TILE CLIP FOR WALL PANEL SYSTEM

Abstract

A tile clip for use in supporting a tile of a wall panel system. The wall panel system includes a plurality of wall panels that each include a support frame and one or a pair of tiles. The support frame includes a series of spaced attachment slots formed in the vertical posts of the frame. One or more tile clips can be installed on each of the vertical posts by inserting the tile clip into one of the attachment slots. The tile clip includes a base and a perpendicular end wall that includes an engagement lip. An attachment arm of the tile clip flexes to initially receive a side wall of the vertical post and holds the tile clip in place along the vertical post. The engagement lip contacts one edge of the tile to hold the tile in place on the vertical post.

Claims

1. A tile clip for use in retaining a tile on a support frame of a wall panel, the tile clip comprising: a base extending between a first end and a second end and having first and second sides; an end wall integrally formed with the base and extending from the second end of the base to an outer end; an engagement tip extending from outer end of the end wall; an attachment arm extending from the base in a direction opposite the end wall, wherein the attachment arm is configured to engage the support frame of the wall panel to securely hold the tile clip on the support frame.

2. The tile clip of claim 1 wherein the end wall extends perpendicular from the base and the engagement tip extends from the end wall toward the first end of the base.

3. The tile clip of claim 1 wherein the tile clip is formed from a plastic material.

4. The tile clip of claim 3 wherein the plastic material is clear.

5. The tile clip of claim 1 wherein the attachment arm includes a body that extends between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the base and the second end is spaced from the base.

6. The tile clip of claim 5 wherein attachment of the body to the base is flexible to allow a spacing between the second end and the base to change.

7. The tile clip of claim 5 wherein the base includes a central opening aligned with the attachment arm such that the attachment arm extends into the central opening when the tile clip is not installed on the support frame of the wall panel.

8. A wall panel for use as part of a wall panel system, the wall panel comprising: a support frame including a pair of vertical posts; at least one tile configured extend between the pair of spaced vertical posts; and a plurality of tile clips each received on one of the vertical posts, wherein each of the tile clips engages an edge of the at least one tile to hold the tile in contact with the support frame.

9. The wall panel of claim 8 wherein each of the tile clips comprises: a base extending between a first end and a second end and having first and second sides; an end wall integrally formed with the base and extending from the second end of the base to an outer end; an engagement tip extending from outer end of the end wall; an attachment arm extending from the base in a direction opposite the end wall, wherein the attachment arm is received in a receiving slot formed in the vertical post to securely hold the tile clip on the frame.

10. The wall panel of claim 9 wherein each of the vertical posts includes a plurality of spaced receiving slots each sized to receive the attachment arm of the tile clip.

11. The wall panel of claim 9 wherein the end wall of the tile clip extends perpendicular from the base and the engagement tip extends from the end wall toward the first end of the base.

12. The wall panel of claim 8 wherein the tile clips are formed from a plastic material.

13. The wall panel of claim 12 wherein the plastic material is clear.

14. The wall panel of claim 9 wherein the attachment arm of each tile clip includes a body that extends between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the base and the second end is spaced from the base.

15. The wall panel of claim 14 wherein the attachment of the body to the base is flexible to allow the spacing between the second end and the base to change and receive the vertical post.

16. The wall panel of claim 15 wherein the base includes a central opening aligned with the attachment arm such that the attachment arm extends into the central opening when the tile clip is not installed on the frame of the wall panel.

