Connecting member and system for modular wall joint

Abstract

A system and connector interconnect modular wall vertical frame members that meet at joints. The first vertical frame member and the second vertical frame member each have a central section for mounting a wall panel. Each vertical frame member has a pair of lateral legs at a lateral edge thereof and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly. The inner leg is laterally spaced from the lateral edge. Each vertical frame member also has a pair of interlocking members positioned inside the central section. The interlocking members each have a laterally extending leg defining a laterally extending latch receiving space. The connector member has one or more heads for supporting the component and one or more latches for securing the component, including the trim member. The joint may be a corner joint or an end-to-end joint.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of prior co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 328,756, filed on April 8, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to connecting members for fixing vertical members of modular wall sections at joints. Summary of the invention

[0004] One aspect of the present application provides a system for interconnecting modular wall vertical frame members that meet at a corner joint. The system includes a first vertical frame member and a second vertical frame member, each vertical frame member having a mounting for mounting a wall panel. Each vertical frame member has a pair of lateral legs at its lateral edges and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly. The inner legs are laterally spaced from the lateral edges. Each vertical frame member also has a pair of interlocking members positioned inboard of the mounting. The interlocking members each have a laterally extending leg that defines a laterally extending latch receiving space.

[0005] The connector member has a body structure having a head extending therefrom and a pair of legs extending therefrom opposite the head with latches on the legs. The legs with the latches extend to form a generally V-shape. The legs with the latches are configured to be received in the latch receiving spaces of the vertical frame members in a latching engagement to secure the vertical frame members in a corner engagement relationship. The head is configured to be received between the inner legs and the lateral legs of the vertical frame members to support the corner engagement relationship.

[0006] Another aspect of the present application provides connector members per se for interconnecting modular wall vertical frame members that meet at a corner joint.

[0007] Another aspect of the present application provides a system for interconnecting modular wall vertical members that meet at an end-to-end joint. The system includes a first vertical member and a second vertical member, at least one of the vertical members being a vertical frame member having a mounting for mounting a wall panel. Each vertical member has a pair of lateral legs at its lateral edges and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly, and the inner legs are laterally spaced from the lateral edges. Each vertical member also has a pair of interlocking members located on the inner side of the inner legs. The interlocking members each have a laterally extending leg that defines a laterally extending latch receiving space. A vertical trim panel decorative member is used to cover the space formed between the vertical members. The trim panel decorative member has a pair of lateral legs at its lateral edges and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly. The inner legs are laterally spaced from the lateral edges. The trim panel decorative member also has a retaining member between its inner legs.

[0008] The connector member has a body structure having a pair of legs extending therefrom and a trim retaining member extending therefrom between the pair of legs, with a head on the legs. The legs with the head extend to form a generally V-shape. The connector member also has a pair of legs extending therefrom opposite to the trim retaining member, with latches on the legs. The legs with the latches are configured to be received in the latch receiving space of the vertical member in a latching engagement to secure the connector member to the vertical member. The trim retaining member is configured to engage the retaining member of the trim decorative member in a latching engagement to secure the trim decorative member to the space formed between the vertical members. The head is configured to be received between the inner leg and the lateral leg of the vertical member and the trim decorative member to support the trim decorative member.

[0009] Another aspect of the present application provides connector members themselves for interconnecting modular wall vertical members.

[0010] Another aspect of the present application provides an installed modular wall system including any of the features discussed for forming a joint.

[0011] Another aspect of the present application provides a covering for an end portion of a wall section having a vertical frame member, wherein a trim panel trim member positioned adjacent to the wall section frame member as a vertical frame member and a pair of trim panel trim members are connected to form an end-to-end joint therebetween.

[0012] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 An example of a partially constructed office space formed by modular walls is shown, wherein the walls meet at corner joints and end-to-end joints;

[0014] Figure 2 An example of an internal frame for mounting a wall panel is shown;

[0015] Figure 3 shows four corner joints between four different vertical frame members that may be included in the system;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional or end view of the connector member shown;

[0017] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 a cross-sectional or end view of the vertical frame member shown;

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates end-to-end joints between exemplary vertical frame members that may be included in the system;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 a cross-sectional or end view of the connector member as shown; and

[0020] Figure 8 A portion of the assembly process for a double corner T-joint is shown with the components already installed and the trim component 50 being installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present application discloses systems and connector members for interconnecting modular wall vertical members, such as wall vertical members that meet at corner joints or end-to-end joints. Figure 1 An example of a partially constructed office space formed by modular walls is shown, where the walls meet at corner joints and end-to-end joints. The constructed space need not be associated with an office, and may be any environment, including a residence, a factory, an educational environment, or other environments. The office example is not limiting, but is used to illustrate in context.

[0022] Modular walls typically have a frame that supports panels of various styles. Such panels can be wood, frameless glass (or another translucent or transparent material), framed glass, plaster, fiberboard, canvas exterior, metal, etc. Such panels can also be functional components, such as whiteboards, display screens, etc. The types of modular walls and their panels are not limiting, and the examples mentioned herein are merely exemplary.

