Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title: DEMOUNTABLE INTERIOR PARTITION SYSTEM, COMPONENTS
THEREFOR, AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH COMPONENTS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a demountable interior partition system,
components therefor, a method of making such components, and more particularly
to a unified partition system wherein readily manufactured, modular structural
5 components may be easily assembled and disassembled with various head and base
assemhlies to create a variety of different screen or partition systems, and still
more particularly to such a partition system with accessory supporting
capabilities.
Traditionally, partition systems have been designed at various times to
10 meet specific requirements and performance levels, which over the years has
culminated in a multitude of different generally incompatible structural com-
ponents and different kinds of hardware. For example, screen assemblies have
been commonly designed with different requirements in mind than full height
partitions, and therefore, have required different manufacturing procedures as
15 well as their own supporting hardware. Even though the structural components
are of similar construction, each often has its own configuration and is mounted in
a different manner using its own variety of clips, posts, verticals and the like,
notwithstanding that the function of a given part may be identical to that of
another part.
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As mentioned generally above, assembly of several structural com-
ponents, such as panels, into a composite partition wall in accordance with prior
art practice reguires auxiliary panel interconnecting components such as verticals
or posts as the panels are normally fabricated to be placed in edge abutting
relationship. Such auxiliary components may be provided with vertically-spaced
mounting slots from which accessories are hung. One of the more common
auxiliary components for such panels is a U-shaped vertical that is received into
channels at opposite vertical edge portions of the panels. The verticals of
adjacent edge portions are secured together such as by fasteners to form a rigidly
secured assembly. Providing and installing of these U-shaped verticals, however,adds considerably to the expense of the partition wall system.
An example of a partition screen assembly having similar accessory
support capabilities may be seen in applicant's assignee's U.S. Patent No.
3,886,6913, dated June 3,1975. In such partition assembly, panels are provided at
their vertical mounting edges with reinforced flanges which in turn are providedwith vertically-spaced mounting slots from which the accessories are hung.
Heretofore, the reinforced flanges required forming by expensive press-brake
bending or when separate verticals are employed by extrusion techniques to assure
the required strength and alignment of the slots provided in the reinforced
flanges, rather than roll-forming techniques where tolerances are less exacting
but production capabilities greatly increased.
Another drawback in previous assemblies of the type described is that
the number of interfitting parts makes it a difficult and time-consuming job first
to assemble and then install or reinstall the partitions. Moreover, the use of
fastening members or certain types of panel connecting keys present time-
consuming assembly and disassembly problems, most of which reguire the removal
of panels or post caps for access. The removal and replacement of such parts canwear the surface finish, particularly when a tool such as a screwdriver is
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employed. Examples of such verticals and key connected partition systems may
be seen in Bohnsack U.S. Patents 3,120,031 or 3,180,457.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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This invention provides a unified modular partition system comprised
5 of a family of design and functionally compatible, structural components which
are simple in construction, few in number, and which may be readily assembled
into a variety of screen or full height partition systems.
The panel system of the invention is characterized by a demountable
panel construction formed of spaced-apart face plates. Each face plate is bent
10 inwardly at its vertical edge and then upon itself to form double thickness,
vertically extending, recessed J-shaped flange and terminates in outturned
connecting edges by which reversely positioned face plates are interconnected.
Fasteners hold together the juxtaposed connecting edges to secure adjacent face
plates together. With such an arrangement, partition panels having reinforced
15 mounting panel edges may be employed in either partition wall or screen
assemblies. The various other modular structural components of the invention
include at leas. one such mounting panel edge of similar shape for interconnection
of the same at such mounting edges to provide any variety of partition layouts.
The recessed J-shaped flanges of the panel face plates as above
ao described have a plurality of vertically-spAced mounting slots provided in the
folded recessed flanges from which accessories may be hung. According to the
method of the invention, such face plates are made first by forming a double
parallel row of slots in the edges of planar sheet metal blanks with the slots of one`
row larger than those in the other. The edge is then roll-formed into a double-
25 thickness flange such that the smaller slots of one row are aligned with anyportion of the larger slots of the other row. Accurate and precise alignment of
the slots is then no longer required.
According to another embodiment of the invention, an integrated
demountsb1e psnel construction comprises spac_-ap~rt frce plstes esch having
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inturned vertical edge flanges which terminate in outturned connecting edges by
which opposite face plates are interconnected. Separate vertical elements include
central channels enclosing the outturned connecting edges to secure the face
plates together. The vertical elements further have edge flanges which form J-
5 shape projections extending from each inturned vertical flange of the face plates,and may be provided with vertically spaced mounting slots from which accessories
may be hung. With such integrated construction, the bent edges and separate
vertical elements combine to define reinforcing mounting panel edges of similar
shape and compatible with the mounting panel edges of the aforenoted
10 demountable panel construction. Accordingly, panels of either construction may
be used interchangeably in the partition system.
The demountable panel construction of the invention is further
characterized by the recessed J-shape flanges of the panel edges which may be
juxtaposed and secured together by an elongated plastic connector strip. The
15 connector strip has a central U-shaped body or bight portion adapted to embrace
and hold together the juxtaposed J-shape flanges. The connector strip further has
at least one flexible wing extending laterally of the central body portion into close
proximity or sealing engagement with the inturned edge flange of the panels to
conceal, yet allow access to, the mounting slots for the hanging of accessories
20 therefrom. The connector strip may be a plastic coextrusion with the plastic of
the wings being more flexible than the plastic of the central body portion.
More particularly, the invention provides an elongated connecting
strip for adjacent elements of an interior partition system comprising a relatively
rigid U-shape body portion adapted to embrace and hold together adjacent edges
~5 of such elements and at least one relatively flexible wing extending laterally of
the legs of the central body portion.
