Frame-based workplace system

• US 6,282,854 B1
• Filed: 06/03/1999
• Issued: 09/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Trendway Corporation (Fellowes Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Trendway Corporation (Fellowes Incorporated)
• Inventors: Williams, David R., Vos, Richard L., Dang, Vance B., Elzinga, Edward L., Eastman, Michael W., Yob, Michael R., Thompson, James J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Friedman, Carl D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WILKENS, KEVIN DOUGLAS
• Application Number:
  US09/325,331
• Time in Patent Office: 824 Days
• Field of Search: 52/361, 52/366, 522/207, 522/39, 524/812, 525/921, 527/180.1, 527/317, 248/218.4, 248/220.1, 248/300
• US Class Current: 52/239
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2/7425 Details of connection of panels E04B2/7427 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/7466 using hooks
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/7479 Details of connection of flexible sheets to frame or posts
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/7483 Details of furniture, e.g. tables or shelves, associated with the partitions
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/7488 Details of wiring
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 2002/749 Partitions with screw-type jacks

Abstract

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

Claims

1. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

at least one of the frames comprises at least one load rail mounted horizontally between a pair of vertical rails and U shaped in cross section, the upper ends of the legs of the U shape having a reinforcing lip thereon;

a pair of the tiles mounted to the at least one of the frames forms a horizontal access slot therebetween; and

the horizontal access slot between the pair of the tiles is positioned in register with the upper ends of the legs of the U shaped load rail

whereby a component can be mounted to the frame and afforded the stability of the load rail with the reinforcing lip in a convenient fashion without affecting the overall aesthetic appearance of the system since the component is conveniently mounted to the load rail through the access slot between the pair of tiles.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the U shape in the load bar forms a horizontal recess, the vertical rails have an opening in register with the horizontal recess for routing conduit throughout the framework.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having edge faces and outer faces thereon, the edge faces being interconnected with the outer faces of the vertical rails by ramped portions which are at an acute angle with respect to the edge faces and the outer faces;

a series of aligned vertical slots in the ramped portions;

the tiles extend horizontally at least as far as the vertical slots to block light from passing directly from one side of the frame to the other side of the frame through the aligned vertical slots.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the rigid rectangular frames comprises a first frame having a first edge face in abutment with a second edge face of a second frame positioned adjacent to the first frame so that the first and second edge faces are in abutment, the first edge face further comprises a threaded aperture and the second edge face has an aperture in registry with the threaded aperture of the first edge face and a threaded bolt extending through the apertures of the second edge face and threadably received in the threaded apertures in the first edge face to rigidly join the first and second frames together.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein each frame has an upper rail having an upper portion thereon, the upper rail upper portion has a reinforcing lip thereon adapted to support at least one modular component.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein at least two adjacent frames in the rigid structural framework being of different heights, wherein a taller of the two adjacent frames has a cover mounted to an upper portion of an edge face thereof between the upper surfaces of the two adjacent frames to conceal the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

at least one bracket mounted to the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

the cover forms an open-sided channel with end portions mounted to the bracket, thereby leaving the channel open for routing electrical/data cables therethrough.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein at least two adjacent frames having edge faces positioned adjacent to one another, the adjacent frames being connected together by at least one spacer and a cover is mounted to the spacer between the adjacent frames to conceal the spacer;

the spacer comprises at least one bracket having a generally vertical portion mounted to the edge faces of the adjacent frames and a generally horizontal portion having at least one of a slot and a projection;

the cover has the other of the slot and the projection in register with the one of the slot and the projection on the spacer;

whereby the cover is removably mounted to the spacer by insertion of the projection into the slot to conceal the area between the adjacent frames.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the frames has a bump rail extending outwardly from a lower portion thereof to a greater extent than the plurality of interchangeable tiles to protect lower edges of the tiles from damage by occupants of the system or the operation of floor cleaning devices.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof;

and further comprising at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing lip comprises an inwardly rolled portion forming a hook.