[0023] exist Figure 1, for example, wall segments W1, W2, and W3 are shown meeting at an end-to-end joint, and wall segments W1 and W4 are shown meeting at a corner joint. Partially cut-away wall segment W5 is also shown meeting with wall segment W4 at an end-to-end joint. Wall segments W1-W3 are shown as having wood, fiberboard, or other opaque material, while wall segments W4 and W5 are glass wall segments. Figure 1 Also shown are detailed views of different options for the bottom track of wall sections W4 and W5, including version R1 for mounting a single glass panel, version R2 for mounting two glass panels, and a version that replaces the glass with two solid wood or fiberboard panels with sound damping material in between (which can be used for wall sections W1-W3). These examples are not limiting, and are provided merely to provide context for the types of wall sections that can be connected together using the features described herein below.

[0024] Figure 2 Examples of interior frames 10 and 10' for mounting wall panels or framed glass panels made of wood, fiberboard, plaster, etc. are shown. The frames can be pre-assembled or assembled at the installation site. The corresponding components of the second example 10' are indicated by ' on the reference numerals. The frames 10, 10' typically include a pair of vertical track members 12, 12', a bottom track 14, 14', a top track 16, 16' and at least one intermediate horizontal track 18, 18'. These tracks are assembled together using any type of fasteners. The bottom track 14 or the vertical track member 12' has a height adjuster 20, 20' respectively, which can be used to vertically adjust the height of the interior frame members 10, 10' to better match the ceiling and align the components as needed.

[0025] The vertical frame members 12, 12' each have a series of vertically arranged openings 22, 22' for mounting wall panels 24 during assembly. These openings 22, 22' may also be used to mount other accessories. The frame members 12, 12' may also have a stepped configuration 24, 24' in which two web sections are connected by a transition section and the vertical frame members 12, 12' of each frame 10, 10' are inverted relative to each other. That is, the stepped configuration on one vertical frame member is flipped relative to the other (about its vertical axis) so that when two internal frames of the same configuration (or at least the same vertical frame member type) are brought together end to end, their adjacent frame members may easily butt up against each other without noticeable spacing therebetween (see Figure 3 ). This provides the ability for wall sections of the same type (or having the same vertical framing members) to be easily connected in an end-to-end relationship.

[0026] Figure 2The details in are not intended to be limiting but are provided merely as examples to provide context for the features discussed below, including other joint situations.

[0027] Figure 3-5 A connector and system for creating a corner joint where two wall sections meet at a corner. Figure 3 Shown are four corner joints between four different vertical members that may be included in the system. Figure 3 It is for illustrative purposes to show how a corner is made and it should be understood that typically only two wall sections are involved in a corner joint.

[0028] exist Figure 3 , a vertical frame member 30 for a single glass panel wall section is shown having a center section with a mounting in the form of a channel 32 for receiving a single glass panel (not shown). Channel 32 may also have a smaller optional channel 34 for receiving a gasket (not shown) to seal the glass panel. Other components common to the various vertical frame members will be discussed later.

[0029] exist Figure 3 , a vertical frame member 36 for a double glazed panel wall section is shown having a central section with mountings in the form of two channels 38, one for each glass panel, with two optional gasket channels 40 for receiving gaskets to seal the glass panels. An optional web 42 extends between the inner side walls of the two channels 38.

[0030] exist Figure 3 On the right side, vertical frame members 44 are used for walls having their own internal frame with vertical frame members, similar to Figure 2 The walls in the , and any other walls that have frame members that form an interior frame. Figure 3The example on the right shows a frame member 44 including a body 45 having a member 47 used as a mounting member, which has the same type or cross-section as the frame members 12, 12' (stepped construction) for the internal frame of the wall section. The frame member 44 can therefore be connected to the end of the wall section using the connection between the member 47 and the frame members 12, 12' in a manner similar to the connection of the frame members of the wall section at an end-to-end joint, wherein the fasteners connect the member 47 (and therefore the frame member 44, respectively) to the frame members 12, 12' of the wall section. This achieves the indirect mounting of the panel to the frame member 44 through the frame of the panel. For more details in this regard, reference may be made to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 327,389, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The body 45 shown also has a longer support wall 49 and a shorter support wall 51 to support the section of the member 47. Member 45 also has a pair of flanges or legs 43 to which the flanges on member 47 are attached, for example, by fasteners (including snap fits, adhesives, nuts / bolts, etc.). The attachment between members 45 and 47 can be completed prior to installation, such as at the manufacturing site, or can be completed during installation. For example, member 47 can be first attached to the frame members 12, 12' of the wall section, and then member 45 can be attached thereto.