It is accordingly a principal object of this invention to provide a
unified partition system comprised of relatively few and easily constructed
modular structural components which are design and functionally compatible and
30 may be easily assembled and disassembled in any of a variety of partition systems.
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It is another principal object of the invention to provide an improved
demountable panel construction having integral, strengthened mounting edges thatmay be used in either wall or in screen assemblies with or without supporting
structural posts.
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It is still another principal object of the invention to provide a
demountable panel construction including an elongate plastic connector strip forquickly and easily fastening the mounting edges of adjacent structural components
together.
It is yet another object of the invention to eliminate to a significant
extent the use of high cost metal extrusions or press formed components.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a partition system
that may be manufactured by a single inexpensive system in areas having a low
sklll working force.
It is still a further object of the invention to facilitate the assembly
and disassembly of partition panel assemblies.
A further important object is the provision of a partition system where
the panels or components may be held together solely by a multi-purpose plastic
strip.
It is also an important obiect to provide such strip fastening system
which is completely accessible from the exterior of the panel not requiring the
removal of parts for access to connectors.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and rel~ted ends the
invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particu-larly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings
setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, thesebeing indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles
of the invention may be employed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
~ the annexed drawings:
Figs. 1-4 disclose a preferred panel face plate in accordance with the
invention and its method of fabrication;
Fig. 5 discloses two such face plates assembled back-to-back to form a
screen ~r wall panel mono-element;
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Fig. 6 discloses an alternative form of panel in accordance with the
present invention;
Figs. 7-11 disclose various other modular structural components and
their constructions which make up a family of modular components in accordance
with the invention;
Fig. 12 is an enlarged horizontal section showing a preferred panel
connector strip in accordance with the invention by which adjacent structural
components may be interconnected;
Fig. 13 is a perspective elevation and in Figs. 14-25 various horizontal
seetions relating to a partieular full height partition assemMy showing exemplary
intersections between the various modular components in accordance with the
invention; and
Figs. 26-30 relate to various other exemplary intersections between
the various modular components in accordance with the invention.
More particularly:
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a preferred panel face plate prior to its being
formed in accordanee with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the formed panel face plate constructed
in aecordance with the invention;
Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the face plate of Fig. 2 as seen from the
plane of line 3-3 thereof;
Fig. 4 is a top view of the faee plate of Fig. 2 as seen from the plane
of line 4-4 thereof;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, broken perspective of a demountable panel
construetion in aceordance with the invention employing two face plates of the
type shown in Figs. 2-4;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, broken perspective of an alternative panel
construetion in aeeordance with the invention;
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Fig. 7 is a schematic section of a door panel construction utilized in
the partition assembly of the invention;
Fig. 8 is a schematic section of an alternate door panel construction
utilized in the partition assembly of the invention;
Fig. 9 is a schematic section of an adjustable half panel or end filler
panel construction utilized in the partition assembly OI the invention;
Fig. 10 is a schematic section of a two-way, curved corner panel
construction utilized in the partition assembly of the invention;
Fig. 11 is a schematic section of a three-way, curved corner panel
construction utilized in the partition assembly of the invention;
Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section illustrating the
intersection between the mounting edges of adjacent demountable panels
employing a preferred panel connector strip in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 13 is a fragmentary perspective elevation of a particular interior
partition layout in accordance with the present invention employing the various
modular components of the invention;
Fig. 14 is a fragmentary schematic section taken from the line 14-14 of
Fig. 13 illustrating a utility panel construction in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 15 is a fragmentary schematic section taken from the line 15-15 of
Fig. 13 illustrating the jamb side of an exemplary door unit assembly in
accordance with the invention;
Fig. 16 is a fragmentary schematic section taken from the line 16-16 of
Fig. 13 illustrating an exemplary three-way panel intersection in accordance with
the invention;
Fig. 17 is a fragmentary schematic section taken from the line 1?-17 of
Fig. 13 illustrating an exemplary intersection between two glass panel assemblies
in accordance with the invention;
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Fig. 18 is a fragmentary schematic section taken from the line 18-18 of
Fig. 13 illustrating the upper portion of the hinge side of an exemplary partial
height door unit assembly in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 19 is a fragmentary schematic section taken from the line 19-19 of
5 Fig. 13 illustrating the lower portion of the jamb side of another exemplary partial
height door unit assembly;
Fig. 20 is a fragmentary schematic section taken along the line 20-20
of Fig. 13 illustrating the upper portion of an exemplary intersection between a
door unit assembly and chair rail assembly in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 21 is a fragmentary schematic section taken along the line 21-21 of
Fig. 13 illustrating the upper portion of an exemplary intersection between a chair
rail assembly and solid panel in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 22 is a fragmentary schematic section taken along the line 22-22
of Fig. 13 illustrating the lower portion of the exemplary intersection of Fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a fragmentary schematic section taken along the line 23-23
of Fig. 13 illustrating an exemplary end filler panel assembly in accordance with
the invention;
Fig. 24 is a fragmentary schematic section taken along the line 24-24
of Fig. 13 illustrating an exemplary two-way curved corner panel assembly in
20 accordance with the invention;
Fig. 25 is a fragmentary schematic section taken along the line 25-25
of Fig. 13 illustrnting an exemplary three-way curved corner panel assembly in
accordance with the invention;
Fig. a6 is a fragmentary schematic section of an exemplary flexible
25 corner partition assembly in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 27 is a fragmentary schematic section of an exemplary screen
partition assembly showing the intersection between adjacent panels in accord-
ance with the invention;
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Fig. 28 is a fragmentary schematic section of an exemplary wall or
screen partition assembly showing a two-way construction in accordance with the
invention;
Fig. 29 is a fragmentary schematic section view of an exemplary wall
5 or screen partition assembly showing a form of corner post construction in
accordance with the invention; and
Fig. 30 is a schematic section of a wall or screen assembly using a
corner cap.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PR~3FERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 5,
there is designsted generally by reference number 10 a unified, demountable panel
constructed in accordance with the invention. The panel 10 is constructed from apair of substantially parallel, spaced-apart metal face plates 11 of a preferably
thin gauge sheet metal having substantially rectangular planar central portions 12
and opposite edge portions 14. The space between central portions 12 may be
reinforced by a honeycomb or rib structure and/or filled with suitable fire and
sound insulating material such as rock wool, foamed plastics, etc., whereby the
panel may meet the various strength and fire resistance codes.
