Wood skin construction for partitions

Abstract

A skin for a panel system comprising a natural wood panel and marginal frame members for the natural wood panel. The marginal frame members include attachment members for connecting the skin to the panel system. The skin also includes wedge members for connecting the marginal frame members to the natural wood panel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/578,608, entitled WOOD SKIN CONSTRUCTION FOR PARTITIONS, which was filed on Jun. 10, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns skins for partitions, and more particularly relates to skins comprising wood panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In new building constructions, components of wall and partition systems are ordered so that, when interconnected and assembled, they divide the building space into a predetermined arrangement of offices, work areas, and other specialized areas. However, as businesses continue to evolve and the office area undergoes rearrangement, the components are often not as flexible as desired, such that the existing components limit the rearrangement unless new components are ordered. Such new components are expensive, delay the rearrangement, and often are not even available, such as when a particular upholstery for covering the component has been discontinued. Sometimes removable covers are used to cover partition frames. One advantage of removable covers is that, when a corner of one is damaged, it can be interchanged with a new cover, or another removable cover that is in a less visible location. However, unless all of the partition frames are the same size, the removable covers must be interchanged only with other removable covers that are the same size. In addition to the above, architects and office designers are constantly looking for novel constructions that provide novel and distinctive appearance, but that are flexible enough to accommodate both modernistic and more conservative appearance. Furthermore, removable covers allow interiors of the partitions to become accessible for routing utility, power or signal distribution systems through the partitions.

Accordingly, a variety of atheistically pleasing removable covers is desired to allow for variety in constructing and designing the wall and partition systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a skin for a panel system comprising a wood panel, marginal frame members for the wood panel, with the marginal frame members including attachment members for connecting the skin to the panel system, and wedge members for rigidly connecting the marginal frame members to the wood panel.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a panel system comprising an open frame and a wood skin. The open frame comprises a pair of substantially horizontal frame members and a pair of substantially vertical frame members connected to the horizontal frame members, with the vertical frame members and the horizontal frame members including openings therein. The wood skin comprises a wood panel, marginal frame members for the wood panel and engaged therewith, with the marginal frame members including attachment members for insertion into the openings of the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame members to connect the skin to the panel system. The wood skin further includes wedge members for rigidly connecting the marginal frame members to the wood panel.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a skin for a panel system comprising a substantially rectangular natural wood panel including a plurality of slots. The skin also includes at least two marginal frame members for the wood panel and engaged therewith. The at least two marginal frame members surround a periphery of the natural wood panel. The at least two marginal frame members each include a flange inserted into one of the slots of the natural wood panel. The skin also includes engagement members engaged with the at least two marginal frame members to rigidly maintain the flanges in the slots and to thereby rigidly engage the at least two marginal frame members with the natural wood panel. The at least two marginal frame members include an attachment member for attaching the skin to the panel system.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel system employing a skin of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an open frame of the panel system employing the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the section IIA of the open frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the section IIB of the open frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded rear view of the skin without attachment members of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a wood panel of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the wood panel of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the wood panel of the skin of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-8I illustrate other wood panels having different dimensions.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a horizontal frame member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a rear view of the horizontal frame member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a wedge of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a top view of the wedge of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a first connection member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a rear view of the first connection member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the first connection member of the skin of the present invention taken along the lines XIC-XIC of FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a second connection member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a rear view of the second connection member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the second connection member of the skin of the present invention taken along the lines XIIC-XIIC of FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a first side vertical frame member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a rear view of the first side vertical frame member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 13C is a rear view of a second side vertical frame member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an attachment member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a side view of the attachment member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 14C is a top view of the attachment member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is an exploded view of the attachment members, the second side vertical frame member and the wood panel of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 15B is an exploded view of the attachment member and the second side vertical frame member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 15C is a top view of the first side vertical frame member, the attachment member and the wood panel of the skin of the present invention in a first step of a connection of the vertical frame member to the wood panel.

FIG. 15D is a top view of the first side vertical frame member, the attachment member and the wood panel of the skin of the present invention in a second step of the connection of the vertical frame member to the wood panel.

FIG. 15E is a partial rear view of the wood panel and one of the vertical frame members of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 16A is an exploded view of the bottom horizontal frame member, the first connection members and the wood panel of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is an exploded view of the first connection member and the bottom horizontal frame member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 16C is a side view of the bottom horizontal frame member, the first connection members and the wood panel of the first side of the skin of the present invention in a first step of a connection of the horizontal frame member to the wood panel.

FIG. 16D is a side view of the bottom horizontal frame member, the first connection members and the wood panel of the first side of the skin of the present invention in a second step of the connection of the horizontal frame member to the wood panel.

