Full wall height floor-to-ceiling adapter and a frame-based workspace definition system incorporating the same

Abstract

Floor and a ceiling adapter assemblies for a frame-based workspace definition system for interconnecting a gap between a floor surface and the workspace definition system, and a ceiling surface and the workspace definition system, to provide a full floor-to-ceiling height wall.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/206,910 filed May 25, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a frame-based workspace definition system. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a floor-to-ceiling, frame-based, workspace definition system. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a ceiling adapter assembly for interconnecting a workspace frame with a ceiling surface. In still another of its aspects, the invention relates to a floor adapter assembly for interconnecting a workspace frame with a floor surface.

[0003] Workspace definition systems for open room areas, such as office space, typically have a matrix of interconnected frames which have tiles mounted thereto. The frames often can accommodate electrical and data conduit therein so that several ports or sockets are defined within the framework for the interconnection with office components, such as computers, typewriters, dictation equipment, etc. Often these types of data and sockets and even the electrical data conduit can be provided directly within partition tiles mounted on the framework.

[0004] These types of known workspace systems fall into two categories. The first category is a frame-based system that is freestanding and typically rests on a floor surface and terminates some distance short of a ceiling surface. The second category is full wall height systems which typically include involved bracketry and mounting assemblies for creating a full-height wall system that extends the complete distance between the floor and the ceiling and are often permanently mounted to the workspace walls, ceiling and/or floor.

[0005] Each of these systems has its benefits and disadvantages. The freestanding systems are easier to reconfigure within a particular workspace but allow occupants of the system a lesser degree of privacy. The full-height systems offer the privacy of fully enclosed work areas but typically involve a much more difficult (and permanent) installation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] According to the invention, a workspace definition system for defining space having a ceiling and a floor surrounded by walls comprises at least one frame supported on the floor and extending therefrom toward the ceiling. Each or the at least one frame comprises a top member and a bottom member. The top member and the ceiling define a ceiling gap therebetween, and the bottom member and the floor define a floor gap therebetween. A ceiling adapter is movably mounted to the at least one frame between a retracted position wherein the ceiling adapter is spaced from the ceiling and a contact position wherein the ceiling adapter is in contact with the ceiling. A floor adapter is preferably interposed between the bottom member of the at least one frame and the floor. The at least one frame, the ceiling adapter, and the floor adapter are adapted to extend the full distance between the floor and the ceiling and have connectors upon which can be mounted tiles and accessories to provide a continuous wall between adjoining spaces.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one insert is located in the at least one frame and is adapted to form a portion of the movable mounting of the ceiling adapter to the at least one frame. At least one rod is mounted in movable relationship to the at least one insert to form a portion of the movable mounting of the ceiling adapter to the at least one frame. The at least one insert is adapted to receive the at least one rod therein which can be exteriorly threaded, and the at least one sleeve can be internally threaded to threadably receive the at least one rod so that turning of the at least one rod in the at least one sleeve can linearly advance the at least one rod between the retracted and contact positions.

[0008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the ceiling adapter can have at least one inverted U-shaped channel interposed between the at least one rod and the ceiling whereby the channel abuts the ceiling when the ceiling adapter is in the contact position and is spaced from the ceiling when the ceiling adapter is in the retracted position. The underside portion of the at least one inverted U-shaped channel has a first pair of opposing depending flanges that frictionally retain an upper end of the at least one rod therebetween. The rod can move the at least one inverted U-shaped channel vertically with respect to the at least one frame when the upper end of the rod is received between the first pair of opposing depending flanges. The at least one inverted U-shaped channel can be provided with a second pair of opposing flanges, each of which can be located adjacent to a depending leg of the at least one inverted U-shaped channel and can define a groove therebetween. A distal end of each depending leg can be provided with a reversely curled third flange which defines a groove therein in opposed vertical alignment with the groove defined between the second flange and the respective depending leg whereby the grooves facilitate interconnection of adjacent channels.