As best seen in Figs. 2-5, each edge portion 14 of the face plates 11 is
bent inwardly to define web portions 15 extending the full height of the metal
plates 11. The web portions 15 extend substantially perpendicular to central
portions 12. Edge portions 14 are further bent outwardly from web portions 15 and
are reversely folded to define recessed, J-shaped flanges 16 having main double
folded portions 18, intermediate double folded portions 19 and terminal folded
portions 20. Main folded portions 18 extend outwardly from web portions 15
substantially perpendicular thereto. Intermediate folded portions 19 extend
outwardly from main folded portions 18 substantially perpendicular thereto, and
accordingly parallel to web portions 15. Terminal folded portions 20 extend
inwardly from intermediate folded portions 19 and outwardly away from main
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folded portions 18, thereby being inclined back toward the web po~tions 15.
Preferably, the terminal folded portions 20 approach but do not intersect a plane
through the corners 21 of the face plates at 45 to the plane of the face plates 12.
Preferably, the termin~l folded portions 20 are inclined at 45 to the central
5 portions 12 of the face plates. The terminal folded portions 20 terminate at
terminal folded portion edges 22 which are spaced outwardly from web portions 15
to define recesses 23. Longitudinally-spaced slots 24 are formed through main
folded portions 18 of the recessed flanges 16 and are in the backs of the recesses
23. The edge portions 18 extend further inwardly from recessed flanges 16 to form
10 inner web portions 26 which extend substantially from web portions 15. The inner
web portions 26 terminate in outwardly bent terminal connecting flanges 28 which
extend substantially perpendicular to inner web portions 26.
The face plates 11 with the configuration described are reversely
positioned with the central portions 12 thereof spaced apart, and with the terminal
15 flanges 28 thereof juxtaposed or butted so as to form panel 10 with mounting panel
edges 29. Abutting terminPl flanges 28 are then secured together by suitable
fasteners such as elongate clips 30, only one of which is shown at the right-hand
side of the panel 10 of ~ig. 5. The clip 30 is comprised of U-shape portions 31
which are adapted to enclose and hold together the juxtaposed terminal flanges
20 28. The U-shape portions 31 are maintained in spaced-apart relationship by flange
portions 32 which extend outwardly substantially perpendicular from the tops of
the stems 34 of the U-shape portion substantially along the length of terminal
flanges 28. The stems 34 of the U-shape portions 31 are of sufficient length so
that the flange portions 32 abut substantially the inner web portions 26 when
25 properly in position. The inner edges of the nange portions 32 form slots
ir~termediate the U-shape portions through which the butted terminating flanges
28 extend. As shown in Fig. 5, the butted terminated flanges 28 are cut as with
sheet metal shears adjacent the U-shape portions 31, and the tabs 35 formed
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thereby are bent outwardly away from one another so as to overlap flange portions
32 of the clip 30 thereby locking the same in place. Alternatively, those portions
of the butted terminal flanges 28 extending through the slots intermediate the U-
shape portions 31 need only be mechanically deformed, for example as by twisting,
5 to prevent passage of the same through the slots to maintain the clip in place.
Obviously, the butted terminal flanges 28 could also be secured together by other
fasteners, such as rivets, screws, other clips, or welding. Even the clips employed
may be secured to the flanges by fasteners rather than by the deformed edge as
illustrated.
It should be appreciated that the bending and folding of the sheet
metal face plates 11, and their manner of securement together, provides opposite
mounting panel edges 29 which are very strong and capable of serving as
structural supporting m embers themselves with or without structural posts.
Accordingly, such panel 10 can be used as a wall panel with or without structural
15 posts or a screen panel with or without such posts as is customary in interior
partition assemblies. This will become more evident as the discussion of the
invention proceeds.
With reference to Fig. 1 which shows the sheet metal face plate 11 prior
to forming, there are formed in the opposite edges 14 of the planar sheet inner and
20 outer parallel rows of longitudinally-spaced slots, 36 and 37, respectively. The
slots of the outer rows 37 are larger in size than those of the corresponding inner
rows of slots 36. When bent and folded by roll forming, the larger slots of the
outer rows 37 are aligned behind the smaUer slots of the inner rows 36 to form the
slots 24 in the recessed flanges 16. No longer is exact alignment required because
25 the smaller slots of rows 36 need only fall in alignment with any portion of the
larger slots of rows 37. Although either row of slots may have the larger slots, it
is preferred for aesthetic reasons that the outer row 37 have the larger so that
they are hidden behind the smaller slots of the row 36.
As should be apparent from Fig. 1, the inner web portions 26 and
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connecting flanges 28 need not extend the entire l~ngth of the face plate 11. The
face plate 11 further may be provided with top and bottom inwardly folded flanges
38 and 39 along the upper and lower edges thereof for stiffening or to facilitate
assembly with ceiling and floor channels, for example.
