U.S. patent application number 10/113379 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-02 for partition trim with insert.
Invention is credited to Gresham, David M., Ludwig, James N., Mead, Karl J., Mueller, Karl Heinz.
Application Number | 20030183349 10/113379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28453583 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030183349 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gresham, David M. ; et
al. |
October 2, 2003 |
Partition trim with insert
Abstract
A partition includes a top edge and vertical end edges covered
by trim pieces. One or more of the trim pieces include an elongated
base member made of durable material, such as metal, with side
flanges defining a longitudinal channel. A strip insert is
positioned in the channel where it is protected by the side
flanges. When both top and end edges of a partition are covered,
the end of one protrudes across an end of the other, with the side
flanges of the protruding portion being radiused to prevent
formation of a sharp corner. The insert can be aesthetic, such as
wood, brushed metal, painted sheet, plastic, or light-transmissive
glass or plastic, or the insert can be functional, such as tackable
material, erasable markerboard material, a light-transmissive
"light-pipe" material, or a mating "U" channel defining a hidden
passageway on the base member for wire management.
Inventors: |
Gresham, David M.; (E. Grand
Rapids, MI) ; Ludwig, James N.; (E. Grand Rapids,
MI) ; Mead, Karl J.; (E. Grand Rapids, MI) ;
Mueller, Karl Heinz; (E. Grand Rapids, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD ET AL.
695 Kenmoor, S.E.
Post Office Box 2567
Grand Rapids
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
28453583 |
Appl. No.: |
10/113379 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2002/749 20130101;
E04B 2/7422 20130101; E04B 2002/742 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/135 |
International
Class: |
A47G 005/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A partition system comprising: a partition having a top edge and
vertical end edges; and a trim piece attached to at least one of
the top edge and end edges, the trim piece including an elongated
base member with side flanges defining a channel running
longitudinally along said at least one edge, and an insert
positioned in the channel.
2. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert is
protected by the side flanges.
3. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the base member
is made of a structural material that is highly durable and
scratch-resistant, and wherein the insert is made of a softer
material subject to objectional wear and damage.
4. The partition system defined in claim 3, wherein the base member
is made of metal and the insert is made of non-metallic
material.
5. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert
comprises wood.
6. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert
comprises a plastic strip.
7. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert
comprises a light-transmitting material.
8. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert has
an exterior show surface treated, shaped and colored separate from
the base member for visual aesthetics.
9. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert
includes a material selected to provide a function.
10. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the channel
has a limited depth and a width that extends substantially an
entire width of the top edge of partition, and wherein the insert
fills the channel.
11. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the trim piece
is attached to the top edge of the partition, and the insert
includes an upwardly-exposed visible surface.
12. The partition system defined in claim 11, wherein the top
surface of the insert is coplanar with top edges of the side
flanges on the base member.
13. The partition system defined in claim 11, including a second
trim piece on one of the end edges having a substantially similar
cross section to the first-mentioned trim piece.
14. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert has
a width that is about equal to a width of the partition.
15. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert has
a non-rectangular cross section and is shaped to provide a
function.
16. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the base
member is made of a material that is substantially harder than the
insert.
17. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the base
member includes an interior surface opposite the insert, and
including connectors engaging the interior surface for retaining
the base member to the partition.
18. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the side
flanges include rounded corners that extend around centerpoints
lying on the side flanges, respectively.
19. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert is
attached to the base attachment by adhesive.
20. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the insert is
attached to the base attachment mechanically.
21. The partition system defined in claim 1, including a second
partition and a second trim piece attached to the second partition,
the first-mentioned and second top trim pieces each having ends
coming together to form a linearly aligned joint, the
first-mentioned and second top trim pieces each having a body
section and a pair of protruding flanges, the second top trim piece
additionally having a pair of locators shaped to engage the pair of
protruding flanges on the first-mentioned trim piece, with
engagement of the pair of locators on the pair of protruding
flanges causing alignment of the body sections in a vertical
direction on both front and rear edges of the first-mentioned and
second top trim pieces, and with engagement of at least one of the
locators on one of the pair of free ends causing alignment in a
horizontal forward/rearward direction perpendicular to the faces of
the partitions.