FIG. 17A is an exploded view of the top horizontal frame member, the second connection members and the wood panel of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 17B is an exploded view of the second connection member and the top horizontal frame member of the skin of the present invention.

FIG. 17C is a side view of the top horizontal frame member, the second connection members and the wood panel of the first side of the skin of the present invention in a first step of a connection of the horizontal frame member to the wood panel.

FIG. 17D is a side view of the top horizontal frame member, the second connection members and the wood panel of the first side of the skin of the present invention in a second step of the connection of the horizontal frame member to the wood panel.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the open frame and the skin of the present invention illustrating a first step of a connection of the skin to the open frame.

FIG. 18B is a side view of the open frame and the skin of the present invention illustrating the first step of a connection of the skin to the open frame.

FIG. 18C is a side view of the open frame and the skin of the present invention illustrating a second step of a connection of the skin to the open frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The reference number 10 (FIGS. 3-5) generally designates a skin embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the skin 10 comprising a natural wood panel 12, and marginal frame members 14 for the natural wood panel 12. The marginal frame members 14 include attachment members 16 for connecting the skin 10 to a panel system 18.

The illustrated panel system 18 (FIG. 1) includes an open frame 20 (FIGS. 2-2B) for accepting the skin 10 thereon. The open frame 20 includes a pair of vertical frame members 22 and a plurality of horizontal frame members 24. The vertical frame members 22 include a plurality of first openings 26 on a front face 28 thereof. Likewise, the horizontal frame members 24 include a plurality of second openings 30 of a front face 32 thereof. The skin 10 interacts with the first openings 26 of the vertical frame members 22 and the second openings 30 of the horizontal frame members 24 to connect the skin 10 to the panel system 18. The panel system 18 as described herein is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,929 entitled PANEL SYSTEM, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In the illustrated example, the natural wood panel 12 (FIGS. 6-8) comprises a substantially rectangular piece of wood. The natural wood panel 12 includes a front veneer face 34, a rear face 36, a top edge 38, a bottom edge 40, a first side edge 42 and a second side edge 44. Each of the top edge 38, the bottom edge 40, the first side edge 42 and the second side edge 44 are preferably beveled from the rear face 36 to the front veneer face 34 such that the front veneer face 34 is slightly larger than the rear face 36. The rear face 36 of the natural wood panel 12 includes an upper T-shaped slot 46 spaced from the top edge 38 and running between the first side edge 42 and the second side edge 44 and a lower T-shaped slot 48 spaced from the bottom edge 40 and running between the first side edge 42 and the second side edge 44. The upper T-shaped slot 46 and the lower T-shaped slot 48 are preferably parallel. Furthermore, the rear face 36 of the natural wood panel 12 includes a first side T-shaped slot 50 spaced from the first side edge 42 and running between the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40 and a second side T-shaped slot 52 spaced from the second side edge 44 and running between the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40. The first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52 are preferably parallel.

The illustrated rear face 36 of the natural wood panel 12 includes a first hook end receiving groove 54 parallel with the upper T-shaped slot 46 and the lower T-shaped slot 48 and located therebetween. The first hook end receiving groove 54 runs between the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the first side edge 42 on the first side of the natural wood panel 12 and between the second side T-shaped slot 52 and the second side edge 44 of the second side of the natural wood panel 12. Likewise, the rear face 36 of the natural wood panel 12 includes a second hook end receiving groove 56 extending upward from the lower T-shaped slot 48. The second hook end receiving groove 56 runs between the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the first side edge 42 on the first side of the natural wood panel 12 and between the second side T-shaped slot 52 and the second side edge 44 of the second side of the natural wood panel 12. The upper T-shaped slot 46, the lower T-shaped slot 48, the first side T-shaped slot 50, the second side T-shaped slot 52, the first hook end receiving groove 54 and the second hook end receiving groove 56 are used to connect the marginal frame members 14 to the natural wood panel 12. It is contemplated that the wood panel 12 could have different dimensions with additional parallel first hook end receiving grooves 54 and second hook end receiving grooves 56 as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8I.

In the illustrated example, the marginal frame members 14 connect the wood panel 12 to the panel system 18. The marginal frame members 14 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) comprise a pair of horizontal frame members 58 (substantially identical as discussed below, but used in opposite orientations) and a pair of vertical frame members 60 (identical, but used in opposite orientations). The horizontal frame members 58 cover the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40 of the wood panel 12. Likewise, the vertical frame members 60 cover the first side edge 42 and the second side edge 44 of the wood panel 12.