Referring now to Fig. 6, in another fabricating embodiment, an
integrated panel construction is designated generally by reference numeral 40.
The panel 40 is constructed from a pair of substantially parallel spaced-apart light
gauge sheet metal face plates 41 having substantially rectangular planar centralportions 42 and opposite edge portions 44. The space between centrfll portions 42
of face plates 41 may be filled as above described. Each edge portion 44 of faceplates 41 is bent inwardly to define web portions 45 extending the full length of
face plates 41. Web portions 45 extend substantially perpendicular to central
portions 42. The web portions 45 terminate in connecting folded flanges 46 whichextend outwardly substantially perpendicular to web portions 45.
The above described face plates 41 are reversely positioned with
central portions 42 thereof spaced apart, and with connecting flanges 46
juxtaposed. Juxtaposed connecting flanges 46 are then secured together by
vertical member 48 which extends substantially the height of the face plates 41.Vertical member 48 is of heavier gauge sheet metal or may be an
extrusion and has a central channel 49 which encloses connecting flanges 46 to
hold them together. The vertical member 48 is bent outwardly at the edges of thecentral channel to define web portions 50 which extend substantially perpendicular
thereto. When assembled, the web portions 50 are adjacent to and extend
substantially parallel to the web portions 45 of the face plates 41. The web
portions 50 of the vertical members 48 terminate at outwardly bent edge flanges
52. The edge flanges 52 form J-shape projections and include main portions 53,
intermediate portions 54 and terminal portions 55. Main portions 53 of the edge
flanges 52 extend outwardly substantially perpendicular to web portions 50.
Intermediate portions 54 extend outwardly away from main portions 53. Terminal
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portions 55 extend inwardly from intermediate portions 54, thereby being
inclined back toward the web portions 45 of the face plates. The terminal
portions 55 terminate at edges 58 which are spaced outwardly from the web
portions to define recesses 59. Longitudinally-spaced slots 60 are formed in main
5 portions 53 of the vertical member and are in the back of recesses 59.
~ t should be appreciated that bent edge portions 44 of the face plates
41 and the vertical members 48 combine to form reinforced mounting panel edges
61 which are very strong and capable of serving as structural supporting members
themselves with or without metal posts comrnonly employed in partition screen
10 assemblies.
It should also be appreciated that unified panel 10 and integrated panel
40 have respective outwardly extending, recesses, J-shape flanges 16 and 62 of
like shape and accordingly may be used interchangeably in the overall partition
system of the present invention.
While the panel of Fig. 5 is preferred, the panel of Fig. 6 may be
substituted where the skill and investment for roller die tooling is not available.
Connector Strips - Fig. 12
Referring now to Fig. 12, the intersection of two adjacent screen or
wall panels can be seen. Although the following description would apply to
20 connections between panels of either of the above described construction ~or
between any of the below described modular components), only the details of the
connection between panels 10 is æhown for the sake of convenience. The panels 10
are positioned in in-line relationship with central portions 12 of the face plates
forming the partition wall surfaces. The mounting panel edges 29 of the panels
25 10 are adjacent one another with the intermediate folded portions 19 of the
recessed J-shape flanges 16 juxtaposed. The J-shape flanges 16 of adjacent panels
then may be readily joined together by connector strips 70 preferably on both
sides of the panels.
The connector strip 70 of the invention is preferably a plastic
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extrusion having a centr~l U-shape body 71, the legs of which are adapted to
embrace and hold together the adjacent J-shape flanges 16 of the panels along
their fuIl vertical height. The U-shape portion 71 is formed with a bight portion 73
and inwardly extending legs 74 having inturned edges 75 which extend over the
5 terminal folded portion edges 22. The U-shape body 71 is sufficiently flexible,
although relatively stiff, to allow placement of the connector strip 70. The strip
is also sufficiently rigid to provide for securely holding the panels together. The
connecting strip 70 readily can be attached to the J-shape flanges 16 by starting
the strip at top or bottom of the panel plates and depressing the same over the
10 flanges 16 along the length thereof in zipper-like fashion. The dimensions of the
strip are such that at least two continuous seal lines are provided for the full
height of the partition.
The connector strip 70 is also formed with flanges or wings 76
extending outwardly from the bight portion 73. The wings 76 span across recess
23 toward web portions 15 of the panels for overlying and concealing slots 24 in
main folded portions 18. Preferably, the distal ends of the wings are spaced apart
a distance greater than that between web portions 15 of the adjacent panels so
that they are partislly inwardly flexed. The wings 76 may readily be deformed
inwardly for attaching a mounting member such as support bracket 77 for an
20 accessory. The panels 10 may also be clad with an optional surface material 78,
i.e., fabric, wood veneer, vinyl, etc. In such case, the wing is inwardly deformable
to account for the decreased spacing between opposite web portions 15 oi ad~acent
panels. Connector strips 70 also provide a decorative recessed covering which
hides the vertical slots and presents a pleasing appearance. The connecting strips
25 also provide a sound and light barrier between opposite sides of the panels.
The connecting strip 70 is preferably a plastic coextrusion with the
plastic of the wings being more flexible than the plastic of the central body
portion. The strip may be compounded from a variety of materials such as vinyl in
any desirable color for complementing the decorative surface color provided on
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the metal face plates. Contr~sting colors have been found to give the assembled
wall partition a pleasing delineated effect.
Additional Modular Components - Figs. 7-11
It will be appreciated that the above described panel constructions and
interconnection therebetween form the basis for a family of modular components
constructed in accordance with the invention. The remaining modular components
which may form the family are shown in Figs. 7-11. It will be appreciated that
each modular component includes at least one mounting panel edge similar in
shape to the above described mounting panel edges for interconnection thereat
with adjacent structural components. From this family of modular components,
any variety of floor plans can be assembled in either full or screen height systems.