12. The system of claim 11 and further comprising a component, wherein the component has a bracket mounted to the load rail so that the component is supported by the at least one frame via the bracket.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the bracket is slidably mounted to the load rail.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein electrical power blocks are mounted within the load rail inwardly of the component bracket whereby the bracket can slide along the rail.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein the bracket comprises a first portion adapted to mount to the load rail and having one of a flange and a slot and a second portion mounted to the component and having the other of a flange and a slot, wherein the flange is adapted to be removably mounted within the slot to removably mount the component to the first portion of the bracket.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the load rail has at least one internal rib on bottom surface.

17. The system of claim 16 and further comprising a component having a bracket, wherein the bracket on the component seats behind the internal rib.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the component is a work surface.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the component is a cabinet.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein the component has a first width, the frame has a second width and the first width is different than the second width.

21. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the frames having openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

each of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having edge faces thereon and outer faces on opposing sides thereof, the edge faces being interconnected with the outer faces of the vertical rails by ramped portions which are at an acute angle with respect to the edge faces and the outer faces;

a series of aligned vertical slots in the ramped portions;

the tiles extend horizontally at least as far as the vertical slots to block light from passing directly from one side of the frame to the other side of the frame through the aligned vertical slots.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the rigid rectangular frames comprises a first frame having a first edge face in abutment with a second edge face of a second frame positioned adjacent to the first frame so that the first and second edge faces are in abutment, the first edge face further comprises a threaded aperture and the second edge face has an aperture in registry with the threaded aperture of the first edge face and a threaded bolt extending through the apertures of the second edge face and threadably received in the threaded apertures in the first edge face to rigidly join the first and second frames together.

23. The system of claim 21 wherein each frame has an upper rail having an upper portion thereon, the upper rail upper portion has a reinforcing lip thereon adapted to support at least one modular component.

24. The system of claim 21 wherein at least two adjacent frames in the rigid structural framework being of different heights, wherein a taller of the two adjacent frames has a cover mounted to an upper portion of an edge face thereof between the upper surfaces of the two adjacent frames to conceal the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

at least one bracket mounted to the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

the cover forms an open-sided channel with end portions mounted to the bracket, thereby leaving the channel open for routing electrical/data cables therethrough.

25. The system of claim 21 wherein at least two adjacent frames being connected together by at least one spacer and a cover is mounted to the spacer between the adjacent frames to conceal the spacer;

the spacer comprises at least one bracket having a generally vertical portion mounted to the edge faces of the adjacent frames and a generally horizontal portion having at least one of a slot and a projection;

the cover has the other of the slot and the projection in register with the one of the slot and the projection on the spacer;

whereby the cover is removably mounted to the spacer by insertion of the projection into the slot to conceal the area between the adjacent frames.

26. The system of claim 21 wherein at least one of the frames has a bump rail extending outwardly from a lower portion thereof to a greater extent than the plurality of interchangeable tiles to protect lower edges of the tiles from damage by occupants of the system or the operation of floor cleaning devices.

27. The system of claim 21 wherein at least one of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof;

and further comprising at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

28. The system of claim 21 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

29. The system of claim 21 wherein the edge faces on each vertical rail have a projection and a recess both extending along the vertical length of the rail in laterally spaced juxtaposed relationship to one another whereby the projection on one end face is received within the recess on an adjacent end face when a pair frames are placed into edge abutment with one another to prevent light from passing between the abutting end faces.

30. The system of claim 29 wherein at least one of the frames has a threaded opening in a lower portion thereof and the at least one of the frames further comprises at least one floor-engaging glide having a threaded shaft which is threadably received in the threaded opening in the frame, and the threaded shaft has a hexagonal head on an upper portion thereof whereby the at least one glide can be adjusted relative to the frame lower portion by a conventional socket tool when the frames are assembled.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein the frames further comprise apertures in the edge faces thereof, at least one of the apertures in a pair of abutting frames is threaded, and further comprising at least one bolt which extends through the apertures in the abutting edge faces.

32. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at edge faces thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

the frames comprises at least a first frame having a first edge face in abutment with a second edge face of a second frame positioned adjacent to the first frame so that the first and second edge faces are in abutment, the first edge face further comprises a threaded aperture and the second edge face has an aperture in registry with the threaded aperture of the first edge face and a threaded bolt extending through the apertures of the second edge face and threadably received in the threaded apertures in the first edge face to rigidly join the first and second frames together.

33. The system of claim 32 wherein each frame has an upper rail having an upper portion thereon, the upper rail upper portion has a reinforcing lip thereon adapted to support at least one modular component.

34. The system of claim 32 wherein at least two adjacent frames in the rigid structural framework being of different heights, wherein a taller of the two adjacent frames has a cover mounted to an upper portion of an edge face thereof between the upper surfaces of the two adjacent frames to conceal the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

at least one bracket mounted to the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

the cover forms an open-sided channel with end portions mounted to the bracket, thereby leaving the channel open for routing electrical/data cables therethrough.

35. The system of claim 32 wherein at least two adjacent frames being connected together by at least one spacer and a cover is mounted to the spacer between the adjacent frames to conceal the spacer;

the spacer comprises at least one bracket having a generally vertical portion mounted to the edge faces of the adjacent frames and a generally horizontal portion having at least one of a slot and a projection;

the cover has the other of the slot and the projection in register with the one of the slot and the projection on the spacer;

whereby the cover is removably mounted to the spacer to conceal the area between the adjacent frames.

36. The system of claim 32 wherein at least one of the frames has a bump rail extending outwardly from a lower portion thereof to a greater extent than the plurality of interchangeable tiles to protect lower edges of the tiles from damage by occupants of the system or the operation of floor cleaning devices.

37. The system of claim 32 wherein at least one of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof;

and further comprising at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

38. The system of claim 32 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

39. The system of claim 32 wherein the threaded aperture comprises an integral threaded sleeve having a thickness greater than the thickness of the one edge face.

40. The system of claim 39 wherein the integral threaded sleeve comprises a flow drilled length of material formed inwardly from the one edge face.

41. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edge faces thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

each of the frames has an upper rail open at an upper portion thereof and defining an internal channel adapted to receive electrical/data cables;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles are mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

the upper rail upper portion has a reinforcing lip thereon adapted to support at least one modular component, wherein the reinforcing lip comprises an inwardly rolled portion forming a hook.

42. The system of claim 41 wherein the at least one modular component is a cabinet.

43. The system of claim 41 wherein the vertical rails have an opening in register with the channel in the upper rail for routing the electrical/data cables throughout the framework.

44. The system of claim 41 wherein at least two adjacent frames in the rigid structural framework being of different heights, wherein a taller of the two adjacent frames has a cover mounted to an upper portion of an edge face thereof between the upper surfaces of the two adjacent frames to conceal the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

at least one bracket mounted to the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

the cover forms an open-sided channel with end portions mounted to the bracket, thereby leaving the channel open for routing electrical/data cables therethrough.

45. The system of claim 41 wherein at least two adjacent frames being connected together by at least one spacer and a cover is mounted to the spacer between the adjacent frames to conceal the spacer;

the spacer comprises at least one bracket having a generally vertical portion mounted to the edge faces of the adjacent frames and a generally horizontal portion having at least one of a slot and a projection;

the cover has the other of the slot and the projection in register with the one of the slot and the projection on the spacer;

whereby the cover is removably mounted to the spacer by insertion of the projection into the slot to conceal the area between the adjacent frames.

46. The system of claim 41 wherein at least one of the frames has a bump rail extending outwardly from a lower portion thereof to a greater extent than the plurality of interchangeable tiles to protect lower edges of the tiles from damage by occupants of the system or the operation of floor cleaning devices.

47. The system of claim 41 wherein at least one of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof;

and further comprising at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

48. The system of claim 41 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

49. The system of claim 41 and further comprising at least one modular component having a bracket mounted to the reinforcing lip of the upper rail.

50. The system of claim 49 wherein upper rail has at least one internal rib on bottom surface.

51. The system of claim 50 wherein the bracket on component seats behind the internal rib.

52. The system of claim 41 wherein the at least one modular component comprises a frame mounted generally perpendicular to the upper rail intermediate the ends thereof.