The illustrated vertical frame members 60 (FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate the vertical frame member for the first side of the wood panel and FIG. 13C illustrate the vertical frame member for the second side of the wood panel) connect the wood panel 12 to the panel system 18. The vertical frame members 60 are preferably substantially similar and are orientated in opposite directions when they are placed on the wood panel 12. Each vertical frame member 60 includes a base plate 62, an L-shaped hook 64 extending from the base plate 62 and an upstanding covering flange 66 extending from a side edge of the base plate 62. As illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15D, the base plate 62 includes a substantially rectangular portion 68 and a thicker flared portion 70 along one side edge of the substantially rectangular portion 68. Therefore, the thicker flared portion 70 defines a ledge 72 defining the boundary between the thicker flared portion 70 and the substantially rectangular portion 68. The upstanding covering flange 66 includes a tab 74 extending along an edge thereof. The upstanding covering flange 66 is configured to cover one of the first side edge 42 and the second side edge 44 of the wood panel 12.

In the illustrated example, the base plate 62 of the vertical frame member 60 includes a pair of hook connection sections 76. Each hook connection section 76 includes a rectangular opening 78 through the base plate 62 and an adjacent hook receiving slot 80. The hook receiving slot 80 includes a rectangular portion 82, a smaller extending portion 84 extending from a short side of the rectangular portion 82 and aligned therewith and an enlarged head portion 86 at an end of the rectangular portion 82 opposite the smaller extending portion 84. As described in more detail below, the hook connection section 76 is adapted to accept a hook 88 therein for connecting the vertical frame member 60, and therefore the wood panel 12, to the panel system 18. For the vertical frame member 60 adjacent the first side edge 42 of the wood panel 12, the rectangular opening 78 is adjacent the L-shaped hook 64 (see FIGS. 13A-13B). For the vertical frame member 60 adjacent the second side edge 44 of the wood panel 12, the rectangular opening 78 is adjacent the ledge 72 (see FIG. 13C).

The illustrated horizontal frame members 58 (FIGS. 9A-9B) also connect the wood panel 12 to the panel system 18. The horizontal frame members 58 are preferably substantially similar and are orientated in opposite directions when they are placed on the wood panel 12. Each horizontal frame member 58 includes a base plate 90, an L-shaped hook 92 extending from the base plate 90 and an upstanding covering flange 94 extending from a side edge of the base plate 90. As illustrated in FIGS. 16C-16D, the base plate 90 includes a substantially rectangular portion 96 and a thicker, longer flared portion 98 along one side edge of the substantially rectangular portion 96. Therefore, the thicker, longer flared portion 98 defines a ledge 100 defining the boundary between the thicker, longer flared portion 98 and the substantially rectangular portion 96. The upstanding covering flange 94 includes a tab 102 extending along an edge thereof. The upstanding covering flange 94 is configured to cover one of the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40 of the wood panel 12. The base plate 90 also includes a plurality of rectangular holes 99 adjacent the L-shaped hook 92.

In the illustrated example, the base plate 90 of the horizontal frame member 58 includes a pair of upper clip connection sections 104 and a pair of lower clip connection sections 106. Each upper clip connection section 104 is located in the substantially rectangular portion 96 of the base plate 90 and comprises an aperture 108 having a smaller rectangular portion 110 and a larger rectangular portion 112. The larger rectangular portion 112 abuts against the ledge 100. Each lower clip connection section 106 spans the substantially rectangular portion 96 and the thicker, longer flared portion 98. Each lower clip connection section 106 comprises an aperture 97 including a smaller rectangular portion 114 and a larger rectangular portion 116. The larger rectangular portion 116 extends through the ledge 100. As described in more detail below, each upper clip connection section 104 is adapted to accept a first clip 120 therein for connecting the horizontal frame member 58, and therefore the wood panel 12, to the panel system 18. Likewise, each lower clip connection section 106 is adapted to accept a second clip 122 therein for connecting the horizontal frame member 58, and therefore the wood panel 12, to the panel system 18.

The illustrated vertical frame members 60 include attachment members 16 comprising hooks 88 for connecting the vertical frame members 60 to the panel system 18. Each hook 88 (FIGS. 14A-14C) includes a first side section 124, a second side section 126 and a hook section 128 connecting the first side section 124 and the second side section 126. The first side section 124 comprises a first rectangular portion 130 connected to the hook section 128 and a second rectangular portion 132 extending perpendicularly from an edge of the first rectangular portion 130, with the second rectangular portion 132 extending from an edge of the first rectangular portion 130 perpendicular to the edge of the first rectangular portion 130 having the hook section 128 connected thereto. The first side section 124 also includes a third rectangular portion 134 extending from a side edge of the second rectangular portion 132, with the third rectangular portion 134 being perpendicular to both the first rectangular portion 130 and the second rectangular portion 132.