Of course, other modular components may exist or be developed in addition to
those illustrated and described.
Fig. 7 shows a door frame 80 constructed in accordance with the
invention. The door frame 80 includes substantially parallel, spaced-apart metalface plates 81 having central portions 82 and opposite edge portions 83 and 84.
The edge portions 83 are formed the same as the edge portions 14 of the panel 10and include J-shaped recessed flanges 86 and terminal flanges 87 of like
construction. Accordingly, such door side panel 80 may be connected at edge
portions 83 as by connector strip 70 to panel 10 or any other panel provided with a
like edge construction. Opposite edge poPtions 84 are bent reversely and inwardly
to define arms 88 having inwardly extending edge restrictions 89. The rebent
portions 88 terminate in inwardly extending web portions 90 which extend
substantially perpendicular to central portions 82. The web portions 90 terminate
in outwardly bent connecting flanges 92 which extend substantially perpendicularto the web portions 90.
The face plates 81 of the above-described construction are reversely
positioned with the central portions 82 thereof spaced-apart and parallel, and the
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respective term;nal flanges 87 and 92 thereof juxtaposed so as to form door sideframe panel 80. Juxtaposed conneeting flanges 87, 92 may be secured together in
the mamler described in connection with panels 10. When so assembled, the arms
88 of the face plates 81 form a relatively deep channel 93 and edge portions 83
form reinforced mounting panel edges 94.
In Fig. 8, there is shown another form of door frame panel constructed
in accordance with the invention which is designated generally by reference
numeral 100. Door panel 100 is constructed from a pair of substantially parallel,
spaced apart face plates 101 and 102. Face plate 101 has central portion 103 andopposite edge portions 104 and 105. Face plate 102 has central portion 106 and
opposite edge portions 107 and 108. Edge portions 104 and 107 of the respective
face plates 101 and 102 are formed in identical manner as edge portions 14 of face
plates 11 of panel 10. Accordingly, edge portions 104 and 107 have respective
receæed J-shaped flanges 110 and 111 and respective connecting flanges 112 and 113.
The opposite edge portion 105 of face plate 101 is reversely folded to define door
jamb portion 115 and then rebent back toward central portion 103 to define
inturned edge restriction 116. The inturned edge restriction 116 terminates in web
portion 117 which is bent inwardly and extends substantially perpendicular to
central portion 103. Edge portion 108 of the other face plate 102 is similarly
formed to edge portion 105, but without a reversely folded jamb portion 115.
Accordingly, edge portion 108 has inturned edge restriction 118 and web portion 119.
The face plates 101 and 102 are reversely positioned with central
portions 103 and 106 spaced apart and parallel. The connecting flanges 112 and 113
of the respe~tive face plates 101 and 102 are juxtaposed and may be secured
together by suitable means such as described above. The web portions 117 and 118of the opposite edge portions lOS and 108 overlap one another and may also be
secured together by any suitable means. A spacer member 120 is provided nearest
the opposite edge portions 105 and 108 to ensure proper spacing of the central
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portions 103 and 106 thereat. The spacer member 120 includes a spacer portion 121
which extends substantially perpendiculau~ to the central portions 103 and 106 and is
of a width equal the spaeing between the interior su~faces of such central
portions. The spacer portion 121 terminates in flanges 122 which extend
substantially perpendicular to the spacer portion 121 and abut central portions 103
and 106.
Referring now to Fig. 9, there is shown an end filler or half panel 140.
The half panel 140 is constructed from a pair of sheet metal face plates 141 each
having central planar portions 142, edge portions 143 and opposite edge portions144. Edge portions 143 of face plates 141 are bent and folded in like manner as
edge portions 14 of panel 10. Accordingly, there is formed recessed J-shaped
flanges 146 and connecting flanges 147. Edge portions 144 of face plates 141 arereversely inwardly folded to form double thickness terminal edges 148. The face
plates 141 of such configuration are reversely positioned with the central portions
142 thereof spaced apart. Juxtaposed terminal flanges 147 may be secured
together by suitable fasteners, such as by clip 30 shown in Fig. 5. The double
thickness terminal edges 148 may be maintained in spaced-apart relationship by asuitable core or filler.
The inner surfaces of the folded edges 148 are preferably spaced-apart
by an amount substantially equal to the thickness of the panels 10. Without a core
or filler, an adjustable panel may then be formed by telescopically inserting one
end of a panel 10 between the face plates 141 of half panel 140. The extent of
overlapping of the panel 10 with half panel 140 will determine the width of
the composite panel formed thereby. Reference may be had to Fig. 23 where such
an adjustable composite panel is shown and used as an end filler and whlch will be
described in greater detail below.
Referring now to ~ig. 10, there is shown a two-way curved corner panel
170 which is constructed with inner and outer curved face plates 171 and 172 which
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are concentrically arranged. ~ner face plate 171 has curved central portion 173
and opposite edge portions 174. The edge portions 174 are bent radially outwardly
yet inwardly of the panel to def;ne web portions 175 extending the full height of
the face plate 171. Edge portions 174 are further bent inwardly from web portions
175 and then again to form flanges 176 which extend parallel to web portion 175.The outer face plate 172 has curved central portion 177 and opposite edge portions
178. The edge portions 178 are bent radially inwardly from curved portion 177 toform web portions 179. Edge portions 178 are further bent inwardly and then again
to define flanges 180 which extend parallel to web portions 179.