[0009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the workspace definition system has at least one tile wherein the at least one tile can be removably mounted to the at least one frame. The at least one tile can be mounted in a cantilevered fashion to the at least one frame whereby an upper edge of the at least one tile can be located in abutting relationship to the U-shaped channel to provide an aesthetically-pleasing outer surface to the workspace definition system. The at least one tile extends upwardly from the at least one frame in proximal relationship with the ceiling to conceal the ceiling gap in cooperation with the U-shaped channel.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, at least one ceiling grid light block for a ceiling can have a ceiling surface with at least one channel formed therein. The at least one ceiling grid light block can be positioned in the at least one channel to block the transmission of light therethrough when the ceiling adapter is located in the contact position.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the floor adapter has at least one elongated channel member with at least one longitudinal edge terminating in at least one laterally-extending projection which terminates in at least one reversibly curled foot.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the workspace definition system further comprises at least one base molding cover with an inwardly-extending angular flange at an upper end thereof and at least one inwardly-facing C-shaped mounting clip at a lower end thereof. The at least one C-shaped mounting clip frictionally grips the at least one reversibly curled foot so that the at least one base molding cover extends upwardly from the floor in abutting relationship with the at least one frame to conceal the floor gap.

[0013] Further according to the invention, a ceiling adapter for a workspace definition system for defining space in a workspace with a ceiling and a floor surrounded by walls includes at least one frame supported on the floor and extends therefrom toward the ceiling. The at least one frame comprises a top member which with the ceiling defines a ceiling gap therebetween. The ceiling adapter comprises an adapter body movably mounted to the at least one frame between a retracted position wherein the adapter body is retracted from contact with the ceiling and a contact position wherein the adapter body is in contact with the ceiling. The at least one frame and the ceiling adapter provide a floor-to-ceiling wall structure upon which can be mounted tiles and accessories between adjoining spaces in the workspace.

[0014] Still further according to the invention, a floor adapter for a workspace definition system for defining space in a workspace with a ceiling and a floor surrounded by walls comprises at least one frame supported on the floor and extending therefrom toward the ceiling. The at least one frame preferably comprises a bottom member. The bottom member and the floor preferably define a floor gap therebetween. The floor adapter preferably comprises a floor adapter body interposed between the bottom member of the at least one frame and the floor. The at least one frame and the floor adapter body are adapted to provide a floor-to-ceiling wall structure upon which can be mounted tiles and accessories to provide a wall between adjoining spaces.

[0015] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a freestanding workspace dividing system comprising several interconnected frames supporting tiles thereby dividing a workspace into smaller work areas wherein some of the interconnected frames extend the full height between a floor and a ceiling employing a floor-to-ceiling adapter according to the invention to encompass gaps between the ceiling and floor and at least some of the interconnected frames.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a frame and components making up a ceiling adapter and a floor adapter of the floor-to-ceiling adapter of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic view in the orientation of the cross sectional view of FIG. 3 showing the positioning of a panel adjacent the frame with a schematic arrow showing the proposed upward direction of movement of the panel relative to the frame.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view showing the panel in a position following the movement of FIG. 4 into a parallel position relative to the frame to position the panel in a mounted position on the frame so that the upper edge of the panel is closely adjacent to the ceiling and abuts the ceiling adapter.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the orientation of FIG. 3 showing a completed wall assembly after the movement of FIG. 5 wherein a pair of panels are mounted closely adjacent the ceiling on either side of, and in abutting relationship to, the ceiling adapter.

[0022] FIG. 7 is an enlarged lower portion of the cross section of FIG. 3 showing a floor adapter of the floor-to-ceiling adapter of FIG. 2 according to the invention including a pair of base molding panels in phantom and solid form with an arrow showing the base molding panels moved from a position adjacent to a bump rail of the frame to a mounted position wherein the base molding panels are mounted to the frame by a clip thereon.

[0023] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial schematic view in a direction perpendicular to the view of FIG. 6 of the upper portion of the frame and ceiling adapter of FIG. 6 showing a ceiling grid light block placed in a channel formed by a grid element, the ceiling adapter, and adjoining ceiling tiles of a recessed ceiling wherein the ceiling grid light block prevents the transmission of light through the channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] An example of a freestanding frame-based workspace definition system 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The system is sold by the assignee Trendway, Inc. under the trademark CONTRADA and is typically supported on a floor 12 and beneath a ceiling 13 of an open workspace defined by outer walls 15, such as that typically found in an office environment. A complete description of the workspace definition system 10 can be found in the commonly assigned patent application Ser. No. 09/325,331, filed Jun. 3, 1999 and is incorporated herein by reference. Thus, only a limited explanation of the complex features of the frame-based workspace definition system 10 is provided here.

