U.S. patent number 3,839,834 [Application Number 05/313,554] was granted by the patent office on 1974-10-08 for modular partition arrangement.
This patent grant is currently assigned to JCN Wire Industries Ltd.. Invention is credited to Norman H. Goddard.
United States Patent |
3,839,834 |
Goddard |
October 8, 1974 |
MODULAR PARTITION ARRANGEMENT
Abstract
The invention relates to a modular system for building partition
arrangements and to the modules used in building the arrangement.
The invention is particularly applicable to wire mesh partition
arrangements. The modules used comprise standard sized panel
members, sleeve-like posts whose length corresponds to the height
of the panel members, and resilient inserts which are received in
the posts. The system is built up by attaching the posts together,
using inserts between posts and inserted in two adjacent posts, to
form columns. Panel members are then secured to the posts between
columns to form the walls of the arrangements. Base members,
consisting of a plate and a post, are used to anchor the
arrangements to the floor, and base inserts, comprising an insert
mounted on a base plate, will secure the arrangement to the
ceiling.
Inventors: |
Goddard; Norman H. (Chateauguay
Center, Quebec, CA) |
Assignee: |
JCN Wire Industries Ltd.
(Montreal, Quebec, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
23216196 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/313,554 |
Filed: |
December 8, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/238.1; 52/63;
256/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H
17/163 (20130101); E04B 2/74 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04H
17/16 (20060101); E04B 2/74 (20060101); E04b
002/74 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/243,238,239,282,281,63,106,241,726,242 ;256/24,25,65,73
;160/135 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Murtagh; John E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Swabey; Alan Mitchell; Robert E.
Schwartz; Arthur
Claims
I claim:
1. A partition arrangement built from modules;
said modules comprising sleeve-like posts having substantially
identical internal shapes of substantially identical internal
dimensions;
wire mesh panel members, each panel member being enclosed by a
frame member, each panel member being adapted to be secured to an
edge of said sleeve-like posts at an edge of a frame member
thereof;
said sleeve-like posts being of a predetermined standard
length;
said panel members being of a predetermined standard height and
width;
the length of each of said posts corresponding to the height of
said panel members;
and resilient insert members having an external shape corresponding
substantially to the internal shape of said sleeve-like posts, and
external dimensions slightly in excess of the internal dimensions
of said sleeve-like posts;
said inserts being adapted to be inserted in one end of two
sleeve-like posts at opposing ends of said inserts whereby to join
together said sleeve-like posts;
base members comprising a sleeve-like member mounted on a base
plate, said base plate being adapted to be anchored to a floor
surface;
said arrangement comprising:
a plurality of base members anchored to said floor surface on a
line forming an outline of said arrangement, the distance between
two adjacent base members corresponding substantially to the width
of said panel members;
a column extending upwardly from each said base member, said
columns each comprising a plurality of the sleeve-like posts joined
together by said resilient inserts, each said column being joined
to its corresponding base member by one of said inserts;
and panel members between adjacent sets of sleeve-like posts, said
panel members being secured to the edges of said adjacent
posts.
2. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said insert comprises a
box-like shape having four walls, one of said walls comprising a
longitudinal slot along the entire length thereof.
3. A system as defined in claim 2, wherein the internal shapes of
said sleeve-like posts comprise box-like shapes, and wherein each
sleeve-like post comprises a protrusion at the interior thereof,
said protrusion being adapted to engage the end of the insert
inserted in said post.
4. A module as defined in claim 1, wherein said panel member is
secured to said sleeve-like post by a screw and nut
arrangement.
5. An arrangement as defined in claim 1, and further comprising a
plurality of base inserts, said base inserts comprising inserts
mounted on base plates adapted to be anchored to a ceiling
surface;
each said column being terminated by a base insert anchored to said
ceiling surface.
6. An arrangement as defined in claim 5, and further comprising
window means.
7. An arrangement as defined in claim 5, and further comprising
door means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a modular system for building partition
arrangements and to the modules used in building the arrangement.
More specifically, this invention relates to a modular system for
building wire mesh partition arrangements and to the modules used
in building the arrangement.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In accordance with the present state of the art, wire mesh
partition systems for any facility must be made to order to fit the
size and shape of the facility. Measurements of the facility are
taken, and the system parts are manufactured at a factory and
shipped to the facility for assembly. Installation of such systems
leads to great difficulty in, for example, matching the parts
correctly and handling large parts or sections. Because of these
difficulties, it is normally necessary to have personnel from the
factory available at the installation site at undetermined
intervals, and two or three people are needed to perform the
installation.