22. The partition system defined in claim 1, including a second
trim piece attached to another one of the top and end edges, the
first-mentioned and second trim pieces each defining longitudinal
passageways open into each other and that communicate.
23. The partition system defined in claim 22, wherein the
first-mentioned and second trim pieces are attached to the top and
end edges of the partition, respectively, and form a corner of the
partition, the first-mentioned and second trim pieces forming
outwardly-open channels that extend around the corner.
24. The partition system defined in claim 1, wherein the base
member and the insert are made from different materials.
25. A trim system for a partition, comprising: an elongated base
member having opposing first and second surfaces, connectors on the
first surface configured and adapted for releasable attachment to a
partition frame, and spaced-apart flanges on the second surface
defining at least one longitudinal channel extending along the
second surface; and an elongated insert shaped to fit in the
channel in a visible position where the insert is at least
partially protected by the flanges.
26. The trim system defined in claim 25, wherein the elongated
insert has an exposed surface subject to objectionable damage and
wear when in an exposed position in a work environment, the insert
being shaped to fit within the channel in a position where the
exposed surface of the insert is protected by the flanges.
27. The trim system defined in claim 26, wherein the channel
defines a depth, and the insert includes an exposed surface that is
at or below a top of the channel.
28. In a partition system including a partition having front and
rear faces and having top and end surfaces, and a top trim piece
and an end trim piece covering the top and end surfaces,
respectively, an improvement comprising: the top and end trim
pieces each having ends forming a corner, the top trim piece having
at least one top flange that extends upwardly and terminates in a
first free edge, and the end trim piece having at least one side
flange that extends laterally and terminates in a second free edge,
at least one of the top flanges and one of the end flanges having
outer surfaces being coplanar with each other and defining a
vertical plane that extends parallel the front face; one of the top
and end flanges having a protruding portion that extends onto the
end of the other of the top and end flanges at the corner, the
protruding portion being radiused at the corner about a centerpoint
lying on the plane, such that a continuous surface is formed around
the corner by a length of the top flange, by a length of the end
flange, and by a radiused part of the protruding portion.
29. In a partition system including first and second partitions
each having a face and having aligned first and second top
surfaces, and including a trim system having first and second top
trim pieces aesthetically covering the first and second top
surfaces, respectively, and that are also aligned, an improvement
in the trim system comprising: the first and second top trim pieces
each having ends coming together to form a linearly aligned joint,
the first and second top trim pieces each having a body section and
a pair of protruding flanges, the second top trim piece
additionally having a pair of locators shaped to engage the pair of
protruding flanges on the first trim piece, with engagement of the
pair of locators on the pair of protruding flanges causing
alignment of the body sections in a vertical direction on both
front and rear edges of the first and second top trim pieces, and
with engagement of at least one of the locators on one of the pair
of free ends causing alignment in a horizontal forward/rearward
direction perpendicular to the faces of the first and second
partitions.
30. The partition system defined in claim 29, wherein the locators
engage free ends of the protruding flanges on the first trim
piece.
31. The partition system defined in claim 29, wherein the locators
also are configured to and do engage to set longitudinal spacing of
the first and second top trim pieces.
32. The partition system defined in claim 29, wherein the first and
second trim pieces each include an outwardly facing recess.
33. The partition system defined in claim 32, wherein the outwardly
facing recess on each of the first and second trim pieces align to
form a continuous recess along the first and second partitions.