[0025] The workspace definition system 10 comprises a series of interconnected frames 14 which subdivide the workspace into smaller areas, often referred to as partitions. Each of the frames 14 supports one or more tiles 16 to create walls within the workspace as defined by the interconnected frames 14. The frames 14 and tiles 16 can be of various sizes to define walls which extend a floor-to-ceiling height or some intermediate height between the floor 12 and the ceiling (not shown). Further, frames 14 and tiles 16 of varying heights can be intercombined to define wall heights that vary depending upon the functionality and office aesthetics desired by the combination.

[0026] A single tile 16 is typically mounted to either side of a frame 14. However, multiple tiles 16 can also be hung on a single side of a particular frame 14 or in combination with other accessories, such as overhead bins 18, shelves 20, and pedestals or file cabinets 22. One or more smaller tiles 16 can be provided on one or both sides of a particular frame 14 to cover the area of one side of the frame 14 not occupied by another hanging component, such as the bin 18, shelf 20 or file cabinet 22. Various covers 28, 30, 31 and 32 can be mounted to and between the interconnected frames 14 to conceal the interface therebetween and provide an aesthetically-pleasing appearance to the system 10.

[0027] Turning to FIG. 2, each frame 14 comprises a pair of vertical rails 50 rigidly interconnected with generally horizontal top, intermediate and foot rails 52, 54, and 56, respectively. The frames 14 are typically provided in a range of selectable heights depending upon the desired height of the wall to be formed by the frames 14. The frame 14 is shown as also having a bump rail 58 mounted to the base of a pair of vertical rails 50, and a foot rail 56 to provide stability to the frame 14 and allow the frame 14 to have a freestanding capacity on the floor 12.

[0028] The rails 50-56 preferably have several types of apertures therein for mounting hanging components, often referred to as “vertical hanging intelligence”, as well as apertures 60 for receiving first and second mounting clips 62 and 64 on a rear surface of each tile 16. Fasteners 66 are provided for mounting the frames 14 together through threaded apertures in the vertical rails 50.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a stacker frame assembly 68 mounted atop the frame 14. The stacker frame assembly 68 is used to increase the height of a standard frame 14 when a framework of increased height is desired. The stacker frame assembly 68 comprises a pair of vertical rails 70 supporting a top rail 72 therebetween at an upper end thereof. Each of the vertical rails 70 are provided with a reduced-diameter depending flange 74 which is preferably shaped to correspond with an interior recess 76 of each vertical rail 50 in a telescoping relationship. Fasteners 78 mount the stacker frame assembly 72 to the frame 14.

[0030] The vertical and top rails 70 and 72 of the stacker frame assembly 68 are preferably configured with all of the apertures and other discontinuities described with respect to the vertical rails 50 and top rail 52 of a frame 14 and, thus, the top rail 52 of the frame 14 and the top rail 72 of the stacker frame assembly are referred to interchangeably.

[0031] The bump rail 58 is shown in FIG. 2 and in greater detail in FIGS. 3 and 7 and comprises an elongated member 80 with longitudinal edges 82 provided with a depending wall 84 which terminates in a laterally-extending wall 86. Each of the walls 86 terminates in a reversibly curled foot 88. A glide 90 supports the bump rail 58 above the floor so that the bump rail 58 can be adjustably supported relative to the floor 12. The frame 14 can thereby be supported at a predetermined height.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the bump rail 58 is mounted to a lower surface of the frame 14, preferably by welding or by fasteners. Glides 90, which generally comprise a threaded shaft 92 and a conical foot 94, can also be mounted within threaded apertures 96 in the bump rail 58 and engaged within the frame 14, such as in the foot rail 56 or within an aperture (not shown) within a lower surface of each of the vertical rails 50 of a frame 14.

[0033] Although the frames 14 can be made in a variety of heights as stated above, the vertical dimension of the interconnected frames 14, either alone or with an attached stacker frame assembly 70, often do not extend the full wall 15 height of an existing workspace. Further, unless the frame 14 happens to correspond exactly to the height of the workspace, the wall defined by one or more interconnected frames 14 will not form a floor-to-ceiling height wall preventing light and reducing sound transmission between adjacent workspaces divided by the system 10.

[0034] Turning to FIGS. 1-2, it is an important feature of this invention that the system 10 includes a floor-to-ceiling adapter 100 comprising a ceiling adapter 102 and a floor adapter 104. The ceiling adapter 102 extends between an upper portion of one or more interconnected frames 14 (with or without an attached stacker frame assembly 70) and a ceiling 13, and the floor adapter 104 extends between a lower portion of the interconnected frames 14 and a floor 12. The ceiling adapter 102 thus conceals gaps between the system 10 and the ceiling 13, and the floor adapter 104 thus conceals gaps between the system 10 and the floor 12.