53. The system of claim 52 and further comprising a bracket rigidly mounted to the perpendicular frame and having a flange mounted over the reinforcing lip of the upper rail.

54. The system of claim 52 wherein the component has first width, the frame has second width and the first width is different than second width.

55. The system of claim 41 wherein the rigid framework comprises a first rigid frame positioned with respect to a second rigid frame in a generally perpendicular relationship intermediate the edge faces thereof and a first bracket rigidly mounted to the first frame and having a flange mounted to an upper portion of the second frame.

56. The system of claim 55 and further comprising a second bracket rigidly mounted to a lower portion of the first frame and having a flange mounted to a lower portion of the second frame.

57. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at edge faces thereof to form at least one work area;

at least two adjacent frames in the rigid structural framework being of different heights, wherein a taller of the two adjacent frames has a cover mounted to an upper portion of an edge face thereof between the upper surfaces of the two adjacent frames to conceal the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

each of the frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

at least one bracket mounted to the portion of the edge face of the taller frame above the shorter frame;

the cover forms an open-sided channel with end portions mounted to the bracket, thereby leaving the channel open for routing electrical/data cables therethrough.

58. The system of claim 57 wherein at least two adjacent frames being connected together by at least one spacer and a cover is mounted to the spacer between the adjacent frames to conceal the spacer;

the spacer comprises at least one bracket having a generally vertical portion mounted to the edge faces of the adjacent frames and a generally horizontal portion having at least one of a slot and a projection;

the cover has the other of the slot and the projection in register with the one of the slot and the projection on the spacer;

whereby the cover is removably mounted to the spacer by insertion of the projection into the slot to conceal the area between the adjacent frames.

59. The system of claim 57 wherein at least one of the frames has a bump rail extending outwardly from a lower portion thereof to a greater extent than the plurality of interchangeable tiles to protect lower edges of the tiles from damage by occupants of the system or the operation of floor cleaning devices.

60. The system of claim 57 wherein at least one of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof;

and further comprising at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

61. The system of claim 57 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

62. The system of claim 57 wherein the end portions include a projection mounted to the bracket.

63. The system of claim 62 wherein the bracket has outwardly extending support flanges and the cover has inwardly directed ends which are snap-fit behind the support flanges.

64. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at edge faces thereof to form at least one work area;

at least two adjacent frames being connected together by at least one spacer and a cover is mounted to the spacer between the adjacent frames to conceal the spacer;

each of the frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

the spacer comprises at least one bracket having a generally vertical portion mounted to the edge faces of the adjacent frames and a generally horizontal portion having at least one of a slot and a projection;

the cover has the other of the slot and the projection in register with the one of the slot and the projection on the spacer;

whereby the cover is removably mounted to the spacer by insertion of the projection into the slot to conceal the area between the adjacent frames.

65. The system of claim 64 wherein each of the frames has alignment openings and mounting apertures on the edge faces, the spacer has alignment tabs which extend into the alignment openings in the frames.

66. The system of claim 64 wherein the at least two adjacent frames are joined at a 90 degree angle with respect to one another.

67. The system of claim 64 wherein the at least two adjacent frames are joined at a 135 degree angle with respect to one another.

68. The system of claim 64 wherein the at least two adjacent frames are joined at a 180 degree angle with respect to one another.

69. The system of claim 64 the at least two adjacent frames comprises three adjacent frames joined at least at a 90 degree angle therebetween.

70. The system of claim 64 wherein the spacer has a threaded nut mounted thereto and the spacer is secured to the edge faces of the adjacent frames by a threaded fastener which extends through the edge face of the adjacent frames and is threaded onto the nut.

71. The system of claim 64 wherein at least one of the frames has a bump rail extending outwardly from a lower portion thereof to a greater extent than the plurality of interchangeable tiles to protect lower edges of the tiles from damage by occupants of the system or the operation of floor cleaning devices.

72. The system of claim 64 wherein at least one of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof;

and further comprising at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

73. The system of claim 64 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

74. The system of claim 64 wherein the generally horizontal portion of the spacer has a central opening adapted to receive electrical/data cables therethrough.

