wall panels, a pair of spanner members and a connector member. 
     FIG. 123 is an exploded perspective view of a spanner member and a pair of lower wall panels. 
     FIG. 124 is an exploded side view of an upper wall member, a pair of lower wall panels, a spanner member and a connector member. 
     FIG. 125 is an exploded side view of a lower wall panel, an upper wall panel and connector members including a stand-alone hanger bracket. 
     FIG. 126 is an exploded perspective view of an upper wall panel supported by a pair of lower wall panels, a pair of end cover brackets and a light seal member. 
     FIG. 127 is a perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 126 with an end cover being applied thereto. 
     FIG. 128 is an exploded perspective view of a stand-along hanger bracket being applied to a tall lower wall panel attached to a short lower wall panel. 
     FIG. 129 is an exploded perspective view of an end cover, light seal member and top cap being applied to an upper wall panel secured to the tall lower wall panel shown in FIG.  128 . 
     FIG. 130 is a partial cross-sectional view of two belts supported by the press conveyor machine bed taken along line  130 — 130  of FIG.  114 . 
     FIG. 131 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a lower draw block. 
     FIG. 132 is an end view of the lower draw block shown in FIG.  131 . 
     FIG. 133 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the corner post extension. 
     FIG. 134 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a clip for a cover member. 
     FIG. 135 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a corner post cap. 
     FIG. 136 is a section cross-sectional view of the corner post cap taken along line  136 — 136  of FIG.  135 . 
     FIG. 137 is a bottom view of the corner post cap shown in FIG.  135 . 
     FIG. 138 is a perspective view of a light seal. 
     FIG. 139 is a cross-sectional view of the light seal shown in FIG. 138 taken along line  139 — 139 . 
     FIG. 140 is a perspective view of a clip for a corner post cover. 
     FIG. 141 is a cross-sectional view of the clip shown in FIG. 140 taken along line  141 — 141 . 
     FIG. 142 is an exploded perspective view of a corner post cap with a plurality of light seals arranged thereabout. 
     FIG. 143 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of light seals connected with a corner post cap. 
     FIG. 144 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a light seal. 
     FIG. 145 is an end view of the light seal shown in FIG.  144 . 
     FIG. 146 is a bottom view of the light seal shown in FIG.  145 . 
     FIG. 147 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a light seal. 
     FIG. 148 is a cross-sectional view of the light seal shown in FIG. 147 taken along line  147 — 147 . 
     FIG. 149 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a light seal. 
     FIG. 150 is a side view of the light seal shown in FIG.  149 . 
     FIG. 151 is a cross-sectional view of the light seal shown in FIG. 149 taken along line  151 — 151 . 
     FIG. 152 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a draw block. 
     FIG. 153 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a draw block. 
     FIG. 154 is an inner end view of an end cover. 
     FIG. 155 is a side view of the end cover shown in FIG.  154 . 
     FIG. 156 is a partially exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a wall panel assembly. 
     FIG. 157 is a partially exploded perspective view of a corner post and light seals with a corner post cap. 
    
    
     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 or 24 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 work surface 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 co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 60,019,285 entitled CANTILEVER BRACKET ASSEMBLY and filed Jun. 7, 1996, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein 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 sidewall 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. An 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 sidewalls. 
     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 12077 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.  47 A. 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 ,  58  and  62 , 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 hooks  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 herein 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 FIGS. 14 and 62, 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 sidewalls  232  and a bottom wall  234 , as shown in FIGS. 14,  15  and  62 . The sidewalls  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 sidewalls  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 sidewall  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 . 
     An alternative construction of the wall panel is shown in FIGS. 60-63. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, parts and assemblies previously described above with reference to other wall panel constructions are referred to and identified by the same reference number. As best illustrated in FIG. 62, the wall panel includes a core assembly  800  and a pair of outer sheetlike wall members  920 . The core assembly is shown in FIG. 60, and includes upper and lower horizontal frame members  816 ,  818  and vertical side frame members  814 . Each frame member is preferably made of wood and has a rectangular cross section, similar to the core members  28 ,  30 ,  32  of frame member  14 ,  16 ,  18  without sidewall members attached thereto. Opposite ends of the vertical frame members are attached to opposite ends of the horizontal frame members with fasteners, adhesive, and/or the like. The upper and lower horizontal frame members  816 ,  818  each have a pair of openings  806  that provide access to a pair of vertical channels. Similar to the construction of the wall panel shown in FIGS. 1-2 and  8 - 12 , a filler member  150  is disposed between the upper and lower horizontal frame members, while partition members  140  extend between the filler member and the vertical side frame members to form a pair of vertical raceways  108 . A first and second sheetlike inner wall members  820  are mounted to opposite sides of the filler member and frame members to complete the core assembly with adhesive, such as glue, and/or mechanical fasteners. The wall members  820  are preferably made of a relatively thin hardboard, e.g., ¼ inch, although other thicknesses would also work. The wall members close off and form the vertical raceways  108  inside the core assembly. The periphery or edges of the wall members  820 , preferably lie flush, or inward from, with the outer surface of the frame members. 
     As shown in FIG. 60, a hole  822  is positioned through the lower horizontal frame member and is shaped to receive the shaft  252  of the support leg. A stiffener block  824  can be inserted inside the core assembly at each of the junctures of the lower frame member and the side frame members to strengthen the panel and to provide further support for the support leg shaft. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 60A, the hole is positioned in the end of each vertical frame member and extends longitudinally therein. The shaft  252  of the support leg is press fit into the hole. A stiffener  826 , preferably a piece of plywood, can also be mounted to the inner surface of the vertical frame member to prevent the frame member from splitting when the support leg is installed. The plywood is secured to the frame member with adhesive and/or by fasteners used to install the hanger member  70  to the outer surface of the frame member, as described above. The fasteners extend through the frame member on opposite sides of the hole and thereby help to support the frame member around the shaft so as to prevent the frame member from splitting. 
     Referring to FIG. 61, a plurality of protective strip members  922  (shown as four) are positioned around the periphery of wall member  920 . Each strip member, shown in FIGS. 66 and 67, is L-shaped and has a long flange and a short flange. The short flange  924 , which has a length substantially the same as, or slightly less than, the thickness of the wall member, is disposed along the edge  932  of the wall member to protect it from impact damage and the like. The long flange is disposed along the inner surface of the wall member. The strip members  922  preferably run the length of the edge of the wall member upon which they are disposed, although it should be understood that a plurality of strip members having shorter lengths could be placed end to end to cover the entire length of the wall member edge. The ends  928  of the long flange are tapered, or mitered, to mate with the ends of adjacent strip members at each corner of the wall member. As shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, a thin decorative sheet  930 , preferably a fabric, is then applied over the panel, with a barrier sheet  530  inserted therebetween if desired. The decorative sheet is attached to the wall member by applying a plurality of fasteners  934  through the decorative sheet and strip members and into the wall member as shown in FIG.  62 . The strip members  922  anchor the fasteners, shown as staples, and help prevent the decorative sheet from being pulled from the wall member. The strip members  922  cab be attached to the wall member using the fasteners  934  for attaching the decorative sheet, or they can first be attached to the wall member using additional fasteners or adhesive. 
     After the decorative sheet is mounted to the wall member, each wall member  920  is mounted to the core assembly using an adhesive, preferably a hot melt, applied between the wall member  920  and the wall member  820  of the core assembly. Alternatively, or in combination with the adhesive, the wall members  920  can also be mounted to the core assembly with fasteners, such as barbed fasteners, nails, staples and the like. When installed, the periphery, or edges, of the wall members  920  extends beyond the periphery of the wall member  820  along the top and sides of the core assembly so as to form channels along three sides of the wall panel, with the channel formed along the top of the panel preferably being the deepest. The wall members can also overhang or extend beyond the bottom periphery of the wall member  820  so as to form a channel along the bottom of the wall panel. Hanger brackets  70  are disposed in the relatively shallow channels along the sides of the wall panel and are secured to the vertical side frame members such that the slots  86  of the hanger brackets are exposed beyond the edge of the wall members  920 . The slots  86  are configured to receive and support various components. 
