Connector strip for partition panel assembly
A partition panel assembly comprises first and second partition panels each having a first outer surface, an end surface, and a first flange extending outwardly from the end surface. The partition panel assembly also comprises an elongate connector strip including a body portion having an outer surface, first and second inner legs extending from the body portion, wherein the first and second inner legs couple the first flange of the first and second partition panels together, and first and second outer legs extending from the body portion of the connector strip that abut the end surfaces of the first and second partition panels, such that the outer surface of the connector strip is substantially planar with the outer surface of each of the first and second partition panels.
The present invention relates to a connector strip for a partition panel assembly, and in particular to a connector strip operably coupling a pair of adjacent partition panels and providing an aesthetic covering therebetween to create the look of a single, uninterrupted panel.
Partition assemblies are generally comprised of multiple partition panels arrangeable to separate work stations in an office setting. These partition panels will frequently be of a reasonably maneuverable length, width and height and adapted to be connected to one another at the ends thereof. Each end of a given partition panel typically has a connection point capable of connecting with another partition via a mechanical-type fastener such as interlocking brackets, screws, bolts and the like. Covers extending between the coupled partition panels may be used to assist in connecting the partition panels as well as to hide the mechanical fasteners connecting the partition panels to one another. Heretofore, these covers are typically thick in nature and do not create a visually subtle transition from one panel to the next. Moreover, the fasteners coupling the partition panels together are complicated and relatively expensive as they are constructed separately from the cover members.
Thus, a connector that creates the appearance of continuous partition panel and has the mechanical properties to couple adjacent partition panels together is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONOne aspect of the present invention is to provide a partition panel assembly that comprises a first and second partition panel each having a first outer surface, an end surface and a first flange extending outwardly from the end surface. The partition panel assembly further comprises an elongate first connector strip including a body portion having an outer surface, first and second inner legs extending from the body portion, wherein the first and second inner legs couple the first flange of each of the first and second partition panels together, and first and second outer legs extending from the body portion of the connector strip that abut the end surfaces of the first and second partition panels, such that the outer surface of the connector strip is substantially planar with the outer surface of each of the first and second partition panels.
Another aspect of the present invention is a connector strip for coupling two adjacent partition panels, wherein each of the partition panels includes an end surface having a curved portion, an outwardly-extending flange and an outer surface, the connector strip comprising a base portion having a substantially planar outer surface, and a pair of inner legs that extend from the base portion and that are adapted to couple a flange of each of the partition panels together. The connector strip further comprises a pair of outer legs extending from the base portion and each having a curved portion, wherein the outer legs are adapted to receive a curved portion of an end surface of a respective partition panel, such that the outer surface of the connector strip is adapted to be substantially planar with the outer surface of each of the partition panels.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a strip member for a partition panel that comprises a base portion having a substantially planar outer surface; a first leg extending from the base portion opposite the outer surface and having an inwardly-exposed groove adapted to retain a curved portion of a partition panel, a second leg extending from the base portion opposite the outer surface and adapted to engage an outwardly-extending flange of a partition panel, and a third leg extending substantially orthogonal from the base portion opposite the outer surface of the base portion, wherein the outer surface of the base portion is adapted to be substantially planar with outer surfaces of a partition panel, and wherein the second and third legs are adapted to cooperate to couple a corner member and the flange of the partition panel.
The construction of a plastic vinyl connector strip that has an exterior face that is substantially flush with the sides of a partition panel creates a continuous and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, the connector strip is coated or painted to conform aesthetically with the color of the partition panels thereby increasing the aesthetic quality of the partition panel assembly. Still further, the connector strip couples adjacent panels together eliminating additional mechanical couplers typically required, while simultaneously increasing the connector strip increases the connection strength between panels thereby decreasing the likelihood that the panels will become unattached. Moreover, the strip serves as an acoustical barrier between adjacent panels.
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
For purposes of description herein the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
The reference numeral 8 (
Each connector strip 10 (
The construction of a plastic vinyl connector strip that has an exterior face that is substantially flush with the sides of a partition panel creates a continuous and pleasing appearance. Furthermore, the connector strip is coated or painted to conform aesthetically with the color of the partition panels thereby increasing the aesthetic quality of the partition panel assembly. Still further, the connector strip couples adjacent panels together eliminating additional mechanical couplers typically required. Moreover, the multiple leg construction of the connector strip increases the connection strength between panels thereby decreasing the likelihood that the panels will become unattached.