17. A method of attaching a tile to a support frame of a wall panel that includes a pair of spaced vertical posts, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of tile clips each including a base extending between a first end and a second end, an end wall integrally formed with the base and extending from the second end of the base to an outer end, an engagement tip extending from outer end of the end wall and an attachment arm extending from the base in a direction opposite the end wall; inserting each of the plurality of tile clips into one of a plurality of receiving slots formed in each of the pair of vertical posts; and positioning the tile between the pair of vertical posts such that the engagement tip of each of the plurality of tiles engages an edge of the tile to hold the tile in place between the pair of vertical posts.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein when the tile clip is inserted into one of the receiving slots, the attachment arm of the tile clip entraps a wall of the support post between the attachment arm and the base of the tile clip.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein at least two tile clips are installed on each of the pair of spaced vertical posts.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein a bottom edge of the tile is supported on the support frame and the tile is rotated upward such that side edges of the panel contact the engagement tip and the end wall flexes outward to receive the side edges of the panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the disclosure. In the drawings:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the wall panel system with one of the tiles removed;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a tile clip according to the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the tile clip of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the installation of a pair of tile clips on the support frame of a wall panel of a wall panel system;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a magnified partial perspective view of the installation of a pair of the tile clips on the support frame;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a magnified partial perspective view showing one of the tile clips installed on the support frame; and

[0019] FIG. 7 is a section view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 showing the installation of a pair of tile clips and the engagement with one of the tiles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a wall panel system 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The wall panel system 10 is designed and used as part of an open-plan office that is able to create and divide an open work area into a series of work or task areas. One example of a wall panel system is the Unite System available from Krueger International (KI) of Green Bay, WI.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the wall panel system 10 includes a pair of wall panels 12 that are joined to each other by a center support post 14. Each of the wall panels 12 extends between a first side edge 16 and a second side edge 18. Each of the wall panels 12 includes a tile 20 that extends between the first and second side edges 16, 18. The decorative tile 20 can be a fabric covered pane, a steel panel, a glass panel, a panel with a writable surface or can include any type of covering desired by the user to create both a visually desirable appearance and/or to include the desired sound dampening properties. The selection of the type and material for the tile 20 allows the user to provide both a decorative appearance for the wall panel 12 as well as providing acoustic or sound dampening features to the wall panel system 10.

[0022] In the embodiment illustrated, each of the wall panels 12 includes a first and a second tile 20 that are mounted on opposite sides of the wall panel 12. The two-sided wall panel allows both sides of the panel to present the desired appearance for multiple workspaces created by the wall panel system 10. Each of the pair of wall panel tiles 20 is supported on an all-metal support frame 22 that defines the wall panel 12 and provides the required structural stability for the wall panel system 10. The support frame 22 in the embodiment shown includes a pair of vertical posts 24 that are spaced from each other to define the overall width of the wall panel 12. The pair of vertical posts 24 are joined to each other by a top rail 26 and a bottom rail 28. In one exemplary embodiment, the elements of the support frame 22 are welded together and installed in the field as a single unit. The construction of the support frame is common for other types of wall panel systems. The bottom rail 28 is designed to include a lower trim rail that is a separate component from the bottom rail and includes a support lip 30 that extends laterally away from the otherwise vertical outer wall 32. The support lip 30 provides a vertical support for the lower edge 34 of the tile 20 as can be seen in a comparison between the left and right wall panels shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one of the tiles 20 of the right wall panel 12 is removed to show the features of the support frame 22 and the bottom rail 28. The opposite tile 20 is shown mounted to the opposite face of the support frame 22 that defines the wall panel 12.

[0023] The top rail 26 is shown in FIG. 1 as including a series of brackets 36 mounted to the top wall 38. The brackets 36 receive and retain a top cap 40 that provides a finished appearance for wall panel 12, as shown by the left wall panel 12 of FIG. 1. The center support post 14 further includes a top cap 42 to provide a smooth transition between the pair of wall panels 12. The support post 14 also includes a pair of outer trim members (not shown) to provide a smooth transition between the supported tiles 20 on the pair of adjacent wall panels 12.

[0024] The wall panel 12 further includes a lower trim 44 that is mounted beneath the bottom rail 28 to complete the outer appearance of the wall panel 12. The lower trim 44 is removed from the right wall panel 12 to better show the support frame 22.