[0031] In other embodiments, the frame member 44 can be made as a whole for attachment to any vertical frame member of the wall section. For example, the frame member 44 can have a stepped structure designed as a continuous component, thereby avoiding the addition of a separate component like member 47 to serve as a mounting member for the panel and its internal frame. If fasteners are used on the vertical frame members 12, 12' to connect the horizontal frame members, fastener receiving portions or recesses can be added to accommodate those fasteners without interference, as shown in the aforementioned incorporated application (which should be similar to those marked as 48 on 12 / 12' and 47). Other designs that do not require stepped structures can also be used, so the mounting portion can have any structure. Such an embodiment can be directly attached to the vertical frame member of the wall section to facilitate the establishment of a corner joint. In other embodiments, the frame member 44 can be included in the internal frame of the wall section, and the frame member 44 is installed at the position where the panel is to be directly installed for (one or more) panels. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the details shown.

[0032] In the design shown, when a corner joint is involved, the frame members 44 can be attached to the vertical frame members 12, 12' of the wall section. This is preferred so that the wall section can be made of the same vertical frame members 12, 12' as a whole, and vertical frame members 44 are added only at those locations where corner joints are formed (which will be much fewer). It is also possible in some embodiments to create a vertical frame member 44 so that a wall panel can be mounted directly to it, so that it does not need to be attached to another vertical frame member 12, 12' (in other words, it can be modified to include the panel mounting portion of the vertical frame member 12, 12' and used in place of the vertical frame member, rather than attached thereto, so that its mounting for one or more panels can have this structure).

[0033] Any type of mounting member for a single panel or multiple panels may be used, and the particular structure is not limited to any configuration. The mounting member is generally on the outside relative to the joint (which is also the inside relative to the wall sections that meet at the joint). Generally, directions such as inside and outside (or terms of similar meaning) as used herein will refer to the joint unless the context dictates otherwise. Similarly, a lateral direction refers to a lateral direction of a portion related to a joint, which is also the same direction as the thickness or depth of the associated wall section, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0034] exist Figure 3On the left side is a trim panel decorative member 50. Vertical frame members are vertical members that play a primary structural support or interconnection role (e.g., supporting panels), while trim panel decorative members such as member 50 (and any other member) are vertical members that play a primary decorative role and can be removed or replaced without disassembling the wall section. The decorative member 50 has a flat outer wall 52 and an optional supporting central web 54 for supporting the wall 52. The trim panel decorative member 50 is used to hide the interior area of ​​the corner joint, and is typically used in pairs in particular. The details of how to use the decorative member 50 will be discussed in further detail below. It should be understood that the frame members can have some aesthetic aspects and surfaces that can be considered to be finished as decoration. However, this does not change the role of the frame members to provide structural support or connection. For example, on members 30 and 36, since the surfaces on the relative outer sides of the channels 32, 38 can be visible, these surfaces can be finished as decorative surfaces, but members 30 and 36 are still considered to be primarily used for the structural purpose of holding (one or more) glass panels. Similarly, on the frame member 44, the surface extending away from a portion of the internal frame (i.e., the surface on the member 44 extending outward to the flange 60) can also be visible and finished as decoration. However, the frame member 44 still plays a major structural role because it establishes a connection between the internal frame of the wall section and the corner joint. It is also feasible in some installation configurations that if the panel installed to the internal frame covers those flanges 60, no part of the frame member 44 is visible, thereby making the member 44 completely structural in purpose. Similarly, a decorative member such as the decorative member 50 (or any other decorative member) can have parts that perform auxiliary structural functions, such as features for helping wiring or openings for plugs and sockets, while still mainly performing an aesthetic function as a decoration. Therefore, some members that are considered to be structural frame members can have some decorative or aesthetic aspects, while some decorative decorative members can have some structural aspects, each of which does not change how a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand its role.

[0035] Each of these members 30, 36, 44, 50 has common components on its inner surface (the side facing the corner joint). Specifically, each vertical member 30, 36, 44, 50 also has a pair of lateral legs 60 at its lateral edges and a pair of inner legs 62 extending inwardly. The lateral legs 60 are shown as being continuous with the face that receives the central section of the wall panel (or the outer surface or outer decorative surface in the case of the decorative member 50), but may be offset or configured differently. The inner legs 62 are laterally spaced from the lateral edges.

[0036] Each vertical member 30, 36, 44, 50 also has a pair of interlocking members 64 located inside its central section. The interlocking members 64 each have a laterally extending leg 66 that defines a laterally extending latch receiving space 68. These legs 66 are spaced apart from the inner wall 70 of the member (inwardly, toward the corner joint), and are connected to it at one end, and have free opposite ends to enable insertion into the space 68. These structures are also positioned inside the inner leg 62 so that the insertion discussed below can be performed without interference from the leg 62. As can be seen from the figure, the leg 66 can have a wavy structure, and a pawl, a snap-fit ​​feature, a feature of other shapes, or a press fit or an interference fit can also be used for the latch engagement on the surface inside the space 68. Latch as used herein refers broadly to any feature that is engaged for a fixed connection between components. Adhesives, pins or other fasteners can also be used. These features can have any construction or configuration, and are not intended to be restrictive.

