Panel wall system, parts thereof and method of installation

Abstract

A thin panel wall assembly with support members having channels and narrow slot-like openings for receiving spacers and connectors such as brackets. Both the channels and the spacers have T-shaped sectional configurations. Once spacers are inserted at the top of the support members, the connectors are inserted. The connectors are then supported by the spacers and, depending upon the length of the spacers, the vertical distance from a supporting floor to the connectors is also determined. Multiple spacers and connectors may be inserted into the support members. The connectors include widened rear portions which are entrapped by the support members and prevents the connectors from falling out of the support members.

1 . A panel wall system comprising: 
 a vertically disposed panel, said panel including two spaced apart vertically oriented support members, each support member having an elongated channel formed therein;    a plurality of spacers, each of said spacers being structured and dimensioned to be positioned within the channels of said support members; and    a plurality of panel wall system connectors for being disposed in the channels, each of said plurality of connectors including a widened mounting portion, said mounting protion for being entrapped in a corresponding channel.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 said connector is formed of material having a generally constant thickness; and    said widened mounting portion is formed by configuring said material.    
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein: 
 said connector is formed of a sheet of metal.    
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 said connector mounting portion includes protrusions.    
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 said connector mounting portion includes alternately bent tabs.    
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 each of said spacers are formed to a predetermined length.    
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 each of said spacers is structured to be severed at any predetermined length.    
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 2  wherein: 
 each of said spacers is structured to be severed at any predetermined length.    
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein: 
 said spacers support said connectors in a vertical direction and said support members restrain said connectors from rotating out of the channels.    
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein: 
 said spacer is an extruded T-shaped element.    
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 3  wherein: 
 said spacer is an extruded T-shaped element.    
   
   
       12 . A panel wall system connector comprising: 
 a support structure adapted to be connected to a vertically oriented support member having a channel, said support structure having a widened mounting portion to be received in the channel of the vertically oriented support member for abutting engagement with the support member.    
   
   
       13 . The connector of  claim 12  wherein: 
 said support structure is formed of material having a generally constant thickness; and    said widened mounting portion is formed by configuring said material.    
   
   
       14 . The connector of  claim 12  wherein: 
 said support structure is formed of sheet metal; and    said widened mounting portion is formed from said sheet metal.    
   
   
       15 . The connector of  claim 12  wherein: 
 said support structure includes a front portion integral with said mounting portion, said front portion extending outwardly from the channel of the support member.    
   
   
       16 . The connector of  claim 15  wherein: 
 said widened mounting portion includes protrusions.    
   
   
       17 . The attachment of  claim 15  wherein: 
 said widened mounting portion includes alternately bent tabs.    
   
   
       18 . A panel wall system specer comprising: 
 an elongated T-shaped element, said being structured and dimensioned to be received in a channel of a vertically overted support member of the panel wall.    
   
   
       19 . The spacer of  claim 18  wherein: 
 said T-shaped element is severable.    
   
   
       20 . A method for installing a panel wall system comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of panel systems including support members, each support member having an elongated channel;    providing a plurality of spacer elements for mounting in the channels;    providing a plurality of panel wall system connectors, each having a widened mounting portion being received within the channels and for engaging the spacers;    inserting a spacer into a channel of a support member; and    inserting a connector into the channel of the support member, said connector engaging and being supported by the spacer.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  including the steps of: 
 inserting a second spacer in the channel of the support member to engage the already inserted connector; and    inserting a second panel wall system connector in the channel of the support member, the second connector engaging and being supported by the second spacer.