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein: Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims
1. A partition panel assembly, comprising:
- first and second partition panels each having a first outer surface, an end surface and a first flange extending outwardly from the end surface; and,
- an elongated first connector strip including a body portion having an outer surface, first and second inner legs extending from the body portion, wherein the first and second inner legs couple the first flange of each of the first and second partition panels together, and first and second outer legs extending from the body portion of the connector strip that abut the end surfaces of the first and second partition panels, such that the outer surface of the connector strip is substantially planar with the outer surface of each of the first and second partition panels.
2. The partition assembly of claim 1, wherein the end surface of each of the first and second partition panels includes a curved portion, and wherein each of the inner legs of the connector strip includes a curved groove that receives the curved portion of the respective end surface therein.
3. The partition panel assembly of claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the connector strip is planar.
4. The partition panel assembly of claim 3, wherein opposing ends of the body portion are outwardly-tapered.
5. The partition panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second partition panels each include an end cap that comprises the respective end surface of the first and second partition panels.
6. The partition panel assembly of claim 5, wherein each end cap comprises a portion of the respective outer surface of the first and second partition panels.
7. The partition panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the flange of each of the first and second partition panels are affixed to the respective end surface of the first and second partition panels via a plurality of mechanical fasteners.
8. The partition panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second inner legs and the first and second outer legs are flexibly resilient.
9. The partition panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector strip comprises a paintable resin material.
10. The partition panel of claim 1, wherein the first and second partition panels each include a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, and a second flange extending outwardly from the respective end surface; and further comprising:
- a second connector strip including a body portion having an outer surface, first and second inner legs extending from the body portion, wherein the first and second inner legs of the second connector strip couple the second flange of each of the first and second partition panels together, and first and second outer legs extending from the body portion that abut the end surfaces of the first and second partition panels, such that the outer surface of the second connector strip is substantially planar with the second outer surface of each of the first and second partition panels.
11. A connector strip for coupling two adjacent partition panels, wherein each of the partition panels includes an end surface having a curved portion, an outwardly-extending flange and an outer surface, the connector strip comprising:
- a base portion having a substantially planar outer surface;
- a pair of inner legs that extend from the base portion and that are adapted to couple a flange of each of the partition panels together; and
- a pair of outer legs extending from the base portion and each having a curved portion, wherein the outer legs are adapted to receive a curved portion of an end surface of a respective partition panel, such that the outer surface of the connector strip is adapted to be substantially planar with the outer surface of each of the partition panels.
12. The connector strip of claim 1 1, wherein the outer surface of the connector strip is planar.
13. The connector strip of claim 12, wherein opposing ends of the body portion are outwardly-tapered.
14. The connector strip of claim 13, wherein the first and second inner legs and the first and second outer legs are flexibly resilient.
15. The connector strip of claim 14, wherein the connector strip comprises a paintable vinyl material.
16. The connector strip of claim 11, wherein opposing ends of the body portion are outwardly-tapered.
17. The connector strip of claim 11, wherein the first and second inner legs and the first and second outer legs are flexibly resilient
18. A corner strip member for a partition panel, comprising:
- a base portion having a substantially planar outer surface;
- a first leg extending from the base portion opposite the outer surface and having an inwardly-exposed groove adapted to retain a curved portion of a partition panel;
- a second leg extending from the base portion opposite the outer surface and adapted to engage an outwardly-extending flange of a partition panel; and
- a third leg extending substantially orthogonally from the base portion opposite the outer surface of the base portion, wherein the outer surface of the base portion is adapted to be substantially planer with an outer surface of a partition panel, and wherein the second and third legs are adapted to cooperate to couple a corner member with the flange of the partition panel.
19. The strip member of claim 18, wherein the first and second legs are flexibly resilient.
20. The strip member of claim 18, wherein the strip member comprises a paintable vinyl material.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 7, 2006
Publication Date: Feb 22, 2007
Inventors: Douglas MacDonald (Caledonia, MI), William Palermo (Spring Lake, MI)
Application Number: 11/448,957
International Classification: E04H 1/00 (20060101);