[0035] An example of a full-height wall comprising a series of interconnected frames 14′ is shown in FIG. 1 and the components making up the ceiling and floor adapters 102 and 104 of the floor-to-ceiling adapter 100 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2-3.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the ceiling adapter 102 of the floor-to-ceiling adapter 100 comprises an elongated channel 106, a threaded rod 108 and an insert 110 comprising a threaded sleeve 128 . The elongated channel 106 preferably has an inverted U-shaped cross section defined by a bight portion 112 having a pair of legs 114 and 116 depending therefrom. An underside surface of the bight portion 112 is provided with a pair of opposing depending flanges 118 and 120 which preferably extend the longitudinal length of the elongated channel 106. The first flanges 118 are provided as a mirror image about a central vertical axis of the elongated channel 106 and comprise a vertical portion 122 depending from the underside of the bight portion 112 which, in turn, terminates in an angularly, outwardly-extending flange 124.

[0037] The second flanges 120 also depend from the underside of the bight portion 112 and are located adjacent to each of the depending legs 114 and 116 and define a groove therebetween. Distal ends of the depending legs 114 and 116 are each provided with a reversely curled third flange 126 which preferably defines a groove therein in opposed vertical alignment with the groove defined between the second flange 120 and the respective depending legs 114, 116.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment, the threaded rod 108 comprises an elongated shaft having threads, and the insert 110 comprises a sleeve 128 having an internal threaded bore sized to receive the rod 108 and threads corresponding in pitch to the threads on the rod 108. The threaded rod 108 preferably has a diameter corresponding closely to the spacing between the vertical portion 122 of the first flanges 118. The insert 110 is mounted to one of the rails 50-56, 70-72 of the frame 14/stacker frame assembly 68. Preferably, the insert 110 is mounted to either the top rail 52 of the frame 14 or the top rail 72 of the stacker frame assembly 68 depending upon the height of the frame 14 required due to the vertical distance between the floor 12 and the ceiling 13. Alternatively, the sleeve 128 can be mounted directly to one of the rails 50-56, 70-72 of the frame 14/stacker frame assembly 68, or a threaded aperture (not shown) with threads corresponding in pitch to the threads on the rod 108 can be provided through a horizontal surface of one of the rails 52-56, 72.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3 and in greater detail in FIG. 7, the floor adapter 104 of the floor-to-ceiling adapter 100 comprises a floor rail 130 and one or more base-molding covers 132. The floor rail 130 is adapted to be mounted to the floor 12 and, for the purposes of manufacturing simplicity and parts savings, has a common configuration as the bump rail 58 and common elements thereof are referred to with common reference numerals.

[0040] The base-molding covers 132 are for concealing the interface between the frame 14 and the floor 12 and any supporting components of the system 10 such as the glides 90, the bump rail 58, and the floor rail 130. Each base molding cover 132 comprises an elongated panel 134 having an aesthetically-pleasing outer appearance provided with an inwardly-extending angular flange 136 at an upper end thereof and an inwardly-facing C-shaped mounting clip 138 at a lower end thereof. An inward end of at least one of the ends of the C-shaped mounting clip 138 is provided with a detent 140 thereon.

[0041] The assembly of the floor-to-ceiling adapter 100 within a frame-based workspace definition system 10 will now be described with respect to the drawings. The frames 14 are interconnected with one another by fasteners 66 as needed. Any stacker panel assemblies 68 are mounted on any frames as needed to increase the overall height of the frame 14 to position the upper rail 72 of the stacker frame assembly 70 adjacent to the ceiling 13.

[0042] To install the ceiling adapter 102, it should be noted that the threaded inserts 110 are preferably located within the uppermost top rail, whether on the top rail 52 of the frame 14 or the top rail 72 of an attached stacker frame assembly 68.

[0043] The threaded rods 108 are then passed into the threaded inserts 110 on the uppermost rail 52, 72. A ceiling channel 106 is placed atop upper ends of the threaded rods 108 by frictionally engaging the threaded rod 108 between the vertical portions 122 of the first flanges 118. The outwardly-extending angular portions 124 of the first flanges 118 act as guides for locating the upper end of the threaded rod 108 between the vertical portions 122.