In the illustrated example, the second side section 126 of the hook 88 is similar to the first side section 124 of the hook 88. The second side section 126 comprises a first rectangular portion 136 connected to the hook section 128 and a second rectangular portion 138 extending perpendicularly from an edge of the first rectangular portion 136, with the second rectangular portion 138 extending from an edge of the first rectangular portion 136 perpendicular to the edge of the first rectangular portion 136 having the hook section 128 connected thereto. The second side section 126 also includes a third rectangular portion 140 extending from a side edge of the second rectangular portion 138, with the third rectangular portion 140 being perpendicular to both the first rectangular portion 136 and the second rectangular portion 138. In the illustrated example, the first rectangular portion 130 of the first side section 124 and the first rectangular portion 136 of the second side section 126 are parallel and coplanar, the second rectangular portion 132 of the first side section 124 and the second rectangular portion 138 of the second side section 126 are parallel and coplanar, and the third rectangular portion 134 of the first side section 124 and the third rectangular portion 140 of the second side section 126 are parallel, but not coplanar. The second side section 126 also includes a resilient tab 142 extending in the same direction as the hook section 128.

The illustrated hook section 128 of the hook 88 is connected to the first side section 124 and the second side section 126 of the hook 88. The hook section 128 is V-shaped and includes a first leg 144 connected to the first rectangular portion 130 of the first side section 124 and a second leg 146 connected to the first rectangular portion 136 of the second side section 126. Each leg 144 and 146 includes a groove 150 at a bottom thereof adjacent the first rectangular portion 130 of the first side section 124 and the first rectangular portion 136 of the second side section 126. The second leg 146 also includes a hook portion 148 substantially parallel to the third rectangular portion 134 of the first side section 124 and the third rectangular portion 140 of the second side section 126.

In the illustrated example, the hooks 88 are connected to the vertical frame members 60 (see FIGS. 15A-15D). The hooks 88 are connected to the vertical frame members 60 by inserting the hook section 128 of the hook 88 through the hook receiving slot 80 in the vertical frame member 60, with the hook portion 148 of the second leg 146 of the hook section 128 of the hook 88 extending through the smaller extending portion 84 of the hook receiving slot 80. As the hook section 128 of the hook 88 is inserted into the hook receiving slot 80, the first leg 144 and the second leg 146 of the hook section 128 will bend towards each other until the hook section 128 is all of the way into the hook receiving slot 80 and the first rectangular portion 130 of the first side section 124 and the first rectangular portion 136 of the second side section 126 abut against the base plate 62 of the vertical frame member 60. After the hook section 128 is fully inserted into the hook receiving slot 80, the first leg 144 and the second leg 146 of the hook section 128 will snap outward and capture edges of the rectangular portion 82 of the hook receiving slot 80 in the grooves 150 at the bottom of the first leg 144 and the second leg 146. Furthermore, the resilient tab 142 snap into the rectangular opening 78 of the hook connection section 76 of the vertical frame member 60. In the illustrated example, the rectangular openings 78 are located to the left of the hook receiving slot 80 and the smaller extending section 84 of the hook receiving slot 80 extend from the bottom left side of the rectangular portion 82 of the hook receiving slot 80. Accordingly, the vertical frame member 60 covering the first side edge 42 of the wood panel 12 and the vertical frame member 60 covering the second side edge 44 of the wood panel 12 are substantially mirror images of each other, except for the location of the rectangular opening 78 is different on the mirror image (to the left of the hook receiving slots 80 on both vertical frame members 60) and the location of the smaller extending section 84 is different on the mirror image (extending from the bottom left of the rectangular portion 82 of the hook receiving slot 80 on both vertical frame members). However, it is contemplated that the rectangular opening 78 and the smaller extending section 84 could be located on the right side of the hook receiving slot 80 and the rectangular portion 82, respectively. Furthermore, in this contemplated embodiment, the resilient tab 142 of the hooks 88 would have to be on the second rectangular portion 130. Nevertheless, in the illustrated embodiment, one configuration of the hooks 88 can be used for both vertical frame members 60.

The illustrated horizontal frame members 58 each include either a pair of the first clips 120 in the upper clip connection sections 104 or second clips 122 in the lower clip connection sections 106 for connecting the horizontal frame member 58, and therefore the wood panel 12, to the panel system 18. The first clips 120 (FIGS. 11A-11C) include a U-shaped plate 152 and a clip section 154 extending from an edge of the U-shaped plate 152 between the two legs 156 of the U-shaped plate 152. The clip section 154 has an inverted U-shape and extends upwardly and outwardly from the U-shaped plate 152. The clip section 154 also includes a resilient tab 157 extending into an opening 158 defined by the U-shaped plate 152 and the clip section 154. Each leg of the clip section 154 includes a notch 162 adjacent the U-shaped plate 152. Finally, the U-shaped plate 152 includes a cone portion 160 extending out of the U-shaped plate 152 in the same direction as the clip section 154.