[0037] These four vertical members 30, 36, 44, 50 are also Figure 5 , showing them in isolation from the connector components discussed below.

[0038] It should be understood that the vertical frame members 30, 36, 44 can be any type for engaging with one or more panels of the wall section, and the illustrated configuration for such docking is not limiting (the function of the decorative member 50 is discussed below). The frame member can be included as part of a preassembled internal frame for the wall section (i.e., the frame is preassembled in advance so that it can be erected in place at the installation site, including preassembly at the factory location for transportation to the installation site). In some embodiments, the entire wall section can be preassembled with the panels mounted on the internal frame. In other embodiments, the various components of the wall section can be partially or completely disassembled and assembled as part of the installation process. Therefore, the present application is not limited to any specific type of wall section for building modular walls. In other embodiments, the vertical frame member can be separated from the frame of the wall section and designed to receive and support the lateral edges of the wall section frame. In some designs, the wall panel can be frameless, such as a frameless glass panel, and the vertical frame member is configured to receive and support the lateral edges of the panel.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, these components 30, 36, 44, 50 are roll-formed from a metal such as steel or aluminum. This is the preferred method, but other forms of manufacturing may be used, such as extrusion, stamping (including progressive stamping or sequential stamping). Similar other materials may be used, such as rigid plastics or composite materials. For decorative components, if metal is used, further polishing, finishing or other enhancements may be performed for aesthetics. In addition, plastic or a combination of materials (such as a plastic inner structure made of wood, metal, etc. with a finished outer surface) may be used to obtain a better appearance.

[0040] Any two of these frame members 30, 36, 44 from adjacent wall sections that meet at a corner joint can be considered part of a system that includes a first vertical frame member and a second vertical frame member, each of which is part of an adjacent wall section. That is, one frame member is from one wall section and the other frame member is associated with another adjacent wall section. The wall sections can be of the same type or different types, and common internal components are provided for modular connection as discussed below.

[0041] The system also includes a connector member 76, which is included in Figure 3 At each corner joint in Figure 4 8 and 9. The connector member 76 is shown separately from the other components. The connector member 76 has a body structure 78 having a head 80 extending therefrom and a pair of legs 82 extending therefrom opposite the head 80 with latches 84 on the legs. The body structure 78 can have any configuration, and in the embodiment shown, it is a flat center web. The legs 82 with latches 84 extend to form a generally V-shape. Typically, the angle is 90 degrees, which is used to construct a vertical corner joint. If a non-vertical corner is desired, a different angle can be used.

[0042] The leg portion 82 having the latch 84 is configured to be received in the latch receiving space 68 of the vertical frame member in a latching engagement to secure the vertical frame member in a corner engagement relationship, such as Figure 3As shown. The head 80 is configured to be received between the inner leg 62 and the transverse leg 60 of the vertical frame member to support the corner joint relationship. As shown, when the frame members meet at the corner joint, the various legs 60, 62 meet to form a space defined by the legs, and the head 80 is received in the space. The head 80 helps support the corner joint relationship by maintaining an appropriate distance between the transverse leg 60 of each frame member and the opposite inner leg 62 of another frame member. This also helps prevent the transverse leg 62 from deforming inwardly in the event that it is bumped or otherwise impacted or subjected to forces directed thereto after the wall is erected.

[0043] The latch 84 also has a configuration designed to latch within the space 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 84 has a free leg that is resilient and whose outer surface matches the inner surface of the leg 66 of the interlocking member 64 to form a latching engagement. The latch 84 can have other configurations, including detents, snap-fit ​​features, or any other options discussed above can be used.

[0044] The connector member 76 can be extruded as a single piece, preferably from plastic, but it can also be extruded from metal. The connector member 76 can also be formed by other methods, including injection molding, overmolding to a core component, and the like.

[0045] In some embodiments, the head 80 and legs 82 may extend the entire vertical length of the connector member 76 (particularly when extruded, since extruded parts generally have the same cross-section along their length). In other embodiments, the connector member 76 may have multiple sets of heads 80 and legs 82 that are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. This will provide connections at different locations rather than providing connections along the entire length.

[0046] With the design shown, it is straightforward to form a corner joint. The first wall section has a connector member 76 connected thereto, wherein one of the latches 84 on the legs 82 is inserted into the latch receiving space 68 and fixed thereto, and the head 80 is positioned between its transverse legs 60 and the inner legs 62. This can be done before or after the first wall section is erected. Once this is done and the first wall section has been erected, the second wall section can be erected and connected by engaging its latch receiving space 68 above the other latch 84 on the other leg 82, thereby fixing it thereto, and its transverse legs 60 and the inner legs 62 are positioned on opposite sides of the head 80. This makes it relatively easy to establish a corner joint. If desired, additional fastening can be used.