[0025] During construction of the wall panel system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the pair of pre-formed support frames 22 is first attached to the support post 14 in a manner as shown. Although the wall panels 12 are positioned extending in the same direction, it is contemplated that the angle between the two wall panels 12 could be 90 degrees such that the wall panels 12 would extend in perpendicular directions from the support post 14.

[0026] Each vertical post 24 of the support frame 22 includes an adjustable foot 46 that allows the heigh of each of the wall panels 12 to be adjusted as desired. Once the pair of support frames 22 are attached to the support post 14, the installer next installs each of the tiles 20 on the respective support frame 22 in a manner as will be described in detail below. In the embodiment illustrated, each of the wall panels 12 includes a first tile mounted to one side of the support frame 22 and a second tile 20 mounted to the opposite side of the frame 22. Although a monolithic tile is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that the monolithic tile could be replaced by segmented tiles on each side of the support frame 22. Segmented tiles include two or more tiles that are stacked starting at the bottom and separated by a thin trim rail. The use of separate tiles 20 on each of the opposites sides of the support frame 22 provides for a decorative and desired appearance of the wall panel 12 from both sides of the assembled wall panel system 10.

[0027] Initially, when the tile 20 is installed, a lower trim rail 29 is installed on the bottom rail 28. The lower trim rail 29 includes the support lip 30. Once the lower trim rail is positioned on the bottom rail 28, the lower edge 34 of the tile 20 is supported along the support lip 30 formed as part of the lower trim rail 29. The support lip 30 provides support for the weight of the tile 20. However, the support lip 30 does not provide any support for the top edge 48 to restrict the tile from tipping outward. To support the top edge 48, the wall panel system 10 includes at least two tile clips 50, where at least one of the tile clips 50 is mounted to each one of the vertical posts 24. The two tile clips 50 are thus used to support the two sides of the tile 20. It is contemplated that more than one tile clip 50 could be used to support each side of the tile 20, depending on the size and weight of the tile 20. The tile clips 50 are designed such that the tile 20 can be pressed into contact with the vertical post 24 and the tile clips 50 engage both the first edge 16 and the second edge 18 of the tile to prevent the tile from tipping outward when installed. The configuration of the tile clip 50 will be described with reference initially to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the tile clip 50 constructed in accordance with and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The tile clip 50 includes a base 52 that extends from a first end 54 to a second end 56. The base 52 has a generally uniform thickness that is defined by a front surface 58 and a back surface 60 (FIG. 3). The width of the base 52 is defined by a first edge 62 and a second edge 64. In the embodiment shown, both the first edge 62 and the second edge 64 include a lip 66 that extends away from the front surface 58. Each lip 66 includes a contact surface 68 that contacts the tile when the tile is installed, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0029] The tile clip 50 further includes an end wall 70 that extends perpendicular to the base 52 at the second end 56 of the base 52. The end wall 70 extends from the base 52 to an outer end 72. The outer end 72 is spaced from a front surface 58 of the base 52 by a distance that generally corresponds to the thickness of the tile being supported, as will be described in much greater detail below. The outer end 72 of the end wall 70 includes an engagement portion 74 that terminates at an engagement tip 76. The engagement portion 74 has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the end wall 70 such that the engagement tip 76 extends inward and toward the base 52 from the end wall 70. The spacing of the engagement tip 76 relative to the contact surface 68 of each of the pair of clips 50 is less than the thickness of the tile such that the engagement lip 76 engages the tile as will be described in greater detail below and with reference to FIG. 7.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, the tile clip 50 further includes an attachment arm 78 that extends away from the back surface 60 of the base 52. The attachment arm 78 is incorporated into the tile clip 50 to allow the tile clip 50 to be installed on one of the vertical posts in a manner that will be described below. The attachment arm 78 is integrally formed with the base 52.