     As shown in FIG. 103, the wall member  920  can be centered on the core assembly  800  from side to side such that there is an equal overhang of the wall members on each side of the wall panel. The centering of the wall members on the core assembly provides an equal exposure of the hanger brackets  70 , and slots therein, on each side of the wall panel. In particular, and referring to FIGS. 99 and 103, the core assembly  800  has a pair of locator openings  1230 ,  1232  bored therethrough along the centerline of the panel. The upper locator opening  1230  is preferably circular, while the lower locator opening  1232  is preferably slotted along the vertical direction. Preferably, the upper locator opening has a ½ inch diameter, while the lower locator opening is ½ inch side and 1¼ inches long. Obviously, it should be understood that other diameters and sizes would also work. It should also be understood that the location of the circular and slotted openings could be interchanged, or that both openings could be circular or slotted, or assume any other shape, including for example a rectangular or triangular shape. Moreover, it should be understood that one or more locator openings, and preferably more than one, can be used to locate the wall member  920  on the core assembly, and that the disclosure of two locator openings is meant to be illustrative, rather than limiting. Preferably, the upper locator opening is keyed off of or located a predetermined with respect to the top of the core assembly, or a channel attached thereto. For example, in one embodiment, the locator openings are keyed off of or located a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the ridges on the channel, which surface acts as a reference. 
     Referring to FIGS. 100 and 103, the wall member  920  includes two locator members  1234 , which are receive in the locator openings. The locator members  1234  are attached along the centerline of the wall member  920 . The upper locator member is received in the upper locator opening which is circular and dimensioned to receive the locator member without play so as to determine the top-to-bottom positioning of the wall member with respect to the core assembly. The lower locator opening, which is slotted, can accommodate some tolerance buildup, or other slop, in the placement of the locator members along the vertical axis, as it is not intended to locate the wall member along the vertical direction, but is dimensioned to closely receive the locator member in the lateral or side-to-side direction so to prevent any play therealong. In this way, the upper and lower locator member and openings work in combination to center the wall member on the core assembly from side-to-side, while the upper locator member and opening position the wall member on the core assembly from top to bottom. 
     Each locator member includes a base portion  1236  and a post member  1238  extending outwardly therefrom. The post member  1238  has a rounded nose portion  1239  that facilitates its insertion into the locator openings positioned in the core assembly. The locator members are preferably made of high density polyethylene, although it should be understood that other materials, including other types of plastic, wood or metal would also work. The post member  1238  is shaped to be received in the locator holes  1232 ,  1234 , and preferably has a length less than one half the thickness of the core assembly so that the post members  1238  on the opposing wall members  920  can be inserted in the same locator openings  1232 ,  1234  from both sides of the core assembly. 
     The base portion  1236 , which is preferably flat, circular and relatively thin, is attached to the inner surface of the wall member  920  with a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as staples, nails or the like. Alternatively, or in combination with the mechanical fasteners, the bottom surface of the base portion can be attached to the wall member with an adhesive or the like, including for example a two sided tape, glue or other bonding agent. 
     Preferably, the upper locator member is keyed off of or located a predetermined distance from the top edge of the wall member, which acts as a reference. The location of the upper locator member is correlated to the location of the upper locator opening with respect to the top of the core assembly, or channel thereon, such that a uniform appearance is provided from wall panel to wall panel when the core assembly and wall member components are assembled to form the wall panels. 
     It should be understood that the predetermined distance between the upper locator opening and the top of the core assembly, or channel, and the predetermined distance between the locator member and the top edge of the wall member are not by themselves (individually) important. Rather, one of skill in the art should understood that it is the relationship between the two predetermined distances that is important, as it is that relationship that ensures that the wall member is properly located on the core assembly from top to bottom. Thus, the predetermined distance of the locator opening from the its reference, whether it be the top of the core assembly, or a surface on the channel attached thereto, refers to any distance arbitrarily set, but preferably calculated so that the upper locator opening is below and does not pass through the upper horizontal frame member. The predetermined distance of the locator member from the top edge of the wall member is then calculated so as to ensure that the wall member extends a certain distance above the core assembly, and preferably to the top of the channel attached thereto. Conversely, the predetermined location of the locator member can first be calculated, with the predetermined location of the locator opening thereafter set. 
     When attaching the wall member  920  to the core assembly  800 , the locator members  1234  are disposed in the locator openings  1230 ,  1232 , which are dimensioned to receive the locator members, so as to ensure that the wall member is centered on the core assembly from side to side. In addition, the upper locator opening, which is preferably not slotted and therefore controls the position of the upper locator member, ensures that the top edge of the wall member is also located a predetermined distance with the respect to the top of the core assembly, or the channel member attached thereto, as the locator member is received in the upper locator opening. Although the locator members and openings are shown as being located along the centerline of the wall member and core assembly respectively, it should be understood that the locator members and holes could be located off the center line and still function to center the wall member on the core assembly as long as the location of the locator members and openings are keyed off the side surfaces of the wall member and core assembly so as to provide an equal overhang as explained above. 
     One of skill in the art should also understand, as explained in more detail below, that the locator members and openings could be reversed, with the locator members attached to the core assembly, and with the locator openings disposed in the wall members. 
     As shown in FIGS. 62-65,  99  and  103 , the top channel member  940 , or liner, is mounted to the top of the upper horizontal frame member  816  in the channel formed between the upper portions of the opposing wall members  920 . The channel member can be attached to the upper horizontal frame member with fasteners, adhesive, or a combination thereof, before or after the wall members are secured to the core assembly. As with the sidewalls of the upper frame member described above, each leg  942  of the top channel includes an inwardly facing ridge  944  or lip portion that engages the ribbed portion  114  of the top cap  110 . In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the ridge  944  serves as the reference for locating the position of the upper locator opening. The top channel also includes a pair of openings that are aligned with the openings  946  in the upper frame member and the vertical raceway  108  beneath it. The top channel member can be made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material. 
     In a preferred embodiment, an outlet box  270  is installed inside the wall panel frame between the upper and lower frame members  16 ,  18 ,  816 ,  818 . As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the outlet box  270  is first attached, preferably with bolts, to a plate member  272 , preferably a piece of hardboard. The plate member  272  is then attached, preferably by adhesive bonding, 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. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the outlet box can be installed using a bracket that is mounted inside the panel as shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/892,016, entitled Mounting Bracket Assembly for an Outlet Box and filed Jul. 14, 1997, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 95-97, a pair of brackets  950  each include a flange portion  952  and a hook portion  954  extending laterally from the flange portion. The flange portion  952  is attached to the wall member  820  of the core assembly with a pair  956  of fasteners. The wall member  920  is then laid over the flange portion  952  and attached to the wall member  820  as described above. The hook portion engages an outwardly facing edge of the outlet box and holds the back of the outlet box against the inner surface of the opposing wall member  820 . 
     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. A connector member connects the adjacent hanger brackets and generally includes an upper and lower draw block and a draw rod, although, as explained below, other connector member confirmations can further include a corner post, or can be configured as a hanger bracket. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28-30, an upper draw block  280  is provided which has a downwardly facing V-shaped draw surface  282  defined by four wedge members  284 . 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 is 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. Alternatively, the draw rod can be rotatably secured to the upper draw block and threadably secured to the lower draw block, or it can be threadably secured to both. 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 , wherein the hanger brackets are locked into position between the wedge members. 
     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, the connector member further includes a corner post  320  installed between adjacent panels and one or more pairs of draw rods and upper and lower draw blocks connecting the panels to the corner post. 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 two wall members  341  joined in a substantially perpendicular relationship. 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°. A tab  343  is formed along the inside of the beaded portion. The tab buts up against the top edge of the tube so as to ensure that the cover member is located at the proper height along the length of the tube. In addition, a patch or similar marker can be attached to the inside of the cover member to indicate which end is up. The upper end of the cover member includes a horizontal flange portion  345 . 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. In addition, the flat cover member  348  includes a locator tab member  343  and an upper horizontal flange  345 . 
     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 . An opening  407  is formed in the base member and overlies the cylindrical sleeve portion  426 . 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  420  includes a slot  409 , or other configuration for receiving a tool, such that the post member  420  can be accessed through the opening  407  and rotated from above the base member  406 . Alternatively, the post member includes is ribbed such that the shaft thereof is grippable and can be gripped and rotated by a user. 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 . The cover member  410  is attached to the lock member with a two-sided tape or adhesive mechanical, although it should be understood that other mechanical fasteners could also be used. Alternatively, the cover member and lock member can be integrally formed as a single member. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3-7, a light seal member  432  is provided to connect the top cap on the wall panel with the corner post cap. The light seal member  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 member  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 member  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 member  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. 