75. The system of claim 74 wherein the cover has a central opening in register with the spacer central opening for routing of electrical/data cables therethrouugh.

76. The system of claim 75 wherein the cover has inwardly-directed flanges thereon which are received behind edges of the generally horizontal portion of the spacer.

77. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid structure rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

at least one of the frames has a bump rail mounted to the at least one of the frames and extending outwardly from a lower portion thereof to a greater extent than the plurality of interchangeable tiles to protect lower edges of the tiles from damage by occupants of the system or the operation of floor cleaning devices.

78. The system of claim 77 wherein the bump rail has at least one opening adapted to receive electrical/data cables routed into the system from a floor surface.

79. The system of claim 77 wherein the bump rail has at least one elongated recess in which a lower edge of one of the plurality of interchangeable tiles is received.

80. The system of claim 77 wherein at least one of the frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof;

and further comprising at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

81. The system of claim 77 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

82. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular main frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the main frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the main frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the main frames for removably mounting said tiles to the main frames for ease of placement on and removal from the main frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the main frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

at least one of the main frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof; and

at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends;

wherein the depending legs of the at least one extension frame are bolted to the vertical rails;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the main frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

83. The system of claim 82 wherein the depending legs of the at least one extension frame are of a sufficient length to prevent the extension frame from rocking with respect to the main frame.

84. The system of claim 82 wherein the depending legs of the at least one extension frame are U-shaped in cross section.

85. The system of claim 82 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

86. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top portion thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the rigid structural framework including an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the improvement comprising;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.

87. The system of claim 86 wherein the adjustable rod is rigidly secured at one end to the filler bracket and rigidly secured in an adjusted position to the filler frame.

88. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edge faces thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the frames for removably mounting said tiles to the frames for ease of placement on and removal from the frames;

the tiles are mounted to the outer faces of the frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top portion thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

each of the edge faces of the rigid rectangular frames has a projection and a recess, both extending along a vertical length of the rigid rectangular frames in juxtaposed relationship to one another defining a longitudinal connection area therebetween; and

a connector mounting the edge faces together in the connection area between the projection and the recess whereby the projection on one end face is received within the recess on an adjacent end face when a pair of the rigid rectangular frames are placed into abutment with one another to prevent light from passing between the abutting end faces.

89. In an improved workspace management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising:

a rigid structural framework formed of rigid rectangular main frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area;

each of the main frames having outer faces on opposite sides thereof and openings on the opposite sides of the main frames;

a plurality of interchangeable tiles, with each of the tiles having a connector cooperating with the openings on the main frames for removably mounting said tiles to the main frames for ease of placement on and removal from the main frames;

the tiles being mounted to the outer faces of the main frames to substantially cover both sides of the frames from a bottom portion thereof to a top thereof in juxtaposed parallel relationship;

the improvement comprising;

at least one of the main frames further comprises a pair of opposed vertical rails having an opening at each upper end thereof; and

at least one inverted U-shaped extension frame having a pair of depending legs, each leg having a cross-sectional shape congruent with the cross-sectional shape of the opening on the vertical rail upper ends, wherein the depending legs of the at least one extension frame are U-shaped in cross section;

whereby the at least one extension frame increases the overall height of the at least one of the main frames when the legs are mounted within the openings.

90. The system of claim 89 wherein the depending legs of the at least one extension frame are of a sufficient length to prevent the extension frame from rocking with respect to the main frame.

91. The system of claim 89 wherein the rigid structural framework includes an end frame terminating a given distance from an existing wall bounding the space;

a filler panel assembly comprising a filler bracket mounted to the existing wall, a filler frame adapted to be mounted to the end frame and the filler bracket, and at least one filler tile mounted to the filler frame to define a wall extension with the plurality of interchangeable tiles mounted to the frames between the end frame and the existing wall;

the filler frame having a horizontal dimension less than the given distance; and

an adjustable rod mounted to the filler frame and to the filler bracket to secure the filler frame to the filler bracket.