[0044] To the extent that the ceiling adapter 102 is to be passed around corners in the workspace defined by the walls 15, the elongated channel can be mitered at the corner of a particular pair of walls 15. The corner channel 106 can then be interconnected to an adjacent longitudinally aligned elongated channel 106 by alignment plates 142 located at their upper and lower edges within the grooves defined by the second flanges 120 and the legs 114, 116 and the grooves defined by the third flanges 126 and the legs 114, 116. The alignment plates 142 thereby extend between a pair of longitudinally aligned channels 106 to extend the length of the channel 106 to the entire length of the perimeter of the workspace as needed. The alignment plates 142 are also used to connect two straight pieces of the elongated channel 106 together as well. The alignment plates 142 can be angled as well to attach two mitered corner joints of the elongated channel 106 together.

[0045] The threaded rods 108 are turned as required with respect to the threaded insert 110 to move the elongated channel 106 into abutment with the ceiling. It should be noted that the threaded rods 108 are preferably turned so that the elongated channel 106 is in level abutment with the ceiling 13.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the tiles 16 are mounted to the frame 14 and/or the stacker frame assembly 68 by first aligning each tile 16 with the frame 14 as shown in FIG. 4. The tile 16 is then tilted and slid upward (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 4) relative to the frame 14 so that the first clips 62 on the rear of the tile 16 are passed within an appropriate aperture in the frame 14. The frame 14 is further moved upwardly while keeping the tile 16 flat against the frame 14 until both the first and second clips 62 and 64 are completely engaged into the appropriate openings in the frame 14. The tile 16 is then pushed downwardly to properly seat the clips 62, 64 in their corresponding openings in the frame 14 as shown in FIG. 5. Another tile 16 can be located on the opposing side of the frame 14 as needed to give the frame 14 the finished appearance as shown in FIG. 6.

[0047] The first and second mounting clips 62 and 64 on the tiles 16 can be moved around on the rear thereof so that the tiles 16 can engage the greatest surface area of the frame 14/stacker frame assembly 68. For example, as shown in the final mounted position of the tile 16 in FIGS. 5-6, the first clips 62 have been moved downwardly relative to the tile 16 so that they are closely adjacent the second clips 64 and the upper edge of the tile 16 extends in cantilever fashion upwardly with respect to the frame 14.

[0048] To install the floor adapter 104, the floor rail 130 is mounted to the floor 12 beneath a run of interconnected frames 14 such as by fasteners, an adhesive, or two-sided tape 144 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. Once the floor rail 130 is so positioned, it should be in opposed vertical alignment with the bump rail 58 on the frame 14. The base molding cover panels 132 are then mounted to the floor rail 130 by passing the C-shaped mounting clip 138 over the reversely curled flange 88 of the floor rail 130. The detent 140 on the C-shaped mounting clip 138 preferably engages over the flange 88 and provides a secure but removable mounting of the molding cover 132 to the floor rail 130.

[0049] The angular flange 136 at the upper edge of the molding cover 132 preferably abuts the tile 16 on the frame 14 and provides an aesthetically-pleasing outer surface to the system 10. The molding cover 132 preferably flexes above the C-shaped mounting clip 138 so that the molding cover 132 resiliently abuts the tile 16 regardless of the particular thickness of the frame 14, the tile 16 or the relative distance between the flange 88 of the floor rail 130 and the tile 16. Corner pieces of the molding covers 132 can be molded into a desired end angle for traversing the molding covers 132 around corners.

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 1 and additionally to FIG. 8, a ceiling grid light block 154 comprises a rectilinear block which is preferably comprised of a rigid foam material. A typical recessed ceiling comprises a unitary grid of grid elements 152 oriented orthogonal to each other and suspended from a building frame (not shown) at the desired ceiling height. The grid elements 152 support ceiling tiles 150 along the perimeter of the tiles 150, with the exposed surface of the ceiling tiles 150 extending below the grid elements 152, thus forming grid channels 158 along adjoining tiles 150. In accordance with the invention, the channel 106 abuts the ceiling tiles and bridges the grid channels 158 where the channel 106 intersects the grid channels 158. This forms a gap between the channel 106 and the grid elements 152 through which light can pass. The ceiling grid light blocks 154 are placed in the grid channels 158 to block this light. The cross-sectional dimension of each ceiling grid light block 154 corresponds to the cross-sectional dimension of the grid channel 158. The length of each ceiling grid light block 154 corresponds to the width of the channel 106. The ceiling grid light blocks 154 are preferably provided with an adhesive 156 on one side to affix the blocks 154 to the grid element 152 or the top surface of the channel 106.