     In an alternative embodiment of a corner cap and light seal assembly, best shown in FIGS. 135-143 and  157 , a corner cap  6000  comprises a horizontal cap portion  6002  and four downwardly extending sidewalls  6004 . Each sidewall  6004  comprises a plurality of protuberances  6006 , or tabs, extending from an inner surface  6008  thereof. The protuberances are preferably tapered as shown in FIGS. 136 and 143. Each sidewall further comprises a pair of L-shaped walls  6010  which form opposing channels  6012 . 
     As best shown in FIGS. 138 and 139, a light seal member  6018 , otherwise referred to as a corner cap connector, comprises an insert portion  6020  and a leg portion  6022  extending laterally downward therefrom. The light seal further comprise a channel  6024  formed on one end thereof. The channel is defined by an inner  6026  and outer wall  6028 . The outer wall preferably has a pair of recesses  6030 , preferably through-openings, formed therein and which define a pair of lips  6032 . A portion of the outer wall  6028  is tapered between the lip  6032  and the edge  6034  of the wall. 
     During installation, the insert portion  6020  is received in an opening formed in the end of a top cap  110  disposed on a top of a wall panel. At the same time, one of the sidewalls  6004  of the corner cap is disposed in the channel  6024 , such that the protuberance  6006  rides along the tapered portion of the outer wall  6028  until it is received in the recess  6030  and engages the lip  6032  in a snap-fit engagement. At the same time, opposite ends  6034  of the outer wall  6028  are dimensioned to be slidably received in the opposing channels  6012  formed along the sidewalls  6004  of the corner cap. In this way, one, two, three or four light seals, or corner cap connectors (which may or may not be configured with a leg portion), can be secured to the corner cap depending on the number of wall panels being attached respectively to the corner post lying therebelow. When the insert portion  6020  of the light seals  6018  are inserted into the top caps  110 , the corner cap is both supported and aligned above the corner post without further attachment to the corner post below. 
     In an alternative embodiment, best shown in FIGS. 140,  141  and  157 , wherein one or more sides of the corner post are left exposed, or covered with a cover member, a clip  6040  can be releasably secured to the respective sidewall  6004  of the corner cap. The clip includes a wall  6042  having a pair of recesses  6044  defining lips  6046  and end portions  6048  dimensioned to be received in the opposing channels. The wall  6042  includes a tapered portion between the lip  6046  and the edge  6050  of the wall. The clip can be connected to the sidewall  6004  in a snap-fit engagement as described above. The clip further includes a flange that forms a channel  6054  which faces laterally outward from the corner cap. The channel  6054  is configured to receive an upper horizontal flange  345  formed on the cover member as shown in FIG.  157 . 
     Referring to FIG. 6, a light seal member  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 member  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. 
     In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 144-146, the light seal  6060  includes insert portions  6062  with a single downwardly extending leg  6064  extending laterally therefrom. Each end of the insert portions  6062  is tapered so as to facilitate the insertion of the insert portion into the opening defined at the end of the top cap. Each wing of the insert portion further includes a tapered crush rib  6066  that engages the inner surface of the top cap so as to provide a friction fit therewith. In addition, a first pair of stops  6068  extends downwardly from the wings and are configured to abut an end of the top cap so as to prevent the insert portion from being inserted too far into the end cap. In addition, a pair of guides  6078  slidably engage an inner edge of the top cap to further secure the light seal to the top cap  110  and prevent lateral movement therebetween. 
     Referring to FIGS. 68-72, a corner post light seal member  960  is shown. The light seal includes a base portion  962  that is supported on the upper plate member of the corner post. The base portion  962  includes an opening that is aligned with the opening  328  in the upper plate member that receives the post member, such that the post member  420  can be disposed through the hole in the base portion and threadably engage the plate member. A plurality of arm portions  966  extend upwardly from the base portion. Each arm portion includes a pair of flexible fins  968  that extend laterally outwardly from the arm portion in a substantially perpendicular relationship to each other. The fins span at least a portion of the gap formed between adjacent wall panels oriented at right angles, or between the various wall panels and cover members. The flexible fins  968  are folded or bent inwardly to fit beneath the cover member  340  that is mounted to one or more sides of the corner post as shown in FIG.  72 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 68 and 70, a light seal member  970  is shown with relatively short downwardly extending legs that overlap with the upwardly extending arms and fins of the light seal. The light seal member  970  includes a mounting flange  434  with a slotted hole  436 , a round hole  438  and a cut out  440 , which mate with the post members in the manner described above with respect to light seal member  432 . The corner post light seal configuration shown in FIGS. 68-72 has several advantages. First, because the light seal member is supported by the corner post and includes upwardly extending arm portions, it does not need to be removed when the top caps are removed for wiring changes and the like. In addition, the light seal member  970  can be configured with shorter legs, and is more easily installed. 
     As shown in FIGS. 73 and 74, another embodiment of a light seal member  980  includes a base portion  982  that is supported on top of an upper draw block  280  and draw rod  290 . In particular, the base portion has a recess  984  shaped to receive the draw block  280  as the end of the draw rod  290  extends upwardly in an opening  987  formed in the base portion. The light seal member includes a pair of upwardly extending arm portions  986  that bridge the gap between adjacent wall panels positioned in an end-to-end configuration. A light seal member  990  similar to member  450  shown in FIG. 6, but with shorter legs  992 , is then installed between the adjacent top caps installed on top of the wall panels arranged in the end-to-end configuration. Again, the light seal member  980  remains seated on the draw block when the top cap is removed for access to the top channel, and the top cap can be more easily installed because of the relatively short length of the legs extending downwardly from the light seal. 
     In yet another embodiment of a light seal  5080 , shown in FIGS. 147 and 148, the base portion  5082  includes a horizontal portion  5084 , a pair of sidewalls  5086 , and a pair of end walls  5088 . An opening  5087  is formed in the horizontal portion. The opening is dimensioned to receive an end of the draw rod connector. A pair of recesses  5090 , preferably through openings, are formed in each end wall  5088 , and preferably extends into the junction formed with the horizontal portion of the base portion. The recess defines a lip  5092  in each end wall. The inner surface of the end wall  5088  includes a tapered portion between the lip  5092  and a terminal edge of the wall. The light seal further comprises a pair of longitudinally extending leg portions  5094 . Each leg portion further comprises a flexible flange portion, or fin,  5096 , which extends laterally therefrom and preferably each leg portion includes a flange extending laterally in the opposite direction from the other. The fins  5096  can be folded or bent out of the way when the light seal is mated with a cover member. At least one of the leg portions further comprises a tab  5098  extending laterally inward toward the other leg. Alternatively, both leg portions can be provided with a tab. The tab can be grasped by a user to hold and locate the light seal during installation. 
     Referring to FIG. 152, an alternative embodiment of a connector draw block  6080  is shown that is similar to the draw block shown in FIG.  28 . The draw block  6080  includes a horizontal surface  6082 , a pair of vertical end surfaces  6084  and a pair of vertical side surfaces  6086 . A pair of protuberances  6088 , or tabs, extend from each end of the draw block near the juncture with the horizontal surface. The protuberances  6088  preferably include an upper tapered portion that facilitates the installation of the light seal thereover. It should be understood that any of the draw blocks illustrated in the figures could be similarly configured with protuberances. 
     During installation, the light seal  5080  is disposed on the draw block  6080 , which is received in the recess, such that the horizontal portion  5084  of the light seal is disposed on the horizontal surface  6082  of the draw block. At the same time, the protuberances  6088  slide along the tapered portions of the end walls  5088  until they are received in the recess  5090  and are engaged with the lip  5092  in a snap-fit engagement. As such, the light seal and draw block, or connector, are releasably attached and can be manipulated as a unit for installation and the like. One of skill in the art should understand that the protuberances and recesses, with the defined lip, could be reversed, with the protuberance formed on the light seal, and preferably on the end wall, and with a recess and lip formed in the draw block, preferably on an end surface. 