[0047] The head 80 has optional resilient fingers or barbs thereon. These fingers can be compressed during assembly, which can help eliminate any tolerance differences between the components it engages with, ensure that pressure across the joint is substantially equal by providing dynamic tension, and / or help improve alignment. The fingers can also help provide additional sealing and block light / sound transmission through the joint. These are optional advantages and are not limiting. The fingers can be integrally molded with the head 80 from the same material, or can be co-molded or co-extruded from a material of lower durometer than the head 80 to provide a component of varying durometer. These manufacturing options are also not limiting.

[0048] The same operation can be performed to form a corner joint where three walls meet, with two wall sections aligned end to end and another wall section extending at an angle, which is usually perpendicular (which may be referred to as a T-joint or double corner joint). Figure 3 As non-limiting examples, frame member 30 may be considered to be associated with a wall segment of an exterior wall of office A having a single pane of glass, frame member 36 may be considered to be associated with a wall segment of an exterior wall of an adjacent office B having double panes of glass, and frame member 44 may be considered to be associated with a wall segment of an interior wall separating offices A and B having a wood, fiberboard, or other type of panel. The specific panels are examples and not limitations, and any combination of walls and panels may be used. In this case, additional wall segments may be added to the joint using the same process discussed above. For example, using Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , frame members 32 and 44 may be connected using connector member 76 in the manner discussed above to form a corner joint therebetween at one lateral side of frame member 44, and then frame member 36 may be connected to the other lateral side of frame member 44 using another connector member 76 to thereby construct another corner joint therebetween in the manner discussed above. The order of connection is not limiting, and in this example, frame members 36 and 44 may be first connected together prior to connecting frame member 32. Similarly, the wall sections associated with frame members 32 and 36 may be erected first so that they are aligned in an end-to-end relationship, and then during the erection of the wall section associated with frame member 44, two connector members 76 may be used to connect frame member 44 to both frame members 32 and 36.

[0049] Figure 8A portion of the assembly process of a double corner T-joint is shown, with members 30, 36 and 34 installed as described above, with panel P located on the wall section associated with member 44, and with trim member 50 installed. Trim member 50 has a connector member 76 attached thereto which causes its latch 84 to insert into the space 68 of members 30, 36 (shown as moved to the right in the figure) when trim member 50 is installed.

[0050] Each of the vertical members 30, 36, 44 and 50 can have a retainer structure 90, which includes a channel 92 with a pair of inwardly extending flanges 94. Additional components located inside the corner joint can have a pair of matching docking structures, such as T-shaped inserts, snap-fit ​​features, or any other insertable structures (which are 90 degrees to each other on the back / inside of the decorative member for vertical corners, or at another angle if the corner has a different angle), which can be inserted into the channel 92 or connected to another retainer structure to hold the component in place. For example, pipes, tubes, or additional water / fluid pipes, air ducts, etc. for arranging electrical wires, network cables, can be connected inside the corner joint using such features. In addition, additional connecting structures can be added to those retainer structures, where the same type of matching docking structures used to fix the vertical members that meet at the corner joint together can also be connected to such features within the scope of the corner joint.

[0051] As shown, in each vertical member 30, 36, 44, 50, the channel 90 and the inner wall 70 of the interlocking member 64 share a common wall that extends transversely relative to the frame member. This common wall is also generally parallel to the wall of the central outer section, such as where the channels 32, 38 are located (or the outer surface of the trim member 50 shown). This design is not limiting, and any shape or configuration may be required.

[0052] A non-limiting advantage of the design shown is that these connections between the interlocking members 64 and the latches 84, and the configuration of the head 80 and the lateral legs 60 and the inner legs 62 are such that after initial installation, the height adjuster (or adjusters) on one or all of the wall segments that meet at the joint can still be used to make vertical height adjustments to any of the wall segments as desired. Specifically, those components on the vertical members have the same cross-section perpendicular to the vertical direction, thus allowing one vertical frame member to move vertically relative to another vertical frame member without interference from the head 80 and latches 84. This is typically done prior to installing the trim member(s) 50 discussed below, but since each trim member 50 also has the same connection structure on the inside, such adjustments can also be made after the trim is installed if desired.

[0053] When a corner joint is completed between two or three wall sections, a decoration may be used to cover the corner joint at the outside corner side (in the geometric sense of the side). This may not be necessary in the case where the outside corner side is against another structure and is not exposed to view. For example, a modular wall structure may be built against a pre-existing wall of a building so that the outside corner side faces the pre-existing wall and therefore no decorative covering is required. However, when the outside corner side of the corner joint is exposed, a decorative member such as the vertical decorative member 50 may be used.