[0051] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. In a workspace definition system for defining space in a building having a ceiling and a floor surrounded by walls, comprising at least one frame supported on the floor and extending therefrom toward the ceiling, each or the at least one frame comprising a top member and a bottom member, the top member and the ceiling defining a ceiling gap therebetween, the improvement comprising:

a ceiling adapter mounted to the at least one frame for movement between a retracted position wherein the ceiling adapter is retracted from contact with the ceiling and a contact position wherein the ceiling adapter is in contact with the ceiling;

whereby the at least one frame and the ceiling adapter provide a full height wall structure between the frame bottom member and the ceiling between adjoining spaces.

2. The workspace definition system of claim 1 and further comprising at least one insert located in the at least one frame adapted to form a portion of the movable mounting of the ceiling adapter to the at least one frame.

3. The workspace definition system of claim 2 and further comprising at least one rod mounted in movable relationship to the at least one insert to form a portion of the movable mounting of the ceiling adapter to the at least one frame.

4. The workspace definition system of claim 3 wherein the at least one insert further comprises at least one sleeve adapted to receive the at least one rod therein.

5. The workspace definition system of claim 4 wherein the at least one rod is exteriorly threaded and the at least one sleeve is internally threaded with threads of the same size and pitch as the at least one rod threads so that turning of the at least one rod in the at least one sleeve linearly advances the at least one rod between the retracted and contact positions.

6. The workspace definition system of claim of 5 wherein the ceiling adapter further comprises at least one inverted U-shaped channel interposed between the at least one rod and the ceiling whereby the channel abuts the ceiling when the ceiling adapter is in the contact position and is spaced from the ceiling when the ceiling adapter is in the retracted position.

7. The workspace definition system of claim 6 wherein an underside portion of the at least one inverted U-shaped channel has a first pair of opposing depending flanges that frictionally retain an upper end of the at least one rod therebetween.

8. The workspace definition system of claim 7 wherein rotation of the at least one rod moves the at least one inverted U-shaped channel vertically with respect to the at least one frame when the upper end of the rod is received between the first pair of opposing depending flanges.

9. The workspace definition system of claim 7 wherein the at least one inverted U-shaped channel has a second pair of opposing flanges, each of which is located adjacent to a depending leg of the at least one inverted U-shaped channel and defines a groove therebetween, and a distal end of each depending leg has a reversely curled third flange which defines a groove therein in opposed vertical alignment with the groove defined between the second flange and the respective depending leg whereby the grooves facilitate interconnection of adjacent channels.

10. The workspace definition system of claim 9 and further comprising at least one tile removably mounted to the at least one frame.

11. The workspace definition system of claim 10 wherein the at least one tile is mounted in a cantilevered fashion to the at least one frame whereby an upper edge of the at least one tile is located in abutting relationship to the U-shaped channel to provide an aesthetically-pleasing outer surface to the workspace definition system.

12. The workspace definition system of claim 11 wherein the at least one tile extends upwardly from the at least one frame in proximal relationship with the ceiling to conceal the ceiling gap in cooperation with the U-shaped channel.

13. The workspace definition system of claim 12 wherein the ceiling has at least one channel formed therein and further comprising at least one ceiling grid light block wherein the at least one ceiling grid light block is positioned in the at least one channel to block the transmission of light therethrough when the ceiling adapter is located in the contact position.

14. The workspace definition system of claim 1 and further comprising a floor adapter interposed between the bottom member of the at least one frame and the floor, and wherein the floor adapter comprises at least one elongated channel member with at least one longitudinal edge terminating in at least one laterally-extending projection which terminates in at least one reversibly curled foot.

15. The workspace definition system of claim 14 and further comprising at least one base molding cover with an inwardly-extending angular flange at an upper end thereof and at least one inwardly-facing C-shaped mounting clip at a lower end thereof wherein the at least one C-shaped mounting clip frictionally engages the at least one reversibly curled foot so that the at least one base molding cover extends upwardly from the floor in abutting relationship with the at least one frame to conceal the floor gap.