     When installed, as shown in FIG. 157, a pair of light seals  5080  are releasably connected to a pair of draw block  6080  connectors, with the draw block connectors further engaging a corner post and an adjacent wall panel. In this embodiment, the light seals  5080  disposed on the draw blocks  6080 , which connect the wall panels to the corner post, in combination with the overlapping leg portions  6022  of the light seals  6018  releasably attached to the corner cap and top caps, serve to block any light that may tend to seep or leak between the corner post and wall panel. 
     In addition, the light seal and draw block can be used to connect a pair of wall panels arranged in an end-to-end configuration, as shown in FIG.  156 . In such a configuration, the light seal  6060  is further installed to span between adjacent top caps  110  disposed on the wall panels with its leg  6064  extending downwardly in an overlapping relationship with the upwardly extending legs  5094  of the light seal so as to prevent light from seeping between the wall panels. 
     Referring to FIGS.  36  and  38 - 40 , a connector member is provided to attach a shorter wall panel to a taller wall panel. In this configuration, the connector member includes an upper and lower draw block and a draw rod. The 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. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the light seal  7000 , shown in FIGS. 149-151, the light seal  7000  comprises a base portion  7002  having a horizontal portion  7004 , a pair of outer sidewalls  7006 , a pair of inner sidewalls  7008  and an end wall  7010 . The inner sidewalls  7008  and the end wall  7010  have an opening  7012 , or recess, formed therein. The recess  7012  defines a lip  7014 . Each of the inner sidewalls  7008  includes a tapered portion extending laterally toward an edge of the sidewall. The horizontal portion includes a cut-out  7016  shaped to receive an end of the draw rod connector. The light seal further includes a pair of longitudinally extending leg portions  7018 , with one of the legs preferably comprising a laterally extending tab  7020  suited for grasping by a user. 
     As shown in FIG. 153, an alternative embodiment of the change-of-height draw block connector  7060  shown in FIG. 38 as draw block  460 , includes a horizontal surface  7062  and opposite side surfaces  7064 . A protuberance  7068 , or tab, extends from each side surface. The protuberance  7068  is preferably tapered. During installation, the light seal  7000  is preferably slid over the draw block  7060  from an end thereof such that the tapered portion of the inner sidewalls  7008  rides over the tapered portion of the protuberance  7068  until the protuberance engages the lip  7014  of the inner sidewall in a snap fit engagement. The upper surface of the protuberance further engages a second lip  7022  formed along the bottom of the recess to prevent the vertical separation of the light seal and draw block connector. One of skill in the art should understand that the recess and protuberance could be reversed as between the light seal and the draw block connector. Once installed in a releasable configuration, the light seal  7000  and draw block  7060  assembly can be manipulated by a user, for example, by grasping the tab, as needed to position the assembly between adjacent wall panels. 
     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. An 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. 
     In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 154-155, a longitudinally extending light seal  708  comprises a first and second flange  7082 ,  7084 . The first flange  7082  extends laterally from the second flange  7084 , which is connected to the inner surface of the cover channel  7086 . The second flange is preferably attached to the cover with a double-side tape, or other adhesive, although it should be understood that other ways of attaching the light seal would be acceptable, for example by way of mechanical fasteners such as staples and the like. The first flange  7082  preferably extends laterally out of the channel, as shown in FIG. 155, such that it has a greater lateral extent than the sidewalls  7088  of the end cover. The term lateral means that the first flange  7082  is not co-planar with the second flange  7084  but rather extends at some angle (not necessarily perpendicular) from the second flange. 
     When the end cover is installed on the end of the wall panel, the first flange  7082  can flexibly abut the end of the panel. Alternatively, the flange  7082  extends into and is received in the outwardly opening upper horizontal channel of the wall panel so as to prevent light from leaking or seeping between the end cover and the wall panel. The first flange  7082  can achieve a flexible abutment in more than one way. For example, the entire light seal, and in particular the first flange, can be made of a flexible material, such that the flange itself flexes as it abuts the end of the wall panel. Alternatively, the first flange, which can also be made of a non-flexible material, can be flexibly attached to the second flange, for example by way of a hinge, and preferably a living hinge, such that it again flexibly abuts the end of the wall panel. Of course, the light seal could be made of a flexible material, such a plastic, and also include a hinge between the first flange and the second flange. It should also be understood that the first flange could be attached to the end cover in other configurations not necessarily involving another flange. Moreover, the first flange can be flexed completely within the channel  7086  when not needed, for example, when the end cover is installed over a member that extends into the channel. 
     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. 
     Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 126 and 127, a clip  2002  has a plurality of offset tabs  2004 . The flanges  490  of the bracket  480  are received in the spaces formed between the tabs  2004  as the end cover, with its brackets  480 , is slid onto the clips  2002 . The clips  2002  are attached to the hanger brackets with a pair of fasteners  2008 . 
     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 with a connector member, including an upper and lower draw block and draw rod, as described above, with a light seal  450  being inserted between the cover and the top cap of the adjacent panel. 
     As shown in FIGS. 75-81 and  120 - 129 , one or more upper, stackable wall panels  1000  can be installed on top of one or more lower wall panels in various configurations. Each upper, stackable wall panel is preferably of the same construction as one of the wall panels described above, although it should be understood that wall panels of various constructions can be attached using the connector members described herein. Hanger brackets  70  are attached to the vertical side frame members of the upper wall member and extend downwardly from the bottom of the panel so that the bottom of the hanger brackets  70  overlies and is spaced apart from the top of the hanger brackets  270  mounted on the ends of the lower wall panel. As with the wall panels described above, each upper panel includes a upper channel forming a horizontal wire raceway that can be closed off with a top cap, and a pair of vertical wire raceways  108  that are aligned with the vertical raceways in the lower wall panels. The upper channel can be formed by the space between the wall members, or can include a separate channel member  940 . 
     Referring to FIGS.  75  and  122 - 123 , a pair of lower wall panels are positioned end-to-end and connected with a connector member, which includes upper and lower draw blocks and a draw rod as described above. A spanner member  1020 , shown in FIGS. 82-84, is then disposed in the upper horizontal channels in each of the wall panels and is attached thereto with a plurality of fasteners  1022  which secure the spanner to the upper horizontal frame members of the adjacent lower wall panels. As used herein, the term spanner member is meant to refer to a member, such as a brace or bracket, that spans or bridges the distance between two adjacent members, shown as wall panels. The spanner member is formed as a channel member  1024  having a pair of openings  1028  formed in the base  1023  of the channel that are aligned with and provide access to the vertical raceways  108  of the wall panels that the spanner member connects. The channel member also has a cut out portion  1026  in the middle of the member that overlies the upper draw block and draw rod connecting the lower panels to each other. The spanner member also includes a bracket member  1030  having two side portions  1032 , each with two flanges  1034  extending outwardly from the side portion. The side portions are joined by a cross member  1036  that forms a horizontal support surface. The bracket is inserted in the cut out portion of the channel member and the four flange portions are welded, or otherwise attached, to sidewalls  1025  of the channel member to strengthen the spanner assembly. As shown in FIG. 83, the bottom of the cross member  1036  is spaced above the bottom surface of the channel member to provide clearance for the underlying draw block and draw rod. 
     When used as a lower spanner member, a draw block  1040 , shown in FIGS. 82 and 83, is inserted in the cutout prior to the bracket member being attached to the channel member. The draw block  1040  includes a pair of shelf portions  1042  extending from each side of the draw block. The shelf portions engage a top edge  1027  of the cutout on each of the channel sidewalls. The draw block also includes wedge members and draw surfaces, with a flat space therebetween, as described above with reference to the other draw blocks. The bottom surface of the draw block is supported by the bracket member cross member  1036  such that the draw block is trapped between the bracket member and channel member. 
     Referring to FIG. 75, a spanner member  1020  is also mounted across and within the top channels of the upper stackable wall panels, such that the openings  1028  are aligned with the vertical raceways  108  of the upper wall panels. The upper spanner member does not include a draw block, but is mounted over an upper draw block  280  that engages the hanger brackets on the adjacent upper, stackable panels. Draw blocks  280  and  1040  are connected with a draw rod  296 . In this way, an upper connector member, including draw rod  296  and draw blocks  280 ,  1040 , overlies the connector member connecting the lower panels and is used to connect the upper panels to one another and to the lower panels. In particular, the draw rod  296  is rotated so as to draw the upper and lower draw blocks  280 ,  1040  toward each other so as to thereby pull the hanger brackets together and to mount the upper, stackable wall panels to the lower wall panels. 