In the illustrated example, one first clip 120 is inserted into each upper clip connection section 104 for the horizontal frame member 58 adjacent the top edge 38 of the wood panel 12 (see FIGS. 17A-17D). The first clip 120 is connected to the horizontal frame member 58 by inserting the clip section 154 of the first clip 120 into the larger rectangular portion 112 of the aperture 108 in the base plate 90 and sliding the first clip 120 downwardly such that the clip section 154 slides over the smaller rectangular portion 104 of the aperture 108, thereby capturing the base plate 90 between the resilient tab 157 of the clip section 154 and the legs 156 of the U-shaped plate 152 of the first clip 120 (see FIG. 17C). Once the first clip 120 is in position, opposite edges of the smaller rectangular portion 110 of the aperture 108 will be located in the notches 162 of the clip section 154 and the U-shaped plate 152 of the first clip 120 will be located between the L-shaped hook 92 and the ledge 100 of the horizontal frame member 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clips 120 preferably include nibs 121 that abut against the aperture wall to assist in maintaining the first clips 120 in position.

The illustrated second clips 122 (FIGS. 12A-12C) are similar to the first clips 120. The second clips 122 include a U-shaped plate 164 and a clip section 166 extending from an edge of the U-shaped plate 164 between the two legs 168 of the U-shaped plate 164. The clip section 166 has an inverted U-shape and extends upwardly and outwardly from the U-shaped plate 164. The clip section 166 also includes a resilient tab 170 extending into an opening 172 defined by the U-shaped plate 164 and the clip section 166. Each leg of the clip section 166 includes a notch 174 adjacent the U-shaped plate 164.

In the illustrated example, one second clip 122 is inserted into each lower clip connection section 106 for the horizontal frame member 58 adjacent the bottom edge 40 of the wood panel 12 (see FIGS. 16A-16D). The second clip 122 is connected to the horizontal frame member 58 by inserting the clip section 166 of the second clip 122 into the larger rectangular portion 116 of the aperture 97 in the base plate 90 and sliding the second clip 122 upwardly such that the clip section 166 slides over the smaller rectangular portion 114 of the aperture 97 thereby capturing the base plate 90 between the resilient tab 170 of the clip section 166 and the legs 168 of the U-shaped plate 164 of the second clip 122 (see FIG. 16C). Once the second clip 122 is in position, opposite edges of the smaller rectangular portion 114 of the aperture 108 will be located in the notches 174 of the clip section 166 and the U-shaped plate 164 of the second clip 122 will be located between the L-shaped hook 92 and the ledge 100 of the horizontal frame member 58.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15D, the illustrated skin 10 is constructed by first placing the vertical frame members 60 on the rear face 36 of the wood panel 12 such that the hooks 88 in the vertical frame members 60 have the hook portion 148 of the second leg 146 of the hook section 128 of the hooks 88 facing downwardly (FIGS. 15A-15B). Furthermore, the vertical frame members 60 are positioned such that the L-shapes hook 64 of the vertical frame member 60 adjacent the first side edge 42 of the wood panel 12 is located in the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the L-shapes hook 64 of the vertical frame member 60 adjacent the second side edge 44 of the wood panel 12 is located in the second side T-shaped slot 52 (see FIG. 5). Moreover, the second rectangular portion 132 of the first side section 124 and the second rectangular portion 138 of the second side section 126 of the upper hooks 88 in each of the vertical frame members 60 abut against a top edge 151 of the first hook end receiving groove 54 (see FIG. 15E). Additionally, the third rectangular portion 134 of the first side section 124 and the third rectangular portion 140 of the second side section 126 of the upper hooks 88 in each of the vertical frame members 60 span the vertical length of the first hook end receiving grooves 54. Likewise, the second rectangular portion 132 of the first side section 124 and the second rectangular portion 138 of the second side section 126 of the lower hooks 88 in each of the vertical frame members 60 abut against a top edge of the second hook end receiving grooves 56. Therefore, the vertical frame members 60 can not slide vertically when in position on the wood panel 12 because of the hooks 88 being located within and abutting against portions of the first hook end receiving grooves 54 and the second hook end receiving grooves 56.

In the illustrated example, after the L-shapes hook 64 of the vertical frame member 60 adjacent the first side edge 42 of the wood panel 12 is located in the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the L-shapes hook 64 of the vertical frame member 60 adjacent the second side edge 44 of the wood panel 12 is located in the second side T-shaped slot 52, the vertical frame members 60 are slid towards the center of the wood panel 12 (see FIGS. 15C-15D). Accordingly, the L-shaped hooks 64 of the vertical frame members 60 slide under the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52, thereby preventing the vertical frame members 60 from being lifted away from the rear face 36 of the wood panel 12. Moreover, the upstanding covering flanges 66 of the vertical frame members 60 will cover the first side edge 42 and the second side edge 44 of the wood panel 12. Furthermore, the tabs 74 extending from the upstanding covering flanges 66 will cover a small portion of the front veneer face 34 of the wood panel 12 adjacent the first side edge 42 and the second side edge 44.