34. In a partition system including a partition having opposing
faces and having a top surface and a vertical end surface forming a
corner, and including a trim system having top and end trim pieces
aesthetically covering the top and end surfaces, respectively, an
improvement in the trim system comprising: the top and end trim
pieces each having ends coming together to form a corner joint, the
top and end trim pieces each having a body section and a pair of
flanges with free ends that extend perpendicularly to the body
section toward an interior of the partition; the pair of flanges on
the top trim piece being located to avoid interference with the
pair of flanges on the end trim piece, but being located to closely
engage end surfaces therewith so that the two pairs of flanges
overlappingly engage and accurately locate the top and end trim
pieces in a direction perpendicular to the faces of the partition,
such that the top and end trim pieces are accurately aligned in the
perpendicular direction and with the faces of the partition at the
corner joint; the pair of flanges on the top trim piece being cut
short and being shaped to engage an undersurface on the body
section of the end trim piece, and the pair of flanges on the end
trim piece being cut short and shaped to engage an undersurface on
the body section of the top trim piece, such that outer surfaces of
the top and end trim pieces form an accurate corner without
excessive overlap or extension of either of the top and end trim
pieces, whereby sharp and undesirable protruding edges and
misalignment of the top and end trim pieces are eliminated at the
corner joint.
35. The partition system defined in claim 34, wherein at least one
of the top and end trim pieces defines an outwardly facing recess
shaped to receive an insert.
36. The partition system defined in claim 35, wherein the top and
end trim components both define an outwardly facing recess.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to partitions with covered top
and side surfaces, and more particularly relates to partition trim
adapted for attachment to the top and sides of partitions.
[0002] Consumers often want to customize and "trim out" their
partition systems with their own materials and colors for optimal
aesthetics. This is sometimes done with "customer's own materials"
on the panel skins when they are upholstered. However, trim does
not generally accommodate the "customer's own materials" on the
panel edges. Further, because partition trim is located at top and
side edges of partition panels where it is easy to see, the
partition trim must wear well, be durable and not easily scratched
or damaged, and/or preferably should be easy to clean. This results
in a dilemma, because the "high" durability requirements prevent
customers from obtaining the look that they want, yet customers
quickly become dissatisfied if they purchase a system that is not
durable and that wears badly or scratches after only a short
time.
[0003] The present inventors have conceived of using trim to
provide function and utility in and around partitions in a manner
not previously known in the art. Specifically, it is desirable to
provide function and utility in and around the partition trim, and
yet do so in a way that does not subtract from the aesthetics and
protective function that the trim provides. Still further, it
preferably needs to be done in a way that increases the number and
types of materials that can be used in the partition trim, and that
enlarges the ability to aesthetically use color, texture, and other
material characteristics to achieve a desired "look" in an
office.
[0004] An apparatus is desired solving the aforementioned problems
and having the aforementioned advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a partition system
includes a partition having a top edge and vertical end edges, and
a trim piece attached to at least one of the top edge and end
edges. The trim piece includes an elongated base member with side
flanges defining a channel running longitudinally along the at
least one edge, and an insert positioned in the channel.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a trim system
for a partition includes an elongated base member having opposing
first and second surfaces, connectors on the first surface
configured and adapted for releasable attachment to a partition
frame, and spaced-apart flanges on the second surface defining at
least one longitudinal channel extending along the second surface.
An elongated insert fits in the channel in a visible position where
the insert is at least partially protected by the flanges.
[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a partition
system includes an improvement for a partition having front and
rear faces and having top and end surfaces. A top trim piece and an
end trim piece cover the top and end surfaces. The improvement
includes ends on the top and end trim pieces forming a corner. The
top trim piece has at least one top flange that extends upwardly
and terminates in a first free edge, and the end trim piece has at
least one side flange that extends laterally and terminates in a
second free edge. At least one of the top flanges and one of the
end flanges have outer surfaces that are coplanar with each other
and that define a vertical plane that extends parallel the front
face. One of the top and end flanges has a protruding portion that
extends onto the end of the other of the top and end flanges at the
corner. The protruding portion is radiused at the corner about a
centerpoint lying on the plane. By this arrangement, a continuous
surface is formed around the corner by a length of the top flange,
by a length of the end flange, and by a radiused part of the
protruding portion.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, an improved trim
system is provided for a partition system including first and
second partitions each having a face and having aligned first and
second top surfaces. The trim system has first and second top trim
pieces that align and aesthetically cover the first and second top
surfaces, respectively. The improved trim system comprises ends of
the first and second top trim pieces coming together to form a
linearly-aligned joint. The first and second top trim pieces each
have a body section and a pair of protruding flanges, with the
second top trim piece additionally having a pair of locators shaped
to engage the pair of protruding flanges on the first trim piece.