16. In a workspace definition system for defining space in a workspace, the workspace having a ceiling and a floor surrounded by walls, comprising at least one frame supported on the floor and extending therefrom toward the ceiling, each or the at least one frame comprising a top member, the top member and the ceiling defining a ceiling gap therebetween, the improvement comprising:

a ceiling adapter movably mounted to the at least one frame between a retracted position wherein the ceiling adapter is retracted from contact with the ceiling and a contact position wherein the ceiling adapter is in contact with the ceiling;

whereby the at least one frame and the ceiling adapter provide a floor-to-ceiling wall structure between adjoining spaces.

17. The workspace definition system of claim 16 and further comprising at least one insert located in the at least one frame adapted to form a portion of the movable mounting of the ceiling adapter to the frame.

18. The workspace definition system of claim 17 and further comprising at least one rod mounted in movable relationship to the at least one insert to form a portion of the movable mounting of the ceiling adapter to the at least one frame.

19. The workspace definition system of claim 18 wherein the at least one insert further comprises at least one sleeve adapted to receive the at least one rod therein.

20. The workspace definition system of claim 19 wherein the at least one rod is exteriorly threaded and the at least one sleeve is internally threaded to receive the at least one rod so that turning of the at least one rod in the at least one sleeve linearly advances the at least one rod between the retracted and contact positions.

21. The workspace definition system of claim of 20 wherein the ceiling adapter further comprises at least one inverted U-shaped channel interposed between the at least one rod and the ceiling whereby the channel abuts the ceiling when the ceiling adapter is in the contact position and is spaced from the ceiling when the ceiling adapter is in the retracted position.

22. The workspace definition system of claim 21 wherein an underside portion of the at least one inverted U-shaped channel has a first pair of opposing depending flanges that frictionally retain an upper end of the at least one rod therebetween.

23. The workspace definition system of claim 22 wherein rotation of the at least one rod moves the at least one inverted U-shaped channel vertically with respect to the at least one frame when the upper end of the rod is received between the first pair of opposing depending flanges.

24. The workspace definition system of claim 22 wherein the at least one inverted U-shaped channel has a second pair of opposing flanges, each of which is located adjacent to a depending leg of the at least one inverted U-shaped channel and defines a groove therebetween, and a distal end of each depending leg has a reversely curled third flange which defines a groove therein in opposed vertical alignment with the groove defined between the second flange and the respective depending leg whereby the grooves facilitate interconnection of adjacent channels.

25. The workspace definition system of claim 24 and further comprising at least one tile removably mounted to the at least one frame.

26. The workspace definition system of claim 25 wherein the at least one tile is mounted in a cantilevered fashion to the at least one frame whereby an upper edge of the at least one tile is located in abutting relationship to the U-shaped channel to provide an aesthetically-pleasing outer surface to the workspace definition system.

27. The workspace definition system of claim 26 wherein the at least one tile extends upwardly from the at least one frame in proximal relationship with the ceiling to conceal the ceiling gap in cooperation with the U-shaped channel.

28. The workspace definition system of claim 27 wherein the ceiling has at least one channel formed therein and further comprising at least one ceiling grid light block wherein the at least one ceiling grid light block is positioned in the at least one channel to block the transmission of light therethrough when the ceiling adapter is located in the contact position.

29. In a workspace definition system for defining space in a workspace, the workspace having a ceiling and a floor surrounded by walls, comprising at least one frame supported on the floor and extending therefrom toward the ceiling, each of the at least one frame comprising a bottom member, the bottom member and the floor defining a floor gap therebetween, the improvement for creating a floor-to-ceiling wall employing the at least one frame comprising:

a floor adapter interposed between the bottom member of the at least one frame and the floor, whereby the at least one frame and the floor adapter provide a floor-to-ceiling wall structure upon which can be mounted tiles and accessories to provide a wall between adjoining spaces.

30. The workspace definition system of claim 29 wherein the floor adapter comprises at least one elongated channel member with at least one longitudinal edge terminating in at least one laterally-extending projection which terminates in at least one reversibly curled foot.

31. The workspace definition system of claim 30 and further comprising at least one base molding cover with an inwardly-extending angular flange at an upper end thereof and at least one inwardly-facing C-shaped mounting clip at a lower end thereof, wherein the at least one C-shaped mounting clip frictionally engages the at least one reversibly curled foot so that the at least one base molding cover extends upwardly from the floor in abutting relationship with the at least one frame to conceal the floor gap.