The partition arrangements so built are not easily transposed from
one location to another as they are designed specifically for one
location. In addition, because of the requirement of the presence
of factory personnel, it is not economically feasible to provide
such facilities outside of a fifty-mile radius from the
factory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, a modular system for building
partition arrangements comprises a first sleeve-like post having an
internal shape of internal dimensions, a second sleeve-like post
having an internal shape of internal dimensions corresponding
substantially to the internal shape and dimensions of said first
sleeve-like post, and a resilient insert member having an external
shape corresponding substantially to the internal shape of said
first and second sleeve-like posts, and external dimensions
slightly in excess of the internal dimensions of said first and
second sleeve-like posts, said insert member being adapted to be
inserted in one end of each of said sleeve-like posts at different
ends of said insert whereby to join together said sleeve-like
posts.
The system further comprises a panel member adapted to be secured
at one edge of one of said sleeve-like posts.
Preferably, said internal and external shapes comprise box-like
shapes.
Preferably again, said insert comprises a box-like shape having
four walls, one of said walls comprising a longitudinal slot along
the entire length thereof.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, the interiors of
said first and second sleeve-like posts each comprise a protrusion,
each protrusion adapted to engage a different end of said insert
member.
A module for a system in accordance with the invention comprises a
sleeve-like post having an internal shape of internal dimensions
and a panel member adapted to be secured at an edge thereof.
Preferably, the panel member comprises a wire mesh panel
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood by an examination of the
following description together with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 illustrates one partition arrangement assembled with modules
in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a second partition arrangement assembled with
modules in accordance with the invention;
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate three elements of the inventive
system;
FIG. 4 shows how a panel is secured to a sleeve-like post; and
FIG. 5 illustrates a third partition arrangement assembled with
modules in accordance with the invention.
Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts in all
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIG. 1, a partition arrangement indicated
generally at 1, consists of a multiplicity of sleeve-like posts 2a
to 2d, 3a to 3d, 4, 5, etc., at the different levels indicated by
the 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the reference numerals indicating the
sleeve-like posts. The posts are hollow, pipe-like members and are
preferably box-like in cross-section. Sleeve-like post 2a is
connected to post 3a, 2b to 3b, and 2c to 3c, etc. at the joints
10a, 10b, 10c, etc. as will be described below.
Panel members 20A, 20B and 20C are contained between two posts 2a,
2b, and 2b, 2c, and 2c, 2d respectively and are secured at two ends
thereof to the posts as will be described below.
Base members 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d are mounted on the floor. A
detailed description of these members will be given below. Posts of
the 5 series are mounted on the base plates.
Preferably, the panels are of standard sizes, e.g., 8.0 feet
.times. 4.0 feet or 8.0 feet .times. 3.0 feet or 8.0 feet .times.
2.0 feet. The post length will also be standard and will correspond
to the height of the panels, e.g., 4.0 feet, 3.0 feet and 2.0 feet
respectively.
In FIG. 2, the arrangement is supported at the ceiling by base
inserts 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d. The base inserts will be described
with reference to FIG. 3. In addition, the arrangement contains
openings 60 and 70 for a light fixture and a pipe respectively. A
window 80 is also included in the arrangement to illustrate the
versatility of the arrangement using the modular system. The
openings and windows are also preferably of standard sizes.
A sliding door 90 includes rollers 91 and roller track 94. The
roller track can be mounted on the adjacent posts 3b and 3c in the
same way that the panels are mounted on the posts. Alternatively,
the roller track could be made as a part of or integral with the
panel member 30B.
It will, of course, be understood that the door could be made to
slide up and down instead of across. In this case, roller tracks
would be mounted on the posts 2b, 3b and 2c, 3c. The rollers would
be mounted on the sides 92 and 93 of the door 90 for engagement
with the roller tracks.
Elements of the system are illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 3a shows a
base insert member which comprises a plate member 101 and a
resilient insert 102. In the preferred embodiment, the insert
comprises a box-like member with a longitudinal slot 103 along the
full length of the box-like member. The slot is the means by which
the resiliency in the insert is provided as this provides an area
of give to permit the insert to be forced into a post whose
internal dimensions are somewhat smaller than the external
dimensions of the insert. After the insert has been placed in such
a post, the slot will open up and so retain the insert in the post
in tight-fitting engagement.
FIG. 3b illustrates an insert which would be utilized at joints
10a, 10b, etc., of FIG. 1 or similar such joints. The insert 102
again comprises a slot 103; however, it is not mounted on a plate
as is the FIG. 3a embodiment. The insert receives post 200 over its
end 104 and post 201 over its end 105. The posts will preferably
contain internal protrusions 202 and 203 respectively which will
engage with the ends 104 and 105 respectively of the insert 102 and
so prevent the insert from further entering into the posts 200 and
201 respectively.
Although the insert is preferably a box-like member, it is within
the scope of the invention to use other shapes for the insert, for
example, cylindrical or triangular shapes. Of course, the internal
shape of the sleeve-like posts will have to conform to the external
shape of the insert as is obvious. Irregular shapes are also within
the scope of the invention.
The base member of FIG. 3c comprises a base plate 300 and a sleeve
member 301. The sleeve member is adapted to receive an insert 102
as is clearly shown in the Figure.