The inner and outer face plates 171 and 172 are reversely positioned
with the curved central portions 173 and 177 thereof concentrically arranged, and
with flanges 176 and 180 in overlapping relationship. When properly positioned,
there is formed by the flanges 176 and 180 outwardly opening channels 182. The
channels 182 are adapted to receive vertical elements 183 which are U-shaped.
The distal arms of the U-shaped element 183 form J-shaped flanges 186 whereby
such curved corner pa~el may be connected to adjacent panels as by connector
strip 70 in the before described manner. The vertical elements are adapted to
snugly fit in channel 182 with the base thereof in abutment with overlapping
flanges 176 and 180. The vertical element 183 and face plates 171 and 172 may bereadily secured together at the base of the channel 182 by suitable fasteners.
It should be appreciated that instead of the above-described con-
struction of edge portions 174 and 178, such could instead be formed in the samemanner as the edge portions 14 of panels 10, but additional roll tooling would be
required to form the major curve of the face plates and the volume in such
components may not warrant the investment in such tooling.
Moving now to ~ig. 11, there is shown a three-way curved corner panel
190 which is constructed with planar face plate 191 and curved face plates 192.
Planar face plate 191 is identical in construction to face plate 11 of panel 10 but is
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of a substantially lesser width. Accordingly, the planar face plate includes central
planar portion 193 and edge portions 194, the edge portions having J-shaped nange
195 and connecting flange 196. Curved face plates 192 have curved central
portions 197 and edge portions 198. Edge portions 198 are bent inwardly (radially
outwardly) similar to edge portion 194 and have J-shaped flanges 199 and
connecting flanges 120. The terminal flanges 196,120 of adjacent face plates arepositioned in abutting arrangement and secured to form the panel 190.
It will again be appreciated that Figs. 10 and 11 show two different
forms of the curved corner face plates, one (Fig. 11) wherein the edges are rollformed, and the other (Fig. 10) wherein the edges are not. Such face plates and
the modules formed thereby may be used interchangeably in the systems of the
invention.
An Exemplary System - Figs. 13-25
Referring now to Fig. 13, there is illustrated a full height partition
system constructed in accordance with the invention employing the above-
described family of modular components. Such partition construction may extend
from the floor 200 to a suspended ceiling 201 and comprises, reading from left to
right, a three-way curved corner panel assembly 203 made up of three-way curved
corner panel 204 and solid panels 205-207. In line with solid panel 207 and
connected thereto is utility panel 208 which in turn is in line with and c~mlected
to solid panel 209. Solid panel 209 is in line with and connected to full-height door
unit assembly 210. Full-height door unit assembly 210 comprises door frame panels
212, 213 and full height door 214. Further in line with utility panel 209 and full-
height door unit assembly 210 is another solid panel 217 which forms a three-wayintersection with yet another solid panel 219 and glass panel assembly 220. (~lass
panel assembly 220 extends in a direction normal to solid panels 217, 219, and along
with in-line glass panel assemblies 221-224, forms a substantially transparent
partition wall. Each glass panel assembly, such as glass panel assembly 223,
comprises a pane of glass 228 extending between frame panels 229 and 230.
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Moving now to the more distant partition walls of Fig. 13, there is
shown a partial height door unit assembly 240 comprised of door panels 241, 242,lintel panel 243 and door 244. Door panel 241 is connected in-line to solid panel
245 while door panel 242 is connected st a three-way intersection to another solid
panel 24'7 and chair rail assembly 248. Such chair rail assembly 248 extends
normal to door panel 242 and solid panel 247 and comprises frame panels 250, 251,
chair rail panel 252 and glass panel 253 mounted above chair rail panel 252 and
between frame panels 250, 251. The chair rail assembly 248 is connected at framepanel 251 to another partial height door unit assembly 255 which comprises door
panel 256, frame panel 257, lintel panel 258, and door 259. Continuing from leftto right, the door unit assembly 255 is connected in-line to another chair rail
assembly 260 which comprises frame panels 261, 262, chair rail panel 263, and
glass panel 264. The frame panel 262 is connected in line with solid panel 266
which forms two-way curved panel assembly 268 along with two-way curved
corner p~nel 269 and solid panel 270 extending normal to solid panel 266. Finally,
there is shown an end filler panel assembly 274 comprised of half-panel 275 and
solid panel 276 which abut against solid panel 277 in a direction normal thereto.
Now referring to the manner in which the various components may be
secured together, reference may be had to Figs. 14-25. Referring first to Fig. 14,
it may be seen that utility panel 208 may be secured at its mounting edges 280 to
respective mounting edges 282 and 283 of solid pane]s207, 209 as by connector
strips 70 in the above described manner. The utility panel 208 is essentially a
hybrid of above--described panel 10 and comprises a pair of face plates 286 and
287. Pace plate 286 is of identical construction as the face plates 11 of panel 10.
Face plate 287, however, has formed in its central portion 289 intermediate its
rolled edge portions 290 a U-shaped channel 292 which may house, for example,
electrical conduit and the like. The channel 292 includes sides 293 which extendsubstantially perpendicular to the faces 2g4 of the central portion 289 and base
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295 which extends parallel to such faces. As shown, the base 295 may be
substantially in abutment with planar central portion 298 of face plate 286. After
necessary utility connections are made, a cover plate 299 may be secured to the
face plate 287 to conceal the channel 292 as well as its contents. Such cover
S plate 299 includes planar face portion 300 which extends substantia~ly the full
width of the face plate 287. The edges of the face plate 300 are reversely folded
and then bent inwardly to form flanges 302 which interfit within the channel 292.
The flanges 302 are bent at their ends to form terminal flanges 304, which extend
parallel to and adjacent the base 295 of the channel 292. The cover plate 299
thereby may be readily secured to the face plate 287 by a suitable adhesive or
magnetic tape 306 applied to the termin~l flanges and brought into contact with
the base 295 of the channel 292. With reference to Fig. 13, the cover plate 299
may be provided with suitable openings for electrical wall sockets 308 or the like.