Engagement of the pair of locators on the pair of protruding
flanges causes alignment of the body sections in a vertical
direction on both front and rear edges of the first and second top
trim pieces, and engagement of at least one of the locators on one
of the pair of free ends causes alignment in a horizontal
forward/rearward direction perpendicular to the faces of the
partition.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, an improved trim
system is provided for a partition system including a partition
having opposing faces and having a top surface and a vertical end
surface forming a corner, and including a trim system having top
and end trim pieces aesthetically covering the top and end
surfaces, respectively, The improvement in the trim system
comprises ends of the top and end trim pieces coming together to
form a corner joint. The top and end trim pieces each have a body
section and a pair of flanges with free ends that extend
perpendicularly to the body section toward an interior of the
partition. The pair of flanges on the top trim piece are located to
avoid interference with the pair of flanges on the end trim piece,
but are located to closely engage end surfaces therewith so that
the two pairs of flanges overlappingly engage and accurately locate
the top and end trim pieces in a direction perpendicular to the
faces of the partition, such that the top and end trim pieces are
accurately aligned in the perpendicular direction and with the
faces of the partition at the corner joint. The pair of flanges on
the top trim piece are cut short and are shaped to engage an
undersurface on the body section of the end trim piece, and the
pair of flanges on the end trim piece are cut short and shaped to
engage an undersurface on the body section of the top trim piece.
By this arrangement, the outer surfaces of the top and end trim
pieces form an accurate corner without excessive overlap or
extension of either of the top and end trim pieces, such that sharp
and undesirable protruding edges and misalignment of the top and
end trim pieces are eliminated at the corner joint.
[0010] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of interconnected partitions
embodying the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlargement of the circled area II in FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4, is an exploded view similar to FIG. 3, but showing a
modified trim piece with modified insert adapted for receiving and
managing wiring;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an end view of one of the partition panels shown
in FIG. 1 with the end trim piece removed to show a shape of the
top trim piece and trim-to-partition connector;
[0016] FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 5, but showing a modified
top piece and top frame member;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the circled area
VI in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6A is an end view of the top trim piece in FIG. 6,
showing engagement of the in-line connector with ridge-like
projections on the top trim piece;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown
in FIG. 2, with the end trim piece rotated to show its bottom
surface;
[0020] FIG. 7A is a cross section taken along the line VIIA-VIIA in
FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of the end trim, including three of
the spring clips shown in FIGS. 9-10;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of an inside surface of the end
trim, including one of the attachment spring clips shown in FIG.
8;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the spring clip shown in
FIG. 9; and
[0024] FIG. 11 is a view of an end of the partition, showing the
frame members that the end and top trim pieces attach to.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] A partition system 25 (FIG. 1) includes a trim system 26
that allows customers to selected their own accent materials, thus
providing increased design flexibility to the customer. More
specifically, the trim forms a channel or "bucket" where strips of
material can be inserted into the channel for trimming out an
associated partition, with the insert being in a highly visible and
accessible position. Advantageously, the trim system 26 provides
some protection to the insert materials, so that soft and
non-durable materials can be used on the trim without sacrificing
appearance and long-term wear. Also, the trim system 26 allows
inserts to be used that are functional, such that function and
value can be added to the partition system 25 in locations along
edges of the partitions where previously functional features were
not located, as discussed below.