[0054] continue Figure 3 , the example of a joint between wall panels where a corner joint has been established by frame members 30 and 44 will be considered a non-limiting example for background. In the case of forming a corner joint, two trim members 50 and three additional connector members 76 may be used. One trim member 50 will be connected to the frame member 30 using the connector member 76 in the same manner as described above, wherein the connector member 76 has (a) its latches 84, each latch respectively connecting the interlocking members 64 of both the first trim member 50 and the frame member 30, and (b) its head 80 (which is between the lateral legs 60 and the inner legs 62 of both the first trim member 50 and the frame member 32) Figure 3 4). The second trim member 50 will be connected to the other frame member 44 in the same manner as described above using another connector member 76, wherein the connector member 76 has (a) its latches 84, each of which is respectively connected to the interlocking members 64 of both the second trim member 50 and the frame member 44, and (b) its head 80 between the lateral legs 60 and the inner legs 62 of both the second trim member 50 and the frame member 44 (which is essentially replaced with another trim member 50). Figure 3 The two trim members 50 are also connected together in the same manner by the third connector member 76, wherein the latch 84, the head 80, the interlocking member 64 and the legs 60, 62 that are not connected to the frame members 32, 44 perform the same function of connecting the two trim members 50 together (again, the second trim member 50 replaces the member 36, and Figure 3 The connections on the lower left are the same).

[0055] A single trim member 50 can also be used at a T-joint or a double corner joint, for example Figure 3 Non-limiting example shown. In this arrangement, the trim member 50 is added to the joint in the same manner, except that only one trim member is required to conceal the interior space of the corner joint.

[0056] These decorative members 50 can be easily removed and replaced to change the style / decoration of the modular wall. Similarly, if cable routing or other components are included inside the space of the joint, the decorative members 50 can be removed for access and replacement. In addition, if the surface of the frame members (such as members 30, 36 or 44) has a visible surface, the frame members can also be removed and replaced to further change the style / decoration. This will require additional steps, but because the panels themselves can be reused, it is cheaper than replacing the entire wall section.

[0057] In another possible embodiment applicable to a corner joint of only two walls, a single plaque trim member having two outer walls that are angled (typically 90 degrees for a vertical corner) or rounded or faceted outer walls may be used. Such a design would include the same general interior components with legs 60, 62 and interlocking members 64 at each lateral end thereof, and such a trim member would be connected to one vertical frame member at one lateral side using a connector member 76 and to another vertical frame member at the other lateral side using another connector member 76 in the same manner as described above. For example, continuing with reference to non-limiting background Figure 3 If the frame members 30 and 44 are connected by connectors 76 to form a corner joint, such a single trim member will be placed in the same general position as the members 36 and 50, wherein the connector members 76 at each lateral end of the single trim member establish a connection with the interlocking members 64 of the single trim member and frame members 30, 44, and in the same manner as described above, their heads 80 are between the other sets of legs 60, 62 (here, other means not connected by such as Figure 3 The design also eliminates the need for a fourth connector member (e.g., Figure 3 The reason for this is that a single trim member uses connections at the upper left and lower right and has one or more walls extending therebetween).

[0058] Another aspect of the present application provides a system for interconnecting modular wall vertical members that meet at end-to-end joints. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The vertical members at an end-to-end joint are typically two vertical frame members, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 However, as will be discussed below, it is also possible to form an end-to-end joint between the vertical frame members of the wall section at the end of the keel (also called a peninsula wall, as described below) and the vertical trim members to provide a finish to the end. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The same vertical frame members 30 , 36 discussed above are shown as background examples, and any combination of the frame members discussed above (or other frame members of different types) may be used. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The examples in FIG. 3 should not be considered limiting. For convenience, the same reference numerals are used for the components of the exemplary frame members 30 , 36 .

[0059] Any two frame members from adjacent wall sections that meet at an end-to-end joint may be considered to be part of a system comprising a first vertical frame member and a second vertical frame member, each of which is part of an adjacent wall section, the system comprising a first vertical frame member and a second vertical frame member, each vertical frame member having a central section with mountings for mounting a wall panel, as described above.

[0060] The vertical trim member 100 is provided to cover the space formed between the vertical frame members 30, 36. In the case where only one side of the space between the frame members 30, 36 is exposed, one trim member 100 may be used, and when both sides are exposed, two vertical trim members 100 may be used on opposite sides.

[0061] Each fascia trim member 100 has a pair of lateral legs 60 at its lateral edges and a pair of inner legs 62 extending inwardly and laterally spaced from the lateral edges. The same reference numerals 60 and 62 from the corner joint context discussed above are used because these structures serve the same purpose and so those discussed above apply equally here.

[0062] The illustrated trim member 100 also has a flat outer wall 102 extending between the lateral edges. The wall 102 may have different configurations for decorative purposes, such as faceted or rounded shapes, and may also include functional components, such as electrical connectors or sockets, etc.

[0063] The trim member 100 also has a retaining member 104 between its inner legs 62. The retaining member 104 can have any construction or configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member 104 has an inwardly protruding member 106 extending inwardly from the wall 102 at its approximate center and a head 107 on its free end. As will be discussed below, the head 102 is enlarged to provide a latching engagement with the connector member 108. Other constructions or configurations can be used. For example, the components of the latch can be reversed between the trim member 100 and the connector member 108, and the engagement can use other forms of latches, such as other detents, snap fits, press fits / interference fits, or other types of interlocking connections.