[0031] The attachment arm 78 includes a body 80 that extends from a first end 82 to a second end 84. The first end 82 is joined to the base 52 while the second end 84 is spaced away from the base 52. The first end 82 includes a curved transition area 86 that spaces the first end 82 away from the back surface 60. The body 80 extends laterally to an inwardly curved portion 88. In the resting position shown in FIG. 3, the inwardly curved portion 88 has an inner edge 90 that is generally coplanar with the back surface 60 of the base 52. Thus, in the resting position shown in FIG. 3, the space between the inner edge 90 and the back surface 60 is minimal if any at all. The body 80 curves outward from the inner edge 90 to the second end 84. In this manner, the second end 84 is spaced from the back surface 60 by a distance that is sufficient to allow the tile clip 50 to be installed on the vertical posts of the support frame as will be described below.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment arm 78 is generally aligned with and spaced from a central opening 92 formed in the base 52. The central opening 92 is a removed portion of the base 52 that is centered between the first and second edges 62, 64 and is spaced inwardly from the first end 54. The central opening 92 has a width that generally corresponds to the width of the attachment arm 78 and has a length that extends from the first end 82 of the attachment arm 78 to a second end 96 that generally corresponds to the second end 84 of the attachment arm 78.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the entire tile clip 50 is formed from a unitary piece of plastic material that can be injection molded into the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As an illustrative example, the plastic material used to form the tile clip can be a polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate plastic has the required strength and flexibility that allows the attachment arm 78 to flex outward without fracture, to increase the spacing between the second end 84 and the back surface 60 of the base 52. The flexibility of the plastic material allows the attachment arm 78 to flex at the transition area 86 to create additional space between the inner edge 90 and the back surface 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the polycarbonate material used to form the entire tile clip 50 is a clear polycarbonate plastic such that the tile clip 50 is barely visible after installation. The generally clear tile clip 50 makes the tile clip 50 barely visible when installed on the vertical support posts 24 of the frame 22 shown in FIG. 1. However, it is contemplated that the polycarbonate material could also be selected to have a color either corresponding to the color of the vertical support posts 24 or to the color of the tile 20 such that the tile clip 50 is somewhat hidden or not overtly visible when installed and used to support the tiles 20 of the wall panel system 10.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the installation of the tile clips 50 on one of the vertical posts 24 will now be described. It is contemplated that a tile clip 50 will be installed on each of the spaced vertical posts 24 for each of the tiles 20 such that the tile clips 50 support and engage both the first and second edges 16, 18 of the tile 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical post 24 includes a pair of side walls 98 that are spaced from each other by an end wall 100. The pair of side walls 98 are each used to support and contact one of the first or second edges 16, 18 of the tile 20. In the view of FIG. 4, the tile 20 is installed on the back side of the wall panel 12 while the tile supported on the front side has been removed for illustrative purposes.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the side walls 98 includes a series of spaced receiving slots 102 that extend into the side wall 98 from the inner edge 104. Each of the receiving slots 102 is a removed portion of the metallic material that forms the vertical posts 24. Each receiving slot 102 extends inwardly from the inner edge 104 to a back wall 106. The width of the receiving slot 102 is designed to correspond to the width of the attachment arm 78 formed on each of the tile clips 50. In this manner, each of the receiving slots 102 can receive the attachment arm 78 of one of the tile clips 50.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving slots 102 are spaced along the vertical height of the vertical post 24 by regular intervals to define the desired spacing between the areas where the individual tile clips 50 can be installed. As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving slots 102 are formed in each of the spaced side walls 98 such that tile clips 50 can be installed on each of the pair of spaced side walls 98. It is contemplated that at least one tile clip 50 will be installed on each of the vertical posts 24 to support the side edges of the tile 20. However, it is contemplated that more than one tile clip 50 could be installed on each of the vertical posts 24 to provide additional holding force on the side edges of the supported tile 20.

