Ronald B Norton

US Patent:

63018470, Oct 16, 2001

Filed:

Jun 21, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/598885

Inventors:

Robert L. Beck - Zeeland MI
Paul Dame - Holland MI
Duane McClung - Kalamazoo MI
Thomas J. Newhouse - Grand Rapids MI
Ronald W. Norton - Holland MI
Jim Prisby - Hudsonville MI
Gerald Schondelmayer - West Olive MI
Sonia Nash - Holland MI
Richard Weise - Coopersville MI

Assignee:

Herman Miller, Inc. - Zeeland MI

International Classification:

E04H 100

US Classification:

52239

Abstract:

A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each wall member. A method for manufacturing the frame members includes providing a fixture with spaced apart first, second and third surfaces. A hanger bracket is mounted to the vertical frame core member and is positioned in the fixture such that the hanger bracket engages the first surface. The sidewalls are positioned on opposite sides of the core in the fixture and engage the second surface.