[0026] Partitions are well known in the art, and are often used to
form office arrangements. The illustrated partitions 27-30 are
connected in a T-shaped arrangement, with the partitions 27-28
being connected in-line, and with the partitions 29-30 being
connected in-line to each other but perpendicular to the partitions
29-30. The illustrated arrangement is to show different
configurations of the trim 26. It will be clear to a person skilled
in this art that the partitions can be arranged in many different
configurations, and that many different partitions and additional
arrangements are possible while still utilizing the principles of
the present inventive concepts.
[0027] The illustrated partition 30 (FIG. 1) will be described in
sufficient detail below for an understanding of the present
invention, with partitions 27-29 being similar configurations. If
additional discussion of the partition 30 is desired, it can be
obtained from the following patent applications, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference: commonly
assigned application Ser. No. ______, filed ______ (filed on same
day as present application), entitled PARTITION TRIM HAVING
FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS; commonly-assigned application Ser. No.
10/077,553, filed Feb. 15, 2002, entitled PANEL SYSTEM, and
commonly assigned application Ser. No. 10/076,709, filed Feb. 15,
2002, entitled PARTITION PANEL WITH MODULAR APPLIANCE MOUNTING
ARRANGEMENT.
[0028] The partition 30 includes a partition frame 31 (FIG. 11)
having a top edge and vertical end edges covered by top and end
trim pieces 32 and 33, respectively. The frame 31 (FIG. 11)
includes interior vertical and horizontal frame elements 34 and 35,
and also includes side frame elements 36 attached to the vertical
and horizontal frame elements 34 and 35 to make a rigid frame. The
frame elements 34-36 define a perimeter, with the vertical and
horizontal frame elements 34 and 35 having a wall spaced inboard of
the perimeter to form a channel 37 that extends around the
perimeter. The trim pieces 32 (FIG. 5) include a friction spring 38
having spaced-apart legs 39 and 40 that frictionally engage the
inside surfaces of the side frame elements 36 inside of the channel
37 to hold the trim pieces 32 in position. Optional screws 41 (FIG.
4) can be extended through the body of the trim piece 32 threadably
into a weld nut on a stanchion bracket attached to the horizontal
frame element 35 if additional sureness of the attachment of the
trim piece 32 to the frame 31 is desired. FIG. 5A shows a modified
base member 58A of trim piece 32A where a recessed center section
58B of the base member 54A fits between and engages inside surfaces
36A' on the side frame element 36A to better center the base member
58A. Also, FIG. 5A shows a large bolt 41A engaged with frame
element 35A for holding the trim piece 32A securely to the
partition frame 31A. The edges of the base member 58A also include
pockets to capture top edges of the frame elements 35 for increased
stability of the attachment.
[0029] The trim piece 32 (FIG. 3) includes an elongated base member
54 made of durable material, such as metal, with side flanges 55
defining a longitudinal channel 56. A strip insert 57 is positioned
in the channel where it is held and protected by the side flanges
55. Trim piece 33 is similar to the trim piece 32, and includes a
base member 58, side flanges 59, and an insert 60. When both top
and end edges of a partition are covered by channel-forming trim,
the end of the end trim piece 33 protrudes onto and extends across
an end of the other trim piece 32, with an upper end of the base
member 58 being visible. This creates a distinctive appearance. The
illustrated protruding portion 61 of the side flanges 59 are
radiused at location 62 to eliminate the protruding corner on the
partition that would occur if it was cut square, but it is
contemplated that any shape corner can be constructed as desired.
Also, the end of the insert 60 includes a similar radius 62' for
aesthetics and to eliminate a protruding corner.