32. A ceiling adapter for a workspace definition system for defining space in a workspace, the workspace having a ceiling and a floor and surrounded by walls, comprising at least one frame supported on the floor and extending therefrom toward the ceiling, the at least one frame comprising a top member, the top member and the ceiling defining a ceiling gap therebetween, the ceiling adapter comprising:

an adapter body adapted to be movably mounted to the at least one frame between a retracted position wherein the adapter body is retracted from contact with the ceiling and a contact position wherein the adapter body is in contact with the ceiling;

whereby the ceiling adapter is adapted to extend the at least one frame to a ceiling and to provide a full-height wall between adjoining spaces in the work space.

33. The ceiling adapter of claim 32 and further comprising at least one insert located in the at least one frame adapted to form a portion of the movable mounting of the adapter body to the at least one frame.

34. The ceiling adapter of claim 33 and further comprising at least one rod mounted in movable relationship to the at least one insert to form a portion of the movable mounting of the adapter body to the at least one frame.

35. The ceiling adapter of claim 34 wherein the at least one insert further comprises at least one sleeve adapted to receive the at least one rod therein.

36. The ceiling adapter of claim 35 wherein the at least one rod is exteriorly threaded and the at least one sleeve is internally threaded to threadably receive the at least one rod so that turning of the at least one rod in the at least one sleeve linearly advances the at least one rod between the retracted and contact positions.

37. The ceiling adapter of claim of 36 wherein the adapter body further comprises at least one inverted U-shaped channel adapted to be interposed between the at least one rod and the ceiling whereby the channel is adapted to abut the ceiling when the adapter body is in the contact position and is spaced from the ceiling when the adapter body is in the retracted position.

38. The ceiling adapter of claim 37 wherein an underside portion of the at least one inverted U-shaped channel has a first pair of opposing depending flanges that frictionally retain an upper end of the at least one rod therebetween.

39. The ceiling adapter of claim 38 wherein rotation of the at least one rod is adapted to move the at least one inverted U-shaped channel vertically with respect to the at least one frame when the upper end of the rod is received between the first pair of opposing depending flanges.

40. The ceiling adapter of claim 38 wherein the at least one inverted U-shaped channel has a second pair of opposing flanges each of which is located adjacent to a depending leg of the at least one inverted U-shaped channel and defines a groove therebetween and a distal end of each depending leg is provided with a reversely curled third flange which defines a groove therein in opposed vertical alignment with the groove defined between the second flange and the respective depending leg whereby the grooves facilitate interconnection of adjacent channels.

41. The ceiling adapter of claim 40 and further comprising at least one tile that is adapted to be removably mounted to the at least one frame.

42. The ceiling adapter of claim 41 wherein the at least one tile is adapted to be mounted in a cantilevered fashion to the at least one frame whereby an upper edge of the at least one tile is located in abutting relationship to the U-shaped channel to provide an aesthetically-pleasing outer surface to the workspace definition system.

43. The ceiling adapter of claim 42 wherein the at least one tile is adapted to extend upwardly from the at least one frame in proximal relationship with the ceiling to conceal the ceiling gap in cooperation with the U-shaped channel.

44. The ceiling adapter of claim 43 wherein the ceiling has at least one channel formed therein and further comprising at least one ceiling grid light block wherein the at least one ceiling grid light block is positioned in the at least one channel to block the transmission of light therethrough when the adapter body is located in the contact position.

45. A floor adapter for a workspace definition system for defining space in a workspace, the workspace having a ceiling and a floor and surrounded by walls, comprising at least one frame supported on the floor and extending therefrom toward the ceiling, the at least one frame comprising a bottom member, the bottom member and the floor defining a floor gap therebetween, the floor adapter comprising:

a floor adapter body adapted to be interposed between the bottom member of the at least one frame and the floor;

whereby the floor adapter body when mounted to the at least one frame form a floor-to-ceiling wall structure between adjoining spaces.

46. The floor adapter of claim 45 wherein the floor adapter body comprises at least one elongated channel member with at least one longitudinal edge terminating in at least one laterally-extending projection which terminates in at least one reversibly curled foot.

47. The floor adapter of claim 46 and further comprising at least one base molding cover with an inwardly-extending angular flange at an upper end thereof and at least one inwardly-facing C-shaped mounting clip at a lower end thereof, wherein the at least one C-shaped mounting clip is adapted to frictionally engage the at least one reversibly curled foot so that the at least one base molding cover extends upwardly from the floor in abutting relationship with the at least one frame to conceal the floor gap.