     Now referring to FIGS. 76 and 124, an upper stackable wall panel  1000  is shown as being mounted to a pair of lower wall panels arranged in an end-to-end configuration. In this arrangement, a spanner member  1020  with a draw block  1040  is installed in the lower wall panels over a draw block  280  as described above and as shown in FIG.  123 . An upper draw block  280  is then installed on the hanger bracket of the upper, stackable panel and a draw rod  296  is used to clamp the upper, stackable panel to the lower panels. In this way, the connector member, which includes the draw rod  296  and the upper and lower draw blocks  280  and  1040 , connects the upper, stackable panel to the lower panels. A cover member can then be installed over the exposed hanger member and draw rod of the upper, stackable wall panel. 
     Now referring to FIGS.  77  and  120 - 121 , a taller lower panel is shown attached to a shorter lower wall panel using a connector member, including draw block  460 , in the manner described above with reference to FIGS.  36  and  38 - 40 . An upper, stackable panel can then be installed on top of the shorter lower wall panel to equalize the height of the adjacent panels. In this configuration, a support bracket  1060 ,  3060 , shown in FIGS. 87-89 and  120  respectively, is mounted to the shorter lower wall panel. 
     In one embodiment, the support bracket  1060  is formed as a channel  1062  with a base  1066  and a pair of sidewalls  1064 . A support member  1068  includes a vertical flange that extends upwardly from one end of the bracket to close the channel on that end. A horizontal support flange  1070  extends outwardly from the vertical flange and includes an opening  1072 . The support flange has a T-shaped configuration that is shaped to support a draw block  1080 , shown in FIGS. 90-92. 
     In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 120, the support bracket  3060  has a channel  3062  with a base  3066  and a pair of sidewalls  3064 . The end of the channel is closed by a support member  3068 , which formed as an upstanding channel that nests between the sidewalls  3064 . The support member can be attached to the sidewalls by welding, with fasteners, or any other well known method of attachment. The support member has a pair of mounting holes  3063 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 90-92, the draw block  1080  includes a middle portion  1082  having a threaded opening  1084  running therethrough and a pair of draw surfaces  1086  formed along the top of wedge members  1088  disposed on outwardly extending side portions  1092 . A ledge  1090  or shelf is formed on each side portion at the base of each wedge member and is designed to engage the lower end of the hanger bracket attached to the upper, stackable wall panel. The draw block is attached to the closed end of the channel. In particular, the draw block is disposed on top of the support flange  1070  with the middle portion and wedge members extending upwardly therefrom and is secured to the flange with a bolt  1102 , or like fastener extending through the hole in the flange member. Alternatively, the draw block can be secured to the flange member by welding or the like. The bottom of the support flange, and the head of the bolt extending therethrough, is spaced above and provides clearance for the underlying draw block that clamps the shorter lower wall panel to the taller lower wall panel. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the draw block  4080 , which is similar to the draw block  1080  as shown in FIGS. 131 and 132, the side portions  4092  act as a spacer and extend outwardly from the middle portion (away from the draw surfaces) so as to ensure that the threaded opening is aligned with the draw rod. The draw block  4080  also has a pair of mounting holes  4094  disposed laterally through the side portions  4092 . The mounting holes  4094  are positioned to be aligned with the mounting holes  3063  in the support member  3068 . The draw block  4080  is then mounted to the vertical support member  3068  with a pair of fasteners, shown as bolts. Alternatively, the draw block could be welded to the support member, or adhesively secured thereto. 
     The support bracket  1060 ,  3060 , with the draw block  1080 ,  4080  attached thereto, is disposed in the top channel of the lower wall panel such that an opening  1065  formed in the support bracket overlies and is aligned with the vertical raceway and such that the sidewalls of the support bracket are laterally supported by the channel sidewalls. The support bracket is mounted to the upper frame member with a plurality of fasteners, adhesive, or a combination thereof. 
     Referring to FIGS. 77 and 121, a spanner member  1020  is installed between the upper, stackable wall panel and the taller lower wall panel as described above with reference to FIG. 75. A draw block  280  is mounted on the adjacent hanger members and a short draw rod  296  is used to connect the upper and lower draw blocks  280 ,  1080  so as to thereby mount the upper panel to the shorter and taller lower wall panels. The draw rod  296  and upper and lower draw blocks  280 ,  1080  comprise a connector member, which connects the upper panel to the shorter and taller lower wall panels and overlies the connector member, which includes a pair of draw blocks and a draw rod, connecting the lower wall panels. The draw rod  296  threadably engages the upper portion of the hole  1084  in the draw block  1080 , while the bolt  1102  threadably engages the lower portion thereof. Alternatively, the draw rod can be rotatably secured to the draw block. 
     Now referring to FIG. 78, a shorter lower panel is again shown as attached to a taller lower panel, with a first upper, stackable panel attached to the lower panel in the manner just described, except that the spanner member  1020  connecting the taller lower panel and the first stackable wall panel includes a draw block  1040 , again with the draw block and cross member spaced above the upper draw block  280 , which is part of the connector member used to clamp the first stackable wall panel to the taller lower wall panel and to the shorter lower wall panel. In addition, a second stackable panel is attached to the top of taller lower panel in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG.  76 . 
     Now referring to FIGS. 79 and 125, an upper stackable wall panel is shown as attached to a lower wall panel, with the two panels forming an exposed end of the wall panel assembly. In this configuration, a stand-alone hanger bracket  70  functions as a connector member. The hanger bracket  70  has a length equal to the combined height of the lower and upper wall panels and is placed adjacent the two panels. A second connector member, including an upper draw block  460 , along with a draw rod  296  and a lower draw block  290 , are used to connect the stand-alone hanger bracket, or first connector member, to the lower wall panel as described above with reference to FIGS.  36  and  38 - 40 . In particular, the wedge members  462  engage the hanger bracket  70  on the lower panel, while the hook members  464  engage the slots  86  on the stand-alone hanger bracket  70 . A support bracket  1060 ,  3060 , with draw block  1080 ,  4080  attached thereto, is then butted up against the hanger bracket  70  so as to overlie the draw block  460 . An upper draw block  280 , a draw rod  296  and lower draw block  1080 ,  4080 , which function as a third connector member, is used to connect the upper panel to the hanger bracket connector member and to the lower panel. In particular, the upper draw  280  is installed to engage the hanger bracket on the upper, stackable panel and the stand-alone hanger bracket. The second draw rod  296  is then used to clamp the upper, stackable panel to the stand-alone hanger bracket and to the support bracket  1060  mounted to the lower wall panel as described above. It should be understood that the stand-alone hanger bracket, or first connector member, the draw blocks  460 ,  290  and draw rod  296 , or second connector member, and the draw blocks  280 , and  1080 ,  4080 , or third connector member, can also be considered in combination as a single connector member for connecting the upper wall panel to the lower panel. 
     A cover  1110 , shown in FIGS. 93-94 is then installed on the exposed stand-alone hanger bracket to provide a finished appearance. In this configuration, the exposed portion of the stand-alone hanger bracket is opposite of the exposed portion of a hanger bracket attached to the end of the panel. To facilitate the attachment of the cover member to the inverted hanger bracket, a pair of clip members  1112  are installed inside the cover  1110 . Each clip member  1112  includes a resilient arm portion  1114  having an end portion  1116  that releasably engages the channels of the hanger bracket. An alternative embodiment of the clip  6112  having resilient arm portions  6114  and end portions  6116  that releasably engage the slots is shown in FIG.  134 . 