In Fig. 15, there is shown the jamb side of door unit assembly 210.
Connector strips 70 are again employed to secure door frame panel 212 to solid
panel 209 at their respective mounting edges 321 and 322 in the above described
manner. Affixed at the other edge 323 of door panel 213 is a vertically extending
door jamb 324 of the configuration shown which comprises body portion 325 and
door stop portion 326. Body portion 325 includes inwardly directed spring leg
portions 326 and 327 that snap over the inturned edge restrictions 328 of the door
frame panel to secure the door jamb 324 to the door frame panel. The door stop
portion 326 may have attached inside its folded distal end R resilient bumper and
door seal 327 against which the door 215 closes.
Fig. 16 shows an exemplary three-way intersection between solid
panels 217 and 219 and frame panel 233 of glass panel assembly 220. Solid panels217 and 219 are secured at their respective mounting edges 330 and 331 by
connector strips 70. To provide a mounting edge to which frame panel 233 can be
secured, a vertieally extending channel-shape element 334 is secured to a recessed
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flange of one of the panel mounting edges such as recessed flange 335 of mounting
edge 330 by bracket or key 336. Key 336 may have suitable hook tabs 550 which
engage in aligned slots provided in recessed flange 335 and channel-shape element
334. Preferably, several such keys 336 are vertically spaced along the length ofthe panels rigidly to secure the channel 334 thereto. The channel 334 has a mainbody portion 337 which spans the gap 338 between adjacent panels 217 and 219.
The vertical edges of the main body portion 337 are bent outwardly away from thefaces of panels 217 and 219 to define J-shaped edge flanges 339. The J-shaped
flanges 340 of frame panel 233 are secured to J-shaped flanges 339 by connector
strips 70. As shown, glass pane 232 may be secured along its vertical edge in
central channel 342 of glazing frame panel 233 by glazing strip 343.
Fig. 17 shows an exemplary two-way in line intersection between
adjacent glass panel assemblies 222 and 223. The frame panel 229 comprises two
frame panels 233 which are reversely positioned and secured together at their
mounting edges 350 by connector strips 70. The glass panes 232 of the glass panel
aæemblies 222 and 223 may be secured in the frame panel central channels 352 by
glazing strips 353.
Turning now to Pig. 18, there is shown the upper portion of an
exemplary intersection between chair rail panel assembly 252 and partial height
door unit 255. I)oor frame panel 256 and frame panel 251 are secured together attheir respective mounting edges 360 and 361 by connector strips 70. Lintel panel258 is of a construction similRr to the solid panels such as shown in Fig. 5 but has
a height sufficient to fill the space between door 259 and ceiling 201. The lintel
panel 258 may be interconnected to door panel 256 by fitting the recessed flanges
363 behind channel edge restrictions 364 of the panel 256. This may convenientlybe done by endwise inserting the recessed flanges 363 behind the edge restrictions
364 at one end of the door panel 256 and slidably moving such panels relative toeach other into their proper relationship prior to assembly of the same into thepartition wall.
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Fig. 19 shows the jamb side of partial height door unit 240 which
employs door frame panel 241 of like construction as the door panel 100 shown inFig. 8. Door panel 241 is secured to solid panel 245 at the respective mounting
edges 370 and 371 by connecting strips 70. At the other edge 373 of door
5panel 241 is door jamb 374 of the configuration shown. Affixed to the door jambportion 375 of door panel 241 is a bumper and door se~l 376 against which the door
244 closes. The dove-tail channel of the door frame includes a snap-in insert orfiller 377 so that the frame has a recessed edge 378 in the plane of the door 244
when closed.
10Fig. 20 shows the intersection of door frame 251 to glazing frame panel
261 of chair rail assembly 260. Such panels are fastened together at their adjacent
mounting edges by connector strips 70. The bottom of the glass panel is supported
by a glazing frarne 387, which is the same as frame 251, which also then becomesthe chair rail.
15Fig. 21 shows the intersection between frame panel 262 and solid panel
266. The same may be fastened together at their adjacent mounting edges again
by connector strips 70. It is noted that Fig. 21 is simply the reverse of Fig. 20.
~ig. 22 shows the lower portion of the intersection between chair rail
assembly 260 and solid panel 266. The frame panel 262 is secured to solid panel
20266 at the adjacent mounting edges by connector strips 70. The chair rail panel
263 comprises face plates 391 having inturned edge portions 392 which terminate
in outwardly bent terminal flanges 3g3 adapted to interfit within central channel
394 of frame panel 262.
~ig. 23 shows the end filler a~ssembly 274. Solid panel 276 is
25telescoped within the open end of half panel 275 and adjusted so that the mounting
edge 399 of half panel 275 is adjacent solid panel 277. An elastomeric gasket 400
is positioned between mounting edge 399 and solid panel 277. Gasket 400
preferably extends the full length of mounting edge and includes central portion
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401 spanning the J-shaped flanges 402. Gasket 400 has inclined flange portions 403
overlying the flanges 402 and flexible wings 404 extending oppositely the flangeportions 403 into sealing engagernent with solid panel 277. There may also be
provided wing portions 405 on flange portions 403 which substantially span acrs)ss
mounting spaces 405 of half panel 275 to conceal slots in the J-shape flanges 402.
Once the half panel face plates are in place, they may be secured to the exterior
of the solid panel 276 by the double sided adhesive tape shown at 408.