[0064] The veneer trim member 100 can be manufactured in the same manner as the other members described above.

[0065] Each connector member 108 has a body structure 110 having a pair of legs 112 extending therefrom with heads 80 thereon, and the legs 112 with heads 80 extend to form a generally V-shape. Reference numeral 80 is used to reflect that the heads 80 on these legs 112 perform the same function as the heads 80 of the corner joints described above, i.e., they are each configured to be received between the inner legs 62 and the lateral legs 60 of the vertical frame members 30, 36 and the associated trim trim member 100 to support the trim trim member 100. Thus, the discussion above regarding the heads 80 applies equally here, except that the connector member 100 has two rather than one. The connector member 108 can be formed in the manner described above for the connector member 76.

[0066] Each connector member 108 also includes a trim retaining member 114 extending therefrom between a pair of legs 112. The trim retaining member 114 is configured to engage the retaining member 106 of the trim trim member 100 in a latching engagement to secure the trim trim member 100 to the space formed between the vertical frame members 32, 36. In the design shown, the head 107 of the retaining member 106 on the trim member 100 is enlarged so that when it is received between the legs serving as the trim retaining member 114, it is received in a latching engagement, and the ends of the legs 114 have detents to securely grasp the head 107. This configuration allows the trim member 100 to be removed and replaced after the modular wall is installed, which enables design upgrades to change the appearance as needed. As described above, the engagement between the retaining members 106 and 114 can be of any type, including inversion or using other structures, and is not limited to the design shown.

[0067] The connector member 108 also has a pair of legs 120 (with latches on the legs 120) extending therefrom opposite the trim retaining member 114. The legs 120 with latches are configured to be received in the latch receiving spaces 68 of the vertical frame members 30, 36 in a latching engagement. In the design shown, the latches on the legs 120 engage corresponding latch features on the inside of the legs 66, thereby defining the latch receiving spaces 68. The latching can also be enhanced in the design shown, where the legs 66 of two adjacent frame members 30, 36 abut so that both can be received in the space between the legs 120. The elasticity of the material forming the legs 120 can be used to further enhance the latching. Again, as described above, any type of retention can be used, and the disclosed method should not be considered limiting.

[0068] In some embodiments, the legs 120 can be strong enough to be primarily responsible for securing the vertical frame members 30, 36 together in an end-to-end engagement relationship. In other embodiments, the legs 120 can play a lesser role, such as providing additional securing in addition to other securing. For example, the two frame members 30, 36 can be secured together by a connecting structure secured to each retainer structure 90, or they can be secured by other types of fasteners (e.g., clips, screws, nuts / bolts, etc.). In some embodiments, the legs 120 can play a substantially ineffective role in securing the vertical frame members 30, 36 together, and can serve only to connect the connector member 108, and thus the trim member 100, to the frame members 30, 36.

[0069] exist Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , an end-to-end joint is formed by positioning the vertical frame members 30, 36 (or any two frame members) adjacent to each other in an end-to-end relationship. This can be done before or after the wall panels are mounted thereon. The frame members 30, 36 are secured in an end-to-end relationship in any manner as described above. With the frame members upright, the trim member 100 can be positioned in an end-to-end relationship. Figure 6 62. The decorative member 100 may be attached in the manner shown. For example, the connector member 108 may be connected to the decorative member 100 by engaging the retaining members 106 and 114 together, and then the decorative member 100 may be installed by engaging the latches on the legs 120 in the receiving spaces 68 on one side of the adjacent vertical frame members 30, 36. The head 80 will be received between the corresponding legs 60, 62 in the same manner as described above for installing the decorative member 100. Alternatively, the connector member 108 may be installed first by engaging the latches on the legs 120 in the receiving spaces 68, and then the decorative member 100 may be installed by moving the decorative member 100 into its installed position with the retaining members 106 and 114 engaged with each other. If two decorative members 100 are desired on both sides, both may be installed using either method to obtain Figure 6 The structure shown.

[0070] The same non-limiting advantages discussed above of allowing vertical adjustment of one wall section relative to another at a joint also apply equally to an end-to-end joint, which can occur after installation of the trim components, if desired.

[0071] As another alternative, the decorative elements 50 and 100 may be used together at the free end of a wall section, which may be referred to as a peninsular wall section because the wall section extends outwardly to the free end. In such an arrangement, the decorative element 50 would be arranged as a vertical member that engages end-to-end with a vertical frame member at the free end of the wall section, and a pair of decorative elements 100 would be arranged in a manner similar to that of a peninsula wall section. Figure 6The end-to-end joints are of the same type except between the vertical frame members and vertical trim members 50 of one wall section instead of the other wall section. Figure 6 In the context of FIG. 1 , if the vertical frame member 30 is at the free end of the wall section, the adjacent frame member 36 in the figure would be replaced by the trim member 50 previously described for the corner joint, and the trim member 100 would have the same position. The connection method using the connector member 108 is generally the same and does not need to be repeated. In this way, the free end of the wall section is hidden within three trim members using the same modular components.