[0030] It is contemplated that the inserts 57 and/or 60 can be
primarily aesthetic, such as wood, brushed metal, painted sheet,
plastic, or light-transmissive glass or plastic; or the inserts 57
and/or 60 can be primarily functional, such as tackable material,
erasable markerboard material, a magnetic material, a
light-transmissive material, a "cloudy" translucent material, a
light-pipe-forming material, or a material forming signage. It is
also contemplated that the base members 54 and 58 can be made of
various materials, including extruded, molded, or rollformed
aluminum, steel, plastic, composite, or other materials. It is also
contemplated that the inserts and/or the base members can be made
to define a channel or internal passageway, such as by
manufacturing the insert in the shape of a mating "U" channel
defining a hidden passageway on the base member for wire
management. For example, see the trim pieces 32A and 33A in FIG. 4.
The base member 58A is modified with a hole 54A' to allow routing
of wiring around a corner, and inserts 57A and 60A are modified to
have an inverted U-shaped cross section so that a passageway is
created between their respective bases and inserts for holding
wires. Positioned in the insert 60A of the modified trim piece 33A
is a display 58C, such as an LED or lighted signage aligned with an
opening or window in the insert 60A, and wire strip 58C extends
from the display 58C through the aperture 54A' along the horizontal
trim piece 32A to a source of electrical power and control.
[0031] As illustrated, the base member 54 (FIG. 3) of trim piece 32
has a transverse web flange 64 that joins the side flanges 55 to
define the channel 56 for receiving the insert 57. The transverse
web flange 64 includes a down-facing offset 66 at each side to
create added space adjacent the side flanges 55, so that no
material interferes with positioning the insert 57 fully into the
channel 56, even if there is a slight radius at the up-bend where
the side flanges 55 join to the transverse web flange 64.
[0032] The trim piece 32 has a pair of longitudinally-elongated
ridge-like projections 68-69 that extend from its transverse web
flange 64 in a direction away from the channel 56 that receives
insert 57. The projections 68-69 each include inwardly-extending
side tabs 70 and 71. The friction spring 38 (FIG. 5) includes
retention tabs 71' that fit between the top tab 70 and the
transverse web flange 64 to retain the spring 38 to the trim piece
32. The lower side tab 71 engages the leg 39 (or 40) to hold the
spring 38 in position on the trim piece 32. The friction spring 38
is relatively short, such as an inch or two long.
[0033] An in-line connector clip 73 (FIGS. 6-6A) is adapted to span
between longitudinally aligned trim pieces 32, and when engaged,
causes them to be accurately linearly aligned for aesthetics. (See
the circled area VI in FIG. 1 and also FIG. 6A.) The clip 73
includes a generally flat body, with side edges 73A shaped to
engage side tabs 70 and 71 on the projections 68 and 69. Two
forwardly extending cup locators 73B extend from the body. The cup
locators 73B are shaped to engage an outer surface 68A and 69A on
the ends of projections 68 and 69 on the adjacent partition trim
piece, so that the abutting trim pieces 33 in adjacent partitions
are aligned in a direction perpendicular to a face of the
partitions 31. The cup locators 73B each have "up" tabs 73C that
engage the underside surface of the adjacent aligned trim piece 33,
thus setting the vertical alignment of front and rear edges of the
abutting trim pieces 33.
[0034] It is noted that, while it is envisioned to have inserts (57
and 60) be the same length as their respective base members in the
preferred embodiment, a single insert 57 can span aligned base
members 54 if desired. (See location 75 in FIG. 1, where an insert
57 spans two base members 54 and also spans two partitions 30.
[0035] The trim piece 33 (FIG. 3) can have the same cross-sectional
shape as the trim piece 32, although it is contemplated that they
can be different profiles, if desired. The illustrated trim piece
33 (FIG. 8) has a transverse cross section that is the same as trim
piece 32, with the exception that trim piece 33 does not have any
friction springs 38, but instead has friction clips 76-78.
Specifically, the three (or more) identical clips 76-78 engage the
projections 68'-69' (FIGS. 7 and 8) on the trim piece 33, and
further engage apertures 79-81 (FIG. 11) in the vertical frame
elements 34 to retain the trim pieces 33 in place. Specifically,
the clip 76 (and clips 77-78) includes an attachment flange 82 with
tabs 83-85 (FIGS. 9-10) that engage the side tabs 71' the
projections 68'-69' on its base member 58 in a manner similar to
the projections 68-69 on the base member 54 of the trim piece 32.