[0037] Referring back to FIG. 5, during the installation of a tile clip 50, the tile clip 50 is initially aligned with one of the receiving slots 102. Specifically, the attachment arm 78 on the back of the tile clip 50 is aligned with the width of the receiving slot 102 as shown. In this position, the tile clip 50 is moved toward the inner edge 104 until the attachment arm 78 enters the receiving slot 102. Since the entire tile clip 50 is formed from a flexible, plastic material, the attachment arm 78 flexes outward upon contacting the metal material of the vertical post 24 such that the second end 84 of the attachment arm 78 moves away from the base surface 60. During this movement, the planar side wall 98 of the vertical post 24 is entrapped between the attachment arm 78 and the base 52. The spring force created by the flexing of the plastic material used to form the attachment arm 78 holds the tile clip 50 in the installed position shown in FIG. 6.

[0038] In the installed position shown in FIG. 6, the end wall 70 of the tile clip 50 is spaced slightly inward relative to an outer lip 110. The outer lip 110 extends slightly past the end wall 70 to provide a point of attachment for a trim piece (not shown) to create a desired end of the wall panel 12. When the tile clip 50 is installed, as shown in FIG. 6, the first end 54 of the tile clip 50 is generally aligned with the inner edge 104 of the side wall 98.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, one of the tiles 20 is shown as installed and held in place by one of the tile clips 50. The tile clip 50 shown in FIG. 6 thus prevents the tile 20 from falling outward after installation. As indicated above, although only a single tile clip 50 is shown to hold the tile 20 in place, another tile clip 50 could be used and spaced below the upper tile clip to further hold the tile in place.

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a section view of the installation of a pair of tile clips on a single vertical post 24, as taken along the section line 7-7 in FIG. 1. In the view of FIG. 7, one of the tiles 20 is installed on a first side of the wall panel while on the other side of the wall panel, the tile 20 has yet to be installed. The section view of FIG. 7 thus illustrates the initial installation of the pair of tile clips 50 as well as the use of one of the tile clips 50 to support a second edge 18 of the tile 20. As shown in FIG. 7, the tile clip 50 in the lower portion of the Figure is installed on the side wall 98 of the vertical post 24. As described previously, each of the side walls 98 includes a series of receiving slots 102 that are removed areas between the side wall 98 and the inner wall 112. When the tile clip 50 is installed, the attachment arm 78 entraps the side wall 98 between the attachment arm 78 and the base 52 of the tile clip 50. As described previously, the attachment arm 78 flexes about the transition area 86 during the initial installation and the resilient force created by the flexible transition area 86 holds the tile clip 50 in place as shown. In this position, the side wall 98 extends over the central opening 92. In this installed position, the end wall 70 extends perpendicular to the side wall 98 and the base 52. The engagement portion 74 and the engagement tip 76 are spaced away from the contact surface 68 formed on the tile clip 50.

[0041] When a tile 20 is to be installed, the lower edge of the tile 20 is initially supported on the support lip 30 of the lower trim rail 29 supported along the bottom rail 28 as shown in FIG. 1. In this position, the top end of the tile 20 can be pressed into contact with the side walls 98 of the pair of spaced vertical posts 24. During this rotating movement, the side edges 16, 18 of the tile 20 initially contact the sloped surface 114 formed on the engagement portion 74. The movement of the tile 20 causes the end wall 70 to flex outward, thereby allowing the tile to move into contact with the side wall 98. In this position shown in FIG. 7, the engagement tip 76 presses into the second edge 18 of the tile 20 to hold the tile in place as shown. Since the entire tile clip 50 is formed from a flexible plastic material, the end wall 70 can flex outward slightly to accommodate the installation of the tile 20 and exerts a retaining force on the second edge 18.

[0042] The tile installation system and method of the present disclosure provides a tool-less installation method that does not require any fasteners or extra tile hardware. The system and method allows for an installation that does not include any metal fasteners, which mitigates panel noise that can be generated by external vibrations in the building. The system and method of the present disclosure allows installers to quickly slide the tile clips in place on the support frame and place the tile and rotate it into a secure position that is held by the tile clips. The tile clip of the present disclosure is preferably formed from an injection molded clear plastic that is barely visible after the installation is complete.

[0043] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.