After the illustrated vertical frame members 60 have been slid towards the center of the wood panel 12 and the L-shaped hooks 64 of the vertical frame members 60 have slid under the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52, a pair of triangular wedges 200 (FIGS. 10A-10B) are slid into the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52 from the bottom edge 40 of the vertical frame members 60 into a space 171 (see FIG. 15D) behind the L-shaped hooks 64 of the vertical frame members 60 in a position between the L-shaped hook 64 and the first side edge 42 and between the L-shaped hook 64 and the second side edge 44. The wedges 200 are inserted into the slots 50 and 52 by first placing one wedge 200 with a point 207 of the wedge 200 going in last in the slot 50 and 52 with ridges 202 of the wedge 200 facing sideways (with a protrusion 204 of the wedge 200 extending out of the slot) until the protrusion 204 sticking up from a top of the wedge 200 hits an end of a slot 205 in the vertical frame member 60 (see FIG. 15E). Thereafter, the second wedge 200 is inserted into the slot 50 and 52 in an opposite orientation as the first wedge 200 (i.e., with the point 207 of the wedge 200 inserted first), thereby locking the two wedges together in a ratchet manner as the ridges 202 of the facing wedges 200 move past each other. Therefore, the wedges 200 will prevent the vertical frame members 60 from sliding outwardly and thereby locking the vertical frame members 60 to the wood panel 12. It is further contemplated that the wedges 200 could be slid into either the bottom of the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52, the top of the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52, or both the bottom and the top of the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52.

In the illustrated example, after the vertical frame members 60 have been connected to the wood panel 12, the horizontal frame members 58 are connected to the wood panel 12. The horizontal frame members 58 are secured to the wood panel 12 in a manner similar to the connection of the vertical frame members 60 to the wood panel 12. First, the horizontal frame members 58 are placed on the rear face 36 of the wood panel 12 such that the L-shaped hook 92 of the horizontal frame member 58 adjacent the top edge 38 of the wood panel 12 is located in the upper T-shaped slot 46 and the L-shaped hook 92 of the horizontal frame member 58 adjacent the bottom edge 40 of the wood panel 12 is located in the lower T-shaped slot 48. Thereafter, the horizontal frame members 58 are slid towards the center of the wood panel 12 to thereby slide the L-shaped hooks 92 under the upper T-shaped slot 46 and the lower T-shaped slot 48, thereby preventing the horizontal frame members 58 from being lifted away from the rear face 36 of the wood panel 12. Moreover, the upstanding covering flanges 94 of the horizontal frame members 58 will cover the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40 of the wood panel 12. Furthermore, the tabs 102 extending from the upstanding covering flanges 94 will cover a small portion of the front veneer face 34 of the wood panel 12 adjacent the top edge 38 and the bottom edge 40.