     Now referring to FIG. 80, a pair of lower wall panels are shown as attached to a corner post as described above. As described above, the corner post  320 , in combination with one or more pairs of draw rods  296  and upper and lower draw blocks  280 ,  290 , function as a connector member to connect the lower wall panels. A corner post extension  1120 , shown in FIGS. 85 and 86, is then mounted to the top of the corner post, and can also be considered as part of the connector member. In a first embodiment, the corner post extension has the same construction as the corner post described above (with the same reference numbers calling out those aspects that are the same), except that the lower plate member  326  is mounted distally from the lower end of the extension. In addition, each side of the extension has a cut out  1126  along the lower end of the extension below the lower plate member. A leg portion  1128 , formed as an L-shaped angled member, is welded in each corner of the extension and extends downwardly therefrom. The extension  1120  is mounted on the corner post such that the leg portions  1128  are disposed in each inner corner of the upper portion of the corner post and are supported on the upper plate member  324  of the corner post. A bolt  1130  is then installed through the plate member and threadably engages the upper plate member in the corner post  320  to clamp the extension to the corner post. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 98, a draw rod  296  is inserted through the opening in the upper plate of the extension member. The draw rod extends through the lower plate until it engages the hole in the upper plate of the corner post. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 85 and 86, a window  1132  is provided in the extension, both to install the bolt, as well as to provide access for a tool or the like to tighten the bolt. 
     In another embodiment of the corner post extension, shown in FIG. 133, the leg portions  1128  are more elongated and hold the corner post extension above the lower corner post to provide clearance over the draw blocks used to mount the lower wall panel or panels to the corner post. In addition, two plate members  323  and  325  are mounted in an upper portion of the corner post extension. A draw rod  296  engages the plate member  323  and clamps the corner post extension to the corner post below as it engages the opening in the plate member disposed in the lower corner post tube. The second plate member  325  includes a relative large opening  327  centered above the opening  328  in the first plate member so that the draw rod can be installed and accessed through the opening  372  by a tool or the like. As shown in FIG. 119, a plate member  3020  is then mounted on the plate member  325  to cover the opening  325 . The plate member  3020  is mounted to the plate member  325  with a double-sided tape, adhesive, welding and/or fasteners. The plate member  3020  also includes an opening  3021  adapted to threadably receive the post member  402 , which supports the corner post cap. The corner post light seal is also supported by the plate member  3020 . 
     Again referring to FIG. 80, the lower wall panels are mounted to the corner post as described above. The extension is then mounted to the corner post with the cut outs  1126  providing clearance over the draw blocks used to mount the lower wall panel or panels to the corner post. A support bracket  1060  is then mounted in the upper channel of the lower panel with a draw block  1080  as described above. An upper draw block  280  is then installed so as to engage the upper edge of the corner post extension  1120  and the hanger bracket  70  of the upper, stackable panel. A draw rod  296  is used to connect the draw blocks  280 ,  1080  so as to securely mount the upper, stackable panel to the corner post extension and lower panel. In this way, the draw rod  296 , draw blocks  280 ,  1080  and corner post extension  1120  can be considered a connector member connecting the upper panel to the lower panels. It should be understood, that an upper panel could also be installed on the other lower panel, or panels, in the same manner. 
     Referring to FIG. 81, a corner post  320  is shown as having a height equal to the combined height of the lower and upper wall panels. The lower wall panel is attached to the corner post using a draw block  460 . The corner post has a pair of slots formed in each side which are shaped to receive the hook members  464  of the draw block  460 . The upper, stackable wall panel is then attached to the lower wall panel and corner post using a support bracket  1060 ,  3060  with a draw block  1080 ,  4080  overlying the draw block  460 , an upper draw block  280  and a draw rod  296  as described above. 
     In an alternative embodiment, an upper stackable panel can be attached to a lower wall panel simply by removing the hanger brackets on both the upper and lower panel and replacing them with a single hanger bracket having a length equal to the combined height of the upper and lower panels. The hanger bracket is attached to each wall panel using a plurality of fasteners to secure one panel to the other. 
     In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 128 and 129, a stand-alone hanger bracket  70  is attached to the upper portion of the hanger bracket of a lower wall panel with a plurality of fasteners  5001 . The stackable upper wall panel is then attached to the stand-alone hanger bracket using a support bracket  1060 ,  3060  with a draw block  1080 ,  4080 , draw rod  296  and draw block  280  in the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 79 and 125. 
     In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 98, a support bracket includes a base portion  1150  having an opening  1152  that overlies and is aligned with the vertical channel. A flange  1154  extends downwardly from an outer edge of the opening and abuts the inner surface of the vertical frame member. A plurality of fasteners  1156  are used to secure the bracket to the upper horizontal frame member and to the vertical frame member. A hanger bracket  70  is attached, preferably by welding, to an outer end of the bracket and extends upwardly therefrom. An upper wall panel is then installed between opposing hanger brackets and attached thereto with a plurality of fasteners. The hanger brackets can then be secured to any one of an adjacent hanger bracket, corner post or corner post extension (shown in FIG. 98) using the various draw block assemblies described above. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 98, a draw block  1190  having a horizontally oriented opening  1192  includes a hook portion  1194  that engages an upper edge of the corner post extension. A fastener is installed through the opening and threadably engages a hole in the upper portion of the adjacent hanger bracket. 
     The construction of the frame members and panel, as described above, is ideally suited for improved manufacturability of the wall panel. In one embodiment, 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 sidewall 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 sidewalls to the mounting strip attached to the bottom of the lower frame member. 
     In another aspect of assembly, a system is provided for assembling the core assembly  800  component shown in FIGS. 60 and 62 and the wall member  920  components shown in FIGS. 61 and 62 to form a wall panel, as shown in FIGS. 62 and 103. First, the top channel member  940  is attached to the upper horizontal frame member  816 . The core assembly, with the attached top channel member, is then transported to a station where a pair of hanger brackets  70  are attached to the core assembly; one to each vertical side frame member  814 . 
     It should be understood that the term “core assembly,” as used herein, refers generally to an internal element of a wall panel that supports or is connected to at least one outer wall member. For example, the core assembly may include, but is not limited to, the constructions disclosed herein, including for example a frame having inner wall members attached thereto and a filler member. The core assembly may further include hanger brackets and a top channel. Alternatively, for the sake of the centering aspect described herein below, the core assembly may be comprised of a solid component, such as wood, or could be made of other materials, such as metal or plastic, including for example, a metal frame and/or wall members. It should also be understood that the term “core assembly” is also meant to encompass a single integral component, including for example, a single block of wood, notwithstanding the use of the term “assembly” in conjunction with the term “core.” 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the core assembly  800 , including the attached top channel member  940  and hanger brackets  70 , is transported to a machine having at least a pair of fences driven by a pair of rack and pinion mechanism as shown in FIGS. 104-106 and  116 - 118 . The core assembly  800  enters the machine leading with the top channel member  940  as it is carried by a pair of drive belts  1302  that run the longitudinal length of the machine and which are driven by a motor  1304 . Preferably, the belts are V-belts that ride on pulleys. A referencing device  1306  includes two cylinders  1308 ,  1310  and a link member  1312 . Preferably, the cylinders are air or gas driven (i.e., pneumatic) which are relatively fast and clean, although it should be understood that hydraulics could also work. In addition, mechanical linkages, including for example drive belts and the like, could also be provided to drive the link member. 
     The first cylinder  1308  is pivotally attached to a frame  1300  at horizontal axis  1316 . A suitable cylinder is the cylinder ‘A’ Series Model #P3AM-0611C-CAA2 manufactured by NUMATICS. An extensible shaft  1314  extends from the first cylinder and is pivotally attached to the link, which is also pivotally attached to the frame at axis  1320 . A support bracket  1322  is mounted to the link member. The second cylinder  1310  is mounted to the support bracket, and includes an extensible shaft having a locator member  1324  attached to the end of the shaft. A suitable cylinder is the cylinder model #F0311.24-M3 manufactured by BIMBA. The locator member  1324  includes a C-shaped channel member  1326  and a referencing block  1328  mounted inside the channel member  1326 . 