An L-shaped resilient leg 86 extends from the attachment flange 82
and has a flat neck 87. The top aperture 79 (FIG. 11) is basically
rectangularly shaped. A width of the aperture 79 is equal to a
width of the neck 87 of the resilient leg 86, such that the clip 76
accurately aligns the trim piece 33 on the partition 30, so that
edges of the trim piece 33 are flush with faces of the partition
30. A bottom of the aperture 79 engages the flat neck 87 of the
resilient leg 86, so that a height of the trim piece 33 is
accurately set relative to the end of the partition 30. The
resilient leg 86 flexes and draws the trim piece 33 tight against
the end of the partition 30. By these three factors, the top clip
76 and aperture 79 set a location of the trim piece 33 in "x-y-z"
orthogonal directions relative to an upper end/corner of the
partition 30. The center aperture 80 is large enough so that the
center clip 77 does not do anything other than hold the trim piece
33 tight to the end of the partition 30. The bottom aperture 80 is
shaped and sized so that the neck 87 engages the sides of the
bottom clip 78. The bottom clip 78 also holds a bottom of the trim
piece 33 tight to the bottom of the partition 30.
[0036] Trim piece 33 attaches to the vertical frame member 34
(FIGS. 8 and 11) as follows. The trim piece 33 is positioned on an
end of the partition 30, with the flared-out ends of the clips
76-78 positioned in the respective apertures 79-81. The trim piece
33 is then moved downwardly, with each clip 76-78 drawing the trim
piece 33 tight against the partition. The top and bottom clips 76
and 78 locate the trim piece 33 so that edges of the trim piece 33
are flush with the faces of the partition 30, and the top clip 76
locates the trim piece 33 vertically.
[0037] Notably, there is a notch 82 (FIG. 7) machined transversely
across an upper end of the base member 58 of the trim piece 33. The
notch 82 includes cutting away end portions of the projections (68'
and 69') on the base member 58 of the trim piece 33 and cutting
slightly into edges of the transverse web flange of the base member
58. The notch 82 is shaped to matably receive an end of the trim
piece 33 to form a tight corner where the trim pieces 32 and 33
abut, with the projections 68 and 69 overlappingly engaging the
projections 68' and 69'. Trim pieces 32 and 33 are aligned by their
respective retention springs and clips.
[0038] Specifically, the ridge-like projections 68' and 69' on the
end trim 33 each include an inside surface 82' that engages a flat
outside surface 82" on the projections 68 and 69 on the top trim
piece 32. This overlapping abutment results in the trim pieces 32
and 33 aligning each other in a direction perpendicular to a face
of the partition 31, so that edges of the trim pieces 32 and 33 are
flush with each other and with front and rear faces of the
partition 30. The end surface 83A of the projections 68' and 69' on
the end trim 33 abuts the bottom surface 32B of the base member 54
of the trim piece 32, and the end surface 32C of the projections 68
and 69 on the top trim piece 32 abuts the undersurface 83C of the
base member 58 of the trim piece 33. As a result, a "perfect"
corner is made, with the end of the trim pieces 32 and 33 forming
continuous and smooth front and rear surfaces, with little or no
misalignment, and with the trim pieces 32 and 33 forming a smooth
radiused surface that extends from the vertical side edge of the
partition 31 up and around onto the top side edge of the partition
31.
[0039] When aligned, the side flanges 55 of trim piece 32 are
coplanar with the side flanges 59 on trim piece 33, thus creating a
distinctive and useful protective continuous band of material that
extends around the corner of the partition 30.
[0040] A base trim cover 85 (FIG. 11) attaches to cover supports 86
along a bottom of the partition frame 31. The cover 85 provides an
enclosure along a bottom of the partition frame 31 for wiring and
the like, as is often done with partitions such as partition
30.
[0041] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
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