After the illustrated horizontal frame members 58 have been slid towards the center of the wood panel 12 and the L-shaped hooks 92 of the horizontal frame members 58 have slid under the upper T-shaped slot 46 and the lower side T-shaped slot 48, a pair of wedges 200 are slid into the rectangular holes 99 in the base plate 90 of the horizontal frame members 58 behind the L-shaped hooks 92 of the horizontal frame members 58 in a position between the L-shaped hook 92 and the top edge 38 and between the L-shaped hook 92 and the bottom edge 40 (see FIG. 45). Therefore, the wedges 200 will prevent the horizontal frame members 58 from sliding outwardly, thereby locking the horizontal frame members 58 to the wood panel 12. The wedges 200 are positioned in the holes 99 by placing the wedges 200 in opposite orientations as discussed above and moving the wedges 200 towards each other such that the ridges 202 of the wedges 200 ratchet past each other. Furthermore, the upstanding covering flanges 94 of the horizontal frame members 58 will prevent the wedges 200 in the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52 from sliding out of the first side T-shaped slot 50 and the second side T-shaped slot 52. It is contemplated that the horizontal frame members 58 could be connected to the wood panel 12 before the vertical frame members 58, with the wedges 200 being inserted into the slot 205 to affix the vertical frame members 58 to the wood panel 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second clips 122 are larger than the first clips 120. Therefore, the second clips 122 can only fit into the aperture 97. Furthermore, the first clips 120 include a first orientation tab 700 and the second clips 122 include a second orientation tab 702 to ensure that the first clips 120 and the second clips 122 are properly connected to the horizontal frame members 58 and that the horizontal frame members 58 are properly connected to the wood panel 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first orientation tab 700 of the first clip 120 extends from the U-shaped plate 152 in a direction opposite to the clip section 154. Therefore, when the clip section 154 is inserted into the opening 108 on the horizontal frame member 58, the first orientation tab 700 extends away from the horizontal frame member 58. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 17A, the wood panel 12 includes a pair of upper orientation slots 704. As the upper horizontal frame member 58 is connected to the wood panel 12, the first orientation tabs 700 of the first clips 120 rest in the upper orientation slots 704. Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 16A, the wood panel 12 also includes a pair of lower orientation slots 706. However, since both the upper orientation slots 704 and the lower orientation slots 706 are off center, the first orientation tabs 700 cannot fit into the lower orientation slots 706, thereby preventing the horizontal frame member 58 with the first clips 120 from be connected to the lower end of the wood panel 12. Likewise, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the second orientation tab 702 of the second clip 122 extends from the U-shaped plate 164 in a direction opposite to the clip section 166. Therefore, when the clip section 166 is inserted into the opening 97 on the horizontal frame member 58, the second orientation tab 702 extends away from the horizontal frame member 58. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 16A, the wood panel 12 includes a pair of lower orientation slots 706. As the lower horizontal frame member 58 is connected to the wood panel 12, the second orientation tabs 702 of the second clips 122 rest in the lower orientation slots 706. However, since both the upper orientation slots 704 and the lower orientation slots 706 are off center, the second orientation tabs 702 cannot fit into the upper orientation slots 704, thereby preventing the horizontal frame member 58 with the second clips 122 from be connected to the upper end of the wood panel 12.

In the illustrated example, the wedges 200 have a triangular cross section and include ridges 202 along two opposing faces thereof. The wedges 200 are configured to be inserted with the ridges 202 of two wedges 200 facing each other, thereby preventing the wedges 200 from sliding away from each other longitudinally in any of the first side T-shaped slot 50, the second side T-shaped slot 52, the upper T-shaped slot 46 or the lower T-shaped slot 48.

The illustrated skin 10 is connected to the panel frame 18 as illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18C. First, the second clips 122 are inserted into the second openings 30 of the horizontal frame member 24 behind a lower end of the skin 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B, with the clip section 166 of the second clips 122 resting on a bottom edge of the second openings 30. Thereafter, the top of the skin 10 is rotated towards the open frame 20. As the hooks 88 are rotated to abut against the front faces 28 of the vertical frame members 22, an outer slanted edge 600 of the hook portion 148 will abut against the front faces 28 to move the skin 10 slightly upward to allow the hook portion 148 to enter the plurality of first openings 26 on the front face 28 of the vertical frame members 22 and the first clips 120 will be located in the opening 30 on the upper horizontal frame member 24. Thereafter, the skin 10 will drop into place, with a portion of the vertical frame members 22 of the open frame 20 of the panel system 18 being located behind the hook portion 148 of the second leg 146 of the hook section 128 of the hooks 88. Furthermore, the resilient tabs 142 of the hooks 88 will abut against the front faces 28 of the vertical frame members 22 of the open frame 20 of the panel system 18, thereby preventing the skin 10 from rattling against the open frame 20. Moreover, after the skin 10 is moved into position on the panel frame 18, the area of the front face 32 below the second openings 30 of the horizontal frame members 24 is captured between the horizontal frame member 58 and the resilient tabs 157 of the first clips 120 in the upper horizontal frame member 24 and between the horizontal frame member 58 and the resilient tabs 170 of the second clips 122 in the lower horizontal frame member 24. Furthermore, an inner slanted edge 602 of the hook portion 148 will abut against a rear surface of the vertical frame members 22 behind the front faces 28 to pull the skin 10 back against the front faces 28 if the skin 10 is moved away from the front face 28, thereby maintaining the skin 10 against the open frame 20. Finally, it is noted that the cone 160 of the clips 120 will be positioned within the opening 30 and abut against the top edge of the opening 30 as the skin 10 is moved into position. As a final note, the skin 10 can be removed from the open frame 20 by lifting the skin 10 upward and rotating the top of the skin 10 outward (i.e., the skin 10 can be removed in the opposite manner in which it is installed). Furthermore, the skin 10 can be taken apart by removing the wedges 200 and the marginal frame members 14 in an manner opposite to which it is constructed.

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. For example, it is contemplated that the marginal frame members 14 can be engaged with the wood panel 12 by many means (e.g., fasteners, adhesive, fast drying adhesive positioned into the T-shaped slots instead of the wedge members, etc.). Furthermore, 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.

Claims

1. A skin for a panel system comprising:

a wood panel;

marginal frame members for the wood panel, the marginal frame members including attachment members for connecting the skin to the panel system; and

wedge members for rigidly connecting the marginal frame members to the wood panel.