     In operation, as shown in FIG. 105, the referencing device  1306  is moveable between a referencing position, where the device engages the core assembly, and a stored position, where the referencing device is moved below the plane of the upper belt surface of the belts  1302 , which support the core assembly. The belts  1302  transport the core assembly out of the machine without interference from the referencing device when it is pivoted to the stored position. In one embodiment, the belts can transport the core assembly into and out of the machine at speeds of about 100 ft/min. In operation, the cylinder  1308  is actuated to retract shaft  1314  which rotates the link member  1312  counter clockwise about axis  1320 , with reference to FIG.  105 . As the link member  1312  is rotated about axis  1320 , the support bracket, cylinder  1310  and locator member  1324  are pivoted from a vertical stored orientation (with the locator member facing upwardly) below the upper surface of the belts  1302  to a horizontal referencing orientation such that the channel member  1326  and referencing block  1328  are open to and face the incoming top channel member  940  of the core assembly as the core assembly is transported along the machine on belts  1302 . The cylinder  1310  is actuated to extend the channel member and referencing block to engage the top channel member  940  of the core assembly. In particular, the referencing block engages the upper surface of the ridges  944  formed along the top channel member  940  while the channel member  1326 , which is dimensioned to receive the top channel member  940 , prevents the sidewalls of the top channel member  940  from spreading apart as the core assembly, and in particular, the ridges  944 , are butted up against the reference block. In this way, the position of the core assembly from top to bottom in the machine is referenced for further operation, whereby successive core assemblies will have the same positioning of locator openings. One should understand that other referencing surfaces, or contacts, could also be used. For example, a referencing device could be provided to engage the bottom of the top channel member, or the outer most part of the sidewalls thereof. 
     After, or at the same time, the core assembly is referenced by the referencing device  1306 , the fences  1340  are moved to center the core assembly in the machine whereinafter the locator holes are drilled and/or routed through the core assembly  800  adjacent the top and bottom of the core assembly along the centerline thereof. In particular, a pair of pinion gears  1350 , each having a vertical axis of rotation, each engage a pair of parallel racks  1352  extending along opposite sides of the pinion gear. A suitable pinion gear is the model #NSS8P44 spur gear manufactured by Browning. The fences  1340  are attached to one corresponding rack  1352  on each end of the machine and are supported on linear bearings  1370  along each end. A suitable rack is the gear rack model #4NSR8×1¼×48 manufactured by Browning, while a suitable linear bearing is the combination of a pillow block (model #PB-24-OPN) and rail assembly (model #SRA-24) available from Thompson. Each fence includes a plurality of laterally opening C-shaped brackets  1354  that support the core assembly along its sides. Each bracket is shaped to receive the core assembly, including the hanger brackets attached therealong. The brackets  1354  are moveably secured to a track running longitudinally along the length of the fence. 
     In one mode of operation, one of the fences  1340  is pushed inwardly as it is supported by the bearings  1370  as the core assembly is situated on the locator member  1324 . As the fence is pushed inwardly, the racks  1352 , attached at opposite ends of the fence being actuated, rotate the pinion gear  1350  so as to simultaneously move the other pair of racks and attached fence on the opposite side of the core assembly. In this way, the core assembly is engaged on both sides by the fences, with both fences moving toward each other at equal rates and distances so as to center the core assembly in the machine. The actuated fence can be pushed inwardly by hand, or can be acted upon by a cylinder or other actuating device as explained below. Alternatively, the pinion gear can be actuated, by way of a belt, chain or hand tool, so as to simultaneously move both racks, and attached fences, to center the core assembly in the machine. 
     Referring to FIGS. 116-117, on one end of the machine, a gear  1360  is connected to the pinion gear  1350  positioned at that end with a shaft  1362 . The gear  1360  is then connected to another gear  1364  with a belt  1366 . The gear  1364  is attached to a shaft extending from an encoder  1368 , or controller/sensor. As the fences move inwardly and the pinion gear  1350  rotates, the gear  1360  rotates the gear  1364  and spins the encoder  1368 . The encoder can be programmed, or be connected to a computer, so as to allow a tool component to be activated for operation on the core assembly only if the encoder registers a rotation of the gear  1364  corresponding to a range of acceptable core assembly widths. In essence, the encoder detects whether the core assembly is too wide, or not wide enough, and prevents the tool component from being activated if the core assembly falls outside the range. The encoder, or computer, can also be programmed for several different ranges corresponding to various core assembly widths. One suitable encoder is an Allen-Bradley encoder model #845TK-F2500-25. 
     In addition to the movement of the fences being controlled by the corresponding movement of the racks attached to each end thereof, the machine can also be configured with a pair of shafts  1370  that are located beneath the fences and extend longitudinally along the length of the machine, as best shown in FIGS. 105 and 106. The shafts  1370  are rotatably supported by a pair of brackets  1372  that extend downwardly from the fence. A gear  1374  is attached to each end of each shaft. The gear meshes with a rack  1376  that is fixedly attached to each end of the frame, preferably with a plurality of bolts or like fasteners. A suitable rack and gear arrangement includes a gear rack model #6NSR8×1¼×36 and spur gear model #NSS8H32, both manufactured by Browning. In operation, the shafts  1370  are rotated so as to move the fences  1340  inwardly as the gears  1374  mesh with the racks  1376 . In this way, the shafts  1370  facilitate the centering of the core assembly while also keeping the core assembly square in the machine. 
     In one embodiment, the shafts  1370  can also be actuated to move the fences so as to center the core assembly in the machine. In particular, as shown in FIG. 106, a shaft brake  1378  is disposed around each shaft adjacent one end of the machine. The shaft brakes  1378  are pivoted by a cylinder  1380  that is pivotably secured to the fence. The shaft brake  1378  is actuated to clamp onto the shaft  1370 . The cylinder  1380  is then extended or retracted so as to rotate the shaft brake and shaft, which in turn moves each of the fences toward or away from each other as explained above. However, it should be understood that the shafts  1370  can be used without the shaft brakes so as to simply ensure that each end of the fence is moved the same amount at the same time so as to keep the core assembly square in the machine. 
     Referring to FIGS. 105-107, a plurality of tool components, shown as three routers  1390 ,  1392 ,  1394  are suspended from a framework above the core assembly. It should be understood that other tool components could be provided to operate on the core assembly when centered in the machine, such as various staple guns, drills, routers, jigs, and the like, and the term tool component is not limited to the disclosed router. The first router  1390  is used with every core assembly and is programmed to make a single, circular locator opening through the core assembly, including through each of the inner wall members attached to the frame, at a predetermined distance from the top of the core assembly, as determined by the distance between the router bit, or drill bit, and the locating member  1324 . The second and third routers  1392 ,  1394  are programmed to form a machine direction slot through the core assembly. As such, the second and third routers are moveably mounted to the frame, and are actuated by the piston assemblies  1396 , while the first router is fixedly mounted thereto. Only one of the second and third routers is used at a time, with the second router  1392  being used for shorter core assemblies, and the third router  1394  being used with longer core assemblies. A suitable router for use as the first, second and/or third router is a Porter Cables Model #6902 (23,000 rpm). Preferably, the router bits are ½ inch carbide. The routers are oriented along the centerline of the core assembly and are actuated to penetrate the core assembly after the core assembly has been centered in the machine. After the locator hole and slot are formed, the core assembly is released as the referencing device pivots out of the way into the stored position and is thereafter transported by the belts  1302  to the next station where it is ready for mating with the wall members  920 . 
     Referring to FIG. 61, the assembly of the wall member involves first positioning the wall member  920  over a piece of decorative sheet  930  and barrier sheet  530 . The plurality of strip members  824  are positioned around the periphery of the wall member. The decorative sheet  930  is stretched from the top and bottom of the wall member and attached to the wall member and strip members along the top and bottom of the wall member. The decorative sheet is then stretched from each side of the wall member and again attached to the wall member and strip members along the sides of the wall member. It should be understood that the order of stretching the decorative sheet from the top and bottom and from each side can be reversed, or can be done simultaneously. After the decorative sheet and strip members are attached, any excess decorative sheet material that may be gathered at the corners is trimmed, folded and secured to the wall member, preferably with staples or like fasteners. 
