Connector strip for partition panel assembly

Abstract

A partition panel assembly comprises first and second partition panels each having a first outer surface, an end surface, and a first flange extending outwardly from the end surface. The partition panel assembly also comprises an elongate connector strip including a body portion having an outer surface, first and second inner legs extending from the body portion, wherein the first and second inner legs couple the first flange of the first and second partition panels together, and first and second outer legs extending from the body portion of the connector strip that abut the end surfaces of the first and second partition panels, such that the outer surface of the connector strip is substantially planar with the outer surface of each of the first and second partition panels.

1 . A partition panel assembly, comprising: 
 first and second partition panels each having a first outer surface, an end surface and a first flange extending outwardly from the end surface; and,    an elongated first connector strip including a body portion having an outer surface, first and second inner legs extending from the body portion, wherein the first and second inner legs couple the first flange of each of the first and second partition panels together, and first and second outer legs extending from the body portion of the connector strip that abut the end surfaces of the first and second partition panels, such that the outer surface of the connector strip is substantially planar with the outer surface of each of the first and second partition panels.    
     
     
         2 . The partition assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the end surface of each of the first and second partition panels includes a curved portion, and wherein each of the inner legs of the connector strip includes a curved groove that receives the curved portion of the respective end surface therein.  
     
     
         3 . The partition panel assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the outer surface of the connector strip is planar.  
     
     
         4 . The partition panel assembly of  claim 3 , wherein opposing ends of the body portion are outwardly-tapered.  
     
     
         5 . The partition panel assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second partition panels each include an end cap that comprises the respective end surface of the first and second partition panels.  
     
     
         6 . The partition panel assembly of  claim 5 , wherein each end cap comprises a portion of the respective outer surface of the first and second partition panels.  
     
     
         7 . The partition panel assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the flange of each of the first and second partition panels are affixed to the respective end surface of the first and second partition panels via a plurality of mechanical fasteners.  
     
     
         8 . The partition panel assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second inner legs and the first and second outer legs are flexibly resilient.  
     
     
         9 . The partition panel assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the connector strip comprises a paintable resin material.  
     
     
         10 . The partition panel of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second partition panels each include a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, and a second flange extending outwardly from the respective end surface; and further comprising: 
 a second connector strip including a body portion having an outer surface, first and second inner legs extending from the body portion, wherein the first and second inner legs of the second connector strip couple the second flange of each of the first and second partition panels together, and first and second outer legs extending from the body portion that abut the end surfaces of the first and second partition panels, such that the outer surface of the second connector strip is substantially planar with the second outer surface of each of the first and second partition panels.    
     
     
         11 . A connector strip for coupling two adjacent partition panels, wherein each of the partition panels includes an end surface having a curved portion, an outwardly-extending flange and an outer surface, the connector strip comprising: 
 a base portion having a substantially planar outer surface;    a pair of inner legs that extend from the base portion and that are adapted to couple a flange of each of the partition panels together; and    a pair of outer legs extending from the base portion and each having a curved portion, wherein the outer legs are adapted to receive a curved portion of an end surface of a respective partition panel, such that the outer surface of the connector strip is adapted to be substantially planar with the outer surface of each of the partition panels.    
     
     
         12 . The connector strip of  claim 1   1 , wherein the outer surface of the connector strip is planar.  
     
     
         13 . The connector strip of  claim 12 , wherein opposing ends of the body portion are outwardly-tapered.  
     
     
         14 . The connector strip of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second inner legs and the first and second outer legs are flexibly resilient.  
     
     
         15 . The connector strip of  claim 14 , wherein the connector strip comprises a paintable vinyl material.  
     
     
         16 . The connector strip of  claim 11 , wherein opposing ends of the body portion are outwardly-tapered.  
     
     
         17 . The connector strip of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second inner legs and the first and second outer legs are flexibly resilient  
     
     
         18 . A corner strip member for a partition panel, comprising: 
 a base portion having a substantially planar outer surface;    a first leg extending from the base portion opposite the outer surface and having an inwardly-exposed groove adapted to retain a curved portion of a partition panel;    a second leg extending from the base portion opposite the outer surface and adapted to engage an outwardly-extending flange of a partition panel; and    a third leg extending substantially orthogonally from the base portion opposite the outer surface of the base portion, wherein the outer surface of the base portion is adapted to be substantially planer with an outer surface of a partition panel, and wherein the second and third legs are adapted to cooperate to couple a corner member with the flange of the partition panel.    
     
     
         19 . The strip member of  claim 18 , wherein the first and second legs are flexibly resilient.  
     
     
         20 . The strip member of  claim 18 , wherein the strip member comprises a paintable vinyl material.