Fig. 24 shows the two-way curved panel 269 secured to adjacent solid
panels 266 and 270 at their respective mounting edges again by connector strips
70. The two-way curved panel 269 is the same as the panel 170 of Fig. 10.
Fig. 25 shows the three-way curved panel assembly 203. Instead of a
three-way curved panel of the type shown in Fig. 11, there is shown a three-way
curved panel 2a5 of like shape but constructed with non-roll formed curved face
plates 409 and 410 and planar face plate 411. The mounting edges formed by the
face plates are similar in construction to those of the two-way curved panel of
Fig. 11. Such mounting edges may be fastened by connector strips 70 to the
adjacent mounting edges of panels 205-207.
Referring now to Fig. 26, there is illustrated a flexible corner or
curved partition assembly designated generally by reference numeral 410. Flexible
partition assembly 410 comprises a series o relatively narrow vertical elements411 interfitting to form the partition. Each element 411 includes at one end a
relatively deep female channel 412 having inturned edge restrictions 413. The
opposite ends of each element 411 include outturned J-shape edge nanges 415
adapted to fit behind the corresponding edge restriction 413 of the channel 412 of
the adjacent element with sufficient clearance so that each element may be
positioned at a slight angle with respect to the adjacent element. The arcuate
extent of the flexible corner or curved partition may be governed by the extent of
the J-shape nange or the extent of the female channel in which it is received.
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Screens- Fig. 27
Screens generally do not go full height floor to ceiling. Such screens
may vary in height from relatively low screens to screens which almost extend to
the ceiling. Such screens are generally supported on posts extending from the
5 floor. Such screens are also generally more narrow than conventional full height
partitions although they need not be. Moreover, many screens in office layouts
today support accessories such ~s work surfaces, storage units, or filing cabinets,
shelves and the like. Therefore, sturdy panels are often required in screens and
there is no reason why screen partition panels cannot be of the same construction
10 as full height partition panels.
Qne of the most commonly employed forms of posts for screens is
shown in Fig. 27. The post 500 is circular and permits the panels connected
thereto such as seen at 501 and 502 to be pivoted about the vertical axis 503 of
such post. Conventionally, the panels are supported on the post by hooks, top and
15 bottom. It will be noted that the panels 501 and 502 are identical to the
monoconstruction panel seen in Fig. 5.
In order to provide an appearance cover between the panels and posts,
each panel is provided with a vertically extending plastic gasket as seen at 504
and 505. Each gasket comprises a vertically extending planar base portion 506
20 seating against the exterior of the J-shape flanges of the panel. Extending
therefrom are two legs 507 and 508 symmetrically arranged which project initially
toward the post at approximately 45. The legs then extend radially of the post
and terminate in L-shape legs 509, the short leg of which snaps behind the edge 22
of the J-shape flange. Continuing from the long leg of the L is a feathered more
25 flexible edge 510 which functions to conceal and yet provide access to the slotted
recess of the panel. Again, the gasket may be a coextrusion to obtain the
different required characteristics in different areas. In any event, precisely the
same panel is employed as in the full height partitions.
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5470
Screen or ~ighwall - Figs. 28-30
With reference to Flg. 28, some screens or partitions have panels 512
and 513 seen in Fig. 28 and are spaced and interconnected by vertically extending
spring metal panel connectors seen at 514 and 515. Each panel connector has a
spring leg which extends inwardly as seen at 516 and is bent to extend outwardly,
such outwardly extending portion seen at 517 including a reentrant portion 518
terminating in stop flange 519 which extends parallel to the face of the panel
connector. Such panel connectors or post caps are generally conventional and
widely used in existing partition systems. They may be snapped in or out to
provide access to the space indicated at 52n between the panels. In Fig. 28 the
panels are spaced yet held together solely by the post caps. Accordingly, the
universal panel of the present invention lends itself to use with old or conventional
partition components.
As seen in Fig. 29, the same panels seen at 521 and 522 may be
employed with post 523. Such post has a recessed relatively shallow channel 524
in each of the four faces thereof which accommodate the extending J-shape
flanges as shown. In the manner indica$ed, the post acts as a key slot for the
panels. The post nonetheless provides access to the slotted recesses for the
hanging of accessories.
In Fig. 30, there is illustrated again the same partitions 527 and 528
interconnected m a two-way construction such that the interior slotted recesses
are available for modular hanging capability as indicated at 529 and 530. To
accomplish this each end of the respective panels is provided with a metal clip 531
fitting over a gasket 532, both being folded in the U-shape manner shown at 533 to
clinch the flanged ;nterior edges of the panel face plates. The gasket may be a
coextrusion and includes the feathered edges seen at 534 concealing yet providing
access to the recesses. The clip 531 in effect repeats the J-shape flange
configuration as seen at 535 so that a corner cap or connector S36 may be secured
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RS shown. Again the connector, as in Fig. 28, is provided with spring legs which
cooperate with the repeated J-shape flanges of the clip releasably to secure the
corner cap in place.
It will be appreciated that the illustrations seen in Figs. 27-30 are
S exemplal~ only and that in each situation, one-, two-, three- or Iour-way
connections may be employed.
It can now be seen that the present invention provides a unified
product or partition system modules whereby high volume can be achieved so that
the components can readily be roll formed. It will be appreciated that where the
10 components are not roll formed, they may be should volume considerations
warrant. In any event, whether roll formed or formed otherwise, the relatively
few modular components fit together in an almost endless variety of high or low
screens or full height partitions. Moreover, the components may all have modular
hanging capability for accessories and are readily compatible with existing
15 partition systems.
Other modes of applying the principles of the invention may be
employed, change being made as regards the details described, provided the
features stated in any of the following claims or the equivalent of such be
employed.
This application is a division of application
Serial No. 322,711 filed March 2, 1979.
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