     The wall member  920  is then transported to a locator member attachment machine that has many features and parts similar to the router machine. Those parts and features are referenced by the same reference numbers. In essence, both the router machine and locator member attachment machine have the same bed for moving the wall panel components, including the core assembly and wall member, and centering those components for further operations thereto. In particular, and referring to FIGS. 107-108, the locator member attachment machine includes a pair of rack and pinion mechanisms  1350 ,  1352  and fences  1340  that center the wall member in the machine as described above with respect to the core assembly in the router machine. A referencing device includes a cylinder  1308  pivotally connected to the frame  1300  about axis  1316  and to a link  1312 , which is also pivotally connected to the frame about axis  1320 . A referencing block  1428  is mounted to the link  1312 , such that when the link is pivoted from the stored position beneath the upper surface of the belts  1302  to the referencing position, it is in position to engage the top edge of the wall panel as it is transported by the belts  1302 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 108 and 109, another embodiment for moving the fences is shown. It should be understood that this embodiment would also work with the fences on the router machine, and conversely, the devices and methodologies for moving the fences of the router machine would also work with the fences on the locator member attachment machine. In particular, a cylinder  1402 , and preferably a pneumatic cylinder, is mounted to the frame. A suitable cylinder is the cylinder model #5024-DXP manufactured by BIMBA. A rod  1404  extends from the cylinder and is attached to a bracket  1406  extending downwardly from one of the fences, as shown in FIGS. 108 and 109. The cylinder  1402  can be actuated to move the rod laterally so as to move the attached fence inwardly or outwardly. As the fence  1340  is moved, it causes the pinion gears  1350  on the opposite ends of the machine to move, by way of the attached racks  1352 , so as to thereby cause the other fence to move a corresponding amount by way of its attached racks  1352 . In addition, the fences each include a shaft  1370  having a pair of gears  1374  that engage a rack  1376  on each end of the frame so as to keep the fences, and wall member engaged thereby, square in the machine. As shown in FIG. 109, the fences  1340  each include a plurality of C-shaped bracket  1454  shaped to receive the wall member therein. Again, the brackets  1454  are moveably mounted on a track that extends along the length of the fence. 
     Referring to FIGS. 108 and 109, a plurality of tool components, shown as two locator member dispensers  1500 , are suspended from a framework over the wall member. The first dispenser is preferably fixed, while the second dispenser can be moved between a plurality of positions. Each locator member dispenser  1500  positions a locator member  1234  over the wall panel. The position of each locator member is programmed to correspond to the location of the locator openings, including the circular hole or slot, positioned in the core assembly. 
     In particular, and referring to FIGS. 110-112, the dispenser  1500  includes a locator member magazine  1502  having a tray with a horizontal holding portion  1504  and an angled portion  1506  extending upwardly from the horizontal portion. The tray is shaped to slidably hold a plurality of locator members  1234 . A pair of cylinders  1508 ,  1510  each having a pin  1512 ,  1514  can be successively operated to permit one locator member to slide from the angled portion to the horizontal portion. In particular, the lower cylinder  1508  is actuated to retract the pin  1512  so as to allow the locator member, which was retained thereby, to slide down onto the horizontal holding portion  1504 . The upper cylinder  1510  is then actuated to retract the pin  1514  so as to permit another locator member to move into position against the lower pin  1512 , which is extended to stop the locator member. 
     An arm member  1516  is pivotally about axis  1517  is moved over the locator member positioned in the horizontal portion of the tray. The arm includes and end portion  1520  that has a recess  1518  shaped to receive the locator member  1234 . The arm is displaced over the locator member while a vacuum is applied. The arm  1516  is then pivoted outwardly about axis  1517  to position the locator member along the centerline of the wall member. A pair of staple guns  1522  are then successively actuated to secure the base portion  1236  of the locator member to the wall member with a pair of flaring staples, whose ends flare out in the wall member as they penetrate the member. The staple guns  1522  are moveable in the lateral cross-machine direction when actuated by a pair of actuators  1528 . A suitable actuator is the series SD slide model #SDC23×1½×M-J2-AR-AE, manufactured by PHD. In this way, the staple guns can be successively moved into place to attach the locator member. An actuator  1529  is also provided to control the vertical position of the staple guns. Similarly, an actuator  1531  controls the vertical position of the arm  1516  and end portion  1517 . As shown in FIG. 111, the dispenser includes a guide  1551  that slideably engages a track  1553  that runs along the length of a longitudinally extending frame member  1555 . The dispenser  1500  also includes a lock pin  1557  that can be retracted and extended to engage a plurality of recesses  1559  in the track  1553 . In operation, the lock pin  1557  is retracted from one of the recesses so that the dispenser  1500  can be slid along the track  1553  to a new position where the lock pin  1557  can be extended to engage a new recess in the track so as to lock the dispenser in position for a subsequent operation. One of skill in the art should understand that the positioning of the lock pin and recess could be interchanged, with the lock pin located on the track, or frame member, and the recess located on the dispenser. 
     As with the routers, preferably only two dispensers are used with any one panel, depending on the size of the panel. However, it should be understood that additional dispensers and routers can be provided to provide a plurality of locator members and openings numbering greater than two. 
     The locations of the locator members are determined by the distance between the end portion  1520  of the arm and the reference block  1428  that engages the top edge of the wall member. This distance is programmed to correspond to the position of the locator openings formed in the core assembly. After the locator members are secured to the wall member, preferably along the centerline of the wall member, the wall member is ready for mating with the core assembly and can be carried from the machine by the belts. 
     One of skill in the art should understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the position of the locator members and openings could be reversed, with the locator members attached to opposite sides of the core assembly, and with the locator openings formed in the wall member, but preferably not passing all of the way therethrough. The preferred construction is with the locator openings in the core assembly, however, since only one drilling, or routing, operation need be made, as opposed to separately drilling, or routing, each of the wall members. Moreover, the concern with penetrating the entire thickness of the wall member is eliminated, although the locator opening could be made all of the way through the wall member if necessary or desired. 
     At this stage, hot melt adhesive is applied to one or both of the wall members  920  and/or the outer surface of the wall member  820  of the core assembly and the locator members  1234  are inserted in the locator holes  1230 ,  1232 . In addition, mechanical fasteners, such as staples and the like, can be used to secure the wall member to the core assembly. In this way, the wall members  920  are centered on the core assembly so as to provide an equal overhang along both sides of the panel, which thereby provides for equal exposure to the hanger brackets and maintains equal gaps between adjacent panels installed end to end. 
     After the wall members are located on the core assembly, the completed wall panel is passed through a pinch roll to firmly bond the wall members to the core assembly. The wall panel is thereafter transferred to a press conveyor  1600 , shown in FIGS. 113-115, which is approximately 17 feet in length. The press conveyor includes a belt  1602 , preferably about 5-6 feet wide, that carries and moves the wall panel though the press conveyor. The belt preferably travels at a rate of about 4 ft/min. A second belt  1606  is welded, or vulcanized along the underside of the length of the belt  1602 . As shown in FIG. 130, the belt  1606 , which is preferably a V-belt, rides in a longitudinally extending (machine direction) groove  1608  formed in the bed  1620  of the machine to keep the belt  1602  centered and tracking on the machine. The belt  1602  is supported by the bed and is driven by a drive roller  1622 . The belt is also supported by roller  1634  on the opposite end of the machine. The bed and frame are supported by four legs  1640 , which are height adjustable. In addition, a series of rollers  1630  underlie the belt to maintain the tension thereof. The drive roller is driven, with a belt or chain  1624 , by a motor  1626 . 
     A plurality of gravity rollers  1604  engage the upper wall member of the wall panel and apply a load thereto by way of their weight being supported by the wall panel. Each roller  1604  is moveably supported along both ends by a C-shaped bracket  1621  that is slideably supported on a vertically oriented post  1641  mounted in a side frame member  1610 , which is configured as an outwardly opening channel. Alternatively, the ends of the rollers can be disposed in vertically oriented slots formed in the side frame member. Lateral supports  1636  interconnect the side frame members  1610 . The rollers are preferably steel. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of the rollers are positioned just slightly below the plane formed by the upper surface of the wall panel, such that as the wall panel is introduced into the press conveyor, the crown on the rollers  1604  allows the rollers to ride up over the edge of the wall panel and be supported thereon. For example, in one embodiment, the rollers are positioned at about 2 and ⅞ inches above the belt  1602 , have a diameter of about 2 and ½ inches and are positioned in a spaced apart and substantially parallel relationship with a successive distance between each other of about 6 inches from center to center. The press conveyor applies a load by way of the weight of the rollers, which are about 30 lbs. in an exemplary embodiment, to the wall panel as it is moved to a next station. In addition, a spring  1651  is disposed around each post  1641  between the upper flange of the frame member  1610  and the top of the C-shaped bracket  1621 . The springs  1651  bias the roller against the wall panel as it travels along the length of the press conveyor. The applied load prevents the wall members from peeling back from the core after the wall panel leaves the pinch roll while the adhesive or bonding agent sets up. The press conveyor, by virtue of its length, can carry two or more wall panels at a time, depending on their length. 
     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.