[0072] The foregoing embodiments are provided only to illustrate the structural and functional principles of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. On the contrary, the present invention includes all replacements, variations, modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for interconnecting modular wall vertical frame members meeting at a corner joint, the system comprising: a first vertical frame member; a second vertical frame member; Each vertical frame member has a mounting for mounting a wall panel; Each vertical frame member has a pair of lateral legs at a lateral edge thereof and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly, the inner legs being laterally spaced from the lateral edges; Each vertical frame member also has a pair of interlocking members positioned inboard of the inner legs, the interlocking members each having a laterally extending leg defining a laterally extending latch receiving space; a connector member having a body structure having a head extending therefrom and a pair of legs extending therefrom opposite the head, the pair of legs having latches thereon, the pair of legs with the latches extending to form a generally V-shape; wherein said pair of legs with said latch are configured to be received in said latch receiving spaces of said vertical frame members in latching engagement to secure said vertical frame members in corner engaging relationship; Wherein the head is configured to be received between the inner leg and the lateral leg of the vertical frame member to support the corner joint relationship.

2. A connector member for interconnecting modular wall vertical frame members that meet at a corner joint, said vertical frame members each having a mount for mounting a wall panel, a pair of transverse legs at a transverse edge thereof, and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly, said inner legs being laterally spaced from said transverse edges, wherein each vertical frame member further has a pair of interlocking members positioned inboard of said inner legs, said interlocking members each having a laterally extending leg defining a laterally extending latch receiving space; The connector component comprises: Body structure; a head extending from the body structure; a pair of legs extending from the body structure opposite the head, the pair of legs having latches thereon, the pair of legs with the latches extending to form a generally V-shape; wherein said pair of legs with said latch are configured to be received in said latch receiving spaces of said vertical frame members in latching engagement to secure said vertical frame members in corner engaging relationship; Wherein the head is configured to be received between the inner leg and the lateral leg of the vertical frame member to support the corner joint relationship.

3. A system for interconnecting modular wall vertical members meeting at end-to-end joints, the system comprising: a first vertical member; a second vertical member; At least one of the vertical members is a vertical frame member having mountings for mounting a wall panel; Each vertical member has a pair of lateral legs at a lateral edge thereof and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly, the inner legs being laterally spaced from the lateral edge; Each vertical member also has a pair of interlocking members located inboard of the inner legs, the interlocking members each having a laterally extending leg defining a laterally extending latch receiving space; a vertical trim member for covering a space formed between the vertical members, the trim member having a pair of lateral legs at a lateral edge thereof and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly, the inner legs of the trim member being laterally spaced from the lateral edges, the trim member also having a retaining member between the inner legs; a connector member having a body structure having a pair of legs extending therefrom and a trim retaining member extending therefrom between the pair of legs, the pair of legs having a head thereon, the pair of legs having the head extending to form a generally V-shape, the connector member also having a pair of legs extending therefrom opposite the trim retaining member, the pair of legs of the connector member having a latch thereon; wherein said pair of legs having said latches are configured to be received in said latch receiving spaces of said vertical member in latching engagement to secure said connector member to said vertical member; wherein the trim retaining member is configured to engage a retaining member of the trim trim member in a latching engagement to secure the trim trim member to the space formed between the vertical members; Wherein the head is configured to be received between the inner and lateral legs of the vertical member and the fascia trim member to support the fascia trim member.

4. A connector member for interconnecting modular wall vertical members, the vertical members meeting at an end-to-end joint and having a trim member therebetween, at least one of the vertical members being a vertical frame member, the vertical frame member having a mounting for mounting a wall panel, a pair of transverse legs at its transverse edges and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly, the inner legs being laterally spaced from the transverse edges, wherein each vertical member also has a pair of interlocking members located inboard of the inner legs, the interlocking members each having a transversely extending leg defining a transversely extending latch receiving space; the trim member being used to cover a space formed between the vertical members, the trim member having a pair of transverse legs at its transverse edges and a pair of inner legs extending inwardly, the inner legs of the trim member being laterally spaced from the transverse edges, the vertical trim member also having a retaining member between its inner legs; The connector component comprises: Body structure; a pair of legs extending from the body structure, with a head on the pair of legs; a trim retaining member extending from the body structure between the pair of legs, the pair of legs having the head extending to form a generally V-shape; a pair of legs extending from the body structure opposite the trim retaining member, the pair of legs having latches thereon; wherein said pair of legs having said latches are configured to be received in said latch receiving spaces of said vertical member in latching engagement to secure said connector member to said vertical member; wherein the trim retaining member is configured to engage a retaining member of the trim trim member in a latching engagement to secure the trim trim member to the space formed between the vertical members; Wherein the head is configured to be received between the inner and lateral legs of the vertical member and the fascia trim member to support the fascia trim member.

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