By means of these elements, it is possible to anchor an arrangement
to the floor (base member), to the ceiling (base insert) and to
connect one post to another (insert). It will, of course, be
apparent that the system could be anchored to the ceiling with the
base member of FIG. 3c, and that the base insert could be used on
the floor as a corner post where the added support of the two ended
plate of the base member is not needed. In use as a corner post,
the plate 101 would be aligned with one of the two walls forming
the corner.
Again, these are not the only elements possible in accordance with
the invention. Thus, it would be possible to have a plate
perpendicular to plate 101 in FIG. 3a to provide added support at
the corners, if required. Or, the plate 300 could be modified to
take the shape of a cross with four retaining ends. The above
elements and modifications are only examples and are not exhaustive
of the possibilities potentially available in accordance with the
invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates how a panel member is secured to a post. The
post 500 comprises openings 510 and 520 in wall 501 thereof and
openings 511 and 521 in wall 502 thereof. The openings 510 and 511
are aligned with one another as well as with opening 610 in wall
601 of the panel member 600. Openings 520 and 521 are similarly
aligned with one another as well as with opening 620 in wall 601 of
panel member 600. Screw 710 is adapted to be received by and to
pass through the openings 510, 511 and 610, and screw 720 is
similarly adapted to be received by and to pass through openings
520, 521 and 620. When the screw has been inserted through the
respective openings, the post and the panel member are brought
together and a nut or other means is fastened to the ends 710a and
720a of screws 710 and 720 respectively to thereby secure the panel
to the post.
Although one structure has been described for securing the panel to
the post, it will be apparent that other means could be employed in
accordance with the invention. Thus, both the panels and posts
could comprise aligned snap-in means which would secure them to
each other. Or, screw members could be integral with the panel
walls or the post walls, and the integral screws could be aligned
with openings in the walls of the opposite members. It is merely
necessary that means for securing the panel members to the posts be
provided in order to practice the invention.
FIG. 5 shows how a swinging door 800 would be installed in
accordance with the teachings of the invention. Hinges 810 and 820
comprise sides 810a, 810b and 820a, 820b respectively. The sides
810a and 820a of the hinges may be secured through openings similar
to openings 510, 511 and 520, 521 in the posts 850 and 860. The
sides 810a and 820b could be secured by screws through openings
similar to openings 610 and 620 in door panel wall 880. The door
could be made a swing-out door by merely reversing the hinges. Or,
the door could be made to swing on its left side instead of its
right side as shown, as the posts on the left-hand side also
contain openings for receiving securing screws, and both walls of
the door could be made with openings, or the door could be turned
over so that its openings would be on the left-hand wall instead of
the right-hand wall as shown. It can thus be seen that a great deal
of versatility is provided insofar as the side on which the door
will swing and the direction in which it will swing are
concerned.
The system components are preferably made of metal, such as steel,
but it is also possible to practice the invention using a strong
and durable synthetic material. Synthetic material could be
especially useful for the inserts, in which case it may be possible
to use solid inserts.
An arrangement using the modules may be built up as follows:
In the area where the partition is to be located, the outline of
the partition is first laid out with chalk marks on the floor. Base
member locations are marked off at intervals, for center to center
location of the base members, corresponding to the width of the
panel members, plus the width of one post. Thus, if the panel
member is 8.0 feet .times. 4.0 feet and the posts are 1 inch, then
the distance between centers of the base members would be 8 feet 1
inch. Locations are also marked for base members for filler panels
and doors. Holes are then drilled in the floor at the base member
locations and plugged, if the floors are concrete, with lead plugs.
The base members are then placed in position and secured, but not
tightly, to the floor with screws. Inserts and posts are now used
to build up columns at each base member location. Base inserts may
be used to anchor the columns to the ceiling. Standard sized panels
are now secured to the posts between each two adjacent posts, with
filler panels, windows and doors being installed as required. After
the system is entirely assembled, the screws in the base members
and base inserts are fastened tightly.
It can be seen that, with the inventive system, because all panels
and posts are of standard sizes, it is not necessary to build
arrangements designed specifically to fit any facility. Rather, any
facility can be fitted with the standard sized parts. In addition,
any height can be accommodated by using the base inserts as
extension members. Further, as only relatively small parts are
being handled, moved or placed at any time, e.g., panels are or can
be of the order of 8.0 feet .times. 4.0 feet, the entire system can
be assembled by only one person. Because of the ease of assembly,
factory personnel are not required, and because of the standard
sizes, convenient and economic shipping arrangements can be made.
In addition, it is a simple matter to take the arrangement apart
and use the same standard items to build an arrangement for a
different sized or shaped facility.
Although several embodiments have been described above, this was
for the purpose of illustrating, but not limiting, the invention.
Various modifications which will come readily to the mind of one
skilled in the art are within the scope of the invention as defined
in the appended claims.
* * * * *