2. The skin of claim 1, wherein:

the wood panel is substantially rectangular; and

the marginal frame members comprise four marginal frame members, one frame member for each side of the wood panel.

3. The skin of claim 2, wherein:

the wood panel includes a plurality of slots; and

each marginal frame member includes a flange inserted into one of the slots of the wood panel; and

wedge members are inserted into the slots of the wood panel and engaged with the flanges of the marginal frame members to rigidly maintain the flanges in the slots and to thereby rigidly engage the marginal frame members with the natural wood panel.

4. The skin of claim 3, wherein:

the plurality of slots are T-shaped; and

the flanges are L-shaped.

5. The skin of claim 4, wherein:

the attachment members comprise first attachment members configured to be connected to a top one of the marginal frame members, second attachment members configured to be connected to a bottom one of the marginal frame members and third attachment members configured to be connected to the marginal frame members on a side of the wood panel;

the first attachment members, the second attachment members and the third attachment members each have a different configuration.

6. The skin of claim 5, wherein:

the top one of the marginal frame members and the bottom one of the marginal frame members have an identical configuration and are positioned in opposite orientations.

7. The skin of claim 5, wherein:

the third attachment members comprise hooks configured to be inserted into openings in a panel system to connect the wood skin to the panel system.

8. A panel system comprising:

an open frame comprising a pair of substantially horizontal frame members and a pair of substantially vertical frame members connected to the horizontal frame members, the vertical frame members and the horizontal frame members including openings therein; and

a wood skin comprising a wood panel, marginal frame members for the wood panel and engaged therewith, the marginal frame members including attachment members for insertion into the openings of the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame members to connect the skin to the panel system, the wood skin further including wedge members for rigidly connecting the marginal frame members to the wood panel.

9. The panel system of claim 8, wherein:

the wood panel is substantially rectangular; and

the marginal frame members comprise four marginal frame members, one frame member for each side of the wood panel.

10. The panel system of claim 9, wherein:

the wood panel includes a plurality of slots; and

each marginal frame member includes a flange inserted into one of the slots of the wood panel; and

wedge members are inserted into the slots of the wood panel and engaged with the flanges of the marginal frame members to rigidly maintain the flanges in the slots and to thereby rigidly engage the marginal frame members with the natural wood panel.

11. The panel system of claim 10, wherein:

the plurality of slots are T-shaped; and

the flanges are L-shaped.

12. The panel system of claim 11, wherein:

the attachment members comprise first attachment members configured to be connected to a top one of the marginal frame members and inserted into openings in a top one of the horizontal frame members of the open frame, second attachment members configured to be connected to a bottom one of the marginal frame members and inserted into openings in a bottom one of the horizontal frame members of the open frame, and third attachment members configured to be connected to the marginal frame members on sides of the wood panel and inserted into openings in the vertical frame members of the open frame;

the first attachment members, the second attachment members and the third attachment members each have a different configuration.

13. The panel system of claim 12, wherein:

the top one of the marginal frame members and the bottom one of the marginal frame members have an identical configuration and are positioned in opposite orientations.

14. The panel system of claim 12, wherein:

the third attachment members comprise hooks configured to be inserted into openings in a panel system to connect the wood skin to the panel system.

15. A skin for a panel system comprising:

a substantially rectangular natural wood panel including a plurality of slots;

at least two marginal frame members for the wood panel and engaged therewith, the at least two marginal frame members surrounding a periphery of the natural wood panel, the at least two marginal frame members each including a flange inserted into one of the slots of the natural wood panel; and

engagement members engaged with the at least two marginal frame members to rigidly maintain the flanges in the slots and to thereby rigidly engage the at least two marginal frame members with the natural wood panel;

wherein the at least two marginal frame members include an attachment member for attaching the skin to the panel system.

16. The skin of claim 15, wherein:

the at least two marginal frame members comprise four marginal frame members, one frame member for each side of the wood panel.

17. The skin of claim 16, wherein:

the plurality of slots are T-shaped; and

the flanges are L-shaped.

18. The skin of claim 17, wherein:

the attachment members comprise first attachment members configured to be connected to a top one of the marginal frame members, second attachment members configured to be connected to a bottom one of the marginal frame members and third attachment members configured to be connected to the marginal frame members on a side of the wood panel;

the first attachment members, the second attachment members and the third attachment members each have a different configuration.

19. The skin of claim 18, wherein:

the third attachment members comprise hooks configured to be inserted into openings in a panel system to connect the wood skin to the panel system.

20. The skin of claim 15, wherein:

the engagement members comprise wedge members inserted into the slots of the natural wood panel and engage the flanges of the at least two marginal frame members.